Moving to Canada Soon? A Pre-Arrival Checklist to Help You Prepare

By being prepared and well-organized in advance you can arrive in Canada feeling more confident.

So, you’ve made the decision to move to Canada.

Congratulations – it’s a big step you are taking but an exciting one. By being prepared and well-organized in advance you can arrive in Canada feeling more confident. Long before you pack your bags, there are a number of things to consider and many tasks to complete to help ensure you start your new life abroad on the right foot.

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To help you get organized, here are some useful steps you might want to check off your list.

1. Have Your Credentials Assessed.

If you plan on working in Canada, you might want to have your credentials assessed. This might help you better understand what kind of Canadian jobs you are currently qualified for and what further training you may need to be successful. You can also find more information at the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).^[1]

2. Gather All Your Documents.

You will want to get all your necessary documents together before you depart. This includes passports for each family member traveling with you. A 'best practice’ is to keep these important documents with you at all times – and not packed away in your luggage.^[2]

3. Get Financially Prepared.

It can be expensive to move to Canada. Prepare yourself in advance for the economic impact of moving abroad. It’s helpful to be informed about the cost of living in Canada, including housing, transportation, and healthcare.[3] TD offers a range of financial services for newcomers to help you plan and manage your finances before and after your arrival in Canada.^[4]

4. Learn About Employment.

Getting a job might be one of your top priorities after moving here. It’s best to start searching well before you arrive. There are some great resources to help you prepare in advance for finding work in Canada. The Government of Canada's Job Bank offers lots of helpful information for newcomers, including job listings, insights on the job market, and guidance on writing resumes and cover letters suitable for the Canadian employment market.^[5]

5. Choose Your Location.

Before you arrive in Canada, take time to decide which city would be best for you. Canada is a vast and varied nation with many vibrant cities and provinces, each with its own unique culture, geography, and work opportunities. It’s a good idea to investigate the different areas of Canada and what each offers: the cost of living, job opportunities, and cultural activities.^[6]

6. Improve Your Language Skills.

Did you know Canada is a bilingual country? Both English and French are primarily spoken here, and both are the official languages. If you are not yet fluent in either language, you may wish to improve your English and French speaking, reading, and writing skills before you come. There are good resources available online to help you learn English and French, including language classes and language assessment tests.^[7]

7. Purchase Health Insurance.

As a Canadian, you’ll have access to a public healthcare system. However, it may be a while before you are eligible for coverage.^[8] For this reason, it’s a good idea to purchase health insurance to ensure you and your family are covered in the event of an emergency.

8. Prepare for the Canadian Climate.

Canada has four seasons each with its own special beauty and unique weather:

● Spring (March 20 to June 20) is a mild but sometimes rainy season. In some areas, you can see flowers blooming as early as April and in full bloom by May. In others, you can enjoy maple syrup festivals, Spring parades – and the start of farmer markets.
● Summer (June 21 to September 22) brings very warm temperatures in many areas, often above 30 degrees Celsius. It’s a lovely time to embrace the great outdoors and go swimming, fishing, and boating.
● Autumn (September 23 to December 21) is a very popular season across Canada with generally temperate weather. People love the crisp air and vibrant colors of the trees as leaves change from green to red, orange, and gold.
● Winter (December 22 to March 19) can be cold, especially if you are used to a warmer climate back home. You may wish to dress extra warmly and learn how to stay safe on the roads in snowy and icy conditions.^[9]

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9. Learn about Canadian Newcomer Services.

It’s nice to know there are many helpful services for New Canadians. Check out The Government of Canada’s settlement services which will help you plan ahead for life in Canada.^[10] Look into Canada’s pre-arrival services for additional information and support for New Canadians before packing your bags. From housing and education to employment, this website covers a wide range of topics to help newcomers like you settle in with ease.^[11]

Interested in reading more about life in Canada? You may wish to download this comprehensive Welcome Booklet.^[12]

Moving to a new country can become so much easier if you are well-prepared in advance. With a little advance planning and organization, you may feel more confident about your move to Canada.

Why Choose TD?

150 years helping Canadians:

TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 150 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.

With over a thousand branches, a reputation for excellence in financial services, and the ability to also serve you in more than 80 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.

TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.

Ready to Bank?

Learn more about TD New to Canada Banking Package today.

Book an appointment to talk with a TD Personal Banker Associate about the TD New to Canada Banking Package. You can book online right away, or visit the TD website to learn more.

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[1] https://www.cicic.ca/927/identify_the_organization_responsible_for_recognition.canada

[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/border-entry.htm

[3]https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-financially.html

^[4] https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/new-to-canada/planning-to-move-to-canada

[5] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/newcomers

[6] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/choose-city.html

^[7] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/improve-english-french.html

[8] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/health-care/universal-system.html

[9] https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/seasonal-weather-hazards/be-prepared-for-winter.html

[10] https://ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp

[11] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/pre-arrival-services.html