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Migrating to a new society, for example Canada, may be a rewarding and hard affair. As a Canadian Immigration Consultant, identifying the most common mistakes that immigrants make could assist them move more easily. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presents an assortment of methods for individuals interested in moving to Canada, namely Family Class Immigration Canada and Canada Visa Spousal Sponsorship. Still, it is critical to steer clear of shortcomings such as missing to investigate the job market, abandoning financial preparation, and not knowing enough about the local atmosphere and culture. Such errors might jeopardize one’s pathway permanent residence in Canada.
Here are 29 mistakes you should avoid!
1. Not Researching the Job Market: Do not assume that all your experience or qualifications you have attained overseas will easily translate into jobs here in Canada. It’s important to find out how relevant your skills are and whether certification may be required. When coming to Canada, there is no 100% certainty that whatever career you have in your home country, you will immediately get here. Oftentimes, people start from scratch. Not to disappoint you, but that is the harsh reality when it comes to moving to a new country. Do your research ahead of time. I suggest you do research on the target companies you want to be part of and the industry you can see yourself working in for the next 4–6 years.
When arriving in Canada, it is not impossible to do survival jobs, meaning you will work on this job as soon as you get hired because you will need the money to survive and pay your bills. As per prior experience with other clients, they take whatever job they are comfortable with and just keep sending out their resumes until they get their dream job. Some achieve their dream job after jumping from 1 to 4 jobs. That’s the reality you have to be ready for.
2. Not Understanding the Climate: Climatic conditions in Canada could be quite harsh, especially during the winter period. Failure to prepare one’s self with the right kind of clothes could result in lots of discomfort and, sometimes, health complications.
This depends on which province you will stay in. Some provinces have lower rental prices but are very harsh in terms of weather conditions. Ask people who are from that province, and make sure to be ready in terms of clothing. May it be puffer jackets for the harsh winter season or thin raincoats for the everyday rain. Watching YouTube videos about fashion in your specific province will also help. Tip: Look for a content creator who is from the same province you will be flying to, and try to understand and get to know how they dress and how the weather is. This will give you the most realistic expectations and information.
3. Cultural Misconceptions: Canada as a country is multicultural and diverse. Failure to appreciate and respect these differences might affect social integration or cause some misunderstandings. Having an open-minded mentality is essential for easy adjustments. It may be overwhelming to be a minority, but always remember that Canada is an immigration hub and that almost everyone here has the same goals and dreams as you. Learn to adapt new cultures and people.
4. Being oblivious to financial planning: Not budgeting or even knowing how much it costs to live can easily result in rapid financial stress. Newcomers should do extensive research and organize their funds carefully.
5. Forgetting the Health Insurance: Check out the insurance packets you received. Not all dental care treatments are covered. Keep in mind that most private dental health insurance is activated three months after signing up, so do not forget when about to land in Canada.
6. Failure to Build a Credit History: A good credit history is required if one wants apartments to rent, needs loans, or even a mobile phone plan. Early application for a credit card and using it responsibly will help build your credit. Research the best bank for newcomers. Banks have perks like waiving the first 6 e-transfer monthly.
7. Not Using Public Transport: Most newcomers do not realize how effective and relatively cheap the systems of public transport in Canada are, especially in the larger cities. Knowing how to get around using transit can save time and money. In Vancouver Canada, we the public transit system is called Translink.
8. Common Misunderstandings Regarding Rental Deals: Many individuals who are new to renting typically enter into rental agreements without being fully aware of all their legal rights and commitments. This could possibly result in issues such as unanticipated rent spikes or disputes concerning the landlord. Also, you may search for houses to rent on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and by seeking recommendations from contacts.
9. Insufficient Networking: The job market in Canada thrives on the concept of networking. With most of the positions coming through referrals, it is necessary to build a professional network as soon as possible. Attend networking events in the industry you want to be a part of. There are free events you can look for online. Mingle and make connections, and of course, after meeting the people, do not forget to connect with them on LinkedIn.
10. No Thought of Volunteering: Volunteering brings in its share of benefits to the newcomer in terms of Canadian experience, language skills improvement, and professional network building—all of which are just ignored by most. Life in Canada is tough, and sometimes we do not have time to volunteer. Volunteering gives a satisfaction that money cannot buy and who knows? You will meet your best buddy while volunteering.
11.Disregarding the importance of language: Language courses can help you adapt more easily to the language. Also, talking to strangers and communicating on a daily basis will be helpful. I dare you to talk to one person every day on the train or bus. This will help you build confidence and connect easier with people.
12. Not Being Aware of Your Tax Obligations The taxation system in Canada is quite complicated, with an extensive selection of reimbursements and deductions accessible by taxpayers. If you fall short of your tax specifications, you run the potential of accumulating penalties or missing numerous possibilities that could lower your tax obligations.
13. Overspending While Purchasing a Car: While owning a car is most definitely convenient, entering the market to buy it without first comprehending how much it really costs—insurance, maintenance, fuel—can stretch your wallet pretty thin.
14. Being Heedless of Personal Safety: By and large, Canada is a safe country; however, one needs to keep on their toes and understand local safety norms, especially when in bigger cities.
15. Transport of Restricted Goods: Canada has strict customs laws. Importing unauthorized goods, even if unknowingly, can be fined or confiscated.
16. Ignorance of the Local Laws: There are a number of different laws in the various provinces which all might not be known by one and hence are unintentionally violated.
17. Not Researching Housing Options: One might end up living with long-term housing dissatisfaction just by jumping into it without first researching different neighbourhoods or cities. You are normally better off renting short-term until you explore your options.
18. Not Asking for Help: Many are not making use of the many settlement services Canada offers for the settlement of newcomers. As a result, they miss out on very important support.
19. Distance and travel time underestimation: Canada is huge, and distances from one city to another or even within a single city can be much bigger than one would have foreseen. Planning for travel times is essential.
20. Overpacking: Many people move with too many belongings and often realize that some of the things they bring are not useful or further aggravate the climate.
21. Forgetting to Duplicate Essential Paperwork: It is important to produce several replicas of key papers, such as the passport, visa, and health record, in the event that the first copies go missing or are lost.
22. Taking Liberties with Local Etiquette: Small actions like tipping in restaurants or even saying “thank you” are a part of Canadian etiquette. Non-compliance with these small bits creates bad impressions.
23. Assumption That Universal Healthcare Covers Everything: Canada boasts about its free health care. This, however, does not extend to all services, for example, dental and vision. There may be supplemental insurance that might be needed.
24. Not Knowing the School System: If you have children, become familiar with the Canadian education system so that you can ensure that your children get a really good start.
25. Not Joining Community Groups: It is possible to quickly settle down and find a network of people who will support you by joining local community groups.
26. Not Adapting to the Local Food: Canadian cuisine may be way different from what you are used to back in your country. The more open you are to new food, the more memorable your experience will be, and it will be easier to adjust.
27. Not Being Careless About Your Credit Score: Your future financial dealings depend on how sound your credit score is. Keep paying your bills on time and manage your credit with foresight for a great credit history.
28. Not Planning for Long-Term Residency: In case you have plans to stay in Canada for a longer period, it is best to devise options that can assist you in settling permanently or seeking Canadian citizenship.
29. Underestimating Work-Life Balance: Canada seems to put so much emphasis on work-life balance. Destroying yourself by overworking or refusing to take time off the job to live a little may be counterproductive. Take some time off and enjoy the recreational activities this country has in store.
Now that you are aware of the mistake you should not make when arriving in Canada, let’s take the first step by contacting me and my team on our official email and phone lines.
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