Moving from USA to Canada Checklist

Moving to a foreign country is a huge undertaking and could be a challenge. Moving to Canada though should not be that difficult because there are clear immigration rules applied and many moving companies will help you find the right information. Immigrating to a new country could be one of the most exciting and rewarding events in your life so don’t let the details you don’t know stop you.  There is plenty of information available online to help you make the right decisions and organize the big move. Make moving to Canada easy with this checklist and enjoy the places you have decided to visit.

Immigrating To Canada

Relocating internationally requires great organization and planning. After you have figured out where you want to move, you should check the country immigration requirements first. Start by going to the official web sites. For Canada, this would be the site to check out http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp. Make sure you read and understand the different types of visas or permanent resident application forms. To live in Canada you have to become a permanent resident, you can’t just become citizen. Once resident, in about two years you can become Canadian citizen. You will find six different permanent resident categories and you can apply for the one that best fits your skills. Canada has six immigration categories – Skilled Worker, Quebec-selected skilled workers, Canadian Experience Class, Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-employed people, Provincial Nominees and Sponsoring Your Family category. Thus, there many great options for moving into Canada so, you should just choose the correct immigrant category. The Skilled Workers class is the most popular though, and the easiest way to become a resident of Canada. For this category immigrants are evaluate on a point system of 1 to 100 points. You must receive at least 67 points to qualify. Skilled workers are selected based on their educational level, work experience and English and French language proficiency and more. As I mentioned you can find all the info you need on the official citizenship and Immigration to Canada website.

Canada – Well and Not That Well Known Facts

Soon after you are approved for the class you applied for you will receive your permanent resident card. During the whole process, though there are steps you should take to make your settling in Canada easier. There is a lot you need to learn about that country. Despite the fact that the two countries share a border, the system and culture are quite different. Therefore, since you are contemplating a move you don’t want to be caught in an adventure a thousand miles from home. Consider exactly what you know and don’t about Canada and then read further. Many people say that what they know about Canada is enough to feel comfortable when they visit and just enough to be an adventure too. Very little about Canada gets reported in the US media, so we actually do not know enough about their economic situation and culture, unless you go find on your own. One thing most of us know is that Canada is cold and that’s why nearly 70 percent of the population lives along the US border. Still that sounds a bit drastic, but since you are moving into Canada from the US you should consider the climate. Depending on which part of the Sates you live currently, you may want to choose a part in Canada where the climate is similar. For example if you are moving to Vancouver you will find that the summers there are warm with temperatures up to 72 °F.

Canada Social and Political System

Whether you find the similar climate conditions or not, you will want to know more about the economic and social politic of the country before moving into Canada from the US. Canada is more liberal and much more social country than the US. The universal healthcare system is one asset all Canadians hold most dear. Furthermore, Canada prohibits the death penalty, has stricter gun control than the States, allow abortions and treat them as medical procedure and the law allows same sex marriage.

So far all that is a necessary information for you to know in order to make your decision to move to Canada and start looking for Canadian moving companies probably.

Canada Beautiful Landscapes and Culture

Yet no matter how much you read about a country, you can’t move there without visiting it first. You should take time off and probably spend a vacation in Canada. You can find random people to talk to about how life is in Canada. Great source would be US born Canadian immigrants who can tell you about their experiences. You can get info on where the most jobs are and the most immigrants live. Moreover, you have to check out some of the most beautiful places and parks. If you want to get away from the hassle and bustle of the big city, Canada can offer hundreds of choices of peaceful and green areas. Such are the Gulf Island, Chilliwack, Okanagan Valley, and Kaslo and Kootenay Lake, all in British Columbia. All ten provinces offer great beauty and fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, all turning in quilts of show in the winter.

History and Ideas Canadians Treasure

Historically Canada has been heavily influenced by the British and French cultures and you will see that everywhere, from the political and social systems, to the beautiful landscapes. Amid that though, Canada has developed unique characteristics. Despite the French and British influence, Canada is very immigrant friendly and has multicultural population. Thus, by visiting Canada first, you will be able to verify the greatness of this country for yourself. Still keep in mind, visiting is one thing, living there is completely different. That’s why you have to learn as much as you can before moving to Canada from the US. Moving to another country is a serious business and you should plan it carefully.

Canada is popular around the world with its social and political system (which by the way is parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy). The main difference between the US and Canada probably comes from the main ideas rooted in the people and their governments – in the US is “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” while in Canada is “Peace, Order and Good Government.” Still, in Canada also bureaucracy can sometimes impede rather than serve the citizens. The country capital city is Ottawa, located in the Ontario province. The country’s largest city is Toronto.

Moving To Canada and Finding Canada Movers

So, now let’s get back to the serious business, moving to Canada from the US.  You have to contact a few moving companies and talk to them in details about the cross-border move. You have to be able to understand you key responsibilities in terms of documentations requirements for relocating and the customs. Once you get the main info, you should consider your budget in order to estimate your Canada moving cost. Make sure you research your movers and read moving reviews on Canadian movers. Then, when you settle with a moving company you have to decide whether the movers will pack everything or you want to pack things yourself. When moving internationally, you have to have clear labels what was packed by you and what by the moving company and the content must be listed. Before all that though, you have to provide the moving agent with copy of your Canadian work visa and confirmation of residence status, valid passport and birth certificate and two copies of the inventory list. If you are shipping a motor vehicle you must present a copy of the title for the Canadian Customs and the original to the shipper. Thus, you see that there are many specifications and requirements when moving and you should discuss all details with your movers. To ensure yourself a stress free relocation to Canada, you should talk to a professional moving agent that will help you plan and organize your moving to Canada. Making up your mind to move could not be the easiest decision, but believe me finding US to Canada moving companies will not prove easier. You our database of moving reviews on Canadian moving companies to research your movers. Do not forget to write a review on your moving company after the move is completed.

Your own happiness is the most important thing, and if you have found it in Canada, follow it and enjoy it then. Enjoy your new life and be safe!

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about Moving to Canada and finding reliable movers. We can help you with moving tips and advice and point you in the right direction. Then, let us know how it went and it feel living in Canada.

Author: Vasilka Atanasovaon October 23, 2011
An expert contributor to My Moving Reviews.