In this article, we’ll talk about the best guide for Americans Relocating to Canada. There are a few key things you’ll need to do to make your move to Canada as easy as possible.
Keeping Records and Documents
First, make sure you have all the right paperwork. Among these are:
Passport:
To get into Canada, you’ll need a legal passport. At least 3 months before you move, apply for a new passport or renew one that is about to expire.
Visa:
If you want to stay in Canada for a long time and aren’t a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you’ll need a visa. The most popular ones are work permits and temporary resident visas. Start the process of applying early because it can take a while.
Medical exam:
A medical exam is needed for most immigration forms. Set yours up at least three months before you move.
Logistics: Set up the logistics of your move next
Americans Relocating to Canada means you need a moving company to help you move your things. Get quotes from different companies and make your reservation at least one to two months in advance.
Set up things at your present home, like telling your landlord, getting the utilities turned off, and setting up mail forwarding.
Plan how you’ll get to Canada, whether it’s by car, plane, or some other way. Book plane tickets or make plans to ship your car around the same time you hire movers.
Find out about the area you’re going to and how much it costs to live there. Talk to other people who have done the same thing. Their advice can help you make sure that you have enough money for this new stage.
Americans Relocating to Canada will require a place to live, health care, and a job
After you’ve moved, it’s time to get used to your new place. The most important things are to find a place to live, health care, and a job.
House Hunting
Most people who move to a new place rent. Check out rental sites like Kijiji, Craigslist, and Padmapper, and be ready to give recommendations from previous landlords. Rent is usually paid in advance every month or every six months. It can take anywhere from three to six months to buy a home, and you’ll need a big down payment and good credit.
Healthcare
All Canadians have access to health care, but you have to apply for coverage at the provincial level. Most applications take 3 months to finish. In the meantime, you can buy protection on your own. There may be extra costs for prescription drugs, dental care, and eye care.
Getting a job
It’s hard to get a job these days. Use your network, sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster, and be ready to start at a lower salary. It could take between 6 and 18 months to find a job in your field. Think about freelancing, coaching, or getting a job just to get by. Do your study because a Canadian resume, cover letter, and interview are all different.
Getting Used to Life in Canada: Differences in Culture and Everyday Life
It can be hard to get used to life in a new country, but Americans will find it easier to do so in Canada because its culture is similar to that of the US. Even so, there are still some important changes in daily life that you should be aware of.
Americans Relocating to Canada need to Learn How To Use the metric system
Canada uses the metric system to measure things, while the US uses the English system. The units for temperature are Celsius, not Fahrenheit. Kilometers are used to measure distances, not miles. Instead of gallons, liters are used to measure liquids. You’ll need to learn the ratios to use recipes, drive, and do other things.
Healthcare Difference
Canada has a system that covers everyone, so you won’t need private insurance or pay high medical bills. Most basic health care services are covered, but you may have to pay extra for dental, eye, and prescription drugs. The care is good, but sometimes you have to wait longer to see an expert.
The Currency
The Canadian dollar, not the US dollar, is Canada’s money. One US dollar is worth about $1.25 in Canada right now. Prices for goods and services may seem to be higher in Canada at first, but when the exchange rate is taken into account, most things are priced about the same. Make sure to switch enough money to get you started, as most Canadian banks won’t take US cash.
Driving and Navigation
In Canada, road signs, traffic rules, and even some words are different. The speed limits are given in km/h, not mph. The lights on traffic lights aren’t up or down. In the US, many familiar road signs are different or missing. In Canada, on the other hand, new signs are being used. Find out as much as you can about driving in Canada so you don’t get lost or get a ticket.
Even though there aren’t that many differences between the US and Canada, Americans Relocating to Canada will still take some time, but learning about the metric system, healthcare, cash, driving, and other aspects of daily life in Canada will help you settle in as quickly and easily as possible.
