GETTING STARTED GUIDE

2019 EDITION

MAKE YOUR MOVE TO

CANADA A SUCCESS!

Moving2Canada
Getting Started Guide - 2019 Edition
• How to make the move
• How to find employment
• Planning your move
• Get help with key decisions
• Destination guides
• Making the most of what Canada has to offer
• Includes links to crucial info & resources
Welcome to the only guide
with all the help you need
when moving to Canada and
settling in.

Thanks for taking the time to By familiarizing yourself with this

download our tips for success, guide and the Moving2Canada
updated for 2019. We want to help website, you can follow the advice
you kick-start your move to Canada. we have gathered from thousands
of successful newcomers to Canada.
Towards the end of 2018, Canada Simple things like adapting your
outlined a plan to welcome more resume and showing a willingness to
than one million new permanent do things the Canadian way will help
residents before the end of 2021. In you. Successful newcomers learn
addition, hundreds of thousands of about how things are done in their
work permit holders and international new home. Making good decisions
students will continue to arrive each will help you achieve success too.
year. You can be one of them.
Our goal is to empower you through
And if you’re already in Canada, or relevant, timely information before
getting here soon, you can aim to you move to Canada, and support
settle long-term. Canada is open to your needs and goals once you are
new ideas and new people, all here.
the time.
- The Moving2Canada Team
Most of us on the Moving2Canada
team have made the move to Canada
ourselves, just like you. We know it is
a big undertaking. At times it can be
stressful, with practical and emotional
hurdles to overcome. This is why we We want your move
have compiled valuable information
to be a great success;
to contribute to your success, in
one place. So let’s get started.

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
CONTENTS

Explore the Guide

1. 2018 - 2019: WHAT’S NEW? 4 5. LIVING 24
Where in Canada should 25
2. IMMIGRATION 6 you live?
Why Immigrate to Canada? 7 • Factors that may influence 25
• Why do you want to move to 7 your decision
Canada? • Tips and facts for arriving 27
• Will you move with dependents? 7 prepared
• How long do you plan to spend in 7
Canada? What should you do once you 28
arrive in Canada?
How can you immigrate to Canada? 8 • Social Insurance Number (SIN) 28
• Come to Canada tool 8 • Finding accommodation 28
• Research the relevant programs 8 • Banking 29
• Study in Canada 10 • International money transfers 29
• Permanent Residency 11 • Cell phone 29
• Consult an Expert 12 • Service providers 29
• Healthcare 30
3. EMPLOYMENT 14 • Tax return 30
How do you find employment 15
in Canada? 7. DESTINATION GUIDES 31
• Canadianize your resume 16 For more information on each
• Research the jobs market 17 city, explore our city guides:

• Build and maintain your online 18 • Toronto 31

presence • Vancouver 31
• Build your network 19 • Montreal 31
• Send targeted applications 20 • Calgary 31
• Improve the process 21 • Edmonton 31
• Ottawa 31
4. PLANNING 22 • Hamilton 31
What do you need to prepare? 23 • Whistler 31
• Insurance 23
• Flights 23 8. ABOUT MOVING2CANADA 32
• Wrapping up life at home 23 • Learn who we are and why we 32
• Shipping 23 created Moving2Canada

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2018 to 2019: What’s new?
At Moving2Canada, we’re excited Here’s a quick look at a few things
for 2019 and beyond. We get to that have happened over the past
tell you more about the greatest year. Because of these changes,
country to move to (that’s Canada, we decided to bring you the latest
in case you were wondering), version of our popular Getting
and we’ve expanded our team so Started Guide, now updated
that we can bring you even more for 2019.
content, tools and resources over
time — all with the goal of helping
you settle in Canada and
achieve success.
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
WHAT ’S NEW?

WHAT ’S NEW FOR WHAT ’S NEW FOR

Canada? Moving2Canada?

RANKED #1 IN THE WORLD FOR REVAMPED AND IMPROVED

QUALITY OF LIFE PROFILE SECTION

AMBITIOUS PLAN TO WELCOME NEW STUDY SECTION

MORE THAN 1 MILLION NEW
PERMANENT RESIDENTS BY 2021

INFO AND RESOURCES ON

MOVING TO CANADA FROM
MORE FOREIGN WORKERS & THE U.S.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
ARRIVING

NEW DESTINATION GUIDES

NEW IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

MORE PARTNERS TO
HELP YOU SETTLE IN CANADA
NEW LANGUAGE
TESTING OPTIONS

ENHANCED ONLINE TOOLS

& RESOURCES
EXPANSION OF
BIOMETRICS PROGRAM

MUCH MORE CONTENT,

INCLUDING VIDEO
LEGALIZED MARIJUANA

MORE REGULAR
MORE EXPRESS ENTRY INVITATIONS NEWSLETTER UPDATES
ISSUED THAN EVER BEFORE

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Immigration
Start your successful move to Canada here
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
W H Y C A N A D A?

Why immigrate to Canada?

Each person and each family is Will you move with dependents?
unique. Think about your motives The cost of living is likely to be a
and goals clearly, as this will help you much more important factor if you
make the correct decisions as you intend to bring family members to
embark on this exciting journey. Canada.

Here are some questions to ask How long do you plan to spend
yourself as you consider moving in Canada?
to Canada. Sometimes the answer
Even if you arrive on temporary
can include more than one of the
status, such as a work permit or
reasons outlined below.
study permit, we encourage you
to keep an open mind and plan for
Why do you want to move
the long term. If or when you obtain
to Canada?
permanent resident status, you will
• Lifestyle change have greater flexibility.
• Economic necessity
• Career opportunities
• Increase income
• Study
• Travel
• Ultimately obtain Canadian
citizenship

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
IMMIGRATION

How can you immigrate to Canada?

This section will cover temporary
work permit and study options before
showcasing Canada’s permanent
immigration programs.

1. Come to Canada tool

2. Research the relevant
programs
3. Consult an expert (if
required)

Step 1: Come to Canada tool

Canada has set an ambitious We encourage you to complete the
goal to welcome more than government of Canada’s ‘Come to
Canada’ tool. This will give you an
one million new permanent
idea of which program(s) you may
residents between 2019
be eligible for. Bear in mind that
and 2021. you may have other options beyond
those suggested by the tool, so
In addition, a steady inflow of foreign
additional research is recommended.
workers and international students
For a full overview, read on and then
will arrive in Canada from around
visit our immigration section.
the world.

Some people may be able to obtain Step 2: Research the relevant

permanent resident status without
programs
first moving to Canada as a worker Work permit options
or student. Other people may prefer Canadian work permits are issued
to come on temporary status initially either with the support of, or an
before transitioning to permanent exemption from, a document
residence. The right pathway for called a Labour Market Impact
you depends on your personal Assessment, or LMIA. This document
circumstances, your background, requires a potential employer in
and your goals. Canada to undergo a rigorous

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
IMMIGRATION

Continued: How can you immigrate to Canada?

recruitment process before they may

Keep up to date with our
hire you, the foreign worker. As such,
IEC News Hub, updated
it is always preferable to explore your weekly
other (i.e. non-LMIA-based) options
first.
The most popular IEC category is

International Experience Canada the Working Holiday open work

(IEC) permit. Other IEC categories

include the Young Professionals
The IEC program covers more than
and International Co-op categories.
30 countries and offers applicants
Arriving in Canada on an IEC work
the opportunity to work in Canada
permit may open the door for you to
for 1-2 years (depending on your
extend your stay via other programs
country of citizenship). It is open to
outlined in this guide. If you are
applicants under a specific age limit,
not from a listed country, you may
typically 30 or 35, again depending
be able to participate through a
on your citizenship. If you’re looking
Recognized Organization.
to participate in the IEC program in
2019 or beyond, you should know
Learn more about the IEC program
about the new requirement to
or check out our video explainer.
submit biometrics.

Find the age limit for Thinking of

your country and other
moving to Canada
IEC criteria
from the USA?
We’ve added a whole new
section on our site, including
answers to the most common
questions, immigration tips,
and first-hand accounts from
people who are glad to have
made the move north.

Check it out here!

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
IMMIGRATION

Continued: How can you immigrate to Canada?

Intra-Company Transfer continues to grow. Canada attracts

If you work for a company that has a students from around the world,
parent company, branch, subsidiary, many of whom are attracted not
or affiliate in Canada, you may only by the quality of education
be able to secure a work permit and high living standards, but also
through the Intra-Company Transfer by the fact that many Canadian
program. immigration programs aim to help
students and graduates transition to
Free Trade Agreements permanent residence. International

Canada has free trade agreements students in Canada are allowed to

with a number of countries, notably work while studying and may apply

with the United States and Mexico for a post-graduation work permit

under NAFTA/USMCA, and with the upon graduation.

EU under CETA. Professionals and

business people from the United The study pathway to settlement in

States, Mexico, or any EU country Canada can be summed up in three

may have a LMIA-exempt work words: Learn. Earn. Stay.

permit option through a free trade

agreement.

New study section

We recently added an entirely
new study section to our
site, containing all the info
and resources you’ll need to
prepare for, and enjoy, coming
to Canada as a student.

Learn more

Studying in Canada
Around 500,000 international Find out the top 10
students are enrolled in courses reasons to study in
Canada
across Canada, a figure that

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
IMMIGRATION

Continued: How can you immigrate to Canada?

Permanent Residency (PR) experience in one of the listed

occupations.
Obtaining PR can be a life-changing
step, as it gives you the right to live
Canadian Experience Class
and work anywhere in Canada and
A popular program that allows
puts you on the path to Canadian
individuals who have worked in
citizenship.
Canada for at least one year to
immigrate permanently.
Here are a few ways to make
it happen:
Provincial Nominee Programs
(PNPs)
Express Entry
A Canadian province can nominate
Express Entry is the main driver of
you based on your credentials and/or
economic immigration to Canada.
connections to the province. Some
Applications submitted under the
PNP streams are aligned with
Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal
Express Entry, while other PNP
Skilled Trades Class, and Canadian
streams operate outside the Express
Experience Class are managed
Entry system.
through Express Entry, which
provides for processing times of
six months or less. Some Provincial
Want to know which
Nominee Program (PNP) streams are
PNP streams are open,
aligned with Express Entry.
and which you might be
eligible for?
Federal Skilled Worker Class
We’ve added to our popular
A points-based program, where
PNP Live Tracker to bring you
points are awarded for age,
a great new tool. Just input
education, experience, language
your occupation and/or other
skills, employment prospects, and preferences, and the PNP Live
adaptability. You must accumulate Tracker Tool will work its magic to
at least 67 points out of 100 in order tell you which PNP stream(s) may
to be eligible. be right for you.

Use the new and improved

Federal Skilled Trade Class
PNP Live Tracker
For tradespersons with relevant

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
IMMIGRATION

Continued: How can you immigrate to Canada?

Immigration to Quebec Canadian citizens and permanent

If you want to make Montreal or residents the opportunity to sponsor
any other location in the province their foreign spouse or common-law
of Quebec your permanent home, partner, parents and grandparents,
be aware that Quebec has a distinct or dependent children. Family Class
immigration system. This includes immigrants are not considered
a points-based skilled worker economic immigrants, and therefore
program, as well as a program they do not have to sit a language
to help workers, graduates, and test.
students in Quebec transition to
permanent residence. Step 3: Consult an expert
Certain programs may prove
Business Immigration simpler to navigate than others.
If you are an investor, entrepreneur, Consequently, many applicants
or self-employed, you may be able to choose to complete the process
immigrate under one of the business without retaining the services of a
immigration programs managed regulated immigration consultant.
either by the federal government or
one of the provinces. However, the nuances and complex
processes of some programs, notably
Family Class the permanent residence programs,

Also known as family sponsorship, may require expert guidance,

the Family Class category offers depending on your circumstances

and goals.

Moving2Canada works with

experienced, regulated Canadian
immigration consultants who
provide consultations. The
consultants we work with will get
to know you and your family, if
applicable, and provide the kind
of expert one-on-one advice that
many newcomers to Canada have
found highly valuable. Moreover, if

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
IMMIGRATION

Continued: How can you immigrate to Canada?

you choose to retain the services of

a consultant, the cost of the initial
Biometrics now required
consultation will be deducted from
As of 2019, applicants from
the balance of fees.
around the world are required
to submit biometrics when
Learn more about our
immigrating to Canada.
recommended immigration
consultants. Learn more

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Employment
Build your career in Canada
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

How do you find employment

in Canada?
Here are some reasons why this
strategy is likely to fail:

• More companies are using

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
software to scan resumes for
keywords, so the chances of your
resume being read by a human are
decreasing dramatically.

• Many companies receive large

volumes of online applications. If
someone does read your resume,
Let’s start by telling you how not to you typically have less than 30
go about finding employment in seconds to impress a reader.
Canada!
• As an immigrant or foreign worker,
Whether you are in Canada or not, you are competing with local
the temptation may be to go to an candidates who have much coveted
online jobs board and send away local experience and do not require
as many applications as you can. immigration support in Canada in
By adopting the tactic of ‘the more the future.
generic applications I send, the
better my chances of success’, you To achieve success in your job
are competing with the rest of the hunt, you need a process.
herd and haven’t taken any action to
differentiate yourself. The following 6-step process will
greatly improve your chances of
The task is more complicated if you success. These simple steps on the
are not located in Canada, as you next page have allowed thousands
are competing with candidates all of newcomers to further their
over the world who share the same careers in Canada.
dream as you.

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?

Step 1: Canadianize your resume

Step 2: Research the jobs market First impressions matter.
Step 3: Build your online presence Job hunting in a new country

Step 4: Build your contacts / can be tough, and you

should not underestimate
networking
the challenge. The experts at
Step 5: Send targeted applications Moving2Canada can help you
Step 6: Improve the process adjust the presentation of your
skills and experience to suit the
Canadian labour market.
Step 1: Canadianize your resume
• The average HR person will
Your resume is an important spend only a few seconds
document for achieving success reviewing your resume before
in Canada – perhaps the most deciding whether it’s worth
important document of all. their while to continue.
The simple step of adjusting your Ensure you make the right
first impression with a clear,
resume to Canadian standards is
concise resume that presents
where many people succeed or fail.
your skills and experience
in the manner Canadian
Canadian employers are accustomed employers expect.
to certain practices and formats, and
• Networking and building a
it’s crucial to take this into account. strong online presence using
If you cannot present your skills and LinkedIn are two vital keys to
experience in a way they expect, success.

• Sending targeted applications

for identified positions will
help your application stand out
from the crowd, but you need
a great cover letter.

Explore our wide range of

services that will help you land
your dream job in Canada.

Let’s get started

- 16 -
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?

they are far less likely to feel you and the value of informational
have the ability to adapt to life in interviews. You will be amazed
Canada. Your Canadian-style resume at how friendly and open people
is your ticket to success, as this will be to meeting with you if you
document represents you in your job take the chance and ask. We also
hunt. Get comfortable with adjusting recommend that you keep an eye
your resume continuously. You will on our Moving2Canada Jobs Board,
find a resume template included in where you can find the latest open
your download files. positions in locations across Canada,
as well as other job search tools such
See our extensive Write a Canadian as Indeed.ca, Monster.ca and
Resume section for more on this Workopolis.com.
topic.

Step 2: Research the jobs market Learn more about

What do you know about your immigrant employment
across Canada.
industry in Canada? Does your
occupation require accreditation Latest Moving2Canada
Jobs Report
or licensing in order for you to be
able to work in Canada? What is the
value of your existing experience
within the Canadian jobs market?
Which provinces and cities offer the
best employment prospects in your
field? If you are planning a long-
Our recruitment agency,
term stay in Canada, to what extent Outpost Recruitment,
is your occupation under threat from matches Canada’s leading
automation? If you have not yet construction and engineering
firms with the best local and
asked yourself these questions, let
international talent.
alone answered some of them, now
is the time to begin your research. Explore the Outpost website
if you’re interested in
building your engineering
Moving2Canada offers a broad range or construction career in
of employment-focused articles, Canada.
including advice on networking

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?

Step 3: Build and maintain your is easily found in your bio section
online presence (note: the email address you
Your online presence should be clear, created when you were 16 years
concise, professional, and updated. old may not be appropriate. John.
Make sure you include LinkedIn as Doe@ is far more professional than
part of your job search strategy. ‘Johnnypartyanimal88@’).

Clear Updated

Your LinkedIn profile should If it’s 2019 and the most recent
immediately communicate your experience listed in your profile
title and industry. Employers and is from 2017, you have a problem.
recruiters love using LinkedIn to Not only are you not showcasing
source talent, so it should be simple your latest experience, you are
for people searching for your skill set also communicating to employers
to find you. and recruiters that you may
lack attention to detail and are
Concise unorganized. Make sure your profile
lists all of your experience in reverse
It’s crucial for you to be able to sell
chronological order.
your skills and experience, and
therefore you should add as much
relevant detail as possible. But don’t
bore the reader with minute details
and repetition.

Professional
Join industry groups and
associations within your profession.
This will help you to stay up to date
on the jobs market and latest trends
in Canada. Moreover, make sure
your profile includes a professional
portrait image. It should also be
simple for people to contact you, In addition...
so make sure your email address Perform an audit of all your social

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?

media channels, including Facebook, to have a card. Having something

Twitter, and Instagram, as applicable. simple with your name, title,
Hiring managers and recruiters location, and contact details allows
often look up candidates (i.e. you) you to leave a lasting impression and
to see what sort of person they are a means for someone to contact
considering recruiting. Remove you later.
inappropriate media (photos, videos,
comments, tweets, etc.) that you
wouldn’t want a potential employer
or recruiter to see.

Step 4: Build your network

Did you know that most open
positions are never advertised before
being filled? It’s true. In addition to
looking through public jobs boards
(such as those mentioned in Step
2), you should position yourself to
network your way to success. The
goal of networking is to build your
own team of people who can help
improve your understanding of the Elevator pitch
jobs market, and ultimately help you Be prepared to answer questions
find gainful employment. LinkedIn such as ‘What brings you here?’ and
is a fantastic online networking ‘What are you looking to achieve in
tool. If you are in Canada, you Canada?’, as well as the question we
can also attend industry events have all been asked at some stage,
and networking events to build ‘What do you do?’ This is your cue to
your contact list. Take a proactive communicate your value and goals
approach by having all the necessary (and remember to be clear, concise,
tools at your disposal as and when and professional). The phrase comes
needed, including: from the idea that you should be
able to communicate your message
Business cards to a stranger over the time span of a
You don’t need to be employed typical elevator ride.

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?

Your own records an existing employee vouches

It’s important to be organized. for your skills, experience, and
A simple spreadsheet including personality.
names, contact details, titles,
locations, and additional notes Once you have identified which
will help you decide who to follow position and which company you
up with and when. If you have an are interested in, you should now
appointment, make sure you add it be thinking about delivering a
to your calendar (preferably a digital quality cover letter to complement
calendar, synced to your phone) your resume (see Step 1). The job
and set a reminder notification in requirements for a position set out
advance. the skills and experience you should
have in order to be considered. Your
cover letter should highlight how you
can meet these requirements, why
you want to work for the company,
and how the company may benefit
from your employment. Successful
job hunters usually adjust their
resume for each job application in
accordance with the requirements. A
tweak here or there can make all the
difference in attracting the attention
of key decision makers. Five targeted
applications are more effective than
Step 5: Send targeted 10, or even 20, generic applications.
applications
If you follow steps 3 and 4, you’ll You should have received a cover
greatly increase your chances of letter template in your download
finding the right contact at the files when you joined the
company of interest to you. This Moving2Canada network. Use this
may lead to you being referred document to guide you as you
by an employee of the company. master the art of job hunting. We
Employers typically like hiring also have a comprehensive guide on
through referrals, as it means that how to write a targeted cover letter.

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?

Step 6: Improve the process

Finding a job is a continuous
learning experience. Markets
change, people change, advances
in technology are made, but
networking, being organized, and
engaging in targeted research will
remain valuable no matter what.
Prepare to improve the process as
you gain advice and feedback along
the way.

The best things in life never come

easy, but job hunting is a life skill.

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Planning
Arrive in Canada prepared
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
PLANNING

What do you need to prepare?

For international students, how you
are covered for healthcare depends
principally on your destination
province, but also on the institution
you intend to attend. Find out more
about insurance for newcomers
to Canada.

Flights
You’ll want to get a flight itinerary
that provides value and convenience.
See our guide on flights to Canada
to search websites, international
Once you have sorted out your
airlines, and other things you’ll need
plan as far as immigration and
to know in advance of your trip.
employment is concerned, it’s time
to focus on the details of wrapping
Wrapping up life at home
up life abroad and arriving in Canada
If you’re looking for a list of things
prepared.
to tick off and items to pack, our
Essential Checklist is a great place to
Insurance
start.
Depending on your circumstances,
there may be a post-arrival waiting
Shipping
period before you and your family,
If you are looking to transport
if applicable, become eligible for
more than checked baggage to
publicly-funded healthcare. In this
Canada, you will need to consider
case, we strongly recommend
international shipping options.
that you consider purchasing an
insurance policy to cover this period.

Some newcomers to Canada, notably

those who arrive under the IEC
program, are required to purchase
insurance before arriving in Canada.

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Living
Settle in and enjoy your new life in Canada
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVING

Where in Canada should you live?

Canada is a huge country, the second
largest in the world. It offers a diverse
range of cultures, opportunities,
landscapes, climates, and more.

What factors should influence

the location you choose?

Your profession/trade
Certain industries are confined to
specific areas of Canada, whereas
there may be wider opportunities Alberta, whose energy sector faces
in certain other industries across tough challenges).
Canada. Our exclusive Jobs Report,
updated monthly, provides the The shortage of construction
latest information on employment professionals and engineers across
across Canada, as well as in certain Canada will continue to increase
industries. We also offer a series of as more baby boomers retire.
industry-specific career pages to Overheating real estate markets in
help kick-start your career in Canada. Vancouver and Toronto are likely to
cool in 2019, but increased activity
Economic conditions in infrastructure and industrial
The Canadian economy will remain projects will drive recruitment.
solid in 2019 and will likely continue Construction and engineering
to expand, having weathered the oil professionals in particular are
price shock of recent years. From a strongly suited to the Canadian
provincial perspective, construction labour market.
on LNG Canada’s Kitimat project
should propel BC to the top of
growth rankings, with growth of Visit Outpost Recruitment
to learn more about
2.6% in 2019. All other provinces,
construction and
except for Nova Scotia and New engineering opportunities
Brunswick, are expected to enjoy in Canada
growth of 1.5% or better (even in

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVING

Continued: Where in Canada should you live?

Whistler, for all you snow junkies

who want to enjoy a season on the
slopes!

Cost of living
The cost of living in cities across
Canada can vary widely. Vancouver
and Toronto are more expensive
than other cities in Canada. Higher
salaries may mitigate increased
costs, but newcomers arriving
Lifestyle without secure employment or
Canada’s three largest cities — significant savings should be aware
Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver of this factor.
— are often favoured by newcomers
who want to experience diverse, Family
multicultural surroundings. Cities that offer the right mix
Vancouver has the outdoor lifestyle, of lower costs of living, strong
Toronto has the big city feel, and employment prospects, and a
Montreal offers a more European, range of higher education options
francophone experience. can offer a fantastic gateway into
Canadian life for families. Cities
More newcomers, however, are such as Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa,
choosing to settle in other locations, and Montreal tend to be popular
and diverse societies are not unique with immigrant families. Families
to Canada’s largest cities. Canadians moving to the Greater Toronto
across the country are welcoming, Area or Greater Vancouver Area
friendly, and accepting, regardless of may consider outlying towns and
location. Moving2Canada currently suburbs, where property is typically
offers comprehensive city guides more affordable to rent or buy,
for some of the most popular cities: and there is usually more space for
Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, children and adults alike to enjoy the
Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and outdoors.
Hamilton, as well as a new guide to

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVING

Continued: Where in Canada should you live?

Relocating with a family can be opportunities, and there’s even a

particularly challenging. The new immigration program to match
extensive Moving2Canada Planning rural communities with potential
and Living sections present a new immigrants. Another option for
range of useful pages to help you newcomers is to settle in a smaller
overcome these challenges before city, such as Saskatoon, Prince
and after your move. George, or Red Deer. Cities such as
these tend to offer less of a cultural
Climate shock to those who are not used to
Canada wouldn’t be the same living in large cities.
without its wide range of climates!
No matter where you live, you are
likely to experience the four seasons
in all their glory. All of the major
cities except Vancouver generally
contend with snow for at least three
months of the year. You are then
rewarded with long, hot summers.
Vancouver offers a milder climate,
where temperatures rarely drop
below 0°C.

The reality is that people adapt Tips and facts for arrving
quickly, so we suggest that you do prepared
not let climate and weather strongly
• Make sure that all your electronic
affect your decision.
devices have dual voltage. You
may need to bring an adapter
Rural or urban living
from your home country, and
While most newcomers are bound getting a plug board on arrival is a
for Canada’s incredible cities, Canada smart choice.
is a vast country with outstanding
• Make sure your phone is unlocked
rural communities. Living in a large
before you arrive.
city is not for everyone. Canada’s
rural communities love to see • The temperature in Canada is
newcomers and offer fantastic measured in Celsius.

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVING & ARRIVAL

Continued: Where in Canada should you live?

• 18 percent of Canadians are

English-French bilingual.
What should you
• Canada Day is July 1st.
do once you arrive
• Canada stretches across six time in Canada?
zones. Knowing which time zone
you’re in is handy for calling Settling into your new surroundings
family and friends back home. in a new place can be daunting, with
practical and emotional hurdles
• Domestic flights are likely to
to overcome. You can simplify the
be more expensive than what
process by knowing in advance what
you are used to, so if you plan of
you need to do on arrival and where
visiting friends across Canada,
to turn to for help.
start saving!

• Two dollar coins are called Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Toonies and one dollar coins are
Getting a SIN is among the first
Loonies.
things you need to do once you
• Want to learn more? See our land, as you cannot work in Canada
article on 10 ways to get ahead in without it. To get your SIN, you
Canada. need to have a mailing address in
Canada. This may be a temporary
or permanent address. Your SIN is
also key to filing a tax return, which
you will have to do once you have
worked in Canada.
Learn how to apply for your SIN.

Finding accommodation
Some people make this a priority
before arriving, while others begin
their search in earnest after arrival.
Which approach is right for you
depends on your goals, your family’s
needs, your personality, your
destination, and more. You may wish

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
ARRIVAL

Continued: What should you do once you arrive in Canada?

to find temporary accommodation for free. Learn more about safe

first, giving you a place to stay as you and easy ways to arrange your
search for apartments or houses for international money transfer.
rent in Canada. From your first night,
to your first lease and beyond, our
Finding Accommodation in Canada
page has advice for you.

Banking
Newcomers to Canada have a
number of options for banking, and
many banks have special programs
designed with new arrivals to
Canada in mind. There are several
things you should keep in mind
when you’re choosing a bank;
we cover these in our Banking in Cell phone
Canada page, which also outlines Contracts for cell (mobile) phones
ways you can open your account in Canada may be quite different
before you arrive in Canada. If you from contracts abroad. If you plan
pursue this option, it will take some on using your phone a lot, as most
of the stress out of your move. people do, it is recommended that
you sign up to a plan with data and
International money transfers unlimited texting and calling, at least
You’ll hopefully have some money to for local calls.
transfer into your new bank account
from one at home or elsewhere. We Our guide on how to pick a cell
recommend that you use a regulated phone plan in Canada has all the
international money transfer information and expert advice you
company to complete this process, need.
as they can offer favourable rates.
With CurrencyFair, Moving2Canada Service providers
community members (that’s you!) If your new accommodation doesn’t
get their first five transfers already have internet service, you

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
ARRIVAL

Continued: What should you do once you arrive in Canada?

may want to review your options for

a plan with one of the many internet
service providers. You should also
become familiar with the cost of
household utilities in your new
home, as different locations across
Canada have varying costs.

Healthcare
Healthcare in Canada is publicly
funded and administered by the
provinces, rather than by the
federal government. The systems
in different provinces vary, and
whether your access to the system is
free at the point of service depends
on your location and your status in
the country.

Find out your healthcare rights and/

or obligations on our Healthcare in
Canada page.

Tax return
Once you are settled and working in
Canada, you should know how the
tax system works in your province.
Then over the first few months of
the year, it’s time to think about your
Canadian tax return based on the
work you did the previous year. Find
out more about Canadian
tax returns.

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
DESTINATION GUIDES

Destination Guides
Our in-depth city guides will help you • Get a sense of what it’s like to
before and after your move to Canada. live in each city
• Discover things to do and
• Find out which city and which
places to go
neighbourhood is the right one
for you • Much, much more!

Vancouver Toronto

Montreal Calgary

Edmonton Ottawa

Hamilton Whistler

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 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
MEET THE TEAM

Meet the Moving2Canada team!

Learn who we are and why we created Moving2Canada

Ruairi Spillane Hugo O’Doherty Patrick Bourke Marcel Niedecken

Managing Director Editor Deputy Editor Marketing Manager

Maria Hasson Gideon Lin Tony Gilmore Shannon Wenkoff

Recruitment Consultant Business Development Partnerships Strategist Social Media &
Community Manager

Wayne McMahon
Web Developer

Connect with us!

WWW.MOVING2CANADA .COM
Copyright © All rights reserved

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Copyright © All rights reserved