First Days in Canada: A Checklist for Newcomers

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of unique places on Earth that are rich in culture, unspoiled nature, and pleasant to travelers and immigrants. Welcome to Canada! One of the largest countries with a diverse culture and inhabitants of French and British origins. Canada is located in North America and has a population of about 34 million inhabitants, with over one-third of them residing in the three loveliest cities of Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. The country’s name came from the word “Kanata,” which means village or settlement and is known as the maple leaf’s land.

Canada’s sophisticated and friendly cities are national treasures and prominent tourist destinations. Every one of the country’s ten provinces and three territories has something unique to show its citizens. Wildlife tours and fishing trips are available to anyone in the north. Kayaking and nature trips in the Maritimes and skiing and snowboarding in British Columbia are both thrilling experiences. Quebec’s jaw-dropping resorts and vibrant historical culture are also well-known around the world. In Ontario, you can go canoeing, and in Prairie, you can visit unique places and museums. The variety of scenic beauty in Canada is just absolutely breathtaking.

Aside from Canada’s astonishing natural beauty, there are many reasons it is one of the best countries to live and spend your entire life in.

“People in Canada don’t care where you’re from.”

Because of multiculturalism, Canadian citizens are unconcerned about where people come from and their origins. You will feel as though you are on a tour around more than one country while in Canada. The country’s major cities have Chinatowns, Little Italy, and even Koreatown. For tourists and locals alike, being able to visit this place offers an authentic cultural experience. Moreover, the cities are home to people of every race and background imaginable. Nothing is absolute, and most Canadians are not scared of diversity when it comes down to it.

“It has abundant natural resources.”

With so many lakes, streams, ponds, and wetlands to count, Canada is renowned for its stunning scenery. Snow and ice primarily cover the Northern provinces of the country. Furthermore, gold, nickel, diamonds, lead, and crude oil are abundant, which means that other countries turn to Canada for natural resource exports; thus, boosting its economy.

“Canada is far from overpopulation.”

Just about two and a half million residents live outside of Canada’s main cities, out of a population of 36 million people. There is still a lot of undeveloped lands, especially in the less settled areas farther north.

“Peaceful and low crime rates.”

Canada’s crime rate is extremely low compared to other nations. Living in Canada could add years to your life, as the country’s life expectancy is among the highest in the world, at approximately 81 years old. The country’s rocky mountain, fresh Atlantic, warm Pacific, and cool Arctic air might contribute to the factors. Most importantly, Canadians are often laid-back and prefer to mind their own business rather than pick battles with other nations.

Hence, if you are wondering about the benefits of migrating to Canada, those are the obvious things that make the country gorgeous and livable. 

Welcome to Canada!

If you are a newcomer, welcome to Canada! We are sure you have had the gist of what the country is like and how things work here. However, don’t get too relaxed; there are some things you need to do as a newcomer taking your first steps in Canada.

First Steps for Newcomers

Below are the necessary to-dos after your first steps in Canada:

1. Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) – This is most certainly the case if you are attempting to work in Canada. The SIN, which is a nine-digit unique number, is essentially given to you to work in the country. You can get your SIN number at the airport once you complete the immigration process or to the nearest Service Center.

2. Canadian Cell Phone Plan – When calling friends and relatives back home or looking for a new career, newcomers to Canada can find it more straightforward if they apply for a Canadian cell phone plan.

3. Setting up your Canadian Bank Account – To open a bank account in the country, you would need to bring some documents with you, including your passport and your new Social Insurance Number.

4. Presto Card – The public transportation systems are likely to be used by most newcomers to Canada during their first few months in the country. The Presto card is a smart card that allows you to pay for your travels, making it easier for newcomers. On the other hand, if you don’t have a presto card, you’ll have to bring exact change for each ride.

5. Newcomer Program – The government provides a variety of services for newcomers to Canada to help them move in faster. Finding a career, accommodation, and understanding the community and tax system are only a few of the services available.

6. Housing Accommodation – In comparison to other nations, accommodation in Canada is a little different. You can pick between a basement, apartment, condo, townhouse, or a detached house in most cases.

7. Explore and Enjoy – As newcomers to Canada, it is essential to discover and appreciate its stunning scenery. Learn as much as you can and get to know as many people as possible. 

Now that you have some information about what you need to do after taking your first steps in Canada, let’s learn about the checklist for immigration to Canada. Take note of the following points, as they will significantly assist you in settling in the country.

Moving to Canada Checklist

There are certain things you need to consider upon moving to the country. Below is the checklist for immigration to Canada that each newcomer should follow.

1. You need to understand where to buy travel insurance.

2. If you plan to work in Canada, you should consider revising your resume and preparing for job interviews. Every country and culture accept resumes and new job applicants in different ways.

3. When you move to Canada, you need to have a Canadian visa or a work permit to look for a job. You can also get a job offer through the AIPP program before you move.

4. Bring all your bank statements. It will come in handy in the future.

5. If you drive a car, ask your previous insurers to supply you with a no-claims letter to prove your driving history.

6. Bring any other necessary documentation that will prove who you are and what you do before moving to Canada to increase your credibility.

7. You will need to unlock your phone. If you have a phone and choose to work with other networks, open it to a partner or avoid being signed with a different carrier as you move to Canada.

8. In terms of clothing, it’s going to depend on where in Canada. Generally, Canada is cold, so if you arrive right in the middle of the winter, wear something warm and well-insulated over a couple of layers of clothes.

9. Bring things that are harder or more expensive to obtain in Canada.

10. Check or search for the things that are not allowed to bring to Canada.

There are many other things to check upon moving to Canada. Those mentioned earlier are just the baseline of the things you need to know.

Benefits of Immigration to Canada

Immigration to Canada is a complete package because you are coming into the country and making it your home. The benefits of immigration to Canada provide newcomers an overall sound quality of life, and by that, it means several things: some of which means free healthcare. The country’s healthcare offers universal coverage and has relatively lower drug prices. Next, free education for children until high school. Canada provides the best educational systems in the world. After high school, the government allows students to apply for student loans for universities or colleges if they can’t afford them. On the other hand, you can find many different options from giant shopping malls to various sports arenas to other parks and nightlife in terms of entertainment and lifestyle.

With a Canadian passport, you can travel visa-free to 183 countries of the world. There are a lot of libraries as well as museums in Canada. Furthermore, it has one of the world’s best economies in terms of GDP per capita, SPI, and other indicators that put the country right in one of the world’s top countries.

If you plan to migrate to Canada, you will need to qualify for a permanent or temporary visa, whichever meets your plans. Although the process is complicated, we are here to help you with the immigration programs. We aim to make your new life in the country and settlement easier by offering outstanding services that allow you to have a better life in Canada. Contact us today and see the beauty of the country. We can’t wait to say, “Welcome to Canada!”