The weeks and months leading up to your big move to Canada are a very exciting time. You will probably be feeling a whole host of mixed emotions. This is completely normal.
When it comes to getting everything ready for your move, you will be thinking about the logistics of getting all of your possessions to Canada and making sure your visa paperwork is in order. It is also important to focus on what you need to prepare for after you land in Canada.
Here are our top 4 things that you should know before you get on that plane.
1. Preparing for your job search
Finding your dream job in Canada can take time, you may find that the process is frustrating and never ending. You must continue to approach your job hunt in Canada with a positive attitude, you will be able to realise your dream, it may just take some time.
The first step is to research your industry. Understanding the current trends will allow you to approach your job search in the right way. This includes getting your resume and cover letter into the Canadian style. With just a little bit of research you will probably notice that the resume format that you are used to from your country of origin is quite different from that which is expected in Canada.
Failure to take note of this and update you job application documents accordingly can cause you to miss out on some great opportunities.
2. Post arrival documents
When you arrive in Canada, one of the first things that you should do is to understand the documents that you need to apply for after you land here. These include your SIN card (You’ll need this to work in Canada legally) and your health card. Your health card will allow you to access the free healthcare that is provided by your province in Canada.
If you are unsure of which legal documentations you are missing, contact an immigration lawyer to make sure your move to Canada goes as smoothly as possible.
3. Tipping in Canada
The Canadian culture of tipping workers in the service and hospitality industries can be a little bit of a shock for newcomers to Canada.
You may come from a country where workers in the service and hospitality sectors earn a guaranteed livable wage with additional benefits, and therefore tipping may not be a part of your culture. That’s great, but Canada is different, and becoming accustomed to tipping is a basic ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’ situation.
A great example of this is bartenders and servers. They will generally earn minimum wage that is then supplemented by their tips. They actually rely on the tips to get by, so, unless the service has been unsatisfactory, you should always tip your servers.
4. Watch out for the weather!
Depending on where you decide to settle in Canada you need to get ready for some extreme temperatures. If you are not used to temperatures below 0 degrees you will need to mentally prepare yourself. The good news, is that Canada is more than ready to help you out. The stores are fully stocked with all of the warm clothes that you will need for the Canadian winter.
It is important to realise that the winter clothes that you buy in your home country may not be good enough for the temperatures that you will experience in Canada. It is always best to wait until you arrive in Canada before you purchase your winter jacket and thermal pants.
Summer can get very hot too! This is a great time to be in Canada, and Canadians really embrace the warmer weather, and you’ll be able to take part in many activities and festivals.
