Moving to Canada: An Expat’s Guide

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Canada, with its vast natural landscapes, high quality of life, and multiculturalism, attracts many expatriates each year. Whether you’re drawn by professional opportunities, cultural diversity, or simply the adventure, moving to Canada requires careful preparation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you succeed in your relocation to the land of the maple leaf.

Prepare for Your Big Leap: Key Steps Before Departure

Before packing your bags, several essential steps must be taken to ensure a smooth transition to your new Canadian life:

Conduct thorough research on your future host city. Each Canadian province and territory has its own unique characteristics in terms of climate, culture, cost of living, and professional opportunities. Learn about the specifics of the region where you plan to settle to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Begin the process to obtain your visa or work permit. The process can take several months, so it’s crucial to start early. Depending on your situation, different options are available: temporary work visa, permanent residence through the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Program, etc.

Prepare a detailed budget. Account for not only your regular expenses but also costs related to your relocation (temporary housing, furniture purchases, etc.). Don’t forget to include a safety margin for unexpected expenses.

Organize your move. Sort through your belongings, get quotes from international movers, and inquire about customs formalities for importing your personal effects.

Handle administrative matters in your home country. Inform authorities of your departure, cancel your contracts (insurance, subscriptions), and arrange for the transfer of your medical records.

Improve your language skills. Depending on the chosen province, proficiency in English and/or French will be essential for your professional and social integration.

Welcome to Canada: First Steps Upon Arrival

Once on Canadian soil, several administrative procedures await to formalize your settlement:

Obtain your Social Insurance Number (SIN). This number is essential for working legally in Canada. Visit a Service Canada Center with your passport and work permit to apply.

Open a Canadian bank account. This will greatly facilitate your daily transactions and bill payments. Compare offers from different banks to find the one that best suits your needs.

Register for the provincial health system. Each province has its own health insurance system. Inquire about the specific procedures in your province of residence and any potential waiting period before you can benefit from coverage.

Get a Canadian driver’s license. If you plan to drive, you’ll need to exchange your current license for a Canadian one within the timeframe specified by your province.

Enroll your children in school. The education system varies by province. Contact your local school board to learn about enrollment procedures and available options.

Find Your Home: Keys to Securing the Ideal Housing

Finding housing is often one of the major concerns for expatriates. Here are some tips to assist you in this quest:

Start with temporary housing. It’s recommended to book temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb, hostel) for your first few weeks in Canada. This will allow you to visit properties in person and familiarize yourself with different neighborhoods before committing.

Familiarize yourself with the local real estate market. Prices and practices can vary significantly from one city to another. Check specialized websites like Realtor.ca, Kijiji, or PadMapper to get an idea of prices and available options in your search area.

Prepare the necessary documents. Landlords typically request references, proof of income, and sometimes a guarantor. Prepare these documents in advance to increase your chances during viewings.

Pay attention to Canadian specifics. In Canada, “condo” refers to a condominium apartment, and areas are often expressed in square feet. Leases are typically for one year, automatically renewable.

Consider roommates. This is a popular option, especially in large cities where rents can be high. Websites like Kijiji or dedicated Facebook groups can help you find roommates.

Integrate into Your New Community: Keys to Success

Integrating into your new community is essential to feeling at home in Canada. Here are some avenues to facilitate your integration:

Participate in local events. Festivals, markets, sports activities… These occasions are ideal for meeting people and immersing yourself in the local culture.

Join expatriate groups. Associations like UFE (Union of French Abroad) or Facebook groups dedicated to expatriates of your nationality can help you build an initial network and obtain valuable advice.

Get involved in volunteering. It’s an excellent way to meet locals, practice the language, and feel useful in your new community.

Take language classes. Even if you already speak English or French, classes can help you improve your accent and understand local expressions.

Explore your new home. Visit local attractions, taste Canadian cuisine, attend sporting events… Fully immerse yourself in Canadian culture!

Navigate the Bureaucracy: Visas, Permits, and Administrative Procedures

Understanding and complying with legal requirements is crucial for a successful expatriation. Here’s an overview of the main procedures related to your status as a foreigner in Canada:

Choose the right type of visa. Canada offers various options, from temporary work permits to permanent residence. The Express Entry system is the main pathway for economic immigration, but other programs exist depending on your situation (studies, family reunification, etc.).

Comply with your visa conditions. Make sure you fully understand and adhere to the conditions associated with your status (authorized length of stay, work rights, etc.).

Plan your permit renewal. If you’re on a temporary permit, anticipate its renewal. The application generally must be made at least 30 days before expiration.

Inform yourself about permanent residence. If you’re considering settling in Canada long-term, learn about the eligibility criteria for permanent residence and start gathering the necessary documents.

Declare your income. Even as a temporary resident, you must declare your income in Canada. Familiarize yourself with the Canadian tax system and any tax treaties with your home country.

Stay informed about legal changes. Immigration rules can evolve. Regularly check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to stay updated on any changes.

Embrace the Canadian Spirit: Understanding Local Laws and Culture

For successful integration, it’s important to understand and respect Canadian laws and cultural norms:

Respect diversity. Canada is proud of its multiculturalism. Discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender is illegal and socially unacceptable.

Familiarize yourself with local laws. Each province has its own laws, particularly regarding driving, alcohol, and tobacco consumption. Learn about the specifics of your province of residence.

Understand the political system. Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a federation. Familiarize yourself with the functioning of different levels of government (federal, provincial, municipal).

Adopt Canadian politeness norms. Canadians are known for their politeness. Don’t hesitate to say “sorry” even for minor inconveniences; it’s a highly appreciated mark of courtesy.

Respect the environment. Canadians are generally very sensitive to environmental issues. Recycling and respect for nature are important values.

Relocating to Canada is an exciting adventure that requires preparation and an open mind. By following this guide and remaining curious and flexible, you’ll maximize your chances of successfully settling in and fully enjoying everything Canada has to offer. Remember that adaptation takes time, be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. Welcome to Canada!