How to Prepare for Canada

Here are the most important things you need to do, bring and learn as you are preparing for your immigration to Canada.

1. Get your documents translated into French or English.

When you arrive in Canada and are speaking to immigration officers, be prepared to show your documents and their certified translations if asked.

2. Find out if your profession is regulated in Canada.

Teachers, engineers, architects, accountants, social workers, any medical professionals, and trades such as electricians, plumbers and welders, will need to get a Canadian licence or certification before they can work in Canada. It differs by province. For Ontario, click here.

3. Purchase private health insurance.

You will need it in case you have to pay for emergency medical treatment until you get Canadian government insurance (3 months or longer).

4. Learn about the province where you are planning to settle.

It is very important to understand that different provinces have different laws and rules, including those that apply to healthcare, education, work licensing and other issues that directly affect immigrants’ lives. Do not research Canada in general – research your specific province.

5. Collect and bring to Canada all the official documents belonging to you and the members of your family:

birth certificates
passports
marriage/divorce certificates; death certificates for a deceased spouse
adoption records for adopted children
educational diplomas and certificates; transcripts that list the courses you took to obtain your degree or certificate
vaccination records
medical records (prescriptions, test results, x-rays, allergies) and dental records
driver’s licence and/or IDP (International Driving Permit)

Click on this link to see the list at ‘Settlement.org: What documents should I bring with me’

You should also check the Government of Canada site ‘Crossing the border: documents you need‘.

6. Prepare your Proof of Funds

Click here to read more ‘Settlement.org: How do I bring money into Canada (proof of funds)?’

7. Learn about the Cost of Living in Canada

Find out how much things cost (rent, utilities, food, transportation, car insurance, etc.) Most newcomers are shocked when they learn about Sales Tax and Pay Cheque Deductions. Click HERE to find out more (you can search by city).

8. Learn about the Psychological Challenges of Immigration

If you have never immigrated before, you need to understand what the immigration process means from the social and socio-economic point of view. Please click HERE.

9. Prepare yourself for the Five Stages of Culture Shock

99% of all immigrants go through the 5 stages after their arrival: Honeymoon/Tourist Stage, Crisis Stage, Coping/Adjustment Stage, Independence Stage and Reverse Culture Shock. To learn more, click HERE.

10. Understand Canadian Experience and Why Employers Ask for it

Many newcomers are shocked when faced with a question “Do you have Canadian experience?” Learn what it means – click HERE – and read about ways of getting it in ‘Volunteering, Internship, Co-op‘.

11. Know what Canadian Employers Expect: Important Work Skills

Most newcomers don’t understand that in Canada skills have different meaning than in their first country. For example,’team work’ actually means ‘conflict resolution’. To learn more about what Canadian employers expect, click HERE.

12. Prepare for a Job Interview in Canada

A job interview in Canada is different than a job interview in other countries. For a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a job interview in Canada, click HERE.

13. Learn Canadian English

Communication is the most important tool you can have to settle successfully in Canada and find a good job.

14. Learn how to dress for winter in Canada

Don’t bringing one thick warm sweater for winter! To learn how to dress for winter in Canada – click here: Dress in layers.