After 15 months of waiting due to the COVID-19 pandemic border closures, all valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) holders are now able to complete the process of calling Canada home.
While the world has come a long way since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, Canada still has several COVID-related immigration regulations in place that newcomers should be aware of, like proof of a COVID test for all travellers five and older. The following tips will help you navigate finalizing your Canadian residency.
Pre-arrival tips to make the transition seamless
Canadian borders are open again, and if you are fully vaccinated, you may not need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms before you leave, play it safe by rescheduling your arrival date.
It is also essential to check with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) if you have any questions or concerns. Ensure that your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is still valid and not expired. IRCC has helpful resources to get your COPR reinstated so that you can move and travel to Canada once again.
Establishing housing
Have your living situation established before you arrive, especially if you will need to quarantine for 14 days. Landlords check your credit score before signing rental agreements, but as a new Canadian, you may not have a credit score. Some landlords will accept proof of your country’s credit score as an exception. You may also want to travel with a copy of your resume, your educational transcripts or proof of a degree, your driver’s license and your birth certificate to further prove you are not a risky tenant.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation suggests looking for rental listings through local newspapers and real estate offices in your desired province. Remember, your first place doesn’t have to be permanent or perfect. This is your landing pad so you can figure out where you will set down roots. Even individuals who know the country well might want to consider setting up a short-term apartment lease or long-stay hotel reservation rather than purchasing a new home sight unseen.
Setting up your finances as a newcomer
Book an appointment to meet with an advisor at a bank you trust as soon as you can. Not only can an advisor help you set up your bank account as a newcomer, but they can also be an invaluable resource to help you learn some financial basics like how to build your credit history quickly or qualify for a new vehicle loan. Many of Scotiabank’s advisors are immigrants themselves, so they have walked the same path as you, while also helping hundreds of newcomers do the same.contact us(xico immigration) for more info regarding canada immigration.
Scotiabank’s advisors can help you set up a savings account, get access to credit and complete no-fee international money transfers with the StartRight Program designed for newcomers1. Additionally, newcomers will pay no monthly fees for the first year with the Preferred Package chequing account2.
As soon as you have a bank account established, it is a good time to set up a realistic budget. A budget calculator can quickly help you set dollar amounts for needs versus wants. The top needs you will have to budget for on arrival are your rent or mortgage, transportation costs, utilities and grocery costs. Some wants that might not fit into your new budget right away might be a gym membership, cable TV and new home decor and xico helps to maintain that record of there clients too.
It is also wise to set aside additional funds each month to get adjusted to your new cost of living. Groceries and utilities might cost more in some provinces than your home country and the extra funds set aside can help you adjust to this change without coming up short in your budget.xico immigration is always here to help you.
If possible, get a credit card as soon as you can to start building up your new credit history. In Canada, landlords, utilities, lenders and potential employers look at your credit history and credit score to establish if you are financially stable. For example, if you are applying to a job position that requires you to handle money or sensitive information, a potential employer might want to check to see that your own finances are in order. Newcomers, even those without credit history, are eligible for an unsecured credit card at Scotia3. xico immigration provides You can start building your credit as soon as you arrive.
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