Moving to...

CANADA

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Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
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VISA & Immigration

A visa is an official document that allows a foreigner to enter Canada for a specific reason or purpose, such as tourism, study, work, or immigration. It is usually just a stamp or a sticker in your passport

What Visa Do I Need to Move to Canada?

If you want to move to Canada, and have no specific or no connection to the country, there are several options Canada offers if you want to move there permanently.

Below is a detailed guide on the main visas available:

Express Entry Program (fast-track immigration)

This is best suited for skilled workers, professionals and tradespeople.

Here is a list of all 3 that are in this section:

    • This is for people with skilled work experience, this has to be for at least 1 year in that specific area

    • Points-based system (age, education, work experience, language)

    • Requires proof of funds that shows you can support yourself

    • This is for skilled tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, chefs, etc.

    • This requires 2 years of work experience in that skilled trades area

    • You MUST have a valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification

    • This is for those who have 1 year of Canadian work experience

    • There is no need for proof of funds if you are already working in Canada

List of the rest of the Visas you can apply for

As you can see, there is a lot of different Visas you can apply for in Canada, so here is a quick brief of what all of them are and who they are for:

  • This is best for someone who to live in a specific province or territory

    • Each province has its own PNP streams targeting students, business people and skilled workers

    • Requires nomination from Canadian province or territory

    • Often linked with Express Entry to speed up the process

  • This is best for Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas

    • Requires letter of support from designated organization (investor, incubator or accelerator)

    • Must own at least 10% of the business and must be actively managing it

  • This is best for Artists, athletes and cultural professionals

    • For individuals who can significantly contribute to Canada’s cultural or athletic life

    • Requires relevant experience and intent to be self-employed in Canada

  • This is best for those who are planning to live in Quebec

    • Quebec has its own immigration system, and is separate from Express Entry

    • Requires a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) before applying for permanent residency

    • Points-based, considering factors like French language skills, education and work experience

  • This is best for caregivers for children, elderly or disabled persons

    • Allows you to work and live in Canada while gaining experience to apply for permanent residence

    • It requires a valid job offer and at least 6 months of training or one year of work experience as a caregiver

  • This is best for skilled workers and international graduates wanting to live in Atlantic Canada

    • This requires a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada

    • Employer must be designated by the province

    • Includes support for settlement services

  • This is best for skilled workers interested in smaller communities

    • Available in participating communities across Canada

    • Requires job offer from a local employer

    • Aims to address labor shortage in rural areas

What is Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)?

If you are interested in moving to Quebec, the Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers visa seems the best for you, when you apply for this visa you need something called Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Here is quick and easy information about what it is and how to apply for it:

What is a CSQ?

Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) is a document which is issued by the provincial immigration authorities that says Quebec has chosen you to live and work there. It is an important part of the immigration process if you want to live in Quebec.

Applying for Certificat de sélection du Québec?

Before applying, check if you are eligible and meet the requirements for one of the immigration programs under Quebec’s system (Education, Work experience, Language skills, Your age and family situation)

  • Create an account on the Arrima Portal (the portal is where you submit your application)

  • Fill out the online form, providing detailed information about your education, work experience, language skills

  • Submit your profile (this means you tell Quebec you are interested in moving there)

  • Receive an invitation to Apply (ITA)

  • Complete the Application (submit required documents, proof of education and work experience, language test results (especially French), valid passport, Proof of funds, Medical and police records)

  • Pay the fees

  • Wait for decision

  • Apply for Canadian Residency (After receiving the CSQ you will be able to apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency)

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa?

After you have determined what the right visa is for you, here is a quick step-by-step guide how to apply for all the visas mentioned above:

    • You have to take an English/French Test (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF)

    • Get a Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify to see if your foreign degree is valid or equal to the Canadian one

    • Submit an Express Entry Profile online

    • Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

    • Submit final application and pay the required fees

    • Processing time is around 6 months

    • Apply directly through the provinces immigration website

    • Choose a province and apply for nomination

    • If nominated, apply for Permanent Residence through Express Entry or paper-based process

    • Submit medical and police checks

    • Processing time is around 12-18 months

    • Apply via IRCC Start Up Visa Page

    • Get a letter of support from an approved investor/incubator

    • Submit proof of business ownership

    • Provide financial proof

    • Processing time is around 12-16 months

    • Apply via IRCC Self-Employed Portal

    • Show at least 2 years of self-employed work experience

    • Provide a portfolio of work or contact

    • Processing time is around 24 months

    • Apply via Arrima Portal

    • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in Arrima

    • If selected, get a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ).

    • Apply for PR through the federal government

    • Processing time is around 12-18 months

    • Apply via IRCC Caregiver Portal

    • Get a valid job offer in Canada as a caregiver

    • Apply for a work permit

    • Work 2 years before applying for Permanent Residence

    • Processing time is around 6-12 months (Work Permit) + 24 months for the PR

    • Apply via IRC AIP Portal

    • Get a job offer from an approved employer

    • Apply for Permanent Residence through IRCC

    • Processing time is around 12-18 months

    • Apply via RNIP Community Website

    • Get a job offer from a designated community

    • Receive a community recommendation

    • Apply for a Permanent Residence through IRCC

    • Processing time is around 12-18 months

What is PR and how to get it?

A Permanent Resident (PR) in Canada is a foreign national who has been granted the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely but is not a Canadian citizen.

What are the benefits of being a Permanent Residency?

  • Live, work and study anywhere in Canada

  • Access Public Healthcare

  • Apply for a Canadian Citizenship after 3-5 years

  • Social Benefits (like unemployment insurance and pension)

  • Protection under Canadian Law and Charter of Rights

How to get a Permanent Residency in Canada?

You can apply for a Permanent Residency through different immigration programs, such as

  • Express Entry (Skilled Workers)

  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Family Sponsorship

  • Start-Up Visa (Entrepreneurs)

  • Caregiver Program

  • Self-Employed Program

  • Quebec Skilled Worker Program

  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Becoming a Citizen from Permanent Residency?

After being a Permanent Resident for at least 3 years (1,095 days) in a 5-year period, you can apply for a Canadian Citizenship

Banking & Taxes

When moving to Canada having a Canadian bank account is essential for getting paid, paying bills and managing expenses. So here is all the information you need about everything you need to open a bank account and also information about how the tax system works.

What Do I Need for a Bank Account in Canada?

Here is a quick check list of what you need to open a bank account:

  • Passport

  • Canadian Visa or Study/Work Permit

  • Proof of Address (Rental Agreement, Utility Bill, Hotel Address for Newcomers)

  • SIN (Social Insurance Number) Not always required but needed for credit applications

What is an SIN and how to apply for it?

SIN or Social Insurance Number is a 9 digit number that is issued by the Canadian government that is REQUIRED to have when working, paying taxes and accessing government benefits.

Who needs an SIN?

  • Foreign workers

  • International Students

  • Permanent Residents and Citizens

What do I need to apply?

  • Passport

  • Work or Study Permit

  • Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence

How to apply for a SIN?

  • Apply online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada Office

  • It is free to apply!

  • You will receive a SIN confirmation letter, there is no plastic cards

Credit & Building Credit

Canada has a credit system, this determines your financial trustworthiness. It is based on your credit history, which lenders use to decide if they will give your loan, credit cards or even approve you for housing or a phone plan.

What is Credit?

A credit score is a three-digit number (from 300 - 900) that shows your creditworthiness and how good you are with money. It tells banks, landlords, and lenders how well you pay your bills and handle debt in Canada

This matters a lot, this is because your credit score affects:

  • Getting a loan (car loan, mortgage, personal loan)

  • Getting a credit card (better cards with rewards and low interest)

  • Renting an apartment (landlords check it before approving you)

  • Buying a car (lower interest rates on car loans)

  • Getting a phone plan (some companies require good credit)

The higher score you have = More financial opportunities + lower interest rates

How can I build a Credit?

As a foreigner, you will not have any credit history, so you will need to build it, here is how you do it:

  • Get a Secured Credit card or Banks Newcomer Program Credit Card (deposit money to get a credit limit)

  • Pay all bills on time (even phone and utility bills, EVERYTHING)

  • Taking a small loan and repaying it (like a car loan or personal loan)

  • Keep your Credit Utilization Low (do not use more than 30% of your credit limit)

Canadian Tax System

If you are moving to Canada, you will need to understand how the tax system works. Canada has federal, provincial and sales tax and everyone, including foreigners, must file taxes if they earn any sort of income.

How and What Taxes do you pay?

    • If you work in Canada, Taxes are automatically deducted from your paycheck by your employer

    • If you are self employed, you must must file a tax return each year (T1 General Form)

    • Income Tax (Federal and Provincial)

    • Sales Tax (Goods and Service Tax, Harmonized Sales Tax, Provincial Sales Tax)

Healthcare

Canada has a Universal Healthcare System, meaning residents can access free or low cost medical care.

However, as a foreigner, your access depends on the visa type you have, which province you live in and how long you are staying in Canada.

Who gets Public Health Insurance:

  • Permanent Residents (PR)

  • Work Permit Holders

  • International Students

  • Refugees or protected persons/individuals

How to apply for free Health Insurance?

If you are eligible to apply for free healthcare (Permanent Resident, Work Permit Holder, International Students or a Refugee/Protected Persons) here is how to do so in very simple steps:

  • Check if with your province to see if you are eligible and qualify

  • Apply for a Health Card through the provincial government

  • Wait for approval (some provinces have a 3 month waiting period, so apply as soon as you can)

  • If you are worried about not having Health Insurance, get private health insurance in the mean time

Types of Health Insurance

There are two main ways to get health insurance in Canada:

    • Each province manages its own healthcare system

    • Once you are eligible, you get a health card which lets you access free medical care

    • If your job doesn’t offer insurance, you must buy it yourself.

    • IF you do not fall under the category of people who get free health insurance, you have to go out of your way and purchase your own

Housing & Renting

Finding a place to live in the Canada as a foreigner can be tricky, but understanding how renting works will help you avoid scams and make the process smoother.

What Do You Need to Rent an Apartment

As a foreigner, landlords may ask for extra documents since you do not have a Canadian Credit History. Here is everything you need:

  • Proof of Income (Pay stubs, job offer letter, bank statements)

  • Credit Check (if you have no Canadian credit, you will need a co-signer)

  • References (from previous landlords or from employers

  • Security Deposit (this is usually one months rent ahead of time)

NEVER RENT RENT WITHOUT A CONTRACT, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU GET A WRITTEN LEASE YOU AND THE LANDLORD SIGN.

Can I buy a Home in Canada?

Yes, You are able to buy a home in Canada but with exceptions, meaning you can only buy a home if you have a work permit or a permanent residence. Some provinces have certain restrictions and the recent Federal Foreign Ban 2023-2025 has restricted foreigners being able to buy a home in major cities (There are no restrictions when it comes to buying a home in rural areas or small towns)

What do I need to buy a Home?

  • Down payment (foreigners usually need around 35% of the home price as a down payment)

  • Mortgage Approval (some Canadian Banks offer mortgages to foreigners)

  • Proof of Income (to show a stable income and savings)

  • Canadian Bank Account

  • Lawyer or Notary (Required to handle all the legal paperwork)

What do I need to get a Mortgage?

As a Foreigner, you are able to get a mortgage in Canada, but the process different from what Canadian Citizens go through and what a Permanent Resident go through.

A lot of banks consider Foreigners high risk, so you are required to put a larger down payment, bring extra documentation and pay higher interest rates.

But, this section will tell you what you need to do to get a Mortgage as a Foreigner

What do I need to get a Mortgage?

  • Proof of Identity and Residency (passport and visa/work permit and Canadian Address if you have one)

  • A 35% down payment (if you have permanent residency or a work permit, you may qualify for a lower down payment)

  • Proof of income

  • Canadian Bank Account

  • Credit History (if you do not have a Canadian Credit History, lenders may ask for a Credit Report from your home country)

Driving & Transportation

As you are moving to Canada, you may need to drive or use the public transportation. This section will explain everything from getting a drivers license, renting a car and what type of public transportation is available in Canada

Can foreigners drive in Canada?

Yes of course!

If you have a valid drivers license from your home country, you are able to drive in Canada for 3-6 months depending on the province you are moving to. Some provinces allow you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along side your home country’s drivers license.

But, since you are moving, you will have to exchange your drivers license or get a Canadian Drivers License

How to get a Canadian Driver’s License?

Before you think you have to go do a Driving Test, check if your country have an exchange agreement with Canada, meaning you can swap your current drivers license for a Canadian one without taking a test.

If your country is NOT on the list, you will need to go through the mandatory Canadian graduated licensing system, which includes a written knowledge test, a learners permit, and a road test to get a full drivers license

Buying and Renting a Car in Canada

    • You can buy a car from a dealership (new or used) or a private seller.

    • If you are buying in cash, you have no need for a credit history which is very convenient for foreigners

    • If you want to finance the car, it is a lot harder since you need to build a Canadian Credit History first

    • Most rental companies require you to be at least 21- 25years old

    • You need a passport and a credit card for identification and deposit

    • You need a valid foreign drivers license and sometimes an International Drivers Permit (IDP).

Public Transportation in Canada

    • Available in big cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal

    • Available in most cities and towns

    • These are only found in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton

    • VIA Rail for is long distance travel and GO Transit are in the Toronto Area

    • Uber and Lyft are only available in major cities