Relocating can be exciting and daunting at the same time. Some employers’ offer financial, planning and organizing your move. Proper planning goes a long way to alleviating the stress involved with a major life-changing event such as a move to another country.
To relocate to Canada the first thing to do is determine the classification that is best suited for your situation. For the skilled worker classification, you’ll need 67 points. People are scored by ranking their skills and abilities. To establish themselves as successful residents of Canada, the ability to speak English or French, job skills, and work experience are the factors considered.
When filling out the application, be accurate and complete. Don’t forget to include the fees with the application; they can be hundreds of dollars. Oh and do yourself a favor: write legibly!
You’ll also need a medical exam; this is to determine if you will be an excess demand upon Canada’s health/social system. Your exam is only good for one year, after that you’ll have to be re-examined.
While you’re waiting for approval to relocate to Canada, you should be looking for a new home. You’ll need to keep in mind the schools, shopping, and the distance from work. You can use this waiting time learning or brushing up on the French language. Although English is the predominate language, French is widely spoken.
The application results will be available online and upon approval you’ll receive a confirmation email called a COPR, you’ll need this and a current passport. You’ll have to show both at the port of entry and will receive your permanent residency card (PR).
Another thing to think about is what time of year you are going to relocate to Canada in. Try to plan your application so you can move in between the rains of spring and the heat of summer.
Take enough money with you for a few months’ expenses, but wait until you’ve established banking and credit accounts in Canada before closing your US accounts. Visit the local bank as soon as you can after arriving, open an account and apply for credit.
Since each province administers its own health insurance, so apply as soon as you can. You will have to pay a monthly fee and the insurance doesn’t pay for prescriptions, dental service, ambulance services and glasses.
One more thing to remember when you relocate to Canada, it the culture shock, learn about Canadian life by getting to know your neighbors, talking to people at church or at your children’s schools.
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