Moving to Canada: Top 10 Checklist

Moving to Canada: Moving to a new country is a big step, and it can make all the difference to be well-prepared. If you want to move to Canada, there are a lot of things to think about before you get there, like getting the right paperwork, finding a place to live, and getting ready for work.

We’ve compiled a two-part list of the top 10 things you should do before moving to Canada to help you make a smooth move. In this first part, we will talk about the first five things on the list.

1) Get together all of your papers.

Make sure you have all the papers you need before you go to Canada. This includes customs forms and IDs for everyone travelling with you and your family. Make sure you don’t put these papers in your bags. Always keep them with you.

Visit the Government of Canada’s website to see a full list of all the papers you need to enter the country.

2) Get your credentials for work checked.

If you want to work in Canada, your papers will need to be checked. This will help you figure out what kinds of jobs you can do and whether you need more training. On this Government of Canada page, you can find more information about evaluating credentials for people who are new to Canada. The Canadian Detail Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) also has more details. They help newcomers join the Canadian workforce by giving them knowledge and services.

3) Get ready for a job

Finding a job is one of the most important things to think about when going to Canada. Job Bank is a website run by the Canadian government that helps newcomers find jobs. It has job ads, information about the job market, and tips on how to write resumes and cover letters. It is very important to know How to Get Job in Canada.

4) Get your money in order.

Moving to a new country can cost a lot of money, so it’s important to be ready for the financial effects. Make sure you know how much rent, transportation, and health care cost in Canada.[iv] TD offers newcomers a variety of financial services to help them plan and handle their money before and after they move to Canada.[v]

5) Get better at the language you speak

Both English and French are official languages in Canada, which is a bilingual country. If you don’t speak either language well, you should work on your language skills before you go. Check out the Canadian government’s tools for learning and teaching languages, such as language classes and tests to measure your language skills.

6) Choose Where You Want to Go

Before you go to Canada, you should spend some time thinking about which place would be best for you. Canada is a big, diverse country with many cities and provinces that are full of life. Each has its own culture, geography, and job possibilities. It’s a good idea to look into the different parts of Canada and find out how much it costs to live there, what jobs are available, and what kinds of cultural activities are available.[i]

7) Get insurance for your health

Canada has a public health care system, but you may have to wait a while before you can get covered. Also, it’s a good idea to get private health insurance to cover any extra health care costs for you and your family. You might want to learn more about different kinds of health insurance, such as private health insurance and trip health insurance.[ii]

8) Get ready for the weather in Canada

Canada has four different seasons that loosely correspond to the months of the year, and each one is beautiful in its way:

From March to May, the weather is mild and sometimes it rains. Early flowers bloom, and in many places, there are maple syrup fairs.
Summer, from June to August or September, can be very hot, with temps above 30 degrees Celsius. This makes it great for swimming, fishing, and boating, among other outdoor activities.
Autumn, from September to November, is the most common time of year because the trees change from green to red, orange, and gold as the weather cools.
Winter (December to February) can be cold, so it’s important to wear warm clothes and know how to stay safe in snowy and icy situations.

9) Get to Know Canada

Learn as much as you can about Canada, its people, and its unique culture before you go there. Learn as much as you can about Canada, such as its past, government, and culture.

10) Look into services for newcomers to Canada.

The Canadian government offers a variety of services to help people get ready for life in Canada.[iv] You could also check out pre-arrival services to get help and information before you get to Canada. These programs help newcomers settle in and do well by helping them with things like housing, education, and jobs.