A Beginner's Guide on Moving to Canada

Jump right in:

• A Practical Guide to the Way of Life in Canada
• How to relocate your household & pets to Canada
• Finding the right housing in Canada
• About jobs and finding work in Canada
• Applying for visas & work permits in Canada
• The education system & international schools in Canada
• Opening a bank account & managing taxes in Canada
• How healthcare works in Canada

A practical guide to the way of life in Canada

Life in Canada offers a mix of beautiful nature, cultural diversity, and modern conveniences. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, excellent public services, and friendly, multicultural communities.

Still, living costs can be steep in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and winters can be harsh. For example, monthly living expenses for a single person (including rent) in Toronto can reach around 3,500 CAD (approx. 2,600 USD), while smaller cities and provinces can be up to 40–50% cheaper.

Understanding local customs — such as punctuality, politeness, and respect for personal space — helps newcomers integrate smoothly. Public transport is reliable, and driving rules are straightforward across provinces. Read our complete guide on living in Canada

How to relocate your household & pets to Canada

Relocating to Canada involves several steps, from shipping your household goods to meeting customs and pet import requirements. Most personal belongings can be brought duty-free, but new items, vehicles, and certain foods or plants may require inspection or permits.

If you’re moving with pets, make sure they have valid vaccination certificates and meet entry requirements. Temporary or long-term storage options are widely available, and planning your shipment early can help you avoid delays. Read our complete guide on relocating to Canada

Finding accommodation in Canada

Finding housing in Canada is straightforward but can be competitive in major cities. Rental prices vary widely — average one-bedroom apartments in central areas cost about 2,200 CAD (approx. 1,630 USD) per month, while three-bedroom homes outside city centers average around 3,000 CAD (approx. 2,220 USD).

Most leases last a year, and rent increases are regulated by province. Furnished rentals are common for short stays, but long-term tenants typically rent unfurnished apartments.

Foreigners can also buy property in Canada without restrictions, though some provinces have additional taxes for non-residents. The average house price

nationwide is around 725,000 CAD (approx. 530,000 USD), with Vancouver and Toronto remaining the most expensive markets. Read our complete guide on housing in Canada

Your guide on jobs & finding work in Canada

The job market in 2025 is looking strong, especially for healthcare, tech, and skilled trades. Salaries vary depending on your field and city — engineers and IT specialists usually earn well above average, while healthcare and service jobs can be a bit lower but still competitive. For example, mid-career professionals in tech or engineering typically earn between 80,000 and 120,000 CAD (59,000–89,000 USD) annually in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have the most opportunities, but smaller provinces also need skilled workers, especially in trades and growing industries.

To land a job, make sure your resume fits Canadian standards, check job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed.ca, and Job Bank, and know what work permits or visas you might need.

Read our complete guide on finding a job in Canada

Visas & work permits in Canada

Most foreigners moving to Canada will need a visa or work permit depending on their stay’s purpose and duration. Work permits can be open (for any employer) or employer-specific, while skilled professionals often apply through Express Entry for permanent residency.

Canada also offers self-employment and business visas, as well as family sponsorship programs for spouses and dependents. Visa costs and processing times vary by category, so it’s best to check the latest requirements before applying. Read our complete guide on visas and work permits in Canada

A comprehensive guide about the education system & international schools

International schools in Canada are abundant. Expat parents wishing to enroll their kids in one need look no further. This guide provides a list of some of the best schools in the country including international schools, primary schools, secondary schools, universities — even language schools!

Wondering whether to send your kids to a public or private school in Canada? The biggest difference is cost. Public schools are free, funded by the government, while private schools can range from 4,000 to 30,000 CAD (approx. 3,000–22,500 USD) per year for day schools and up to 80,000 CAD (approx. 60,000 USD) for boarding schools. Fees depend on the city, grade level, and type of school. Choosing the right school is about more than money — it’s about the learning environment, opportunities, and what fits your child best.

Read our complete guide on education & international schools in Canada

Opening a bank account and managing taxes in Canada

You’ll be happy to hear that opening a bank account in Canada is very easy — even for expats! To get started, you’ll typically need your passport, immigration papers, a second ID, and Social Insurance Number.

This section also highlights some of the best banks for foreigners and explains Canada’s tax system. Are you already wondering how much your tax rate would be? The good news is that Canada has treaties with many countries around the world so, as an expat, you usually won’t face double taxation.

Read our complete guide on banking & taxes in Canada

How healthcare works in Canada

Canada’s healthcare system is universal and publicly funded, but coverage for expats depends on their residency status. Citizens and permanent residents can access free public healthcare through provincial plans, while newcomers may face a waiting period of up to three months before coverage begins.

During that time, it’s essential to have private health insurance. Many residents also choose supplementary coverage for services like dental care, vision, or prescription drugs, which are not fully covered by public plans.

Healthcare quality is high, though wait times can be longer than in some countries. Each province manages its own system, so benefits and processes differ slightly across Canada. Most provinces have a waiting period of up to three months for newcomers before public coverage begins. Read our complete guide on healthcare in Canada