Relocating to a new country can be very exciting and yet be stressful at the same time. This is because there is always a lot to do in preparation and also when you arrive in your new country. Whether you are coming in as a student or as a permanent resident, the experience may be similar. To make your transition as smooth as possible, we will share some tips on settling in Canada as a newcomer. This covers some things you have to do the moment you have your visa and start preparing to leave your home country.
Take Advantage Of The Job Search Resources
If you are migrating to Canada as a permanent resident, you are definitely looking to get a job as soon as you arrive. So, you can start your job search before you arrive. There are a lot of job search resources available to newcomers in Canada. The first thing you will need to do is to prepare your resume. Once you have your resume, you can start your job search. To start your job search, you can register with the Government of Canada Job Bank.
If you don’t have your resume ready, you can use the Job Bank to build your resume. You can search for a position and browse career planning tools. Also, looking for opportunities to network with people in your field of interest can be a good way to meet people in your industry and find a new job. Having a LinkedIn profile is a great way to connect with other people in your field.
Sort Out Your Accommodation
Before arriving in Canada, it is possible for you to secure your accommodation especially if you have a friend or family member in Canada. If you don’t have anyone in Canada, you may need to secure a temporary accommodation. This should be easy if you are a student as you may be able to secure an accommodation with your school before you arrive in Canada. So, decide on the type of accommodation and start you search early. You can secure a place to stay in a hotel, hostel or short-term vacation rental using sites like Airbnb.
Get a phone
Once you arrive in Canada, one of the first things you need to do in your first week is to get a phone. This ensures that you can easily communicate with a prospective employer, landlord or new friends. So, it is important to set up your mobile plan immediately you arrive in Canada.
Open a bank account
Depending on your home country, you may be able to set up an international bank account before coming to Canada. However, you will still need to open a chequing account for everyday banking once you arrive. The process of opening a bank account in Canada is easy and convenient and Canadian banks are reliable and secure. If you are not sure of the right banking account for you, you can check out our article on everything you need to know about the Canada banking system.
Apply for health insurance
Canada’s public healthcare system is funded through taxes. As a permanent resident, you can register for health care service. While most provinces and territories grant access to health coverage upon arrival, British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec have a 90-day waiting period. If you immigrate to a province with a waiting period, you can apply for private coverage to fill the gap. Please note that you can also use private health insurance to cover healthcare costs outside of what the public system covers.
Enrol your children in school
If you come to Canada with school-age children, you will need to enrol them in school. You can do this by contacting your local school board to enrol them in elementary or high school. To enrol your children in school, you will need your child’s birth certificate, proof of residency and immunization record (to ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date.
Get involved in the community
If you don’t have any friend or family member in Canada, one way to meet new people is to get involved with your community. Most neighbourhoods have a nearby community center, libraries and recreation centres. So, explore these centres as soon as you arrive in Canada. Also, you can sign up for Canada Connect. This is a program that matches newcomers with long-time community members. You can meet online or in person to gain a better understanding of the community and connect with other people.
In Summary
Moving to any new country, can feel a bit overwhelming. So, to make your transition smooth, consider these tips on settling in Canada as a newcomer and make the best of your new home.
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