Here is the list of important things to do before and after you arrive in Canada. Use these prompts as checklist to prepare yourself to emigrate.
Every newcomer’s situation is different, so the lists provide only an indication of what you may need to do at different stages. Not every item may be relevant to you, but it is best to be as prepared as possible. If you are a refugee, you will receive information and support from the Government of Canada specifically for refugees during the immigration process.
get ready!
Before you arrive in Canada:
Collect and bring to Canada all official documents belonging to you and the family members who are immigrating with you. Common documents include:
birth certificate
passport
marriage or divorce certificate; death certificate for a deceased spouse
adoption records for adopted children
educational diplomas and certificates; transcripts that list the courses you took to obtain a degree or certificate
official vaccination records
medical records (prescriptions, test results, x-rays, allergies, etc.,) and dental records
driver’s license and/or International Driving Permit (IDP)
Some of these documents may not be required immediately, but it is better to bring all your official documents with you in case they are needed or useful in the future.
It is often much more difficult to obtain these documents after you have left your country of origin. If the original documents are not in English or French (Canada’s official languages), you will need to obtain certified translations. If you are immigrating to Quebec, it is best to translate the documents into French. Otherwise (except in the officially bilingual province of New Brunswick), it is generally most useful to translate the documents into English. Choose a translation agency with a good reputation in your country of origin. When presenting your documents to Canadian officials, always provide the original, the certified translation, and the name and contact information of the translation agency. If you need to translate documents from English to French or from French to English, this can be done in Canada.
If you have family members that will be immigrating at a later date, you should bring copies of their documents with you as well.
Make an effort to improve your English or French if neither of these is your first language.
Communication skills may be the most important tool you can possess to settle successfully in Canada and find a good job. The language you focus on improving will depend on which one is most commonly spoken in the area where you have chosen to settle.
Plan where you will stay during your first days in Canada. Make arrangements to stay with family or friends or book a hotel in a central location.
To a new life!
Prepare yourself to find employment in Canada by doing the following:
Gather all your educational diplomas and certificates.
Obtain letters of reference from your past employers.
Learn about and begin the process of getting your educational and professional qualifications officially recognized in Canada.
Find out whether your profession is “regulated” or “unregulated” in Canada.
Learn about how to search and apply for jobs in Canada.
Learn more about the province and the city or town where you will settle. For information on work opportunities in different professions across Canada, visit www.workingincanada.gc.ca.
Learn about the education system in Canada. Take note of deadlines for applying and registering at schools, colleges and universities.
Purchase private health insurance. This insurance pays for emergency medical costs until you obtain government health insurance in Canada. Private health insurance is necessary because the time between when you apply and when you receive a government health insurance card can be three months or longer.
Purchase some warm clothes to keep you comfortable during the first few days if you are arriving in Canada during the fall, winter or spring.
Learn about Canadian laws and your rights and civic responsibilities when you become a resident of Canada.
Welcome to Canada!
Good luck!