Deciding to move to Canada can be an exciting prospect, but it’s also overwhelming to figure out how to make it happen. From choosing which province you want to live in and figuring out your immigration options to securing your finances and finding a new job, there’s much to consider regarding the logistics of moving across the border. This guide outlines the steps you need to take to move to Canada, available pathways for immigrants, and FAQs that will help you better understand the basics of moving and immigrating to Canada, so you can get up and running in no time!
How to Move to Canada
By far, one of the most sought-after destinations for immigrants in Canada. In 2019, the Immigration Office reported that 341,180 permanent residents arrived in Canada, and 74,586 people converted from temporary status to permanent residency. With so many requests for immigration, Canada has established a few routes to make the process easier to handle. You should get in touch with a recognized moving company if you are looking to move to Canada. First, however, here’s a checklist to guide you in moving to Canada.
1. Check If You Need a Visa
Checking whether you require an entry visa is the first step in preparing to move to Canada. A visa is not required for some groups of persons, who can enter with just an electronic permit. For up to six months, US citizens can enter Canada without a visa.
2. Find a Suitable Immigration Program
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can apply for the immigration program in Canada that best fits your needs. The following are some of the most popular:
Express Entry
The fastest way to obtain permanent residency in Canada is through the express entry program. To get into this program, you must be a very skilled person, nevertheless. Your score on the pathway will depend on your experience, credentials, education, and skills.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
This is one of the express entry program’s streams. Having at least 10 years of work experience in managerial, professional, technical, and skilled trades jobs is a prerequisite for this track.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
You must have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade during the last five years in order to apply for this program. Additionally, each skill’s language criteria must be met (speaking, reading, writing, listening).
Provincial Nominee Program
You must meet the qualifying conditions and be nominated by a Canadian province in order to participate in this program. Remember that each province focuses on distinct populations, including students, skilled employees, entrepreneurs, and semi-skilled workers.
Quebec Selected Skilled Workers
People who desire to live in Quebec particularly should apply for this immigration scheme. You must submit an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate and adhere to their requirements to the Government of Quebec in order to obtain this authorization.
Atlantic Immigration Program
You can only relocate to Atlantic Canada through this immigration program, which comprises the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
Self-Employment Visa
You must show proof that you can work for yourself legally in Canada and that you have sufficient relevant experience in either athletics or the arts.
Start-Up Visa
You need a viable business plan and a letter of support from a recognized organization to be eligible for the start-up visa. The language criteria must also be met, and your company must be profitable enough to allow you to settle in Canada.
3. Apply for the Canadian Permit
You can start the Canadian visa application procedure after you are aware of the sort of visa you require. To find out if you qualify for the visa, you must first register for an account on Canada’s immigration website and then respond to a few questions. In order to obtain instructions for your particular visa type, a list of necessary papers, and a reference code, you must submit your email address if you are qualified. You’ll need the reference number for the rest of your application, so make a note of it.
You will then be given instructions on how to submit your application—either in person or online—by:
- If you can submit your application online, you must either use your banking information or register for a Government of Canada login (GCKey) account (if applicable).
- You must get your paperwork ready and deliver it to a local Canadian representative office in the nation where you now reside if you want to apply in person.
Additionally, get ready to pay the visa application fee. Remember that the costs vary based on the type of visa you are applying for, and you might have to pay extra for services like translation and courier.
4. Get Ready to Move
The time it takes to hear back from us after you submit your application could be several weeks. The typical wait time is about six months, but if you apply in person, it could take up to 18 months. Make sure you get everything ready for the transfer to Canada during this period.
You must print two copies of a thorough inventory of all your possessions if you intend to ship them to Canada. You must include all of the things, including those you are bringing with you and those that will come later, along with their value, make, model, and serial number, if relevant. Contact an international moving company to reduce your moving costs by up to 40%.
Generally speaking, you don’t have to pay taxes for items like clothing, furniture, jewelry, silverware, family heirlooms, books, computers, musical instruments, etc. that are used every day. To make sure you have nothing to worry about, you must review the admission requirements.
You will receive an email with a COPR (confirmation of permanent residence) and a permanent residence visa if your application is accepted (if an entry visa is required). You must use ArriveCan after arriving in Canada; be sure to get the most recent version from the Apple Store or Google Play. To assist you in establishing and acclimating to life in Canada, you can use the immigration service there. In addition, Canada provides a “Welcome to Canada Guide” to ease your move.
Other Immigration Pathways to Move to Canada
Furthermore, besides the Express Entry program, there are other immigration programs through which you can also move to Canada for family or study purposes.
- You can apply for family reunification in Canada if you have a spouse, parent or grandparent in Canada. Other relatives can also sponsor you in specific cases.
- To qualify for a student visa in Canada, you must be enrolled in a valid educational program. Moreover, students can’t typically be transferred to work or residence visas. However, you can apply for a graduate work permit once your studies are finished.
Things to Know Before You Move to Canada
Meanwhile. you should be aware of the following as a new resident of Canada:
Renting and buying in Canada
You can use transitional housing when you initially relocate to Canada while you get settled, such as hotels, hostels, or Airbnb. Then you can consider a position that is more long-term. During the initial phase of the move, renting is always favored over buying; the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is about CAD 1,500. However, you must keep in mind that prices in major cities are significantly more than the national average.
Opening a bank account
To carry out financial transfers and transactions after moving to Canada, you will require a bank account. You need an identity card to open a bank account. A permanent residence card will do in your situation. The following banks have specific “newcomer” programs to make this easier for you:
- National Bank of Canada
- Bank of Montreal
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Healthcare
Although everyone in Canada has access to free healthcare, you might not be able to use it for roughly three months after moving to Canada. You should therefore invest in private healthcare during that initial time. Also keep in mind that not all services, such as dental care, ambulance services, prescription prescriptions, etc., are covered by Canada’s national healthcare system.
Taxes
You must pay taxes to the federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Canada. While income tax is routinely withheld from your paycheck if you work for yourself, you must pay your taxes either all at once or in installments. Additionally, any purchase you make in Canada is subject to a sales tax. So when you go shopping, don’t be shocked if the price changes at the pay register.
FAQs
Furthermore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions on how to move to Canada.
Is it difficult to move to Canada?
Moving to Canada is generally not too challenging. It’s simpler for you to meet the requirements for one immigration stream because Canada is receptive to new immigrants and provides a variety of immigration programs. You must still fulfill the prerequisites for the pathway you wish to apply for. Additionally, bear in mind that while moving abroad may not be too challenging, living there requires different preparations in terms of finances, mindset, and social network.
How much money do I need to immigrate to Canada?
To settle in Canada, you’ll need at least CAD 13,200. This is the typical cost for a single person; but, if you relocate with other family members, the price goes up. During the moving procedure, additional unforeseen charges, such as entry taxes, the cost of shipping your belongings, the legalization of documents, etc., may arise.
Can I live in Canada if I am a United States citizen?
Yes, holders of US passports are eligible for a six-month visa-free stay in Canada. However, in order to lawfully move to Canada after six months, you must apply for an immigration program.
Is it possible to get dual citizenship in Canada?
Canada does really allow for dual citizenship. You must make a decision regarding which nationality you want to retain, though, if your other country does not permit it.
