Canada’s economic immigration programs place a strong emphasis on higher education, making it easier for graduates to settle in Canada. And even if arriving as a permanent resident is not an immediate option, graduates may be able to begin work in Canada on a work permit before transitioning to permanent residence at a later stage.

Are you thinking about moving to Canada? Whether you are moving because you have grown despondent with the situation in your own country, or you are simply looking for a better brighter future. There are a few things you should be aware of before you begin your Canada visa application and job hunt. The more you know, the more capable you are of making choices that will benefit you.
These top tips will help graduates plan for success as they embark on their Canadian adventure.

1. Canada Wants Immigrants

In November 2020, the Immigration, Refugee Council Canada (IRCC) announced its immigration plan for the next three years. The Canadian government plans to welcome over 1.2 million immigrants to the country as permanent residents by the end of 2024. This target is nearly 25% up from its previous three-year plan. The pro-immigrant stance of the Canadian government has a number of reasons.

The main reason is to support our growing economy by welcoming skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada. A Canadian issue is our rapidly aging population, coupled with a low birth rate, which means our population isn’t growing at a pace we would like it to. Nearly 18% of the population is retired, and the current birth rate is 1.4 children per woman. Making the problem worse, as the world continues to globalize and young people enjoy the privileges of very easy mobility, many young Canadians depart after high school or college, taking their skills and youth with them.

2. Canada Has Over 100 Visa and Immigration Programs

The Express Entry System, Provincial Nominee Programs and Immigration Pilots are the primary Canada immigration paths. Within each of these are numerous immigration programs, streams, and visa types. Then there are family sponsorship programs, short-term working holiday visa programs, student visa programs, and of course the tourist visa.

The IRCC is the head of immigration in Canada, but provincial governments and even communities have the power to help immigrants become permanent residents and make their move to Canada permanent if they add value to their local economy.

3. Canada has Four Seasons

Canada is truly a country of all four seasons. Depending on where you choose to live in Canada, winters will be slightly different, but they will all be very cold. There is a lot of snow to make up for it, and frozen lakes and ponds to ice skate on, and warm fireplaces with hot chocolate, poutine, and delicious French Canadian pea soups. So make sure you have thick, robust clothing, and be sure not to toss out or give away any of your warm clothes before coming!

When spring rolls around, you will know it. The country warms quickly and the snow and ice will melt away rapidly. Summer brings long, balmy days and a lot of happy people out and about around the country. Summer may seem short-lived, but only because you will be too busy enjoying all your free time to notice the time flying.

4. Not All Healthcare, Education, and Social Services are Free in Canada

It is important to note that while we have an amazing publicly funded healthcare system with free services to all Canadian permanent residents and citizens, not everything is free. You will be able to see a doctor at no cost but may have to pay for any prescribed medication. Again, this depends on the province you choose to live in, as some cover most prescribed medications.

While there are multiple education systems available in Canada, basic public education remains a free and accessible right to any Canadian citizen or permanent resident under the age of 18. Universities are heavily subsidized in Canada in order to give people from all backgrounds a chance to achieve their goals through quality education because an educated population is a stronger population.

Low income and senior support are just a couple of examples of the free social services offered in Canada, but once again, only to citizens. After you become a permanent resident it will only take three years to become a citizen. Moving to Canada gives you the opportunity to become part of a society that cares about its people.

5. Moving to Canada Can be Expensive

There are a number of things to consider when choosing where in Canada you want to live. While the major cities like Vancouver and Toronto may offer the most job opportunities, they also have the highest cost of living. High rental costs for small spaces in major metropolitan areas mean having to find more appropriate living space further out of the city, where you will likely work, leading to longer transit times and higher costs whether you are paying for fuel or public transportation.

Get used to doing some quick math in your head before making purchases too, because different provinces have different value-added tax rates, that aren’t included in the listed price of items on shelves and so on, which could give you a nasty shock when it comes time to pay at checkout. If you are moving to Canada from a country like India or China, everyday things will cost more like eating out and buying groceries, but you will also be earning more, you will just need to figure out what your new standard of living is. It is very likely you will be happy with the outcome.

6. Your Credit Score is Important in Canada

If you already have a credit history in your home country, bring proof with you! This will help banks determine a starting credit score for you and allow you to take out a loan if you want to buy a car or home. You will also need a job offer or employment contract to take out a loan, how else will you be able to pay it back!

Also, put as many of your regular monthly services in your name as possible; utilities, internet, hydro, mobile phone contract, etc. Simply paying all these bills on time will also help build up your credit score. The higher your score, the larger the loans you are eligible for. Make sure you can pay outstanding bills in full when they become due and you will be able to rent a car, get lower interest rates and even avoid having to pay a security deposit on things like utilities.

7. Need a Work Permit to Work in Canada

If you are moving to Canada, and you want to work in Canada, you will absolutely need a temporary foreign work permit. It doesn’t matter if you have applied for permanent residence unless you already have PR status, you are required to obtain a temporary foreign work permit (TFWP) before you can legally start working in Canada. If you are caught working without a TFWP, you could be deported and any chance of becoming a permanent resident will be gone. Further, any work you do without a TFWP cannot be counted in your favour when applying for permanent residence. Always ensure that you have the correct Canada visa and documentation.