How to move to Canada: Tips for future Canadians 1+ year before arrival

Before you even think about packing, it’s good to learn about Canada. Canadians are known for their kindness, strong community values and respect for other cultures. They are also known for their politeness, love of hockey and having a heart for people from all over the world.

Canadians frequently refer to folks who have immigrated from other countries as “newcomers,” meaning you’re new to Canada.

But remember, Canada is a huge country and can be very different from one place to another. The busy streets of Toronto are a world away from the sea coast of British Columbia, or the mountains of Alberta.

The cold Canadian winters can surprise you if you're not ready. So, it's a good idea to read about where you're going and what you'll need to stay warm and cosy when the snow starts to fall.

Your plan for how to immigrate to Canada needs to include planning for legal paperwork. Moving to Canada involves lots of paperwork. Luckily, the Canadian government has put together a very thorough guide to help you prepare for life in Canada Opens in a new window..

Immigration can be done multiple ways. There are several types of visas, and each one is like a key that opens a different door. Some visas are for people who want to work in the country, some are for those who want to study and some are for people who want to live in Canada full time.

The first step is finding the right visa Opens in a new window.. The Canadian government's website has a lot of information to help you choose the right kind of visa.

Once you know which visa is right for your needs, it's time to start the application process. The application process can take a while, so starting early is good.

Remember there are deadlines for everything, so keeping a calendar with all the important dates is a smart way to stay organized. Make sure everything is sent in on time.

The process of immigration requires lots of documents, and has lots of steps. A great place to start is at the Canadian immigration and citizenship website Opens in a new window.. This will give you an overview of all the steps required, and will guide you through the process.

Get started on this early, as application processing times may vary Opens in a new window.. This can be based on what kind of application you file, and other details.

You’ll need several kinds of documents for your move to Canada. Here are the ones most important to have in order a year in advance of your move:

A valid passport:

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive.

Proof of language proficiency:

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) are commonly accepted for English.
• For French, the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) are used.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):

• If you completed your education outside of Canada, you'll need to get your credentials assessed. This process can take several months, so it's one of the first things you should do.

Moving is expensive, so you need to plan financially. Getting started a year or more in advance is smart. Begin thinking about your budget for the first few months. How much will you need to spend on housing, transportation and food?

Your housing budget will depend heavily on your location. A condo in Toronto will be much more expensive than a condo in Calgary, or a house in Saskatoon.

Websites can help you understand current rental prices. For example:

• Rentals.ca Opens in a new window.
• Apartments.com Opens in a new window.

Your location will also impact transportation needs. Large cities have public transportation. If you plan on living in the suburbs or more rural areas, that means you’ll probably need a vehicle.

Creating a rough outline of your budget will help you as you continue to build your plan.

Begin gathering evidence of your financial resources. This may include bank statements, proof of employment and deeds for property. Keep detailed records of your finances, and start saving if you haven’t already.

Planning how to move to Canada is a big task, but you can do it smoothly with enough planning. It’s like planning to run a marathon. You need to create a plan, get the right gear, train consistently and be ready for the big day.

Starting your planning a year or more in advance is the best way to make sure you’re ready. Use helpful resources. Select the immigration path most appropriate to your circumstances. Get your papers in order. Create a financial plan. These are simple steps you can take now to make sure you’ll be on the right track in this friendly country.

And remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Canada is waiting for you, so take that step with confidence and a smile!