How to Adapt to Life in Canada As a New Immigrant

As reported by the Government of Canada, the country welcomed more than 401,000 immigrants in 2021 and expects thousands more to enter the country in the coming years. With such a high influx of immigrants, there is no doubt that Canada is a popular destination for individuals to immigrate to. If you’re currently in the process of settling in Canada or planning to do so in the near future, this article by Canada Immigration News provides you with a comprehensive guide for making a seamless transition.

Embrace Canadian Culture

Even with the country having millions of immigrants, Canadians have a distinct culture that you should learn about. Some common characteristics include:

• Being Cordial: Canadians are known for being polite. Whether you are engaging with strangers, colleagues, or friends, always be respectful and polite. Expect to hear and use words such as please, sorry, and thank you in most social settings.

• Being Punctual: Punctuality in workplaces is expected across the country, and being late may be perceived as disrespectful. Always try to be 5-10 minutes before time. If you expect to be late, make it a point to inform your manager or point of contact of your absence at the earliest.

• Tipping: On your visit to a restaurant, bar, or café, remember to tip your server or bartender, as it is an expected practice in Canada. Not tipping is considered rude and frowned upon. Tipping can also be extended to other hospitality professions such as hairdressers, food delivery personnel, etc.

Make New Connections

Whether it be in the professional or personal sphere, making new connections will help you assimilate into your new home faster. Here are various ways to meet new people in Canada:

• Volunteer: You will find various volunteer opportunities year-round in Canada. In addition to contributing to the community, it’ll provide you the opportunity to befriend locals, and fellow immigrants and create a new social circle.

• Networking Events: One of the keys to landing a job in Canada is to have professional connections. Not only can they refer you for positions, but also educate you on employer expectations, CV formats, and more.

Manage Finances

In addition to the cost of moving, you will need to plan for expenses at least for the first few months post-immigration. This is especially true if you decide to purchase a house on an “as is” basis. Under this arrangement, the seller is not responsible for any repairs – even costly bills that mount when a major system like the plumbing or HVAC breaks down – so be sure you hire a home inspector to check things out before signing any paperwork. Even still, having a financial contingency plan in place is a prudent consideration, as appliances and other items not under warranty may have issues after move-in day.

As reported, banks such as ScotiaBScotiabankyou to open an international account and transfer up to $50,000 before moving. Additionally, when choosing your banking partner, focus on the following aspects:

• Interest rates provided on savings and the option to open a tax-free savings account.

• The number of transactions allowed per month.

• Fees on incoming international transfers if you expect to receive money from home.

• High reviews and a good customer service track record.

When it comes to sending money back home, using apps such as Remitly or credit unions is a cheaper option than banks, as they will levy heavy transaction fees and offer expensive exchange rates.

Start a Business

Currently, Canada has a strong demand for jobs in various sectors such as information technology, agriculture, healthcare, and various skilled professions. However, for immigrants, pursuing entrepreneurship is also a great option.

As reported by Business Partner Magazine, Canada is one of the top countries to start a business in. This is primarily due to strong support from the government towards entrepreneurs and access to a talented multi-national pool of workers.

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If you plan to start your business in Canada, you can run it as a sole proprietorship or a partnership. However, it is advisable to get it incorporated i.e. registered as a separate legal entity. This is due to the following reasons:

• Incorporating your company will protect your personal assets in case of litigation. Failure to incorporate can lead to your personal property and finances being used for paying business debts.

• Taxes for corporations are lower than those levied on individuals. Hence as a business owner, you will be eligible to pay lower taxes in addition to availing more tax write-offs on business expenses.

When it comes to adapting to your new life in Canada, take things at your own pace, strive to make new friends, and immerse yourself in the local culture as much as you can.

Canada Immigration News has a wealth of experience in the Canadian immigration sector and our mission is to deliver the news and updates that matter most to our readers. Connect with us today for more info! info@canadaimmigration.news