Did you know that over half a million American citizens are living in Canada? You could be one of them!
There are many reasons for which Americans find themselves looking into a move up north. Some move for political reasons, others for a change of scenery; some move for work, and others move for love. Regardless of the reason, there are a few things to know moving to Canada from the USA.
If you are considering moving to Canada, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn all about how to do so as quickly and efficiently as possible.
How Long Will You Stay?
The first thing to think about is how long you intend to stay in Canada. The length of your stay will affect the type of visa you will require.
Visitor Visa
If you want to test the waters for a few months before committing to a life in Canada, consider a visitor visa. With this visa, you can stay in Canada for up to six months.
Work or Study Visa
If your goal is to stay longer than six months, you will need to apply for a study or work visa. To do this, you will need to be registered as a student or have a job offer in Canada. The length of validity for these visas depends on the length of your study program or job offer.
Express Entry
If you would like to move to Canada permanently, consider the Express Entry option. This involves taking an online test to demonstrate your skills and English or French proficiency. This is a quick way to get through the immigration process.
Saving Up Before Moving to Canada
Moving to a new location adds up, especially when visa costs are involved. Therefore, it’s important to start saving up and budgeting with ample time before you move.
Visa Costs
Immigration to Canada from the USA can be expensive, so you’ll want to start saving ahead of the move. Depending on the type of visa you choose, the application will cost between about 100 and 1,100 dollars. You will also be asked for proof of funds to demonstrate that you will be self-sufficient from the minute you arrive in Canada.
Moving Costs
Don’t forget to factor in the moving costs as well. If you will be taking furniture with you, you’ll want to get quotes from a few different movers so you can choose accordingly.
Buying New Essentials
If you are planning on selling your belongings before the move, factor in a budget for buying new essentials once you arrive in Canada. If this is your plan, you’re probably thinking, how do I sell my house fast so I can jump-start that savings account? The first thing to do is find a realtor and get your home in tip-top selling condition.
O Canada, Here We Come
Now that you are up to date on the basics of moving to Canada, it’s time to start making a plan. Consider how long you want to stay in the country so you can look into the appropriate visa. Decide on what you want to do with your house and possessions so you can start lightening the load and saving up.
With this in mind, you’ll be living in Canada in no time! For more on travel and moving, be sure to visit our blog.
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