Moving your life from one country to an entirely new country can be exciting and hard. Even though Canada is known for its diversity, welcoming nature, and high quality of life, and offers many opportunities for newcomers — adjusting your life there can take time and effort, from dealing with a new culture, weather, banking system, and laws. Here are some helpful tips to achieving success while living in Canada as a newcomer.
1. Establish Your Identity
As a newcomer to Canada, getting your legal presence sorted out is important before starting your adventure in your new city.
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Get a social insurance number.
Since you're new to Canada, there will be a need to get your social insurance number to access several available government benefits. You will also need it to get registered for any banking activities and other relevant activities that require your identification.
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Pick/retain your phone plan.
The Canadian government offers different plans and alternatives to help you in choosing the best phone service. Alternatively, you can choose to retain the number you had before. Staying connected to friends, family, and business associates you know will help ease into your new life in Canada.
2. Finding A Place To Stay In
Having a comfortable and affordable place to stay is important when you first move to Canada. It can be tricky to squat or stay with people who are not family.
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Research housing options.
Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from rental apartments, or shared accommodations. Websites like Rentals.ca and 4Rent.ca can help you find suitable options.
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Understand rental agreements.
Before you rent, make sure to read and understand the lease agreement and know what your rights and responsibilities are as a tenant.
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Choose the right location.
It’s important to consider how far your workplace is from where you decide to live, how easy it is to find public transportation, and amenities when choosing a neighborhood you want to live in.
3. Finding Employment In Canada.
Securing a job opportunity is the biggest challenge for newcomers. Here are some ways you can increase your chances of success when searching for employment in Canada’s job market.
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Update your resume.
Make your resume concise and focus on the skills and experience you have to offer. Also highlight your achievements, relevant qualifications, and professional experience you’ve gained over time before moving to Canada.
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Use job search platforms.
Use websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Job bank to help you find job openings in your field of expertise. You can also visit employment centers for additional support.
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Improve your language skills.
French is the first language in some provinces in Canada, so knowing French in addition to English can make a big difference in your job search and workplace interactions.
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Network and connect with professionals.
Building professional relationships can help you discover job opportunities and get referrals. Attend networking events and join industry-related groups to meet your potential employers.
4. Navigating Healthcare In Canada.
Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system that covers essential medical services. Understanding how to navigate the system early can help you save more money than you might otherwise.
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Apply for a health card.
Each province and territory has its health plan. Apply for a health card as soon as you arrive to access free healthcare services.
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Find a family doctor.
Having a regular doctor will help you receive consistent medical care. You can use the provincial health website to find available doctors in your area.
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Know what’s covered.
While basic healthcare is free, services like dental care and prescription medication may not be covered. But you can consider getting private health insurance for additional coverage.
5. Get To Understand The Canadian Culture
Canada is a multicultural country that values inclusivity and respect. If you want to integrate more easily into living in Canada, you need to understand how its local customs and traditions work.
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Embrace cultural diversity.
Canada accommodates people from all over the world with their own diverse cultures. Therefore, respect for its different cultures, languages, and traditions is fundamental to living in Canada.
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Learn about Canadian values.
Canadians are typically polite people, and they value equality and community involvement. Small gestures like saying "please, “thank you," holding doors for others, and respecting personal space can go a long way in helping you connect with locals and integrate better. This is a simple but helpful tip that would open doors for you as a newcomer in Canada.
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Participate in local events.
There’s no better way to integrate into Canada than participating in local events. You can start by attending community events, festivals, and networking opportunities that will help you build connections and understand the culture better.
6. Managing Finances In Canada
Knowing how the financial system in Canada works is important for you to achieve financial stability and success in Canada.
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Open a bank account.
Choose a bank that offers services for newcomers. Many banks provide special packages that include free transactions and lower fees. You can even use CadRemit to spend in CAD with no hidden but affordable transaction fees.
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Build your credit score.
A good credit score is important when you want to rent or even buy a home. So get a loan, or apply for a credit card to help with your urgent needs, you’ll need to sort out. But make sure to pay bills on time and use credit responsibly.
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Budget and save.
Creating a budget will help you manage expenses and save for future wants or needs. Consider setting up automatic savings plans.
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Use affordable options to send money internationally.
When you start to earn well, and you can now send money back home, find affordable options that’ll save you money. With CadRemit, you can receive and send money from Canada to the United States and Nigeria instantly, plus the transaction fees are low and affordable.
7. Getting Around in Canada
Canada has an extensive transportation system that makes getting around easy. Use public transportation. Most cities in Canada have buses, subways, or trains to help you get around affordably. All you’ll need to do is to get a transit pass to save money on daily commuting.
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Get a driver’s license.
If you plan to drive, check the licensing requirements in your province and apply for a driver’s license.
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Understand the weather in Canada.
Canada has four distinct seasons. Dressing appropriately and preparing for winter conditions will make commuting and life easier for you.
8. Building A Social Life
Adjusting to a new country can feel lonely at times. Making friends and participating in social activities can help you feel more at home.
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Join community groups.
There are many cultural associations, sports clubs, and volunteer opportunities that can help you meet new people. These can be a great way to make new friends while also gaining a deeper understanding of Canada’s culture through those friendships.
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Stay in touch with family and friends.
Staying connected with your loved ones back home can provide the emotional support you need as you try to adjust to life in Canada.
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Take advantage of existing local communities.
Nothing sparks the feeling of home more than spending time in familiar spaces, where you can connect with people who share culture, food tastes, or interests.
Settling In Canada With Ease As A Newcomer
Adjusting to life in Canada takes time, but with the right mindset, you can set yourself up for success. When you learn to understand the Canadian culture, secure a place to stay, find employment, manage your finances better, and build social connections, you will create a fulfilling life and soon feel at home in Canada!
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Clinton Nwachukwu
CadRemit Editorial
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