Tips for moving to Canada

Canada offers a vibrant blend of bustling cities like Toronto, breathtaking natural landscapes, and welcoming communities—making it an incredible place to call home. Whether you’re moving to Canada to start a business, work as a skilled professional, or pursue an education, there are many pathways to permanent residency. If your spouse or partner is already a resident, they might even be able to sponsor you, helping you settle in more quickly. For students, Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit can open doors to exciting work and long-term residency options after graduation. While permanent residents don’t have voting rights, they enjoy many public benefits and the opportunity to thrive in one of the world’s most livable countries.

So, whether you’re drawn to Canada for career opportunities, family, study, or a fresh start, preparing ahead can make your transition smoother and set you up for success in this new adventure.

Prepare Your Finances for Canada’s High Cost of Living

Canada offers a high quality of life, but housing and everyday expenses can be costly, especially in popular provinces. In 2023, the average home price in Canada was around $678,300, with British Columbia reaching even higher prices, averaging about $971,200. For newcomers planning to buy a home, specialized home loans tailored to new residents—known as “newcomer mortgages“—can be a valuable resource, as they often allow you to buy property with little to no Canadian credit history.

If homeownership is a few years down the road, consider opening a First Home Savings Account. This tax-free account helps you build savings for a future home purchase, letting you take advantage of Canadian tax incentives while planning ahead.

Beyond housing, you may find that essentials like groceries, internet, and phone bills are more expensive than in other countries. Combined with relatively high income and sales taxes, these costs mean you’ll likely need to adjust your budget upon arrival. Setting up a Canadian bank account soon after your move can make managing your finances easier and help you establish credit. Many banks offer tailored accounts and benefits for newcomers, which can be helpful as you settle into your new financial landscape.

Get Familiar with Canadian Culture and Customs

Canada is known for its inclusivity, politeness, and respect for diverse perspectives. Embracing these customs can make your transition smoother and help you feel at home faster. Small actions like waiting your turn in line, frequently saying “thank you,” and showing general kindness and patience go a long way. Many cities also have organizations and meetups that introduce newcomers to local customs and traditions, making it easy to connect with others and learn more about Canadian culture.

Stay on Top of Tax Obligations

Canada’s tax structure includes both federal and provincial taxes, which may differ from what you’re used to. Income and sales taxes can be high in certain provinces, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with how these work to avoid surprises. Research tax obligations early on or consult a tax professional if needed to make sure you’re prepared and compliant.

Prepare for the weather

If you’re accustomed to mild winters, you may want to stock up on warm blankets and invest in a heavy winter coat before you make your move. While Canada is a massive country containing multiple climates, most regions experience all four distinct seasons. Temperatures can vary wildly, from toasty 32 degrees (Celsius) in the summer all the way down to a frigid -10 in certain areas during the winter. You never want to be caught unprepared for intense winters – ensure you know how to keep your home and family warm.

Research the healthcare system

Canada is known for its publicly funded healthcare system, Medicare. Before you move, make sure you understand how coverage works so you can avoid unexpected bills and get the medical care you need.

While Medicare covers visits to your primary care doctor, specialists, the emergency room, and hospital stays, it doesn’t cover all medical expenses. For example, dental and vision care, prescriptions, and ambulance services typically don’t fall under publicly funded coverage. You may want additional insurance from your employer for these costs. Likewise, your health insurance may take a few months to kick in, so you may want to arrange another health insurance policy to hold you over for that period.

Making moves

Moving to Canada is a rewarding step filled with new opportunities, cultural experiences, and a high quality of life. While the process can be challenging, especially when adjusting to costs, climate, and a different healthcare system, careful planning can make the transition much smoother. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or a fresh start, Canada’s welcoming communities and vibrant lifestyle make it an ideal place to call home. Here’s to a successful and exciting new chapter in Canada!

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