GETTING STARTED GUIDE

2018 EDITION

Canada
is Calling.
MAKE YOUR MOVE TO
CANADA A SUCCESS!

Moving2Canada
Getting Started Guide - 2018 Edition
• How to make the move
• How to find employment
• Planning your move
• Get help with key decisions
• City 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.

Thanks for taking the time to download our

tips for success in Canada. We want to help
you kick-start your move, and this guide
should go a long way towards achieving that
goal.

All 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 have compiled valuable information to
contribute to your success, in one place.

By familiarizing yourself with this guide

and the Moving2Canada website, you
can follow the advice we have gathered
from thousands of successful newcomers
to Canada. Simple things like adapting
your resume and showing a willingness
to do things the Canadian way will help
you. Successful newcomers learn about
how things are done in their new home.
Making good decisions across planning,
employment, immigration and living will
help you achieve success too.

Our goal is to empower you through

relevant, timely information before you move
to Canada, and support your needs and We want your move
goals once you are here. to be a great success;
- The Moving2Canada Team So let’s get started.
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
CONTENTS

Explore the Guide

IMMIGRATION LIVING
1. Why Immigrate to Canada? 5. Where in Canada should you live?
• Why do you want to move to Canada? • Factors that may influence
• Will you move with dependents? your decision
• How long do you intend to stay in
Canada? 6. What should you do once you arrive
in Canada?
2. How can you immigrate to Canada? • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Work permit options • Accommodation
• Study in Canada • Banking
• Permanent Residence • International money transfers
• Consult an expert • Cell phone
• Service providers
EMPLOYMENT • Healthcare
3. How do you find employment in • Tax return
Canada?
• How do you find a job in Canada? 7. City guides
• Six steps to success For more information on each city,
• Canadianize your resume explore our city guides:
• Research the job market • Toronto
• Your online presence • Vancouver
• Networking • Montreal
• Targeted applications • Calgary
• Improve the process • Edmonton
• Ottawa
PLANNING
4. What do you need to prepare? 8. About Moving2Canada
• Insurance
• Flights
• Wrapping up life at home
• Shipping
 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 unique. Will you move with dependents?
There is no single solution to every The cost of living is likely to be a much
scenario. Think about your motives more important factor if you intend to
clearly, as this will help you make the bring family members to Canada.
correct decisions as you embark on this
exciting journey. How long do you plan to spend in
Canada?
Here are some questions to ask yourself Even if you arrive on temporary status,
as you consider moving to Canada. such as a work permit or study permit,
Sometimes the answer can include more we encourage you to keep an open mind
than one of the reasons outlined below. and plan for the long term. If or when you
obtain permanent resident status, you will
Why do you want to have greater flexibility.
move to Canada?
• Lifestyle change
• Economic necessity
• Career opportunities
• Increase income
• Travel
• Ultimately obtain Canadian
citizenship
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVE & WORK

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

We encourage you to complete the
government of Canada’s ‘Come to
Canada’ tool. This will give you an idea
Canada has set an ambitious of which program(s) you may be eligible

goal to welcome around one for. Bear in mind that you may have
other options beyond those suggested
million new permanent residents
by the tool, so additional research is
between 2018 and 2020.
recommended. For a full overview, visit
our immigration section.
In addition, Canada will continue to admit
a steady inflow of foreign workers and
international students from around
Step 2: Research the relevant
the world.
programs
Some people may be able to obtain
Work permit options
permanent resident status without
Canadian work permits are issued either
first moving to Canada as a worker or
with the support of, or an exemption
student. Other people may prefer to
from, a document called a Labour
come on a temporary basis initially before
Market Impact Assessment, or LMIA. This
transitioning to permanent residence.
document requires a potential employer
The right pathway for you depends on
in Canada to undergo a rigorous
your circumstances, your background,
recruitment process before they may
and your goals.
hire you, the foreign worker. As such, it is
always preferable to explore your other
(i.e. non-LMIA-based) options first.

Continued: How can you immigrate to Canada?
International Experience Canada (IEC)
The IEC program covers more than
30 countries and offers applicants the
opportunity to work in Canada for 1 - 2
years (depending on your country of
citizenship). It is open to applicants
under a specific age limit, typically 30 or
35, again depending on your citizenship.
The most popular IEC category is the
Working Holiday open work permit.
Other IEC categories include the Young
Professionals and International Co-op
categories. Arriving in Canada on an
IEC work permit may open the door
for you to extend your stay via other
programs outlined below. If you are not
from a listed country, you may be able
to participate through a recognized
organisation.
Learn more about the IEC program.
To discover your options
under these categories,
visit our IEC News Hub
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVE & WORK
Find the age limit for
your country on the
Moving2Canada website
Free Trade Agreements
Canada has important free trade
agreements with a number of countries,
notably the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) and Canada-
European Union Comprehensive Free
Trade Agreement (CETA). Professionals
and business people from the United
States, Mexico, or any EU country may
have a LMIA-exempt work permit option
through a free trade agreement.
Intra-Company Transfer
If you work for a company that has a
parent company, branch, subsidiary, or
affiliate in Canada, you may be able to
secure a work permit through the Intra-
Company Transfer program.
Significant benefit
Canada sets out parameters whereby
a foreign worker may be issued a work
permit based on the “significant social,
cultural or economic benefit” he or she
may bring. This work permit can be
obtained without a LMIA. Though visa
officers have a degree of discretion in
whether a work permit may be issued
under the Significant Benefit category,
it should be noted that the eligibility
threshold is set to a high standard.

Continued: How can you immigrate to Canada?
LMIA
Depending on the demand for your
occupation at a local level, an employer
may obtain a LMIA on your behalf. This
would usually provide you with a LMIA-
based work permit for 1 - 3 years.
Study options
More than 400,000 international students
are enrolled in post-secondary education
in Canada, a figure that continues to grow.
Canada attracts students from around the
world, many of whom are attracted not
only by the quality of education and high
living standards, but also by the fact that
many Canadian immigration programs
aim to transition students and graduates
into permanent residents of Canada.
International students in Canada are
allowed to work while studying and may
apply for a post-graduation work permit
upon graduation.
The study pathway to settlement in
Canada can be summed up in three
words: Learn. Earn. Stay.
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVE & WORK
Permanent Residency Programs
Express Entry
The Express Entry selection system is the
main driver of economic immigration to
Canada. Applications submitted under
the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal
Skilled Trades Class, and Canadian
Experience Class are managed through
Express Entry, which provides for
processing times of six months or less.
Some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
streams are aligned with Express Entry.
Federal Skilled Worker Class
The Federal Skilled Worker Class is
a points-based program. Points are
awarded for age, education, experience,
language skills, employment prospects,
and adaptability. You must accumulate
at least 67 points out of 100 in order to be
eligible.
Federal Skilled Trades Class
The Federal Skilled Trades Class is for
trades persons with relevant experience
in one of the listed occupations.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is a
popular program that allows individuals
who have worked in Canada for at least
one year to immigrate permanently.

Continued: How can you immigrate to Canada?
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
A Canadian province can nominate you
to become a permanent resident based
on your credentials and/or connections
to the province under its Provincial
Nominee Program (PNP). Some PNP
streams are aligned with Express Entry,
while other PNP streams operate outside
the Express Entry system.
Want to know which
PNP streams are open?
Visit our PNP Live
Tracker to find out!
Immigration to Quebec
If you want to make Montreal or any other
location in the province of Quebec your
permanent home, you should be aware
that Quebec has a distinct immigration
system. This includes a points-based
skilled worker program, as well as a
program to help workers, graduates,
and students in Quebec transition to
permanent residence.
Business immigration
If you are an investor, entrepreneur,
or self-employed, you may be able to
immigrate under one of the business
immigration programs managed either
by the federal government or one of
the provinces.
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVE & WORK
Family Class
Otherwise known as family sponsorship,
the Family Class category offers Canadian
citizens and permanent residents the
opportunity to sponsor their foreign
spouse or common-law partner,
parents, grandparents, or dependent
children. Family Class immigrants are
not considered economic immigrants,
and therefore they do not have to sit a
language test.
Step 3: Consult an expert
Some of the options listed above, such
as the IEC program, may prove simpler
to navigate than others. Consequently,
many applicants choose to complete the
process without retaining the services
of a regulated immigration consultant.
However, the nuances and complex
processes of some programs, notably
the permanent residence programs, may
require expert guidance, 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 you choose to retain the
services of a consultant, the cost of the
initial consultation will be deducted from
the balance of fees. Learn more about our
immigration consultants.
Employment
Build your career in Canada

How do you find
employment in Canada?
Let’s start by telling you how not to go
about finding employment in Canada!
Whether you are in Canada or not, the
temptation may be to go to an online
jobs board and send away as many
applications as you can. By adopting the
tactic of ‘the more generic applications I
send, the better my chances of success’,
you are competing with the rest of the
herd and haven’t taken any action to
differentiate yourself. The task is more
complicated if you are not located in
Canada, as you are competing with
candidates all over the world who share
the same dream as you.
Here are some reasons why this strategy
is likely to fail:
• Ever heard of Applicant Tracking System
(ATS) software? An increasing number of
companies are using ATS software to scan
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT
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, you typically have less
than 30 seconds to impress a reader.
• As an immigrant or foreign worker, you
are competing with local candidates who
have much coveted local experience and
do not require immigration support in
Canada in the future.
To achieve success in your job
hunt, you need a process.
Below we have shared a simple 6-step
process that will greatly improve your
chances of success. These simple steps
have allowed thousands of newcomers to
further their careers in Canada.
Step 1: Canadianize your resume
Step 2: Research the jobs market/
informational interviews
Step 3: Build your online presence
Step 4: Build your contacts/networking
Step 5: Send targeted applications to
open positions
Step 6: Improve the process

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?
Step 1: Canadianize your resume
Your resume is an important document
for achieving success in Canada – perhaps
the most important document of all. The
simple step of adjusting your resume to
Canadian standards is where many people
succeed or fail.
Canadian employers are accustomed to
certain practices and formats, and it is
crucial to take this into account. If you
cannot present your skills and experience
in a way they expect, they are far less
likely to feel you have the ability to adapt
to life in Canada. Your Canadian-style
resume is your ticket to success, as this
document represents you in your job
hunt. Get comfortable with adjusting
your resume continuously. You will find
a presentation and resume template
included in your download files.
See our extensive Write a Canadian
Resume section for more on this topic.
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT
First impressions matter.
Job hunting in a new country
can be tough and you should
not underestimate the
challenge ahead. The experts at
Moving2Canada can help you
adjust the presentation of your
skills and experience to suit the
Canadian labour market.
• The average HR person will
spend only a few seconds
reviewing your resume before
deciding whether it’s worth
their while to continue. Ensure
you make the right first
impression with a clear, concise
resume that presents your skills
and experience in the manner
Canadian employers expect.
• Networking and building a
strong online presence using
LinkedIn are keys to success.
• Sending targeted applications
for identified positions will help
your application stand out from
the pile, 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
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?

Step 2: Research the jobs market

What do you know about your industry
in Canada? Does your occupation require
accreditation or licensing in order for
you to be able to work in Canada? What Our recruitment agency,
is the value of your existing experience Outpost Recruitment,
within the Canadian jobs market? matches Canada’s leading
construction and engineering
Which provinces and cities offer the best
firms with the best local and
employment prospects in your field?
international talent.

If you are planning a long-term stay in Explore the Outpost website

Canada, to what extent is your occupation if you’re interested in building
a career in these fields.
under threat of automation?
If you have not yet asked yourself these
questions, let alone answered some of
them, now is the time to begin your
Step 3: Build and maintain your
research.
online presence
Your online presence should be clear,
Moving2Canada offers a broad range of
concise, professional, and updated. First
employment-focused articles, including
and foremost, make sure you include
advice on networking and the value of
LinkedIn as part of your job search strategy.
informational interviews. You will be
amazed at how friendly and open people
Clear
will be to meeting with you if you take the
chance and ask. Your LinkedIn profile should immediately
communicate your title and industry.

We also recommend that you keep an Employers and recruiters love using

eye on our Moving2Canada Jobs Board, LinkedIn to source talent, so it should be

where you can find the latest open simple for people searching for your skill

positions in locations across Canada, as set to find you.

well as other job search tools such as

Indeed.ca, Monster.ca and Concise
Workopolis.com. It’s crucial for you to be able to sell 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.

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?
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, so make sure
your email address is easily found in your
bio section (note: the email address you
created when you were 16 years old may
not be appropriate. John.Doe@ is far more
professional than ‘Johnnypartyanimal88@’.
Updated
If it’s 2018 and the most recent experience
listed in your profile is from 2016, you
have a problem. Not only are you not
showcasing your latest experience, you
are also communicating to employers and
recruiters that you may lack attention to
detail and are unorganized. Make sure
your profile lists all of your experience in
reverse chronological order.
In addition...
In addition, we strongly recommend that
you perform an audit of all your social
media channels, including Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram, as applicable.
Hiring managers and recruiters often look
up candidates (i.e. you) to see what sort
of person they are considering recruiting.
Remove inappropriate media (photos,
videos, tweets, etc.) that you wouldn’t want
a potential employer or recruiter to see.
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT
Step 4: Build your network
Did you know that the majority of 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 jobs market,
and ultimately help you find gainful
employment. LinkedIn is a fantastic online
networking tool. If you are in Canada, you
can attend industry events and networking
events to build your contact list. Take
a proactive approach by having all the
necessary tools at your disposal as and
when needed, including:
Business cards
You don’t need to be employed to have a
card. Having something simple with your

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?
name, title, location, and contact details
allows you to leave a lasting impression and
a means for someone to contact you later.
Elevator pitch
Be prepared to answer questions such as
‘What brings you here?’ and ‘What are you
looking to achieve in Canada?’, as well as
the question we have all been asked at
some stage, ‘What do you do?’
This is your cue to communicate your value
and goals. The phrase comes from the idea
that you should be able to communicate
your message to a stranger over the time
span of a typical elevator ride.
Your own records
It’s important to be organized. A simple
spreadsheet including names, contact
details, titles, locations, and additional
notes will help you decide who to
follow up with and when. If you have
an appointment, make sure you add
it to your calendar and set a reminder
notification in advance.
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT
Step 5: Send targeted applications
If you follow the previous steps 3 and 4,
you’ll greatly increase your chances of
finding the right contact at the company
of interest to you. In turn, may lead to
you being referred by an employee of
the company. Employers typically hiring
through referrals, as it means that an
existing employee vouches for your skills,
experience, and personality.
Once you have identified which position
and which company you are interested
in, you should now be thinking about
delivering a quality cover letter to
complement your resume (see Step 1). The
job requirements for a position set out the
skills and experience you should have in
order to be considered; your cover lever
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 10, or
even 20, generic applications.
You should have received a cover letter
template in your download files when you
joined the Moving2Canada network.
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
EMPLOYMENT

Continued: How do you find employment in Canada?

Use this document to guide you as you

master the art of job hunting. We also
have a comprehensive guide on how to
write a targeted cover letter.

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.
 Planning
Plan ahead and arrive in Canada prepared
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
ARRIVAL PREPARATION

What do you need

to prepare?
Once you have sorted out your plan as
far as immigration and employment is
concerned, it’s time to focus on the details
of wrapping up life abroad and arriving in
Canada prepared.

Flights
You’ll want to get a flight itinerary that
provides value and convenience. See
our Flights to Canada: What you need
to know guide to search websites,
international airlines, and other things
you’ll need to know in advance of

Insurance your trip.

Depending on your circumstances, there

may be a post-arrival waiting period before Wrapping up life at home
you and your family, if applicable, become If you’re looking for a list of things to
eligible for publicly-funded healthcare. In tick off and items to pack, our Essential
this case, we strongly recommend that you Checklist is a great place to start.
consider purchasing an insurance policy to
cover this period.
Shipping
Some newcomers to Canada, notably If you are looking to transport more than
those who arrive under the International checked baggage to Canada, you will
Experience Canada (IEC), are required need to consider international shipping
to purchase insurance before arriving in options.
Canada. 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 Travel Insurance

for Canada.
 Living
Settle in and enjoy your
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, terrain,
climates, and more. Where you decide to
live is likely to depend on your personal
circumstances and preferences.

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 in certain other slower rates, at about 1% and lower.

industries across Canada. Our exclusive Economic conditions in Canada will

labour market report, updated monthly, continue to lead to buoyant consumer

provides the latest information on spending.

employment across the provinces, as well Toronto and Vancouver both have

as in certain industries. Read the latest strong property markets and plenty

labour market report. of infrastructure activity. Other large

We also offer a series of industry-specific infrastructure projects in more remote

career pages to help kick-start your career locations, such as in Northern BC,

in Canada. Manitoba, and Newfoundland, will move

Economic conditions
Canada had strong economic growth of
3.1% in 2017, having weathered the oil price
shock of the previous two years. While
growth is expected to slow to closer to 2%
through 2018, this is still solid growth. From
a provincial perspective, Ontario, Alberta,
British Columbia, and Saskatchewan will be
the main engines of growth, with growth
above 2%, while Atlantic Canada will show
closer to completion. Construction and
engineering professionals in particular
are strongly suited to the Canadian labour
market.
Lifestyle
Canada’s three largest cities - Toronto,
Montreal, and Vancouver - are often
favoured by newcomers who want
to experience diverse, multicultural
surroundings. Each city offers something

Continued: Where in Canada should you live?
special and unique. Vancouver has the
outdoor lifestyle, Toronto has the big city
feel, and Montreal offers a more European,
francophone experience. However, in the
years 2011 to 2016, the largest population
increases in Canada were in Alberta, home
to the cities of Calgary and Edmonton, and
these increases were primarily driven by
migration. Diverse societies are not unique
to Canada’s largest cities.
Canadians across the country are
welcoming, friendly, and accepting,
regardless of location. Moving2Canada
currently offers comprehensive city guides
for some of the most popular cities:
Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary,
Edmonton and Ottawa.
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
without secure employment or significant
savings should be aware of this factor.
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVING
Family
Cities that offer the right mix of lower
costs of living, strong employment
prospects, and a range of higher
education options can offer a fantastic
gateway into Canadian life for families.
Cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa,
and Montreal tend to be popular with
immigrant families. Families moving
to the Greater Toronto Area or Greater
Vancouver Area may consider outlying
towns and suburbs, where property
is typically more affordable to rent or
buy, and there is usually more space for
children and adults alike to enjoy the
outdoors.
Relocating with a family can be
particularly challenging. The extensive
Moving2Canada Planning and Living
sections present a range of useful pages
to help you overcome these challenges
before and after your move.
Climate
Canada wouldn’t be the same without its
wide range of climates!
After all, this is a country spread across
six time zones, where different regions
experience different climatic conditions.
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

Continued: Where in Canada should you live?
quickly, so we suggest that you do not let
climate and weather strongly affect your
decision.
Rural or urban living
While most newcomers are bound for
Canada’s incredible cities, Canada is
a vast country with outstanding rural
communities from coast to coast. Living
in a large city is not for everyone. Canada’s
rural communities love to see newcomers
and offer fantastic opportunities.
Another option for newcomers is to settle
in a smaller city, such as Saskatoon, Prince
George, or Red Deer. Cities such as these
tend to offer less of a cultural shock to
those who are not used to living in
large cities.
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
LIVING
Tips and facts for arriving prepared
• Make sure that all your electronic
devices have dual voltage. You may
need to bring an adapter from your
home country, and getting a plug
board on arrival is a smart choice.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked
before you arrive.
• The temperature in Canada is
measured in Celsius.
• 18 percent of Canadians are English-
French bilingual.
• Canada Day is July 1st.
• Canada stretches across six time
zones. Knowing which time zone
you’re in is handy for calling family and
friends back home.
• Domestic flights are likely to be more
expensive than what you are used to,
so if you plan of visiting friends across
Canada, start saving!’
• Two dollar coins are called Toonies and
one dollar coins are Loonies.
Want to learn more? See our article on
10 ways to get ahead in Canada
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
ARRIVAL

What should you do

once you arrive in Canada?
Settling into your new surroundings in a
new place can be daunting, with practical
and emotional hurdles to overcome. You
can simplify the process by knowing in
advance what you need to do on arrival
and where to turn to for help.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Getting a SIN is among the first things you
need to do once you land, as you cannot
work in Canada without it. To get your
SIN, you 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
Finding comfortable accommodation is
one of the first things any newcomer to
Canada will want to tick off their to-do list.
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 to
find temporary accommodation first,
giving you a place to stay as you search for
apartments or houses for rent in Canada.
From your first night, to your first lease and
beyond, our Finding Accommodation in
Canada page has advice for you.
Banking
One of your first tasks in Canada will be
setting up a bank account. 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 Canada
page, which also outlines ways you can
open your account before you arrive in
Canada. If you pursue this option, it will
take some of the stress out of your move.

Continued: What should you do once you arrive in Canada?
International money transfers
You’ll (hopefully!) have some money to
transfer into your new bank account from
another account abroad. We recommend
that you use a regulated international
money transfer company to complete this
process, as they can offer favourable rates.
With CurrencyFair, Moving2Canada
readers get their first transfer for free,
so you can sample their service without
any transaction costs. Learn more about
safe and easy ways to arrange your
international money transfer.
Cell phone
Contracts for cell (mobile) phones in
Canada may be quite different from
contracts abroad. If you plan on using
your phone a lot, as most people do, it
is recommended that you sign up to a
plan with data and unlimited texting and
calling, at least for local calls.
Our How to pick a cell phone plan in
Canada page has all the information and
expert advice you will need.
Service providers
If your new accommodation doesn’t
already have internet service, you 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.
Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
ARRIVAL
Healthcare
Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded
and administered by the provincial
governments, rather than by the federal
government. Consequently, 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.
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
CITY GUIDES

City Guides
Our in-depth city guides will help you
before and after your move to Canada.

• Find out which city and which • Discover things to do and places
neighbourhood is the right one to go
for you
• Much, much more!
• Get a sense of what it’s like to live
in each city

Vancouver Montreal

Calgary Edmonton

Ottawa Toronto
 Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide
ABOUT US

Meet the Moving2Canada team!

Learn who we are and why we created Moving2Canada.

Hugo O’Doherty Ruairi Spillane Marcel Niedecken

Editor Managing Director Marketing Manager

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Tony Gilmore Jean Hannon

Partnerships Strategist Account Manager

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