4 things you should do before moving to Canada

Immigration Canada requires many essential documents Opens a new window.. These include your:

• Passport
• Canadian Immigrant Visa or Permanent Residence confirmation
• List of goods you are bringing
• List of goods that are arriving at a later date
• Canadian mailing address
• Family documents

Examples of family documents include birth certificates, divorce papers, marriage certificates and medical reports. In addition, bring all educational documents such as diplomas and certificates with you. Additionally, when you arrive in Canada, you will need to apply for your Social Insurance Number. All of this is essential if you are planning to study or work in Canada.

If you wish to drive, be aware that your driver’s licence may not be valid in Canada. Every province and territory awards its own licences and has its own rules and testing procedures. Therefore, some countries have agreements with the provinces regarding driver’s licences, but to know if yours applies in Canada, you will have to research it.

Most importantly, all of these documents must be translated into English or French, depending on where you are settling, and a lawyer is required to verify or notarize them.

Before moving to Canada, there are some financial matters to settle. For example, when you arrive in Canada, you will be required to provide proof of funds Opens a new window.. You have to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family for the first 6 to 12 months. This is specifically if you are immigrating to Canada as a self-employed person or skilled worker.

It’s also important to determine the cost of living in Canada. This can differ based on where you plan to settle in Canada because some areas are more expensive than others. Factor in things like household expenses, taxes and rent.

Lastly, research any limitations your home country might set on how much money you can take with you to a new country. Check with a financial advisor, banker or lawyer for this information.

When you arrive, what can you expect for health-care coverage Opens a new window? Will you be covered immediately or do you have to wait? Every province operates differently, so this answer will depend on where you end up. However, you may wish to purchase private medical insurance before you arrive so you and your family are protected right away, just in case.

Canada may be very different from your home country. Therefore, it’s important to think about how this new place operates so you can figure out how you fit in.

For instance, consider Canada’s weather. The majority of Canada offers its citizens hot summers and snowy winters, with spring and fall seasons in between. When the snow falls, it can drop to freezing temperatures, which you should know about ahead of time. However, Canada’s landscapes offer so much beauty and nature that make up for the cold.

Next, book a place to stay before you arrive — at least for the first few days while you look for a more permanent location. Finding accommodations can be difficult and expensive. Where you choose to live in Canada can affect your rent prices. Larger cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver can offer people more options in terms of jobs and entertainment, but they can also cost a lot more.

Importantly, there are two official languages in Canada: English and French. Depending on where you plan to immigrate to, you’ll likely use one or the other more often.

Canada is also known for multiculturalism. There are approximately 200 nationalities across Canada and over 250 ethnic origins.

Also, it’s important to note that tipping in the service and hospitality sectors is part of the Canadian culture. Many of these workers rely on tips because they don’t always earn a guaranteed livable wage with benefits.

There’s a lot to consider when you wish to migrate to Canada. Do your research beforehand so you’re prepared for the change. For more details, visit the Government of Canada website which describes services and information for newcomers Opens a new window..