{"id":13169,"date":"2022-10-28T10:43:04","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T08:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/?post_type=destinationcpt&p=13169"},"modified":"2026-03-03T09:46:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T08:46:51","slug":"living-as-an-expat-in-canada-our-tips-for-a-successful-move","status":"publish","type":"destinationcpt","link":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/living-as-an-expat-in-canada-our-tips-for-a-successful-move\/","title":{"rendered":"Living as an Expat in Canada: Our Tips for a Successful Move"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A country of lakes, rivers, mountains, forests and touching three oceans; Canada has long been a popular destination among expatriates from around the world. Why the land of the Maple Leaf is so attractive to many is because it has plenty to offer: verdant nature, a multicultural society with a high quality of life, hospitality, economic vitality, low unemployment  and an efficient health system… In short, Canada offers a welcome home away from home for families as well as for couples and lonely souls!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, are you ready for your adventure in the Great North? Global Health offers some tips for a successful sojourn  for expats in Canada!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Moving to Canada – some formalities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Visas, permits and residence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most travelers will need to obtain a visa or an electronic travel authorization (ETA) <\/strong>to visit Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you intend to stay there for more than six months, you will need to obtain a residence permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The formalities for applying for a residence permit mainly depend on the reason for your  stay (tourism, work, study, residence) and the duration of your stay (temporary residence, permanent residence). There are several programs and procedures for immigration applicants and several types of permits\/visas issued by authorities at both the federal and  provincial levels. You can apply before your departure or once you arrive in the country but to ensure a worry-free transition, best to apply before you enter the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canada\u2019s immigration policy is both quite strict as several conditions have to be met for those who wish to legally settle in Canada. ) On the other hand, Canada is a  favourable  venue for foreign labour  due to its aging population, low birth rate and sector-specific labour shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on immigration\/work\/residence formalities<\/strong>, please refer to the Government of Canada website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding accommodation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is easier to look for accommodation once you arrive in Canada<\/strong>. Once there, you will be able to acquaint yourself with the different areas and districts of your designated city. You will have a first-hand opportunity to visit in person the apartments and houses you\u2019re interested in to check the state of the accommodation, its location and the cost of utilities which may or may not be included in the rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a wide variety of accommodation for rent or sale in Canada, including villas, small houses, flats, cottages, duplexes, basements, townhouses, condos and lofts. But as in other countries, the major cities like Toronto, and Vancouver may pose some availability issues as well as higher sales and rental rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are by far the most expensive places to live in in the country. Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa or Sherbrooke are much more affordable. Rental leases are usually contracted for one year but monthly leases are also an option. The best time to find a place to rent is right before July 1st! The conditions and procedures for rentals  vary from province to province. For example, in Quebec, the landlord is not legally required to demand a security deposit.. In general, you must ensure that you have a local telephone number and a Canadian bank account. At the same time, the landlord may ask for references and an employment contract, first and last months\u2019 rent, , as well as bank guarantees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some useful websites to help you find accommodation:<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.kijiji.ca\/<\/a>
https:\/\/geo.craigslist.org\/iso\/ca<\/a>
https:\/\/www.rentboard.ca\/cities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working in Canada<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most expatriates who choose Canada as a destination mainly do so for professional reasons, either because they want to boost their career profiles or because they want to try a new professional adventure on another continent.  Canada offers no shortage of opportunities! The Canadian government has launched the \u2018Global Talent Stream\u2019 <\/a>to hire immigrants equipped with specific skills to fill labour shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The working culture in Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n