Do you want to move to Canada? Not sure what you should know about planning a move to the country?
Canada is one of the best countries on earth and can be a great place to live. Fortunately, there are ways to get residency in the country and to move to it if you have some dedication and can meet all of the necessary requirements.
In this simple relocation guide, we’ll tell you how to move to Canada.
1. Start By Understanding Your Visa Options
To successfully move to Canada, you’ll need to do a lot of research into the various options that are available for doing so.
There are several different visa options that you can consider to make a move to Canada. If you have family or relatives in Canada, you may be able to do it through family reunification options. You may also want to consider popular economic immigration options as well.
Economic immigration options include the Express Entry program in which you can apply for residency based on the potential for future employment and the Start-Up Visa Program, which is meant for entrepreneurs who want to invest in the country. There are other special visa options as well such as the International Mobility Program, which is meant for temporary workers.
Remember that paths to residency may vary based on which country you’re coming from. Be sure to learn about your options to find out if there are any that are suited for you.
2. Plan For the Cost of Living
When making a move to Canada, you should also make sure that you’re financially prepared.
Depending on the country that you’re moving from, Canada could be more expensive than you’re used to. According to Numbeo, Canada is the 26th most expensive country in the world to live in.
If you’re coming from the US, it’s important to note that Canada may in fact be cheaper for you since the US has a higher cost of living. However, the amount that you can afford in the country will vary based on which city or region you live in and what your income will be.
You’ll want to plan out your finances carefully and do as much research into the cost of living in different cities before making your move. You should also set up your finances in Canada and find a Canadian bank to use when you move. You can open a Canadian bank account before moving or can easily do it in person after you arrive.
3. Find a Great Job in Canada
Depending on the type of residency you’ll be getting, you’ll need to get a job either before or after you arrive in Canada. The higher qualified you are and the more that your experience is in demand, the easier time you’ll have moving to Canada.
Important industries such as IT, manufacturing, real estate, and communications all often need skilled workers. You’ll need to do some digging to find a job in the country, however, since the country has a lot of skilled workers already.
Also, keep in mind that there are some options for self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs to move to Canada as well. You may want to consider some of these visa options if you have money to invest and you meet the qualifications.
4. Decide On Where You’ll Live
One of the most important steps to take when making a move to Canada is finding a place to live.
Toronto and Vancouver are two of the most popular cities to move to in the country and have some amazing condos and homes to choose from. You may want to view a list of the top five condo buildings in Toronto if you’re thinking about moving to the city.
Remember, however, that the costs of housing vary quite a bit in different areas. Toronto and Vancouver, in particular, can be fairly expensive so you’ll want to consider all of your potential options carefully. There are many more affordable cities that you can live in as well that also offer a great lifestyle and good work opportunities. You’ll want to do some research and look into housing and rental prices in different areas.
Ideally, you should start looking for a home to buy or a rental before you get to Canada. Working with a real estate agent can be helpful for finding a great place to live, even if you’re not yet in the country yourself.
5. Be Prepared For Healthcare Needs
It’s also important to consider how you’ll get healthcare once you’re living in Canada. In most provinces, you’ll need to apply for healthcare and wait for as long as 3 months before you can get a health card. You’ll want to have a plan for how to get healthcare during this period before you can get a health card, such as by getting an international insurance plan of some kind.
Keep in mind also that private insurance is also available and that hospitals will provide free emergency care regardless of whether you currently have a health card or not.
Following These Steps to Successfully Move to Canada
If you want to move to Canada, you should be sure that you take the process one step at a time. It can be difficult to make such a big move, but the effort required can be well worth it when all is said and done.
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