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When I immigrated to Canada I was unprepared and unaware of helpful tips. Even with all of my research and planning, I still found some surprises along the way. Here are five tips that I think all newcomers should know before moving to Canada.

1. Free Pre-arrival Settlement Services Help You Prepare for Life in Canada

Many newcomers to Canada are unaware of free pre-arrival services and available programs. If I had known about them before my move to Canada, I would have jumped at the chance to participate.  Yes!  They are free and funded by the Canadian government so you know they are legitimate. In addition, these government-funded training programs are well respected by major employers in Canada.


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Settlement services can help you with many decisions before moving to Canada.

2. There are Resources to Help You Get Organized Before You Move to Canada


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One of the biggest mistakes would-be immigrants make is immigrating to Canada unprepared. They leave behind critical documents that can help them settle in Canada faster. They may forget to purchase travel and medical insurance to cover them while they travel. Or they choose to leave so much behind and then face large when they arrive.

The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. These pre-arrival checklists will guide and organize you as you pack up.

7 essential checklists to prepare for Canada

3. You Can Open a Bank Account Before You Immigrate to Canada

This step would have made bringing my savings to Canada much easier.  By opening a bank account before you move to Canada, you can transfer your money directly into your bank account. This is also safer when you don’t need to carry a large amount of cash with you when you travel.

Opening a bank account is useful when you show proof of funds to an immigration officer when you land in Canada.

Join our free webinar to learn how to arrive in Canada financially prepared!


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Finding your ideal job in Canada can take time, so you should prepare to start small and work your way up to your dream job.  The trick is to stay positive and keep working towards your goal.  Research how to adapt your job search strategies for the Canadian job market to give yourself the best chance of finding a great job in Canada. 

5. You Need to Arrange Short-Term Accommodation Before You Immigrate to Canada

It’s best if you arrange short-term housing a few weeks before you immigrate to Canada. After you arrive, you can begin your search for a longer-term, or permanent rental. You can search for something that will best suit your needs in terms of location, cost, and even the type of housing that you need.

Our Rentals for Newcomers site is a practical and easy-to-navigate site to help you find housing and make an easier transition to life in Canada! And you can even determine the average cost of rentals in each city. This is helpful since rental prices change often. You’ll also find great articles about housing in Canada.

For more helpful information about living and working in Canada, be sure to check out our free webinars!