Determine which part of Canada you want to move to. If you have a job lined up or will be attending school somewhere, this decision is already made. If not, ask friends or family members who live in Canada or have visited there extensively for advice. Read about each province and territory at sites like canada.gc.ca/othergov-autregouv/prov-eng.html (see Resources) and nationsonline.org/oneworld/countries_canada.htm, or buy a Canadian guidebook, like "Fodor's Canada," written and published by Fodor's.
Each part of Canada is unique. Quebec, for example, is very similar to many European cities in its culture, and most residents speak French as their primary language. British Columbia, on the other hand, is a mostly English-speaking province. Once you determine which area you wish to move to, based on the area's culture, history, lifestyle, housing costs, job market and other specific needs you have, you can focus your efforts on that area rather than Canada as a whole.
Prepare to visit the city or area you plan to move to. Look online for houses or apartments to buy or rent; make a list of five or 10 places you like that are within your budget, and make appointments to visit each place in person. You can find available houses or apartments by visiting sites like Craigslist.org, Canadarentals.net, Canadahomesforsale.ca or by contacting a local retailer in the area you plan to move to.
Research job availability in the area. Check out classifieds sections online at local newspaper websites, or visit sites like Jobsincanada.com or Monster.ca. Apply to as many jobs as you can that suit your career path or skill level, and set up interviews during your visit.
Purchase airfare or drive to Canada to visit the city you plan to move to. Attend all scheduled job and housing appointments. Also, drive around the area to get a feel for where the amenities are, and visit various neighborhoods to see which location best suits your lifestyle. Pick up local newspapers to catch up on local news and events and continue your job search through the classifieds sections.
Begin the immigration process. Canada has very specific rules for people immigrating to the country. Visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada (see Resources) to download and print all forms and get an overview of the process.
Most people immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker. If you already have a job offer in writing, your chances of acceptance are much higher than if you do not yet have a job lined up. If you do not have a job yet, Canada lists a variety of skill sets and careers that they are looking for. If you fall into one of those categories, your chances of approval are high.
As of May 2010, there are 38 different careers listed. Canada does change the list from time to time, depending on what jobs are needed across the country (the most recent change occurred in November 2008). See the most current list at Visaplace.com (see Resources).
If your career is not listed on the above site and you do not have a job offer, consider hiring a Canadian immigration attorney to assist with the immigration process.
Fill out all forms found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada site, cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-how.asp. Submit forms and payments after you complete them to the address listed on the form. The fee is $550 per person over 22 years old in your household, and $150 for each person uner 22 in your household. If your application is accepted, there are additional fees required (about $1,000 per person).
Alternatively, you can apply for a student visa or temporary work permit to move to Canada temporarily at cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp (student visa) or cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp (temporary work visa). You can then choose to immigrate permanently to Canada while you are in the country legally if you like your initial experience living in the country temporarily.
Continue to look for housing and jobs in Canada as you await the immigration results, which can take up to 14 months. If you find a job that needs you to start immediately, talk to your employer about your immigration status. Your employer can likely help you obtain a temporary work permit quickly until your immigration application has been approved.
Sell or donate whatever belongings you do not plan to take to Canada. If your belongings do not have much financial or personal value, it may be easier to sell or donate them and purchase new items once you arrive in Canada.
Make your final decision on a house or apartment, pay all necessary deposits, down payments or closing costs, and schedule a specific move-in date and time.
Hire a moving company to help you pack and move most of your items. Visit Intlmovers.com to find international moving companies, or call a moving company in the city you are moving to. The moving company can also help ship your car(s) if needed (though you can drive your car yourself if you are driving into Canada. Schedule your belongings to arrive the day of or a day after your scheduled move in date.
Pack the rest of your belongings (clothes and daily essentials) into a suitcase and fly or drive to Canada. Arrive in your city a day or two before your move-in date to take care of any last minute details that might arise. Make a hotel reservation if necessary.
If you have pets, you can bring them into Canada. Dogs and cats do not have to be quarantined, unless they are under three months old.
Move into your new house or apartment and begin your new life in Canada. Start your new job, and make an effort to make new friends through co-workers and attending community events. Be prepared for the acclimation process to take several weeks at least before you begin to feel comfortable in the Canadian culture.
