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The superb country
Do you know Canada is the second largest country in the world? Yes, truly! This magnificent country has everything to die to for. Canada is a beautiful country with no shortage of landscapes and unique sites. This is the reason most of the travelers go every year to explore its wonders. Canada is a home to culturally rich cities, vibrant environment along with incredible natural wonders. Canada is one such country which has so much to offer to its tourists and residents. Right from the island sights to scenic mountain waterfalls, Canada is stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts. Honestly, it is a country with rich heritage starting from the North Coast Indians of British Columbia to the French explorers of Quebec.
When you visit the Western Canada, it has the Rocky Mountains and cities of Victoria, Vancouver, and Calgary which dominate most itineraries. And, visiting Central Canada will astonish you with its cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, and magnificent Niagara Falls. However, Canada’s North is bit of an off the beaten path, but it is equally impressive with the great rivers flow out to the Arctic Ocean. It creates some incredible territory and you can see polar bears in the wild. Moreover, you can also visit some of the beautiful places such as Nahanni National Park and the
towns and cities of Whitehorse, Churchill, and Yellowknife.
Moving to Canada? Things to Keep in Mind!
As you are preparing to move to Canada, it’s important that you should know some of the things before you move to Canada. And, for this, we will help you with a few things. Here is for you less confusion and realistic expectations while you decide to move to Canada. Now that you have decided, we want you to congratulate you first on making the call to move to Canada. So, don’t worry we are here to assist you with making the move to Canada as smooth as possible.
1. Weather
Now that you are keen to immigrate to Canada, you should know that you can’t choose between sun or snow. You will have to feel both unless you’re living on the BC coast. The weather will be colder, you will have to face snowy winters and hot summers, with short transitional seasons. The cold weather of the country in winter will sure to surprise you if you come from a mild or warm climates. Another thing, don’t take summer for granted.
2. Health care is funded, but not everything is “free”
When you get the citizenship and become a permanent resident of Canada you are eligible to get the health care benefits. Canadian government gives you permission to see a doctor at no cost. However, this is only applicable if you leave the appointment with a prescription, you could be left picking up the tab at the pharmacy. Same scenario with dental care, it first of all isn’t publicly funded and can seriously put a hole in your pocket. Third-party health insurance, but Canadians have to pay for dental and eye care, as well as medicines. And, one more thing to add in this, if you think you need antibiotics for anything, you’ll have to see the doctor first. They aren’t available over-the-counter. It takes several months to get health care benefits after getting permanent residence, so it is better to arrive with at least six months of international health insurance as a buffer.
3. Best time for Relocation
It is better to relocate to Canada at the perfect time for the best selection of jobs and accommodation. It is better if you arrive Canada in Spring/Summer. Most of the organizations are less likely to hire during winter. And, they start their hiring processes in the month of March/April. So, these months are the best to acclimatize and settle into your new job and home. Once the winter comes, it is very hard for you to look for anything as per your comfort as the weather is too harsh. And one more important thing of you are moving with your family and kids, note that the school year starts from the first week in September. This information will help you to adjust the travel dates accordingly.
4. Money that you need
How much do you need to relocate to Canada depends on the visa on which you are coming to Canada. Now that you have decided to move to Canada, you will be required to be able to support yourself until you get a job. The requirement for working holiday visa holders is a minimum of CAD$2500 amount as proof of funds and a flight or additional money to purchase return flight. Moreover, you also need to get the medical and travel insurance which is highly recommend as we explained above. Before just shifting it is crucial for you know what is the cost of living in a city where you are heading to?
5. Get used to Poutine and maple syrup
Canada’s national dish is Poutine and it is a slang in Quebec which means “a mess”. However, it is pretty much that what you get. This dish is basically chips that are covered in gravy and half-melted cheese curds. Yes, it doesn’t sound like meal, but the Canadians love it a lot. Also, watch out for calories in this dish as a side order of poutine in Burger King contains 740 of them. Heavy for sure! Apart from poutine, Canadians are mad for maple syrup. This sweet, sugary syrup practically flows through their veins.
6. Taxation
Taxes are levied at multiple levels, under Canada’s decentralized federal system. Income taxes in Canada are collected by the federal and provincial governments both. Moreover, it depends on your status and terms of employment that you may also be entitled to a tax refund at the end of the fiscal year. The taxes on sales vary between the provinces, from 5% in Alberta to 14.975% in Quebec. So be aware that any item which is advertised as $10 will cost you more when you pay for it.
Before you apply for permanent resident in Canada…
The Provincial Nominee Class (PNC)
Canada entertains the applications for permanent residence from the people who have the abilities, education and work experience. So that they can contribute to the Canadian economy. The Provincial Nominee Class (PNC) is an official document that allows provincial and territorial governments to take decision for immigrants according to the economic needs of the province or territory. Each province and territory has its own standards and processes to choose its nominees, and it tries to nominate candidates who would be most likely to settle effectively.
One must apply for PNC in 2 steps:
Firstly apply to the province or territory where you would want to be nominated and live in future. Once a province or territory nominates the person, it is important to apply for IRCC for permanent residence. After that an IRCC officer then assess the application based on Canadian immigration rules.
Understand the difference between permanent resident status and Canadian Citizenship
A permanent resident is the one who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada, but he/she is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are the citizens who belong to other countries. Keep in mind, if a person is in Canada temporarily, like a student or foreign worker, he/she is not a permanent resident. Refugees who wants to become permanent residents have to go through the Government-Assisted Refugee Program or the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Refugee claim in Canada does not work that easy. The Immigration and Refugee Board must first approve their claim. It is only after that one can apply for and get permanent resident status.
As a permanent resident, you have the right to get most social benefits that Canadian citizens are entitled to. It can include health care coverage, living, work or study anywhere in Canada and applying for Canadian citizenship. This also gives you the protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Moreover, there will be no tax redemption and you must pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at all the levels that is federal, provincial and municipal. However, as a permanent resident you are not allowed to vote or run for political office and hold jobs which need a high-level security clearance.
How to Become a Canadian Permanent Resident?
For initiating the Canada PR process, you first have to contact the nearest consulate, high commission or an embassy of Canada. Here are some of the requirements at the basic level for obtaining a permanent resident visa:
- Providing a medical certificate and criminal record check
- Filling in and submitting a permanent resident visa application
- Pay the application fee
- Attend interviews with immigration representatives
Apart from all this, few things depend on the nature and category of your application. Below mentioned things may or may not be required:
- Originals, copies and official translations of documents to support the application
- The documents may include educational degrees, diplomas, and certificates, personal identification documents and/or sponsor letters and relevant information
- Sufficient funds to support the applicant
- Skills assessment test
- Proof of refugee status
- Language test(s) results. Whether that be your PTE Coaching in Sydney or your IELTS results.
- Additional fees
- Other documentation or tests
What is Canada Permanent Resident Visa Fees?
The Permanent Residence visa cost is 1040 Canadian dollars per applicant above 18 years. The fee for PR visa of Canada is asked in the later stages of the process.
During the initial stage of the process of Canadian Permanent Residency, a person will be charged with an Education Credential Assessment fee. This particular fees is 285 Canadian Dollars per applicant. This is to determine whether your education meets Canadian standards and you are all ready for the process.
What is the processing time for Canada Permanent residency visa?
Well, there are no definitive timelines to tell when you can get a permanent residence visa for Canada. Yes, one thing is sure that the selection and approval of your visa application majorly depends upon your CRS score. However, in general the processing times after receiving ITA takes about 4 to 6 months.
Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship
You may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if:
- You are a permanent resident of Canada
- You have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days regardless of your age
- You meet all other conditions.
You may be eligible to apply even if you don’t meet the minimum time lived if you’re a Crown servant or a family member of a Crown servant.
Well, these were some of the things which must be kept in mind before moving to Canada. Hope the information was helpful for you.
