CanadaVisa.com and CIC News are proud to collaborate with Scotiabank, Canada’s leading bank for all newcomers. The idea is to offer support and a complete guide in such testing times when you are embarking on a new journey in Canada.
While moving to a new country can be exciting and a little stressful, moving during the COVID-19 comes with a set of unique pros and cons. With access to the right resources and extensive planning, you will be able to call the dynamic cities and gorgeous sceneries in Canada your new home.
Research As Much As You Can
Spending time researching your desired community ahead of the move is the best thing you can do. As the bank for all you newcomers, here are a few questions you might want to consider while choosing a new home:
- Which province is best for my career choice? The government of each province releases regular labor market reports. This can be helpful in determining if your career is sought after in your desired area or living.
- Am I prepared for the weather and lifestyle? Weather and language preferences vary from one province to the other. Moving to a major city in British Columbia or Ontario, the two favorite choices of most newcomers, will be significantly different from shifting to a town in Quebec, where French is the dominant language.
- Are you taking advantage of all newcomer tools? You do not have to be very brave to make this move alone. There are a lot of free resources that can help find a new home, a school for children, a job, and also assist with your language-related needs.
- Have you planned for pandemic-related delays and other regulations? Be prepared for delays in the documentation and to deal with compulsory isolation requirements.
Prepare For Your Arrival
Before your arrival, do try to figure out how COVID-19 could possibly impact the new citizenship. Visit the site: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for all the latest news and updates. On the basis of your citizenship status, you will be permitted to leave your current country even if there is an ongoing travel ban. Here are a few other things you need to do before you book your plane tickets:
- Closely Monitor Your health: Remember that if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed entry into the country.
- Schedule COVID Testing: Every traveler who is aged above five years needs to show their negative PCR test result 72 hours before the flight departs for Canada.
- Choose a Place To Quarantine: If you do not yet have a permanent address, you will have to book an accommodation where you will put up during the self-isolation phase. You will need to show your quarantine plans once you arrive. You can also look up a hotel with a kitchen to accommodate your needs.
- Make A Budget And Have An Emergency Fund: Consider creating a budget, which will help you manage your finances on your visit. This is important particularly if you enter Canada without a job. Keep aside emergency funds for prolonged unemployment or unexpected expenses – and ensure that you have enough funds to keep you going through your isolation phase.
Get Your Documentation As Soon As Possible
New Canadian residents will mandatorily require the following documents as soon as they land:
- Permanent Resident or the PR Card: New residents must receive this card as part of the immigration process. It is the official Canadian residency proof and is required whenever you are traveling abroad.
- Provincial Health Card: This one allows medical and health coverage. Typically, there will be a waiting period after which your coverage will begin. Do refer to the official website of the Government of Canada for more relevant details.
- Social Insurance Number or SIN: SINs permit working in Canada and also have access to government services. You will need your SIN to pay the taxes. Having these documents handy will make life easier for you. It will help complete important activities, such as opening a bank account or joining a job.
Securing A New Job During a Pandemic
Ideally, it is best to have a job secured before settling down in Canada, particularly since the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented companies across sectors with new challenges. However, if you have not accepted an offer until now, the following tips might help:
- Start looking for government jobs; you can try filter view and check COVID-19 jobs
- Do have your experience, education, and credentials verified
- Look up the list on NewCanadianJobs.ca for jobs that accept newcomers
How to Live in A New Country with Pandemic Restrictions
Before 2020, new residents would be spotted shopping at a local store and acquainting themselves with fellow residents and the new community. The current COVID-19 phase has made such activities nearly impossible. Instead, newcomers should familiarize themselves with local online shopping retailers and delivery service providers.
While you are in your isolation phase, as you already know, you cannot interact with anyone outside your home. This indicates that you have no option other than ordering groceries and other necessary supplies online. You can check if Walmart Grocery, Grocery Gateway, or any other online retailer will send supplies in your area. Once you get a reliable retailer, stock up on cleaning and pantry essentials like disinfectants.
Get in touch with us on WhatsApp or Call us at 905-671-4442. You may even email us at info@immigrationterminal.ca if you have any queries about your temporary or permanent residence application.