Are you planning to move to Canada in 2024, but don't know where to start? Don't panic! In this article, we've put together the steps you need to prioritize to make your plan to live in Canada in 2024 a reality !
It is important to determine exactly where in Canada you want to start your expatriation adventure. Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in America and attracts expatriates from all over the world every year. Why is it so? For many reasons, but one of the most interesting is that Montreal offers career opportunities in various sectors, including the information technology sector. If you are interested, you can read our article presenting ten good reasons to move to Montreal.
Living in Canada in 2024 | How to obtain a work permit?
If you are considering living in Canada, it is interesting to know about the International Experience Program (IEC). It allows you to settle and work in Canada with a temporary work permit! Would you like to apply for this program? Do not hesitate to use our registration tutorial for the Working Holiday Permit (WHP) of the IEC program...
You have already obtained your WHP to come and live in Canada and now you want to organize the next steps of your project? Here are the key steps to prepare your arrival.
Living in Canada in 2024 | What to do before you leave?
Conducting a health check-up
To avoid unpleasant surprises upon your arrival, it is always a good idea to go see your doctor for a check-up. You will also be able to get your prescriptions and your health booklet!
Preparing your expatriation budget
Expatriation comes with its own set of expenses! You will need to take out private travel insurance in addition to buying your plane ticket. Once you arrive, you will also have to plan for certain expenses as a newcomer: costs related to your temporary housing, buying your first groceries, security deposit for your permanent housing, etc. You will have to be realistic in your estimates and save accordingly.
Find out more
A new country means a new banking system and a new health care system. To be as prepared as possible, why not read some articles on the specifics of these systems ? You have a closed permit and you plan to settle in Montreal? You will be eligible for the Régie d'assurance maladie du Québec. There are several free online resources that can explain to you what is and is not covered by this plan ! As for your finances, if you want to avoid conversion fees, it is a good idea to open a bank account at a local institution. You will need to find out about the institution and choose the one that best suits your situation. Some banks even allow expatriates to open their account remotely!
Getting a travel credit card
Using a foreign bank card in Canada will incur fees! While you are waiting for the finalization of your Canadian bank account, using a travel card becomes an interesting alternative. Companies such as Revolut or N26 allow you to pay in different countries without any fees, using the currency of the country at the time of payment. You could use this type of card during your first few days in Canada while waiting for your Canadian account to be opened and your funds to be transferred.
Start your job search
If you are coming to Canada on an open work permit, such as a WHP, and you have not yet found your job, you can start your search before you even arrive in the country. Having found your future job before you leave will give you extra peace of mind! Many platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn or Job Boom are used in Canada to post job offers.
You work in the IT field as a developer? Don't hesitate to sign up Maplr's coaching program! We can help you find an opportunity with one of our Canadian partners as well as offer you assistance in all stages of your expatriation process!
Buy your plane ticket
Once you have finally obtained your work permit, you can now start shopping for your plane ticket. We recommend that youwait until you receive your letter of introduction before purchasing your ticket to limit complications. It may take longer than expected to receive your ticket. Here are the main airlines used by our Maplrs: Air Canada, Air France & Air Transat. The last one is often the least expensive of the three. You can also use price comparison sites such as Ulysse to help you find the best option!
Obtaining travel insurance
In the framework of the EIC programprogram, it is mandatory to have travel insurance. It must protect you for the entire duration of your work permit. If you do not have this insurance, immigration reserves the right to refuse your entry into the country or to shorten the duration of your work permit. This insurance must cover: health care, hospitalization and repatriation costs in case of serious illness, injury or death.
Once you have the official date of arrival in Canada, you can purchase this insurance for the duration of your permit. We suggest that you take advantage of our partner Chapka 's "Cap Working Holiday" insurance. Many of our Maplr's have this insurance and recommend it to others. recommend it.
Reserve temporary housing
Once your arrival date in Canada is set, it is also time to book temporary housing. Renting a temporary home will allow you to explore different neighborhoods and determine which one would be best for you. We always recommend that our Maplr's never book a permanent home without visiting it in person to avoid any unpleasant surprises! A 2-3 week stay in temporary housing will allow you to coordinate visits and sign a lease or find a roommate. If you decide to move to Montreal, an apartment located near a bus or metro stop is always an advantage to facilitate your transportation.
Gather the necessary documents
Here are all the documents you need to have in your possession when you arrive on the territory!
Please note that these documents will have to be printed and not scanned on your phone... You will have to prepare yourself accordingly.
Important documents
- Your letter of introduction;
- Your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Canada ;
- Your proof of travel insurance valid for the duration of your stay in Canada;
- Proof of a down payment of at least $2,500 CDN;
- Your job offer letter (if applicable) ;
- Your proof of common-law status (if applicable);
- Your medication prescriptions (if applicable) ;
We also recommend that you pack the following items
- A travel credit card for your first expenses in Canada;
- An adapter for American electrical outlets;
- Your driver's license;
- Your up-to-date health and vaccination records.
Living in Canada in 2024 | What to do once you arrive?
That's it! You are finally there!
To settle in comfortably and to succeed in your experience in Canada, there are a few steps to prioritize. Here are the ones we recommend:
Finding permanent housing
There are several platforms such as Centris, Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji that have listings for available homes. You can also deal with a real estate agent to help you in your search! Looking to join a roommate? There are many groups on Facebook!
We strongly recommend that you find your permanent housing once you are here and not before. Why? To avoid scams! By visiting your apartment in person, you can make sure that it is well insulated and soundproof. You will also be able to visit the neighborhood at the same time.
Finalize the opening of your bank account
It is recommended that you open a Canadian bank account to facilitate future financial transactions and avoid fees. You will need to make an appointment at a branch to finalize the opening of your account. It will then be possible to transfer funds into your Canadian account and toobtain your debit card.
Get your SIN back
The Social Insurance Number or SIN is essential to work legally in Canada. You can't be in the country without it! You must therefore apply for it as soon as possible!
To apply for a SIN, you must go to the Service Canada office nearest you. The application will be done on site and you will need to have the following documents with you:
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- Passport (ID);
- Proof of address in Canada (permanent or temporary);
- Your work permit.
Normally, you will get your SIN directly after the appointment.
Register with the Régie d'assurance maladie du Québec
Holders of a closed license for more than six months are eligible for RAMQ. If this is your case, you will have to register! This plan covers most medical expenses such as medical visits to the public, hospitalizations and medication. After consulting the eligibility criteria, you can register online!
Important: Once you have registered, there is a three-month waiting period. Your private travel insurance will protect you during this period.
Take a Canadian phone plan
If you use your foreign plan in Canada, you risk paying very high fees. It is therefore interesting to get a local plan once you are well established. On the other hand, some European companies offer plans that also work in Canada! To avoid fees, you could use a Free or SFR international plan.
Equip yourself for colder weather
Most of the time, Canadian winter temperatures are between -10 and -35 degrees Celsius. It is therefore important to be well equipped! If you are expatriating from France or Belgium, your coats may not be adapted to Canadian temperatures. You will find the most suitable equipment in Canada. A good coat, boots, a hat (the famous toque in Quebec) and gloves will be essential!
And there you have it!
Thanks to this guide, you now have all the information you need for a successful expatriation to Canada in 2024! By following these key steps, you'll be well prepared and able to make the most of your experience once you're here. Now it's time to discover this cosmopolitan and dynamic country. Living in Canada in 2024 is more than just a challenge - it's the adventure of a lifetime!
Do you work in IT and plan to live in Canada in 2024? Maplr could accompany you on this adventure, so don't hesitate to sign up for our support program!
