How to Relocate to Canada

Are you considering relocating to Canada? There are plenty of good reasons to start a new life there. Beyond its natural beauty and educational excellence, some of them are:

• Easy immigration process: Canada has several immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers. Compared to the US, it’s considerably simpler.
• Natural beauty:  Gigantic lakes, poster-worthy valleys, and plenty of ski centres (think Whistler!) that are close to big cities (for such a big country, that’s noteworthy) are some of Canada’s attractions for when you’re not at the office.
• Promising tech job market: Canada faces a significant talent shortage in the tech sector, with numerous open positions across various domains (software development, AI, cybersecurity). This translates to good job opportunities and higher salaries for skilled professionals.
• Universal healthcare: Canada’s universal healthcare system, known as Medicare in some regions, is a source of admiration and cross-border comparisons (that could’ve left us without Breaking Bad). All Canadian citizens and permanent residents have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services, regardless of income or employment status.
• Multicultural society: Canada’s multiculturalism surpasses the Québec–English-speaking divide. 
• All-around friendly people: Of course, this is a generalisation, but Canadians hold up their reputation as lovely and kindly, even professionally. We can attest to that.

So you want to move to Canada. Okay, but where to start? In this article, we’ll present you with a guide to help you immigrate to Canada. What’s more, you can check out our Canada page to find tips, expats’ stories, job offers and even a salary calculator.

Is Canada expensive?

Yes, Canada is expensive. Of course, it depends on where you’ll be settling on. Vancouver, in the British Columbia region (the same as Seattle in the United States), has been grappling with a real estate bubble and is more costly than other cities. There was a popular story of a kid who travelled from Calgary, in Alberta, to Vancouver twice a week to study. His plane ticket was cheaper than renting a single room. So, go figure. Fortunately, salaries are outstanding in Canada, so it’s expensive, but there’s a way to sort that out, and it’s with a job. Relocating to Canada is a better experience with a pay package.

Firstly, secure a job

Landing a job before moving to Canada provides double peace of mind. Firstly, you arrive with a steady income to comfortably settle in without immediate financial worries. Secondly, that job offer significantly adds to your immigration application, primarily through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

Someone could tell you that job hunting from abroad takes time and effort, potentially delaying your move. Luckily, that’s not a problem with Relocate.me. Our platform has a specialised tech job board with employers that can help you relocate. You can also use our salary calculator to get a reliable insight into Canadians’ average incomes according to job positions.

Expat Advice: Moving from India to Canada →

Obtain your legal permits to move and work in Canada

These are the types of permits you should sort out, with or without a hiring company, before you move to Canada.

Work permits

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada temporarily. Different programs and work permits depend on a couple of factors. We’ll present them so you can choose the option that best suits your situation:

Main programs

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): While the TFWP focuses on filling Canadian labour shortages, you’ll need a special job offer and work permit, both requiring approval confirming no suitable Canadian could fill the role. This program covers various occupations, from high-skilled professions to seasonal work. Remember, it doesn’t guarantee permanent residency, but it allows you to work in Canada and explore other immigration pathways for a more secure and permanent move. In many countries, including Canada, tech workers and software engineers are on this sought-after talent shortlist.
• International Mobility Program (IMP): The IMP opens doors to relocation directly. It offers categories designed to attract international talent, often through exemption from the usual labour market assessment (LMIA), allowing quicker work permits. You even get an open work permit, letting you work for any employer, not just one. While some categories can lead to permanent residency, it’s only guaranteed for some. Think of it as a flexible and potentially faster route to work and live in Canada, but explore further options if permanent residency is your ultimate goal.
  

Work permit types

• Employer-specific: Scoring a job offer through Canada’s Employer-Specific work permit program can jumpstart your move, but it relies on sponsorship. A Canadian company needs to offer you a specific job and vouch for you, tying you to them for the permit’s duration. While the process might be faster and avoid some assessments, you can't easily switch jobs.
• Open: Unlike being tied to one employer, with an open work permit, you can explore different jobs and industries nationwide. This freedom lets you find the perfect fit and network before potentially pursuing permanent residency. While only sometimes a direct path to staying permanently, it’s a great way to gain experience and establish yourself in Canada.

There are certain occupations which are exempt from needing a work permit. Check out if your job is one of those.

Keep in mind that you need a residence permit in Canada when you intend to stay in the country for longer than six months and don’t already hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. But don’t panic: There’s another option for you to live and work in Canada for more than six months, and that option is called Express Entry.

Express Entry: An expedited path to Canadian permanent residency

Express Entry is a point-based immigration system that attracts skilled workers to Canada. It offers a faster and more efficient pathway to permanent residency than traditional application methods. Here’s a breakdown:

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for Express Entry, you must:

• Have at least one year of skilled work experience in the past 10 years.
• Meet language proficiency requirements in English or French (testing required).
• Obtain a valid educational credential assessment from a designated organisation.
• Score enough points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability.

Things to consider:

• The pool of candidates is competitive, so a high score is crucial.
• Receiving an ITA doesn’t guarantee permanent residency, as other factors are also considered.

These are your specific requirements for moving to Canada from the US

If you’re moving to Canada from the US, you can use the Express Entry, which also applies to non-US citizens. If you’re not using the Express Entry, there are other options for you:

Economic Programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): 1+ year experience, language skills, 67+ CRS points.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): 2+ years experience, language skills, Canadian trade qualification/job offer.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 1+ year skilled work experience in Canada, language skills.

Working in Canada:

• CUSMA work permits for specific job offers/US-Canada companies.
• Employer-specific work permits (which require an LMIA).
• Spousal open work permits for spouses/common-law partners of temporary workers/students.

Once you’ve secured your paperwork for moving to Canada from the US, you should:

• Switch your spelling to Canadian English: You’ll see the “z” character like in the US, but you’ll have to add plenty of “u” letters to your spelling bee quizzes.
• Learn the metric system: Canadians might understand what a mile or feet is, but, unfortunately for you, Canadians don’t use Fahrenheit degrees, so learn that one as well.
• Consider that each territorial division is called a province: In Canada, the State is the federal government. You’ll see this when you pay taxes.

Developer’s Checklist: 25 Questions To Ask Your Future Employer (Before Relocation) →

Social Security registration: A key legal step to follow

Social Security Registration (SSR) in Canada involves obtaining your Social Insurance Number (SIN). This unique 9-digit number is crucial for various things in Canada, including:

• Working and paying taxes.
• Receiving government benefits like Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
• Opening a bank account.
• Getting certain types of loans or credit cards.
• Filing income tax returns.

When is it required?

You need to register for your SIN once you have legal status in Canada, such as a work permit, study permit, permanent residency or Canadian citizenship. It’s crucial to register, even if you still need to start working! So don’t sleep on this procedure!

How can I register?

There are three ways to register for your SIN: online, by e-mail or in person.

Other important points about it:

• There’s no fee to register for your SIN.
• Your SIN is confidential, so keep it safe and don’t share it unnecessarily.
• Inform Service Canada if your name, address, or marital status changes.

Financial Aspects

We already told you Canada is expensive. Here’s what you need to read to learn why.

Understand the Canadian tax system

Relocating to Canada means figuring out a new tax system. If you spend more than 183 days there or establish significant ties, you become a resident and pay taxes on worldwide income. There’s a federal income tax with progressive rates, and additional provincial taxes vary by location. You’ll also encounter GST/HST on most purchases.

Filing taxes annually is mandatory, typically by April 30th. Consider professional help for complex situations or claiming benefits like moving expenses or the Welcome Tax Relief Plan. Research the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website for details.

Keep in mind that, while Canadian taxes are quite higher than US taxes, the money found goes, for example, to the universal healthcare system, which is free and available for all legal residents in Canada. When you move to Canada, you should think: “Each Canadian dollar I’m leaving on the table is clearly noticed as a benefit I’m getting back.” Unless you’re the taxman, you can’t say that about most countries.

Learn How Much You Can Earn in Canada →

Open a bank account

Before landing in Canada, research major banks like TD, Scotiabank, and RBC, as well as online options like EQ Bank, and compare newcomer packages and fees. Prepare your passport, proof of arrival (if available), and work-study permits, and consider getting proof of address from your future landlord.

While some banks like Scotiabank and StartRight allow online applications, visiting a branch in person might be best. Consider dedicated newcomer specialists at TD Canada Trust branches. Remember, eligibility, minimum deposits and requirements vary. It always helps to walk into your neighbourhood’s bank branch to ask a suit for some guidance.

Logistics and settling in

Assuming you have sorted out that kind of paperwork, you can now find a haystack to lie down in your new Canadian life.

Find yourself a home

Start by exploring reliable platforms like Kijiji, real estate agents and local government websites — such as REALTOR.ca — for listings. Consider your budget, desired location, and lifestyle needs (pet-friendly, shared living, etc.).

Use virtual tours if relocating remotely, connect with newcomers for practical advice, and stay vigilant against scams. Remember, a short-term option might be wise while you explore different neighbourhoods before committing to a long-term move.

What You Should Know About The Job Relocation Process →

Consider healthcare options

These are two possibilities regarding healthcare:

• Public Healthcare (Medicare): This universally accessible, tax-funded system offers free essential medical care to all legal residents, including newcomers. Think doctor visits, hospital stays and basic diagnostics (especially that broken finger by learning to play ice hockey).
• Private Healthcare: If you desire faster access to specialists or additional coverage, explore private insurance. Remember that it requires out-of-pocket payments or an insurance plan, so be prepared for associated costs. Remember, private insurance complements, not replaces, public healthcare.

Young and healthy? Public healthcare might be ideal. Pre-existing conditions or a preference for quicker specialist access? Exploring private options could be the best option for you. 

Relocating to Canada is easier with a job

Yes, moving to Canada can sound daunting at first. But remember: They welcome new workers who want to help the nation grow, and you have allies who’ll help you get there as smoothly as possible. At Relocate.me, we can help you find a Canadian job and make the relocation process as smooth as possible so you can immigrate to Canada whenever you want. Browse for developer jobs.