People move abroad for a variety of reasons, whether it is due to a job or to experience a new culture, almost everyone is relocating to increase their overall quality of life.
One country that seems to be a very popular relocation destination is Canada. The Great White North is the second-largest country in the world which embraces multiculturalism and offers high quality of life for people of all ages.
Out of the ten Canadian provinces, many expats decide to move to Ontario. This is the east-central province of the country that is home to the metropolitan city of Toronto, Niagara Falls and the country’s capital Ottawa.
However, moving to Ontario involves a number of steps that need to be completed ahead of time so you can ensure a smooth transition. To help you along, we have created the ultimate newcomer’s guide to rely on to help you relocate to this beautiful Canadian province hassle-free.
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Find a place to live
Probably the most important thing you should do first before you move to the Great White North is to find a place to live. Depending on your budget and living preferences, you may decide between renting an apartment in the province’s major cities and buying a house in a cozy neighborhood for your family.
If you choose the latter, you should know that purchasing a house in Ontario can be a long and overwhelming process for which you must be well-prepared so you can have the best home-buying experience. Make sure you consider your finances and needs so you can find the perfect home for you.
Gather your documents
Another important step you need to complete to ensure a smooth transition to Canada is to gather all necessary documents. These include personal documents, visa and work permits which will grant you a legal stay and a job opportunity in the country.
For example, if you are going to work in Toronto, you may be asked to take and pass the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA means that you are allowed to work in Canada as a foreigner and will receive a salary and benefits that meet federal and provincial standards.
Research the cost of living
As the cost of living in Canada is rising throughout the country, it is important that you research how much it will cost you to live in a certain city in the Ontario province. Your basic cost-of-living expenses include necessities such as housing, food and groceries, transportation and childcare.
For example, compared to Toronto which is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in Canada, Ottawa is often the most preferred relocation destination for expats because it has a rather lower cost of living which may be ideal for newcomers.
Look for a job
One of the great things about Ontario is that it offers plenty of job opportunities for all professions. Whether you are looking for a job as a web developer, a human resources manager, an electrical engineer or a registered nurse, there are all kinds of job openings in this province as well as in nearby territories in Canada.
Some of the best ways to look at job postings are in the employment section of a local newspaper and online. As a newcomer, you can also make contact with people by getting involved in your community and attending a job fair.
Learn how to get around
Since Ontario is a large province, you should also learn how to get around. Depending on your needs and preferences, there are several ways to travel within the province.
For example, public transportation is the cheapest way to get around. You can use the subway, streetcar or bus to travel to your desired destinations. Also, major cities such as Toronto and Ottawa offer various taxi options in case you are looking for local car-sharing and taxi services.
If you have to travel between cities for work or to explore Canada’s beauty, you can make use of the train services to travel throughout the country.
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Final thoughts
No matter what the reason for your relocation is, Ontario is definitely one of the best places where you can start a new life. The province is home to some of the biggest metropolitan cities in the country which offer affordable housing options, excellent job opportunities and reasonable cost of living that can suit people of all ages.
Because moving to Ontario involves completing a number of steps, make sure you refer to our guide and follow the tips to ensure a smooth transition to this beautiful province in the Great White North.
