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Moving to Canada . Removals to Canada . Moving Overseas
If you are moving to Canada, there is a lot more to consider than just moving your belongings. Hamiltons aim to make your removals to Canada easier by providing useful information about your new home before you leave. Our relocation guide below provides additional information on choosing schools, working abroad, sorting your finances and more. Please note this information is believed to be accurate at the time of writing, but please check with our international removals department prior to your moving date.
Moving to Canada - click here for full information on our removals to Canada service.
Moving to Canada - Visas
There are a number of different visas you can apply for to legally live and work in Canada. These include Skilled Worker, Family Class, Business Visa and Work Permit.
Admission via a Skilled Worker visa is accessed through a points system. Points are awarded for the applicant's level of education, work experience, age and level of spoken English or French.
People who have relatives already living in Canada can apply for a Family Class visa. They require sponsorship, which means that the existing relative takes on financial responsibility for the immigrant. In addition to this, the applicant must be in good health and have no criminal record. Family reunion is a priority for the Canadian government and this visa is open to application from any relative.
People wishing to run a business in Canada can obtain a Business visa, providing that they have sufficient funds and business experience. This visa also covers applications from self-employed people who will generate their own employment.
A work permit is applied for through the CIC, or Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and requires that the applicant has been offered a job from a Canadian company. These are only awarded where a Canadian citizen cannot fill the position.
You must ensure that you have a suitable visa in place before arranging your removals to Canada.
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Moving to Canada - Finances
Organising your finances in advance is an important part of planning your removals to Canada. There are a number of companies who can help you to achieve the best exchange rates when transferring your funds. Exchange rates can vary by up to 10%, which could make a significant difference to the amount of money you take with you to your new life in Canada. Companies that can help you in this area are Moneycorp, HiFX and Halo Financial.
Moving to Canada - Schools
If you are moving to Canada with children you will need to think about what school or college they will be attending. Schooling in Canada is compulsory for children aged from six or seven up to fifteen or sixteen. Parents can choose to send their children to public schools, private schools, single sex schools or boarding schools. All non-private school education is publicly funded. After secondary school education is complete, students can go on to university, or a vocational college, for which fees are charged in most cases.
The schools in Canada are some of the best funded in the world. Unlike many other countries, there is no federal educational system. Instead the responsibility for education is held in the provinces. Each province teaches a similar curriculum with small variations flavoured by their unique history and culture.
Moving to Canada - Healthcare
Canada provides its legal residents and citizens with subsidised health care, funded by the federal government through the taxpayer. The level of care varies across the country, as each province is responsible for its own health care system. Most medical plans include preventative health care, visits to family doctors, emergency treatment and visits to specialists when referred by a G.P.
Many employers provide a comprehensive salary package that includes up to 80% off the cost of prescription charges, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments.
As with the NHS in the UK, there are some issues with the Canadian health care system, including long waiting times for treatments, inadequate funding and a shortage of qualified nurses. However, on balance, most Canadians are satisfied with the level of care they receive. Private health care policies are also available.
Moving your pet
It is possible to take your pet cat or dog with you to Canada from the UK. Your pet will need an export certificate, which identifies the animal and declares that he or she has been living in a rabies free country for at least six months. Alternatively the animal can enter Canada with a valid Rabies vaccination certificate. An official government veterinarian must sign all documents.
Most other pet animals can also be imported. Please check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for full up to date information.
Although it is a tough choice to decide whether to take your animal with you, it is important to consider the age and state of health of the animal when making your decision. The journey will be long and stressful for them and they may be happier left with a good friend in the UK. It should also be taken into account that if you are moving into rented accommodation on arrival in Canada, your choice of property will be restricted if you have an animal in tow. With that in mind, it may be worth delaying the arrival of your pet until you are fully settled.
Moving to Canada - Contact us now to discuss your international removals requirements.
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