By RELOCATE SUPPORT
Moving to Canada
Step-by-step Immigration Guide
Moving to Canada
Canada is undeniably one of the world's top destinations for immigrants. In 2019, the Immigration Office recorded a staggering 341,180 permanent residents relocating to Canada, with an additional 74,586 individuals transitioning from temporary to permanent residency. Given the high demand for immigration, Canada has established various pathways to simplify and streamline the relocation process.Relocating to The Bahamas can be an exhilarating adventure, offering you the opportunity to experience a tropical paradise with pristine blue oceans, golden sandy beaches, and rich marine life. The Bahamas, officially known as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is a high-income developed country and a popular choice for expats seeking a more laid-back lifestyle..
Steps to move to Canada
1
Check If You Need a Visa
Your initial step in planning your move to Canada should involve determining whether you need an entry visa. Certain specific groups of people can enter Canada without a visa or with only an electronic authorization.
- US citizens are fortunate, as they do not require a visa to enter Canada for stays of up to six months.
2
Find a Suitable Immigration Pathway
Canada boasts a plethora of immigration programs, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. Some of the most popular programs include:
3
Apply for the Permit
1. Once you have identified the type of visa you require, you can commence the Canadian visa application process. Begin by creating an online account on Canada's immigration website. Next, answer a series of questions to determine your eligibility for the visa. If deemed eligible, you will be prompted to provide your email address to receive instructions tailored to your specific visa type, a list of required documents, and a reference code. Make a note of the reference number, as you will need it for the remainder of your application.
2. Subsequently, you will receive guidance on how to submit your application, either online or in person:
2. Subsequently, you will receive guidance on how to submit your application, either online or in person:
- For online applications, you must either create a Government of Canada login (GCKey) account or use your banking details if applicable.
- For in-person applications, you need to prepare your documents and submit them to a local Canadian representative office in your country of residence.
4
Prepare for the Move
1. After submitting your application, you may need to wait several weeks for a response. On average, the waiting time is around six months, although it may extend to 18 months for in-person applications. During this period, ensure that you make all necessary preparations for your move to Canada.
2. If you plan to ship your belongings to Canada, you will need to create two copies of a detailed list of all your belongings. This list should include items that will accompany you immediately as well as those scheduled for later arrival. Include the value, make, model, and serial number, where applicable. To save up to 40% on moving fees, consider reaching out to an international moving company through Sirelo.
3. Generally, you are not obligated to pay taxes on everyday goods and services such as clothing, furniture, jewelry, silverware, family heirlooms, books, computers, musical instruments, and more. However, it is essential to check the entry requirements to ensure you have no concerns.
2. If you plan to ship your belongings to Canada, you will need to create two copies of a detailed list of all your belongings. This list should include items that will accompany you immediately as well as those scheduled for later arrival. Include the value, make, model, and serial number, where applicable. To save up to 40% on moving fees, consider reaching out to an international moving company through Sirelo.
3. Generally, you are not obligated to pay taxes on everyday goods and services such as clothing, furniture, jewelry, silverware, family heirlooms, books, computers, musical instruments, and more. However, it is essential to check the entry requirements to ensure you have no concerns.
5
Move to Canada
1. If your application receives approval, you will receive an email containing a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if necessary, a permanent residence visa. Once you arrive in Canada, you will be required to use ArriveCan, which is available for download from the Apple Store or Google Play. Ensure you are using the latest version.
2. Canada offers various services to assist you in settling and adapting to life in the country. Additionally, you can take advantage of the "Welcome to Canada Guide" to facilitate your transition process.
2. Canada offers various services to assist you in settling and adapting to life in the country. Additionally, you can take advantage of the "Welcome to Canada Guide" to facilitate your transition process.
Immigration to Canada: Programs
- Express Entry Program: This program offers the quickest path to obtaining permanent residency in Canada. However, it is tailored for highly skilled individuals and operates on a points-based system, scoring candidates based on their experience, qualifications, education, and skills.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: A stream within the Express Entry Program, requiring a minimum of 10 years of work experience in managerial, professional, or technical and skilled trades.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: Prior to applying for this stream, you must have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. You must also meet language proficiency requirements in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
- Provincial Nominee Program: To qualify for this program, you must be nominated by a specific province in Canada and meet its unique eligibility criteria. It's important to note that each province has specific targets, such as students, skilled workers, businesspeople, and semi-skilled workers.
- Quebec Selected Skilled Workers: This immigration program is designed for individuals who wish to reside in Quebec. To obtain this permit, you must apply to the Government of Quebec for a Quebec Selection Certificate and adhere to their guidelines.
- Atlantic Immigration Program: This program permits relocation exclusively to Atlantic Canada, encompassing New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
- Self-Employment Visa: For this visa, you must provide evidence that you can be self-employed in Canada and possess sufficient relevant work experience in cultural activities or athletics.
- Start-Up Visa: To qualify for the start-up visa, you must have a qualifying business idea and secure a letter of support from a designated organization. Additionally, you must meet language requirements, and your business must generate sufficient income to support your settlement in Canada.
Check Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada
Before making the move, it's crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of relocating to Canada:
- Multicultural Society: Canada has a rich history of welcoming expats from around the world. Its open immigration policy and need for foreign workers make it a diverse and inclusive society.
- Strong Economy: Canada maintains a robust job market, particularly for skilled workers. Its economy remains open to newcomers with the right qualifications and experience.
- Universal Healthcare: Canada offers a universal healthcare system called Medicare, providing free health insurance to citizens and permanent residents, although private insurance may be necessary for some services.
- High-Quality Housing: Canada offers high-quality accommodation options, including spacious apartments and houses.
- Safety: Canada is known for its safety, with low crime rates and a well-respected police force.
- Quality of Life: Canada ranks highly in quality of life, offering economic stability, safety, political stability, and a strong education and healthcare system.
- Employment Opportunities: The country maintains low unemployment rates and faces labor shortages in various sectors.
- Public Healthcare: Canada's publicly funded healthcare is available to residents and some temporary residents, reducing healthcare costs.
- Education: Public schools offer free education, while permanent residents and citizens benefit from lower tuition fees in post-secondary institutions.
- Diversity: Canada's diverse and multicultural environment fosters inclusivity and respect for people from all backgrounds.
- Safety and Peacefulness: Canada is considered one of the safest countries, with low crime rates and a peaceful environment.
- Social Services: Canada provides a range of social services, including financial benefits, parental leave, and support for families and seniors.
- Path to Citizenship: Canada offers a straightforward path to citizenship for permanent residents, international students, and temporary foreign workers.
- Scenic Beauty: Canada's natural landscapes, national parks, and clean, unpolluted air contribute to its scenic beauty and quality of life.
- High Cost of Living: Canada's cost of living can be considerably high, especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. A higher income may be required to cover expenses adequately.
- High Taxes: Income tax in Canada is collected at both federal and provincial levels, with rates increasing for higher income brackets. Tax planning and contributions to savings plans can help offset the tax burden.
- Expensive Housing: Rental and property prices, particularly in major cities, can be substantial. Accommodation costs are a significant portion of monthly expenses.
- Expensive Services: Services such as dining out, transportation, and personal care come with high service costs and tipping expectations, making it important to budget for these expenses.
- Extreme Weather: Canada experiences harsh winters with sub-zero temperatures and snowy conditions. Appropriate clothing and preparation are necessary to handle the cold. On the bright side, summers in some regions can be quite warm.
- Limited Intercity Connectivity: Due to Canada's vast size, intercity travel can be challenging, and last-mile connectivity is often limited. Cars are essential in less-populated areas.
- Limited Support Network: Moving away from one's home country can mean leaving behind a support network. Newcomers may experience feelings of loneliness and homesickness, but communities from various backgrounds can provide a sense of belonging.
"Did you like moving to Canada?" REDDIT SAYS.
"Individuals relocating today may find themselves entering the scene relatively late. Canada maintained affordability until approximately 2015, at which point property prices surged significantly, particularly in areas like Toronto and Vancouver. While some regions like Alberta and potentially the Atlantic provinces remain relatively viable options, the overall landscape has evolved."
"As a single woman, my move to Vancouver in 2014 has brought me incredible experiences, and I don't regret it. However, I must acknowledge that sustaining a life here on a single income, especially if you're making the move now, is undeniably challenging. I was fortunate to settle in when the rent-to-income ratio was more reasonable, but looking back, if I had to start anew today, my overall quality of life would be significantly compromised.
My decision to transition away from Canada is influenced not only by financial considerations but also by reaching my 30s and having different priorities. These include a desire to be closer to my aging family and to relish the work-life balance that Europe offers."
"It would be helpful to know your current location and your intended destination within Canada.
A person relocating to Canada from Norway will encounter a vastly different experience compared to someone coming from, for instance, the Philippines. Elements such as climate and culture play pivotal roles in this contrast.
Canada, as a whole, can be considered a safe environment for single women. However, your overall happiness in Canada will be heavily influenced by your cultural background and your ability to cope with the extremely cold winters."
"As a single woman, my move to Vancouver in 2014 has brought me incredible experiences, and I don't regret it. However, I must acknowledge that sustaining a life here on a single income, especially if you're making the move now, is undeniably challenging. I was fortunate to settle in when the rent-to-income ratio was more reasonable, but looking back, if I had to start anew today, my overall quality of life would be significantly compromised.
My decision to transition away from Canada is influenced not only by financial considerations but also by reaching my 30s and having different priorities. These include a desire to be closer to my aging family and to relish the work-life balance that Europe offers."
"It would be helpful to know your current location and your intended destination within Canada.
A person relocating to Canada from Norway will encounter a vastly different experience compared to someone coming from, for instance, the Philippines. Elements such as climate and culture play pivotal roles in this contrast.
Canada, as a whole, can be considered a safe environment for single women. However, your overall happiness in Canada will be heavily influenced by your cultural background and your ability to cope with the extremely cold winters."
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FAQ
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Other Ways to Move to Canada
Apart from the Express Entry Program, you have alternative avenues to relocate to Canada, namely for family or study purposes:
- Immigration Pathway for Family Reunification: This option is available if you have a spouse/partner or a parent/grandparent in Canada. In certain cases, other relatives can also sponsor you.
- Immigration Pathway for Study Purposes: To qualify for a student visa in Canada, you must enroll in a valid educational program. While student visas typically cannot be transferred to work or residence visas, you can apply for a graduate work permit once your studies conclude.
Is It Difficult to Move to Canada?
Generally speaking, moving to Canada is not overly challenging. The country is known for its openness to welcoming new immigrants and offers several immigration programs, making it easier for individuals to qualify for a specific immigration stream. Nonetheless, it is imperative to meet the requirements of the pathway you intend to apply for.
It is important to keep in mind that while moving abroad may not pose significant difficulties, residing in another country presents its own set of challenges. Adequate financial, mental, and social preparedness is crucial for a successful move.
It is important to keep in mind that while moving abroad may not pose significant difficulties, residing in another country presents its own set of challenges. Adequate financial, mental, and social preparedness is crucial for a successful move.
Important Things to Know When Moving to Canada
As a new resident in Canada, certain key aspects require your attention:
- Housing: Upon your initial move to Canada, consider temporary housing options such as hotels, hostels, or Airbnb while you familiarize yourself with the country. Subsequently, explore more permanent housing solutions. During the initial stages of your move, renting is typically advisable, given the high cost of buying property. On average, a one-bedroom apartment can cost around CAD 1,500, although prices in major cities can be considerably higher.
- Banking: After your arrival in Canada, opening a bank account is essential for conducting financial transactions. To open an account, you must possess an identity card, with a permanent resident card being sufficient. Several banks offer specific "newcomer" programs to ease the process. Notable banks with such programs include: National Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).
- Healthcare: While Canada provides free healthcare for its citizens and residents, your access to national healthcare may not be immediate, typically becoming available approximately three months after your move. To bridge this gap, consider purchasing private healthcare coverage. Additionally, it is important to note that Canada's national healthcare does not cover all services, including dental care, ambulance services, and prescription medications.
- Taxes: In Canada, taxes are levied at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Income tax is deducted automatically from your salary. However, if you are self-employed, you must ensure your taxes are paid either in a single payment or multiple installments. Furthermore, Canada imposes a sales tax on nearly all purchases, so be prepared for price adjustments at the cash register while shopping.
How Much Money Do You Need to Immigrate to Canada?
For a single individual, a minimum of CAD 13,200 is typically required to settle in Canada. However, this figure can increase significantly if you are relocating with family members. Moreover, it is advisable to allocate additional funds for unforeseen expenses that may arise during the relocation process, including entry taxes, shipping fees for your belongings, and document legalization costs.
Can I Live in Canada If I Am a US Citizen?
Yes, US citizens can visit Canada visa-free for up to six months with a US passport. However, if you wish to reside in Canada beyond this period, you will need to apply for an immigration program to legally relocate.
Can I Get Canadian Dual Citizenship?
Yes, Canada permits dual citizenship. However, it is essential to verify whether your home country allows dual citizenship. If your home country does not allow it, you may need to make a decision regarding which nationality to retain.