While Canadians are warm and welcoming, moving to any country can be stressful. If you’re moving to Canada, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all the things you need to do to make sure the move is successful- especially if you’ll be moving with kids.
Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make sure the process goes much more smoothly. Here are some top tips for moving to Canada:
Be prepared for the weather
Canada truly does have four seasons, and they vary wildly- from 40C in the summer to -40C in the winter. This means that it can get pretty expensive making sure you have all the right clotehs for the seasons. It also means that you may not be able to find the right clothes at home, and you’re best to wait until you’re on the ground in Canada to buy your outerwear.
You may need a new license
The process of getting a license for your province will depend on where you’re moving from. If you move from somewhere like Australia, France, or the United States, it’s likely that you’ll be able to exchange your license due to reciprocal agreements.
However, if your country doesn’t have this agreement, make sure to check which documentation you need to bring with you. You may also need to be prepared to sit a written or road test.
Start job hunting
It’s a good idea to start looking for jobs before you arrive. There are plenty of Facebook groups and websites where you can find available positions, and it’s a good idea to make sure your resume is updated and ready to go. If you play your cards right, you can have interviews lined up immediately after you arrive- making it more likely you’ll find a job quickly.
Get social
When you’re moving to a new country, it can be intimidating to meet new people. Especially when you’ve just left all your friends and family behind and you miss them. The success of your move will often depend on the community you can build and the relationships you can form with both locals and other expats. Make an effort to join Facebook groups, go to meetups, and find hobbies where you’ll meet other people. Canadians are lovely, and they’ll likely embrace you and your family, but you also need to make an effort. Say yes to social invitations and make sure you strike up a conversation with strangers occasionally.
