How to Move to Canada

Canada is a country which is located north of the United States of America, and is a very prominent part of North America. Many might not know that Canada is the second largest country in the world area-wise, yet is counted in the list of countries with the lowest population. It shares the same border with the USA on the south side, which is also reported to be the longest. In addition, this beautiful country is one of the safest and best places to live in. Many people from around the world are thinking how to move to Canada for reasons discussed in the following paragraphs.

Reasons for Moving to Canada

Those wondering how to move from America to Canada need to know that there is not much difference between the educational system and culture of both countries. However, as you move inward from the Canadian border, the culture changes gradually. The best thing about relocating to Canada is its economical strength which is considered better than other developed nations in the globe. Beauty and ample natural resources are other reasons for which this country attracts so many immigrants per year. The standard of living is also great, along with a low unemployment rate. These are some of the reasons why one may want to relocate to Canada.

The first thing that you need to do is to research on the various provinces of the country. You can use the Internet to get useful information regarding the culture, transportation, educational system, medical facilities, and similar other aspects. Study standard Canadian immigration laws and specific laws. For example, the province of Quebec has its own set of rules and regulations regarding international immigration.

The next step in the process is to look for a job in the province or city you have decided to reside in. There are some categories of working and immigrating to Canada such as:

• Skilled Workers Class
• Business Class
• Provincial Nomination
• Family Class
• Quebec Class
• International Adoption

Study in detail about each of the above mentioned categories from the Canadian immigration website. Determine which immigration category you fit in and fill in the visa application accordingly. Canada lists certain career opportunities in the skilled workers category, which you can consider to register by. However, if you do not fit in any of the classes mentioned, you can take legal advice from a Canadian attorney.

Obtain and complete the visa forms available at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website and submit the payments. The submission fee is $550 per individual who is more than 22 years old and $150 for those who are under 22 years of age. Additional visa requirements may be obtaining a medical certificate and passing a criminal background check. Another option available can also be applying for a student or a temporary work visa.

Note that the immigration procedure can even take as long as 14 months. After the request is accepted by the Canadian Government, you can then start to sell off your property or distribute your belongings in your country. You would need to arrange for a place to live in such as an apartment or a house. If you are moving in from the US to Canada, you can even ship your belongings. A moving company will help you in relocating your belongings to Canada.

After arriving in the new country, you can set out with your job or education. Carry out the necessary formalities such as obtaining health insurance and driving license. Such documents will serve as proper proofs for legal residence in the country. Those planning to obtain a permanent residency will have to live in the country for a minimum of two years for a five-year period specified. Let us get to know in brief how much would it cost to move to Canada.

How Much does it Cost to Move to Canada?

If you are shifting your belongings from USA to Canada, you will have to pay some thousand dollars to the movers and packers. In addition, you will also need to bear duty taxes on things moved in. Next comes the real estate rental costs which are much similar to that in the USA, ranging from $700 to $1100. You may even have to consider the costs of daily living and various taxes, until you settle down completely. Note that sale taxes in Canada are greater than that in the States. A potential immigrant to Canada should plan his finances way ahead of the actual relocation.

This is only general information on how to move to Canada. Those wondering how to move from US to Canada should think about hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer for that matter. After moving to Canada, make sure you start with the formalities for obtaining legal papers as identification and residence proofs.