Approved to come to Canada? Congratulations!!! You’ll soon be living in one of the best countries in the world (besides your own country, of course!)

You must have a million questions and doubts, but preparation is key to success!

*Please note that we keep adding to this page. If you know of any relevant resources, feel free to contact us!

 

Table of Contents

Click on the topic of your interest to jump to the section.

✔ General Information by Province
✔ Online Programs
✔ Tips for Professionals
✔ Kids
✔ How should I prepare for Winter?

General Information by Province

The best places to get trusted information are the official pages of the federal and provincial governments:

Online Programs

If you received a Permanent Resident visa, you can utilize the various government-funded Pre-arrival Services that will help you prepare by providing the right information about credentials, online mentoring, and other services.

UnstoppableMe has partnerships with:

  • Canada Infonet for approved immigrating professionals arriving in Canada as Permanent Residents within the next 2 to 12 months. For more information, check their website and send your inquiries to contactus@canadainfonet.org
  • NewCanadians TV, an informative TV and web-based series portraying stories of recent immigrants making Canada their home. You can find a wide array of information on settlement, education, employment and small business resources available to newcomers to help them maximize their chances of success and ease their integration into Canadian society and workforce.

Tips for Professionals

  • Learn about the credential assessment process; gather the necessary documents related to your studies and profession
  • Contact professional associations related to your field. Inquire about the requirements to become a member.
  • Contact immigrant associations related to your field or interests. In Toronto, you can refer to TRIEC PINs which is like an “association of associations” providing support and resources to immigrant-led organizations. UnstoppableMe has been participating actively since 2016.
  • Update your LinkedIn profile (if you don’t have one, please create one!! Having a complete LinkedIn profile is a MUST in Canada)
  • Through LinkedIn, start contacting people in Canada who are working in your profession or industry. DO NOT ask for a job; just establish a dialogue with them so that you get to know each other.
  • Align your resume and cover letter to the Canadian style
  • Check jobs ads in your field on Canadian job portals (e.g. Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn Jobs, Eluta, Glassdoor) Understand the requirements and credentials pertaining to your field that are requested by employers, and start strategizing how you’ll acquire or supplement them
  • If you find certifications or technical skills that are sought after in Canada and can be acquired online, consider doing them before coming to Canada
  • Check if you qualify for bridging programs related to your field, delivered by organizations providing newcomer services. Inquire about the date of start, admission tests, documentation needed and program contents.

Kids

  • Although children can rapidly adapt to new environments and situations, they can also be deeply affected by an international move, as it will disrupt their school life and friendships. In general, young children are more adaptable than older kids or teenagers, but you as a parent could be paying extra attention to their moods and behaviours.
  • There is no right or wrong in the timing and kids’ age to immigrate to Canada, but the more you involve them in your preparations and plans, the better.
  • Once you arrive, spend a lot of time with them and establish a daily routine for your whole family to make the adaptation smoother. Explore the city together and share your excitement in having new experiences. Go to your closest community centre or library, as they will have plenty of resources and cultural activities available for children and teens.
  • You can make sure that your kids have a basic understanding of the language of the province you’re moving into, and know how to express simple things, such as “Can you please repeat that?” or “I need help.” Also, they should know that people in Canada say a friendly “hello, my name is…” and give a handshake when they meet someone new. Therefore, they should be prepared to respond and interact with others.
  • Once they arrive and are immersed in school activities in Canada, they will grasp other things very quickly, and they might start forgetting their own language. You may consider methods and resources to help them keep their native language and country customs.
  • The school year in Canada usually runs from the first week of September until the end of June (ten months) and is divided into terms. Here’s an article explaining the Public School System. There is no ministry or department of education at the federal level (for all Canada) – each province or territory has its own ministry of education governing their schools.
  • Most school boards advise their schools to establish language support programs for newcomer children in their first year/s in Canada, as well as orientation sessions for their parents.

Additional resources:

How should I prepare for the Winter?

You may have heard that winters in Canada are brutal – while that’s true, knowing what to expect as well as good planning will help you get used to the weather.

Some tips you hear would depend on where you’ll be located. In Alberta or Saskatchewan you may see the first snow as early as September, and it frequently gets to -40C, so you start preparing earlier. In Vancouver, BC or Toronto, ON, the temperatures are milder in comparison. But in general, you can expect winter to last from November to mid-April.

Weather

Clothing

Canadians say that “there is no bad weather, just bad clothing” – so you should make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.

It’s worth investing in good quality gear that would last a few years. We recommend people to wait until arriving in Canada to buy their winter gear. It may be more expensive than in their home countries, but the materials are more suitable for Canadian winters.

    • Winter jacket
    • Winter boots
    • Hat or “tuque“
    • Gloves, mittens
    • Scarf
    • Warm socks

You may hear a lot about “layering”, which means wearing two or more pieces of clothing to stay warm. As you go indoors (with central heating), you can take off the extra layers so that you don’t feel too hot.

    • Base layer: t-shirt, shirt, leggins
    • Second layer: cardigan or sweater, fleece jacket, hoodie, pants
    • Third layer: jacket

If you’re arriving in Canada in the winter months, bring your warmest clothing but also arrange transportation from the airport to your place of stay.

Additional items you can get once landed

Winter tends to be dry, and you should protect your skin.

    • Lip balm
    • Moisturizer

Updated: November 13, 2020

Would you add anything to this list? Please let us know!

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