Before you Arrive in Canada – Planning Tips for Immigrants

Immigrating to Canada requires meticulous planning and a thorough understanding of the processes involved.

Here’s a comprehensive guide, including an outline of the key steps and considerations before you arrive in Canada as a new immigrant. Each point should be thoroughly researched and personalized according to your needs and circumstances.

If you need to familiarize yourself with immigration programs, I recommend visiting Canada’s official government website. It offers a comprehensive and user-friendly guide that walks you through the entire immigration process. This resource is particularly valuable for understanding the various programs available and the steps involved in each.

When you are approved for an immigration visa to Canada, it’s crucial to prepare and organize all the necessary documentation you’ll need to bring with you. These documents not only assist in border entry and immigration processes but also play a crucial role in establishing your life in Canada, from accessing services to seeking employment.

It’s advisable to make several copies of each document – keep a set with you and leave another with a trusted person back home.

Here are some key documents you should ensure to have before you arrive in Canada:

Costs can vary significantly between cities and rural areas.

For example, Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities in Canada for living. Windsor in Ontario, where I live, is very affordable. Additionally, being close to the USA border offers the opportunity to purchase many items at even lower prices.

Websites like Numbeo or the Canadian government’s immigration portal provide valuable insights into average living expenses. It’s important to budget for initial one-time costs, such as furniture or a vehicle, in addition to regular monthly expenses. Tailoring your budget according to your chosen city or region will assist in making realistic financial plans for your new life in Canada.

Also, be aware of any regulations or limits on money transfers from your home country and the reporting requirements on large sums entering Canada.

It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with the Canadian tax system and financial regulations even before your arrival, although this can also be done after you arrive.

In Canada, taxes are levied at both federal and provincial levels, affecting income, purchases (through Goods and Services Tax, Harmonized Sales Tax, or Provincial Sales Tax), and property.

Understanding how to file a tax return is important, as it may also affect your eligibility for certain government benefits and services. Additionally, learn about the Canadian credit system, as a good credit history is essential for securing loans, mortgages, and even renting properties.

Key features include coverage for most medical and hospital services, but it often doesn’t cover prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care for adults. It is recommended to research the specific healthcare system in the province or territory you plan to reside in, as there can be variations in coverage.

Waiting periods for eligibility can apply, typically up to three months, during which you won’t be covered under the public healthcare system. Registering for a health insurance card in your province or territory as soon as you’re eligible is also important.

This information will be invaluable to healthcare providers in Canada for continuity of care. If these records are not in English or French, consider having them professionally translated.

Consider factors like cost of living, employment opportunities, community demographics, proximity to schools and healthcare facilities, and lifestyle preferences.

Utilize online resources, such as government websites, forums, and social media groups, to gather insights.

For those with specific job skills or industries in mind, it’s crucial to consider areas where your profession is in demand.

Also, think about the climate – if you prefer milder weather, regions like British Columbia might be more suitable than the colder climates of Alberta or the prairies.

Temporary accommodations also offer flexibility if you are still job hunting or if your situation changes. Once you are ready for permanent housing, you can choose between renting or buying. Renting is a common choice for newcomers, providing time to build a credit history in Canada, which is important for future home purchases.

For long-term rentals, online platforms such as Realtor.ca and Kijiji, as well as realtors, can be useful. It’s crucial to verify the authenticity of listings to avoid scams. If possible, make use of virtual tours or request recent photographs to assess the condition and suitability of the property.

If securing housing before your arrival proves difficult, consider staying in a hotel or with friends or relatives initially while you conduct your housing search.

Some sectors, like technology, healthcare, and finance, are robust in certain cities. Government websites, Canadian job market reports, and news articles can provide insights into growing industries and employment trends.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with Canadian workplace culture, norms, and expectations, which might differ from those in your home country.

If your profession requires specific qualifications, getting your credentials assessed before arriving in Canada is vital. This process involves verifying that your education and professional experience meet Canadian standards.

Start by identifying the relevant assessment agency for your profession – some professions, like nursing, engineering, or teaching, have specific regulatory bodies. The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) provides guidance on this.

For general educational credentials, services like World Education Services (WES) can evaluate your degrees and certificates. This assessment is crucial for employment in your field and sometimes for immigration purposes.

Online job portals like Indeed, Glassdoor, Workopolis, and the Government of Canada’s Job Bank are valuable resources for job listings.

The Canadian education system is divided into three levels: primary (elementary), secondary (high school), and post-secondary (college and university).

Public education is free up to the end of high school, and schools typically run from September to June. Post-secondary education includes a wide range of options, from vocational and technical institutes to colleges and universities, offering a variety of diploma, degree, and certification programs.

Additionally, many schools offer continuing education, night classes, and adult learning programs for various interests and career advancement.

Canada’s vast geographical size means its climate varies significantly across different regions. Broadly speaking, Canada experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

However, the intensity of these seasons can vary. For example, the west coast has mild winters and moderate summers, the prairies experience extreme temperatures both in summer and winter, while the east coast has humid summers and snowy winters. It’s important to research the specific climate of the region you’re moving to.

Understanding the local weather patterns before you arrive in Canada will help you prepare for seasonal changes, especially the potentially harsh Canadian winters which can be a significant adjustment for newcomers.

Equipping yourself with season-appropriate clothing and gear is essential, especially if moving to regions with cold climates.

Related: Best times to visit Canada

In an emergency, having quick access to important documents can be crucial, especially as a newcomer to Canada. Keep a file or a small bag containing essential documents like passports, birth certificates, immigration papers, health insurance cards, a list of important phone numbers, and banking information.

It’s also recommended to include a copy of your emergency plan and any critical medical information (such as prescriptions or allergy information). This file should be kept in a secure yet easily accessible location. Consider also keeping digital copies of these documents in a secure cloud storage service, ensuring access even if physical copies are lost or damaged.

Related: What to do after you arrive in Canada

When preparing to move to Canada, it’s important to be aware of certain actions and oversights that could complicate your travel or prolong the immigration process. Avoiding these pitfalls can ensure a smoother transition:

• After obtaining your immigration visa, it’s important to avoid overstaying the validity of any current visas in your home country or elsewhere, as this can negatively impact your immigration process.
• Wait for your visa approval before booking non-refundable travel.
• Ensure you have enough funds to support yourself (and your family, if applicable) upon arrival. Canadian immigration may require proof of funds. In 2023, the amount ranged from $13,000 to $26,000.
• Ensure you have health insurance coverage for the initial period in Canada until you become eligible for provincial healthcare. For instance, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) takes effect three months after your arrival in Ontario.
• Ensure certified translations accompany all documents you bring to Canada.
• Resolve any legal issues in your home country. A criminal record can affect your ability to enter Canada.
• Check Canada’s list of restricted and prohibited items for travelers. Declare all items as required to avoid delays or penalties.