10 Must-know Points for Canadian Migrants

So, you’re all geared up for your Canadian dream, but are you aware of the things you should keep in mind before landing in the country of opportunities? Well, if you are not, after reading this blog, you will be. Canada is an expensive yet a beautiful country.

Lots of skilled professionals and students migrate to Canada almost every month. Canada and its provinces invite skilled professional workers to migrate to Canada every year. For new migrants to Canada, there are specific key points that will help them thrive better in the initial days of migration.

1. Cost of Living In Canada

As for getting an accommodation, you can rent a flat, apartment, room or a house in Canada. It is highly advised that you carry enough funds to find an appropriate accommodation for you and your family (if with you).

Before stepping into your destined city, you must research enough about the cost of living in that particular city. Different cities in Canada can be more expensive or less expensive.

Cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be costly for new migrants. The high salary that most Canadian employers offer compensates for the cost of living. Montreal is less expensive than other cities, but not by a significant margin.

2. Taxation in Canada

Taxes are levied at multiple levels in Canada. The provincial and federal government both collect income taxes. While signing up for employment, you must take into account the tax deduction on your salary to find your gross pay and net salary.

You can also get a tax refund at the end of the fiscal year, but this solely depends on your employment term and status.

You should also take into account the items or services you pay for in Canada. Taxes are levied on items and services, and the actual price of an item or service will be more than the actual price.

3. Job Opportunities in Canada

Finding a job of your choice can be a little tedious in the initial days of your search. It is advised that you carry enough funds so you can tide you through these days. Sometimes months pass by while looking for a relevant job.

You may also want to take up a job that is not relevant to your professional background. This will ensure that you are earning something for your survival while searching for that dream job that aligns with your profession.

You should adapt yourself to be a Canadian. This means you need to form your job resume in Canadian standard. You should also build networks in Canada that will help you in hunting jobs easily.

4. Food to explore in Canada

After migrating to Canada, you should be ready to adjust to how Canadians cook and eat. While Canada is highly diversified, there is still a possibility that you may not find the groceries or food that you need. In Canada, you will encounter new cuisines and be exposed to diverse food cultures.

It is encouraged that you try the new Canadian and other cultural delicacies. Groceries and vegetables can be found in supermarkets like Costco. There are family-owned farms that sell locally and organically grown vegetables, which are generally more expensive.

We also encourage you to focus on healthier food options such as Sushi.

5. Social Rights and Freedom in Canada

As a migrant to Canada, you should be aware of the rights the Canadian government provides you. You should be aware of all the rights you possess while staying in Canada.

Rights such as freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression are guaranteed to everyone living in Canada.

It is recommended that you review the details regarding social rights and freedom rights available to people in Canada.

Freedom of rights ensures that people living in Canada can spend their time fearlessly and peacefully.

6. Driving License in Canada for Foreign National People

Many Canadians own a car, while many also own cars for rent. Migrants can use this to their advantage by renting a car and paying a monthly fee to the owner. However, it is not just about renting a car; the car driver should also possess a driving license to travel around Canada without any trouble.

If you own a driving license in the country of your origin, the same license may not be accepted in Canada.

Firstly, provinces, not federal bodies, provide licenses in Canada. Provinces have their own rule and testing procedures for allotting licences.

Secondly, different countries have entered into agreements with Canadian provinces that permit the exchange of licenses into the Canadian standard.

7. Healthcare Benefits in Canada for PR Holders

Canada has a universal healthcare system that does not differentiate between Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Civilians are not required to pay any charges to access healthcare services. Each province and territory has its health-care insurance plan.

PR holders can readily apply for a health-care insurance plan upon reaching Canada. Within a couple of months, the health-care card with all health-care benefits is granted to the PR holder.

Read more about Healthcare Benefits: Healthcare in Canada for Permanent Residence Holders.

8. Unemployment Benefits for PR Holders

The Employment Insurance (EI) benefits are for individuals who have lost their employment through no fault of their own (like a shortage of work, seasonal or mass layoffs).

In cases where these individuals are available and able to work but cannot find a job, they can avail themselves of unemployment benefits insurance.

Read more about Unemployment Benefits: Unemployment Benefits for Canadian Permanent Residence Holders

9. Job Options for PR Holders and Spouses

Once you are a PR holder, you are not bound to a specific job or profession. You can switch your career path and work in different sectors. Once you become a PR holder in Canada, you and your spouse can work in the country on a full-time basis.

This is one of the main benefits that PR visa holders seek.  A well-earning family can save up to 80 lakh rupees a year.

10. Canadian Citizenship Options and Benefits for Canada PR Holders

A Canadian permanent resident (PR) holder can choose to apply for citizenship after completing three years of physical presence in Canada. Canadian citizens enjoy several rights. Citizens can now join the defence and government job sectors and even take a political stand.

After becoming a citizen of Canada, you can apply for the Canadian passport, which is considered one of the most valuable passports around the world.