If you’re planning a move to Canada, there are several important things you can’t forget to organize. Moving abroad is complicated, and making just one error along the way could delay your move to Canada and cause unnecessary stress.
To ensure you have a smooth transition into your ex-pat life in Canada, here’s a detailed look at the keys things you need to know about moving to Canada from another country.
Canada’s Healthcare System
You need you understand how Canada’s healthcare system works before you move there so you know your rights and requirements. Many people are unsure how Canada’s healthcare system works and wonder ‘does Canada have free healthcare?’.
For permanent residents of the country, healthcare is free to a point. The Canadian healthcare system, known as Medicare, provides residents with access to hospitalizations, prescription medications, maternity care, and non-cosmetic surgeries free of charge. However, it doesn’t cover the costs of dental care, vision care, and cosmetic plastic surgeries.
Despite Canada having a free public healthcare system, you will still need to purchase health insurance when you move to the country. Having health insurance will enable you to access healthcare services, treatments, and medications until you’re able to obtain permanent residency.
Depending on where you move to within Canada, the requirements for accessing healthcare vary. Each of the 13 provinces in Canada has a unique healthcare system under the umbrella of the national healthcare system. Therefore, it’s important to understand the unique requirement for health insurance as an ex-pat in your chosen province.
Visa Options and Permanent Residency
Permanent residency works on a points system for skilled workers, and you can also immigrate to Canada via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP is for those who have the qualifications and skillset required to support the economy of a particular province where they would like to live.
When you move to Canada as an ex-pat, you will need to have the relevant visa as well. You may need a work, study, or retirement visa alongside your application for permanent or temporary residency.
If you’re an entrepreneur and want to start your own business in Canada, you will need to obtain a business visa. For short-term visits, a visitor visa will suffice.
You can apply for Canadian citizenship once you have permanent residency and have been present in the country for 1095 days or more within the first five years of moving there.
Required Documentation
To successfully relocate to Canada, you will need to complete several important documents, including those for your visa, health insurance, passport, and finances. Make sure you have all of these documents on hand when you fly into the country in case you need to present them to security at the airport.
Keep a physical and digital copy of each of these legal documents, so you have a copy available if your original documents get damaged, lost, or stolen.
The Canadian Lifestyle and Culture
Canada is a multicultural country with a unique lifestyle. You will feel comfortable as soon as you move there because there are so many different people living there from various backgrounds, cultures, and religions.
It’s best to research the Canadian culture before you move so you know what to expect when you arrive at your new home. Be open minded and embrace new cultures and ideas. Doing so will expand your knowledge and enable you to meet a wide range of people in your chosen Canadian province.
The Weather in Canada
The weather conditions in Canada can be drastically different depending on where in the country you’re looking at, so it’s hard to say the exact weather conditions to prepare for when you move.
For example, the south of Ontario has a hotter climate in summer but is much cooler in winter, whereas Alberta and Manitoba have much colder weather that can dip to as low as 30 degrees Celsius. Parts of British Columbia have very mild winters and there are even regions where you’ll find palm trees and desert cactus.
Ensure you have the appropriate clothing when packing for your move. If your current wardrobe isn’t suitable, head to your local high street or do some online shopping so you’re prepared for the hot and humid climate or the freezing cold weather conditions when you arrive in your new home.
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