If you’re intending to move to Canada, there are certain questions you need to ask yourself to ensure that you’re making the right decision. This includes your motivations for moving as well as practicalities such as whether you have enough savings, and how you’ll support yourself once you get there. You will want to know the ins and outs of immigrating to Canada as well as for settling in Canada before making the move.
Moving to Canada
Vice president of human resources at Career Builder, Rosemary Haefner, said:
“Deciding to relocate is a personal decision for everyone because not everyone’s situation is the same. It may be a good decision for someone who is in a position to move their life to a new area without much disruption, for example, someone who is early in their career. On the flip side, someone later in their career, or someone with a family, may have more ties to their current city and while it is not necessarily a bad decision to relocate, it may take more planning and time to actually do it.”
If you’re planning to move to Canada, you should first ask yourself these questions, to make sure it’s a journey you are prepared to take.
1. Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Country?
Perhaps your career opportunities are limited where you’re currently living, or just really want to experience life and culture in another country. Whatever the reason, you should have clear goals in mind.
2. Where in Canada Will You Live?
Deciding where to live will be crucial to your success, and will affect your chances of finding a job, as well as how you adapt socially. Do your research before selecting a location. You can learn more about settling in Canada and finding a province that is best suited for you! Once you find a province you like you may want to consider the Provincial Nominee Programs.
3. How Will You Support Yourself?
If you are going to study, or want to experience Canada as a visitor, this may not apply to you, although you should still ensure you’ll have enough funds to live comfortably during your stay. For those wishing to earn a living, you should research the job market in Canada and determine whether you will be able to find a job to support yourself using your current qualifications and skill set.
4. Are You Suitable for the Necessary Visas and Work Permits?
You may have decided on your dream job in Canada, but in order to live and work there, you’ll require a visa and work permit.
There are several options for you to immigrate to Canada and work:
Permanent Residency: For example, you may be eligible for Express Entry as a skilled worker.
Study Permit: If you are moving to Canada to study, international students may work up to 20 hours a week.
Work Permit: LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to receive prior to hiring a foreign worker.
Do your homework to explore all your options. If you’re interested in learning about your eligibility you can fill out our free online questionnaire so we can learn about your unique case.
5. What’s the Cost of Living in Canada?
The cost of living in Canada varies depending on which area in Canada you will be living in. Find out how much it costs to live in your intended area, and think about all the things you’ll have to pay for whilst there. The cost of living is the amount of money needed to sustain a certain standard of living by affording expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare.
6. Who Will You Be Leaving Behind?
Think about your family, and the opportunities you will be leaving behind in your current country. Is it the right choice for you? Many Canadian visa programs allow you to bring your family with you when you move to Canada. Find out which program suits our life best.
7. Have You Been Offered Job Security?
If you’ve already been offered a job in Canada, is it secure? If it’s only temporary, will your work permit allow you to find another job while you are still in Canada, or will you have to leave the country? You should be prepared for all eventualities.
8. Can You Afford the Expense of Moving to Canada?
The cost of moving overseas can be very expensive. Calculate all your costs beforehand, and ensure you can afford all the expenses whilst still being able to comfortably live in Canada once you get there.
9. Will You Have Access to Health Care in Canada?
Find out which health care services you will have access to while in Canada, and where you will turn to if you need emergency care. Learn more about the healthcare system in Canada for immigrants.
10. Are You Going to get Legal Assistance?
The immigration process is by no means simple. For best results, applicants often enlist the help of an immigration lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the immigration experience, and what is required to be successful.