Moving to Canada is a significant decision and must not be taken lightly. While you took the first step on your own, it’s important to remember we here at Travelsphere Canada are here to help you in making a smooth transition to Canada. So, to assist you in your planning we’ve put together a list of essential items that you should purchase before leaving, as well as a list of things to pack for moving to Canada.
- Travel & Moving Documents for Canada
Gather all your travel documents for yourself and your family members. Collect the originals and photocopies for each of the documents and store them in a folder.
Remember all official documents should be written in English or French. If they are not, consider translating them prior to your visit because coordinating that from Canada will be a nightmare, and the process could be long and expensive.
Ensure the documents are not torn, laminated or faded. In fact keeping the documents organized and labelled will help you breeze through customs and immigration when you first arrive in Canada.
What are the document list would probably include for move to Canada from India:
- Valid Passport (s) for all family members travelling
- Birth certificates for all family members
- National Identification Card like your Aadhar Card
- Birth Certificate – in English or make sure they are translated
- Driver’s Licence
- Indian license driving history (citing driving experience will help in getting a Canadian driver’s licence without waiting or even a reduced car insurance rate)
- Medical Records
- Travel Insurance – Medical, trip cancellation
- Bank Loan Documents, if any
- Visa Documents like your Student Admission letter, Work Permit, Sponsorship letter, etc. So this document would complement the temporary visa and details about your purpose of the move to Canada if moving temporarily
- Education Records (Degrees, Diplomas, any professional association. Ensure the certificates are not laminated and is translated to English or French
- Transcripts that list the courses you took to obtain a degree or certificate
- Your IELTS records
- Professional associations/licences
- Resume
- References
- Marriage/Divorce certificates
Financial Documents for Canada Student Visa
So, your financial documents and cash deserve a separate section. Now if you have a student loan, it is an essential part of your student visa canada requirements.
- So the funds that are required to show as ‘proof’ that you can take care of yourself and your family upon your move which is your Proof of Settlement Funds and this This cannot be a loan.
- And you you are going on a Student Loan Statement if any
Carrying money/ cash flow & deposits for move to Canada
- In case you are carrying Cash You are required to declare if you bring in cash of more than CAD$10,000. Though You are allowed to bring more than $10,000 Canadian dollars just remember to declare it on arrival
- Travellers Cheques, treasury bills or stocks/bonds
- Open an international/borderless account (like Payoneer) OR
- International Money transfer (Moneygram, Western Union, Paypal to transfer money) OR
- Open a Canadian bank account, if there is an affiliate partner in your home country
There are many banks around the world that have a tie-up with Canadian banks. This might be a good option to consider if you have a lot of cash to carry/transfer. Normally visitors convert them into travellers’ cheques and then deposit them into a Canadian account upon arrival.
To open a bank account in Canada, you would need a residential address, your Passport and additional document citing Canadian residential status. You can open an account without any deposits, or you can deposit everything you bring to the country – your choice.
As a newcomer to the country, we recommend opening an account with TD Canada Trust or Scotiabank. Both banks have a solid network of ATMs and branches across the country. They also have special discounted accounts for students and newcomers.
A word about credit cards: You can apply for a secured credit card upon arrival. (Secured because you won’t have a credit history upon arrival. But let’s say you keep collateral as a security deposit of $500; you can get a credit card with a limit of $500 CAD for building your credit history). This is true for students, new professionals, etc. Immigrants with businesses will be a little different.
Expensive jewellery and valuables
Another note about expensive jewellery or valuables: Everything you are bringing into the country must be declared. You can rent a bank locker to store valuables.
It is important to keep in mind that it takes a while to find a mid or a large size locker in major national banks, so apply for one as soon as you open an account. You can get on the waitlist at the bank by filling out an application form and also get a free quote for different lockers to suit your needs.
Electronics & Universal Adaptor
Your number one moving abroad checklist item is a universal adaptor. Here’s why – Canadian electrical plug points might be different from your home country (well, it depends on where you are moving from, like Canada and the United States uses the same plug type). We moved from India/Asia, and hence your laptops needed an adaptor to charge.
Canada uses two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A two flat parallel pins and plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. You can purchase a universal adaptor (which is SO handy for travels) and use it in Canada.
Note that Canada operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.
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Cell phones
Most unlocked GSM cell phones will work with Canadian mobile networks. You can opt for prepaid, post-paid or monthly billing plans with or without a phone.
You can use post-paid plans on your cell phones (that you brought from India for personal use). This will definitely keep costs low, and you are not paying towards the ‘phone’, and you can switch providers without a penalty as there won’t be a contract.
Once you are settled in (or when the time comes to upgrade your old phone), consider a two-year phone contract where you can get a brand new phone + calling & data plan for a monthly fee. A contract is preferable rather than buying a phone outright (which also depreciates in value!).
It is also important to note that not all telecommunications companies have a strong network everywhere. What worked for you in Toronto (Ontario) didn’t work in North Battleford (Saskatchewan) and definitely didn’t work in Banff (Alberta).
Cell-phone providers: Virgin Mobile, Telyou (special offer with home services for a discounted price). There are other budget options like Fido, Koodo, but their network is a hit and miss, depending on your location.
How to Make a list of other items to bring from home and moving to Canada?
Canada is so diverse, and it seriously is a melting pot of many cultures, and I assure you will find food ingredients, make-up/cosmetics and other items that you adore at home here.
However, you should carry ‘some items’ that you can’t live without for the first few months (till you are all settled in).
Here are some pointers,
- Clothing – tops, pants, undergarments
- Socks & shoes
- Warm clothing (* we recommend buying winter wear here in Canada after arrival)
- Medications
- Your skin-care routine/essentials (*it takes time to get your skin used to the new environment and cosmetics)
- Haircare products
- Any parting away gifts/decorative items
*Please don’t bring dairy, meat, or food items. There are grocery stores and restaurants where you can buy or dine in, enjoying international cuisines. Don’t bring kitchen utensils; you can purchase them here at stores like Dollarama ($4 or less/affordable), Walmart, Hudson Bay, etc. Travel light
Arranging for Accommodation
Finding housing or a rental place can be daunting as a new immigrant. If you do not have friends and family to take you in, here are some options for accommodation in Canada for your first night and beyond.
All of the options listed below are temporary accommodation options (paying guests, rentals, Airbnb or long-term hotel)
For the short term (a night to a month or more), you can also opt for an Airbnb and stay with a local and learn all about the new city. Of course, hotels are always an option
- For students: Resident dorms, paying guests (with a family), shared an apartment with other students
- For Families: Find rental apartments, a basement in Kijiji, Craigslist, or Facebook groups for newcomers. Through this, you can contact the landlord and make arrangements. In many cities, property management companies manage apartments/town homes, and you can easily find rental ads online or in local classifieds.
To rent a place as a newcomer, you will need a few documents.
- Employment letter with annual income information
- Bank statements (balance to cover rent)
- Most rental agreements involve a lease of 12 months, and a security deposit of one month is required.
- References from previous landlords or contact in Canada.
Attend pre-departure seminars or school orientation
As a newcomer to Canada, you are welcomed to join one of the many pre-departure seminars to get ready for your new life here. There are one-on-one sessions, free courses, and employment counselling to help you navigate through the different systems. They also assist you in finding driving schools, health care, and settlement services.
If you move to Toronto, as a student, your school program orientation can help you cover a lot about bus/public transportation (transit systems), health care, work permits, etc.
If you to Saskatoon, local agencies have settlement services to help you find rental apartments, jobs, rec centres, etc.
Here are two programs that are worth checking into, as a newcomer to Canada
How to Getting a job in Canada?
If you are moving to Canada with a job or to open a business – Congratulations and all the best for the new venture!
Are you moving as a student? Your student permit has restrictions as to how many hours you can work while you are enrolled as a full-time student.
If you are travelling on an open work permit or permanent resident card, you should start by opening accounts on online job boards like Indeed.ca, federal and provincial board jobs, etc., to receive new job alerts.
- Make a master list of all the transferable skills, role profiles, educational qualifications
- English testing records/IELTS to show your English speaking, listening and writing skills
- Apply for degree or diplomas equivalency
- If your job is regulated, ensure you have all the professional licences and documentation in place and get them converted upon arrival
International moving might sound daunting, but its rewards are manifold – keep living your dreams!