Planning for a smooth and stress-free trip to Canada has never been quite easy, especially for individuals doing it for the first time.
Making a checklist before moving to Canada keeps you on track as you record and crosscheck every item and activity.
To bridge this gap, we’ve compiled a detailed list of essential items that we suggest you put in place before your departure to Canada, including a list of things to consider about packing for Canada.
Moving to Canada checklist
Some of the things under this section can take a while to arrange
It is good to properly review this before your departure so that you can prepare within the weeks and months before your flight to Canada.
To save time and money, ensure you already have travel insurance (a compulsory requirement to receive a working holiday visa in Canada).
Before it is time for you to move to Canada, ensure your checklist contains all of the following:
- Visa or working papers
- Flights to Canada
- Travel insurance for Canada
- Confirm your passport is valid and up-to-date.
- Bank statements to act as proof of funds.
- Updated resume using the Canadian format.
- Plan and prepare for a place to live, at least for the first night of your arrival.
- Accommodation references from your former landlords.
- References from former employers (or a minimum of contact for somebody who will comply with providing this if required while you’re in Canada).
- Ask previous insurers to provide you with a “no claims” letter as proof of driving history.
- If your driving experience pre-dates the issuance date on your home driver’s license, you’ll need a letter from your home licensing authority to prove how long you’ve been driving.
- Tax forms concerning the termination of your employment. This may prove useful if you’ve overpaid taxes in your home country and wish to claim this back at the end of the tax year.
- If you intend to bring your pet to Canada, read our article on what animals can come to Canada with you and what they must possess.
- Be sure to terminate your contract with your mobile provider before the last minute, as some contracts will have a cancellation period.
- If you want to unblock your phone to work with other network providers, plan for this early.
What to pack when moving to Canada
Some of these items will be taken from your luggage and quickly assessed at the airport, so put them somewhere easily accessible as you start packing for Canada.
- Passport
- Visa, working papers, or other immigration documentation
- Bank balance letter
- Evidence of travel insurance, if applicable (e.g., a printed copy of your policy)
- The address of the plan you will stay
- Driver’s license or government-issued ID if you propose going to venues serving alcohol. Avoid having to use your passport so as not to lose it.
- Your resume. Email it to yourself or bring an electronic copy you can print once it arises.
- Accommodation reference letter.
- Motor insurance letter. A “no claims” letter from previous insurance companies may reduce your premium costs.
- Copy of student transcripts (if required).
- Prescriptions (if necessary).
- At least a pair of gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf.
These are essential items if you plan to arrive in any location outside the Greater Vancouver Area during winter.
You can buy your winter clothes and coat once you arrive in Canada, but ensure you have the essential items to keep you warm through your first night there.
Items you would possibly wish to pack for Canada
- Some Canadian currency to avoid being stranded searching for an ATM at the airport.
- An extension cord, so you’ll be able to run multiple devices from home using only one Canadian adapter.
- Chargers for phones and all of your gadgets.
- Food items from your home country (of course, non-perishable)
- Large (but not too large) items, such as a guitar or surfboard, or whatever belongings you want to use during your leisure time.
- Checking these as additional luggage on your flight will be cheaper and easier than shipping them separately.
Goods to follow When moving to Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has laid out regulations for private items following you to Canada, with key information on which goods may qualify for duty- and tax-free importation and how the method works.
Visit the CBSA page to learn more.
Conclusion
Oh, you finally arrived in Canada. You need to know your environment and the cost of living in different environments, too.
Here, we have a detailed article on what life in Halifax is like and also wrote about life in Toronto.
If any of these 2 cities are your place of residence, then you can quickly read the linked articles. We hope this article was helpful.
