# Travel >> Destinations >> Canada

Step by Step Guide for Moving to Canada

So you are moving to Canada. Moving to another country is a big step that involves many processes that can be complex. There are preparations that you have to make to minimize the problems that appear when you arrive in a new country. Before leaving, you need to sort out your immigration papers and get your employment or education, planned accommodations and finances in line. Thanks to modern technology, some of these affairs can be managed online. Choosing to make proper preparations can save you much trouble at a later stage.

Instructions

- 1
  Get an appropriate visa. While a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can enter Canada without a visa, the period of stay is usually only six months. A worker visa or a student visa allows you to stay longer in Canada, and an immigrant visa gives you permanent residence status that allows you to stay indefinitely as long as you fulfill the applicable requirements. A student or worker visa might lead to an immigrant visa.
- 2
  Find work in Canada. Ask for letters of reference from your non-Canadian employers before you leave, look at online job advertisements and start applying. If you work in a regulated occupation such as a health care, finance, law or engineering, you might need to obtain a license, a certificate or a registration with the appropriate regulatory body before you can start working. The requirements to work in regulated occupations vary across the country.
- 3
  Make education arrangements for yourself and your family. Public education for children is free, and student loans might be available for adults. A study permit may be required, depending on the type of your visa.
- 4
  Find accommodations in Canada. If you are not ready to rent or buy immediately, you can find temporary accommodations online before you leave and look for a more permanent place to live when you get to Canada.
- 5
  Prepare warm clothing for winter. Winter in Canada might be cold and long, depending on where you live. Temperatures are usually below 0 degree Celcius during winter, so buy appropriate clothes. You might need insulated waterproof boots, a scarf, a hat, gloves and a thick winter coat.
- 6
  Exchange your money for Canadian dollars before you leave. Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards as well as U.S. currency are accepted in many places in Canada, but it is recommended to bring Canadian dollars for convenience.
- 7
  Check the various services that the Canadian government provides for newcomers to Canada. According to servicesfornewcomers.cic.gc.ca, you can get help with language training, everyday tasks, finding a job and adjusting to life in Canada.