Living and Working in Canada

The number of British relocating to Canada annually has been dropping quite significantly year on year since the 1960s but on the other hand those who originally herald from America and Asia are being drawn in ever greater numbers to Canada in search of a more laid back lifestyle, better standards of living and employment prospects.

If you’re interested in living and working in Canada this article covers the main points that you need to consider and gives information about finding work, accommodation and settling into a new life in Canada.

First things first it’s important to know that depending on the country you originally herald from you will have to apply for a visa to visit, live, work or study in Canada.  UK citizens can visit the country for up to 6 months at a time without the requirement of a visa but for anyone who wishes to make their life in Canada more permanent and is researching immigrating to Canada the best place to start is at their nearest Canadian embassy. 

The Canadian embassy will be able to advise about the different types of visas available, how the immigration points system works and how to go about applying for the most applicable visa whether that’s a skilled worker, business class, provincial national, family class, international adoption or Quebec selected visa for example.  The citizenship and immigration Canada website also contains a wealth of relocation and visa advice and support.

Because Canada is said to represent the very best of the UK and USA combined, offering a stable political and economic climate, quality of life, first world cities and vast expanses of stunning countryside, the appeal of the nation is obvious.  However, because Canada physically covers such a large landmass how can those thinking about living and working in Canada determine which area of the country is most suitable for them?

For some the decision will be driven by employment prospects – naturally enough the main Canadian cities of Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver are the country’s employment hotspots.  But for those thinking about retiring to Canada consideration should be given to the lifestyle being sought by moving abroad.  Research should then be done into which areas of Canada appeal to the particular lifestyle and budgetary requirements and restrictions of the individual.

When it comes to finding somewhere to live it’s wise to rent initially when you move to a new country because property may make a great investment vehicle but it is also an incredibly immovable investment asset that can take a long time to sell!  If you move to Canada and find a location you believe suitable that turns out not to be all you hoped and you’re renting a home, you can simply use the home as a short term base to allow you to get to know Canada better and to find the best location in which to live.  If on the other hand you commit to purchasing real estate in Canada you may struggle to sell that property if you find it doesn’t quite suit you.

Working in Canada employees have certain rights, including the right to earn a minimum wage for example.  The main industries in which immigrants tend to work include the health and retail industries and Canada is always seeking skilled migrants as it is a country that suffers something of a brain drain annually when newly qualified professional Canadians move to Europe or America to work. 

Unemployment in Canada is relatively low and the economy is strong which means that job opportunities are in supply and the rate of pay currently being offered is generally favourable.  Those with professional qualifications may find an employer to ‘sponsor’ and support their visa application before they even move to Canada.  For others who wait until they move to Canada to find employment the main cities all have recruitment agencies or jobs can be sought online.  Jobs in Canada.com is a good place to start.

Canada has an excellent immigration support network and expats will also quickly find many international communities especially in the main towns and cities.  Such support can help with the transition abroad but it does take time to settle into a new life in Canada.  People are usually initially excited about their new life but may go through periods when they feel isolated both geographically and also emotionally, and getting used to day to day life can seem like a struggle.  The best advice is to get out and meet new people as quickly as possible, spend time familiarising yourself with immediate surroundings and focus on the positive reasons you had for living and working in Canada from the start and you will soon settle in.

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