expat network

Moving to Canada – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to Canada!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in Canada we have put together the information you will need to make your move a smooth one.

Canada Calling

This vast, resource-rich country stretching over six time-zones is still open to immigrants and has many job opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications A land of geographic differences and cultural diversity. Canada has a high standard of living with a friendly and sociable people. Within its vast borders, spanning six time-zones, there…

Customs Requirements For Entry To Canada

If you are moving to Canada it is important to understand the customs requirements for entry in to Canada. We provide guidelines here but the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website has a wealth of detailed information You will need two copies of an inventory of all the goods you intend to bring into Canada…

Passport And Visa For Canada

There are a range of visa options depending on the purpose and timing of your planned stay in Canada. There are visas that give the right to temporary residence and those that allow you permanent residence. If you are entering Canada by air from most countries you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), but…

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health Overseas

Why is expat mental health important? Expat mental health is a critical issue to address because it is the foundation for happiness and satisfaction abroad. International life presents a unique set of experiences for the expat that can affect mental health. This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by Therapy Solutions Abroad According to…

Mental Health Growing Issue For Expats

Mental health is a growing issue for expat workers and their employers, as well as those relocating independently, according to a research study. To ensure expats have the support they need when relocating or working away from their home country, health benefits provider Aetna International is calling for businesses and individuals to take more pre-emptive…

Tax On A Move Back To Canada?

I am a Canadian non-resident in the Czech Republic. I plan to return to Canada in two years’ time to finish working and eventually retire. I filed a T1 General form for 2015 as I had a small amount of interest income from a bank account I hold in Canada. Must I always report interest…

Buying Property In Canada

Buying property is rarely a joy, but the process in Canada comes closer than most countries. Everything is in English (or French), the process is straightforward and well regulated, the buying costs are cheap and there is no shortage of data and information out there. Canadian homes are big and getting bigger. The average size…

Expat Healthcare In Canada

Canada offers citizens and permanent residents a universal public health insurance scheme known as Medicare. The quality of medical services in Canada is typically highly regarded and known for its remarkable standards of treatment and professionals. But what provisions have been made for expats in the country? By Cigna Global Expats living in Canada without…

PROMOTED: Cutting Ties With Home…

When moving overseas, either permanently or temporarily, most of us will keep some kind of base/connection with the UK – whether that’s renting out a property, having post forwarded to friends and family or keeping our UK bank account. Apart from practical and financial reasons, for a lot of us, keeping that link to the…

Living And Working In Canada

Here’s a brief introduction to what you can expect if you are going to work in Canada A land of geographic differences and cultural diversity, Canada has a high standard of living with a friendly and sociable population. Within its vast borders, spanning six time zones, there is a beautiful and varied landscape that includes…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.