Moving to Canada: In-depth Guide to Relocate for Expats
As a country, Canada is a celebration of rich culture, art, and history. Here, you can find adventure at every step. The coexistence of natural wonders and cosmopolitan cities makes Canada exceptionally diverse. A clean, safe, friendly, and multicultural environment feels like you are a part of it.
Along with sprawling urban development, stunning nature will take your breath, as any trip up north and spectacular arrays of national parks make it possible to see whales, bears, and beavers. Moreover, all four charming Canadian seasons are promising for you to explore forests, lakes, mountains, arctic lands, and a small desert. No one is bored in this country because the events and festivals planned throughout the year add new colors to life.
If moving to Canada is an exciting decision for you, but you still think that it may be associated with difficulties, IMovingTo will dispel your doubts and allow you to become a Canadian expat without any difficulties.
Getting a Work Visa for Canada
The permit is required for every foreign national who desires to work in Canada. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) are the two major programs with the help of which work permits are issued.
It’s important to mention that the TFWP offers work permits for individuals whose employers obtain a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment confirms that a foreign worker needs to take the job and that no Canadian worker is available to perform the job.
International Mobility Program work permits do not require a positive LMIA. They just require the employer to submit an employment offer under their employer portal.
Work Opportunities & Permits in Canada
Individuals with international experience and diverse language skills are in high demand in Canada since the manufacturing, service industry, and natural resources are increasingly growing fields.
In Canada, you will require either an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit, both of which are only valid for 6 months. In accordance with the law, you are required to submit a police clearance certificate, medical exam, and banking documents to obtain a work permit.
An open work permit allows you to work for almost every employer in Canada. On the contrary, an employer-specific work permit is more restricted, as it will enable you to work only in accordance with the conditions of your permit and nothing more.
The majority of employer-specific work permits fall under the entitlement of the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, which includes the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program and the Live-In Caregiver Program. In turn, this program consists of highly skilled and low-skilled workers.
Do You Have to Pass the Language Test?
Taking into account the specific type of visa and program you are applying to as a person seeking to enter Canada. You have an obligation to pass a language test before being welcomed into Canada. In general, the vast majority of Canadians speak at least one of Canada’s two official languages, English or French, so it is appropriate to be fluent in at least one of these two languages.
Despite the fact that Canada is a multicultural country, if you speak the language, it will be much easier for you to integrate culturally and adjust to the differences. The primary purpose of the language test is to define whether you can listen, speak, read, and write in English or French.
Can You Get a Permanent Residency in Canada?
Canada encourages applications for permanent residence from individuals with education and work experience that will promote the Canadian economy and contribute to its development. In assessing eligibility for immigration, Canada uses a complex system that includes criteria such as age and language skills.
According to the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program, at least one year of full-time work experience in management, a professional or technical occupation, or a skilled trade is essential. However, this is only the initial stage of the process for permanent residency.
Keep in mind that Quebec has a different administrative procedure from the rest of Canada. Therefore, if you decide to connect your future to this province, you need to be aware of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
Ways to Apply for the Permit
As soon as you determine what type of visa you need, you can set about the Canadian visa application process. The first step is to create an online account on Canada’s immigration website and answer several questions to specify your eligibility for the Canadian visa.
After passing the compliance step, you must indicate your email where you will receive specific instructions, a list of essential documents, and a reference code. Moreover, you will be provided with instructions on how to submit the application, online or in person.
If you submit your application online, then you have to either create a Government of Canada login (GCKey) account or use your banking details. For in-person applications, preparing your documents and submitting them to a local Canadian representative office in your country of residence is essential.
In both cases, this process is accompanied by the application fee, which is variable depending on your visa type.
What Are the Best Locations to Reside in Canada?
In Canada, each town has its own spectacular set of advantages, so it is influential in defining your specific preferences.
Ontario
Ontario, the capital of Canada, is best known for its magnificent parks, historical museums, and breathtaking landmarks. It is noteworthy that for quality of life, Ontario constantly and deservedly holds the title of one of the greatest places to live in the world.
Quebec
Because of its rich history, the old town of Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient historic buildings add amazing charm to this city. Quebec offers a number of cultural attractions, including music events and theater festivals. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Quebec is a cultural treasure of Canada.
Hamilton
Hamilton is the industrial center of modern production as it constantly focuses on advanced manufacturing, logistics, information, and communication technologies (ICT). Hamilton is characterized by stable economic growth and plenty of job opportunities.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Canada?
Moving to Canada can be reasonably costly. The standard cost of living in Canada varies according to different factors. In general, Moncton, Windsor-Essex, Saint John, Lethbridge, and Thunder Bay are some of Canada’s most inexpensive cities. However, the rent price depends on the location and the type of home you possess.
In the city center, the general rental cost for a bedroom with single room is 900 USD, and when it comes to the suburbs, the price is 732 USD.
Buying a house in Canada is an additional alternative. However, in that case, you can be subject to a 15% Non-Resident Speculation Tax on any property bought, with interest.
Despite the fact that Canadian service providers offer individually tailored plans, Internet, mobile phone, and TV bills are quite expensive in Canada. You should be prepared to allocate more than 100 CAD (75 USD) a month for the services mentioned above.
Healthcare for Expats
Canada’s healthcare sector is often recognized as an inspiration for the global healthcare system as it provides excellent healthcare services to its residents and non-residents. However, despite the Canadian government offering free medical services, public healthcare covers only “medically necessary and hospital physician services.”
The content and meaning of this phrase depend on the perception of the provincial and territorial governments, as the federal government doesn’t define exactly what it considers “medically necessary.”
As we have already mentioned, medicine doesn’t cover everything in Canada. This means private health insurance is more appropriate for providing comprehensive medical services. In Canada, employers often ensure their employees have private medical coverage. In general, the average annual cost of private health insurance is C$756 per person, which is equal to C$63 per month.
As an expat in Canada, depending on your budget and necessities, you have a number of options to receive medical treatment and health coverage from private insurance providers in Canada.
Moving and Shipping Household Goods
Moving and shipping household goods in Canada is a bit of a complex process. As there are a number of procedures you need to take, and the process may require a lot of time and resources, the best way to move your items safely and securely is by hiring an expert who will help relocate your household to Canada.
That having said, the team of IMovingTo consists of highly qualified pre-eminent professionals. Therefore, we can easily assist you in experiencing easy maneuvering accompanied by a reduced cost and suitable timing.
Shipping to Canada
Shipping goods to Canada is quite expensive; it is often more profitable to buy new furniture or household items as soon as you arrive in Canada.
Customs
According to the law, only used goods are allowed duty-free, so keeping all paperwork related to the imported goods for at least six years is relevant.
Banned and restricted items
You are not allowed to ship antiques, firearms and ammunition, plants, or animal products. Depending on the place you are moving to, there are specific restrictions on the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can take into Canada.
Medications
In Canada, you are only allowed to take a 3-month supply of any prescription medication.
Things to Know Before Move to Canada
It’s hard not to feel an overwhelming urge to move to Canada as it is an impressive country that dazzles visitors from all over the world.
Before you make a firm decision to move to Canada, we would like to share with you some important aspects:
- Canada is a highly multicultural country, as more than 20% of Canadians were born in another country, and there are nearly 200 nationalities. You can always find something ethnically identical that makes you feel that your personal characteristics will always be appreciated here.
- Canada has a marvelous landscape characterized by remarkable natural wonders. Aside from deserts, mountains, tropical rainforests, and lakes, there is the largest coastline in the world. Many species of animals add more charm to this wonderful environment.
- Education and a sophisticated healthcare system are other significant advantages when it comes to Canada, as its approaches to both sectors depend on the desire to build a strong and healthy environment.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Moving to Canada?
Moving to Canada is an adventure. This is an opportunity to add new colors to life and get closer to alluring nature, culture, and people.
For further guidance and to easily overcome the challenges of settling in a new country, take advantage of the relocation service at IMovingTo.
Our experienced team will comprehensively ensure your comfort and peacefulness. You don’t even have to think about how to deal with a new environment, as we assist you in understanding the core concepts regarding your town and financially offering the most affordable houses.
With our suggested pre-eminent international relocation companies, your moving process will be as delightful as possible.