Moving to a new country can be an exciting and life-changing experience, especially when you’re doing it with your family. Canada, known for its diverse culture, excellent quality of life, and strong social welfare system, is a popular destination for families looking to start a new chapter in their lives. However, the immigration process can be complex and overwhelming. This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to move to Canada with your family, covering important aspects such as visas, education, healthcare, and settling in.
How to Move to Canada With Your Family: A Comprehensive Guide
- Research and Planning: Before making the decision to move to Canada, it is crucial to conduct thorough research. Familiarize yourself with Canadian provinces and cities, considering factors such as climate, employment opportunities, and lifestyle. Research the various immigration programs available for families, such as the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Family Sponsorship.
- Determine Your Eligibility: Once you’ve chosen the immigration program that suits your family’s needs, determine your eligibility by assessing the criteria and requirements. For Express Entry, factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability play a significant role. PNPs have their own specific eligibility criteria, which may differ across provinces.
- Apply for the Appropriate Visa: Depending on your eligibility, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. Express Entry applicants may need to create an online profile and be invited to apply for permanent residence. For PNPs and Family Sponsorship, you will need to submit applications to the respective provincial or federal immigration authorities.
- Consider Healthcare and Education: Research and understand the Canadian healthcare system to ensure your family’s well-being. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, but coverage may vary between provinces, so it’s important to obtain health insurance until you become eligible for government healthcare. Likewise, explore the education system to find suitable schools for your children, considering factors such as curriculum, language options, and extracurricular activities.
- Financial Preparation: Moving to a new country can involve significant expenses. Prepare a budget considering costs such as immigration fees, travel expenses, housing, utilities, healthcare, and education. Additionally, make sure you have access to funds to sustain your family until you secure employment in Canada.
- Settling In: Upon arrival in Canada, there are several essential tasks to complete. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for yourself and your spouse, as it is required for employment and accessing government benefits. Open a bank account, obtain a driver’s license, and register with the relevant provincial authorities for healthcare. Familiarize yourself with local amenities, transportation options, and community services to facilitate a smooth transition.
How much does a family need to move to Canada?
The cost of moving to Canada for a family will vary depending on the size of the family, the immigration program they are applying under, and the location they are moving to. However, as a general guideline, a family of four can expect to spend between $25,000 and $30,000 CAD on the immigration process and moving expenses.
Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:
- Immigration application fees: These fees are set by the Canadian government and vary depending on the immigration program you are applying under. For example, the application fee for the Federal Skilled Worker Program is $1,325 CAD for the principal applicant and $850 CAD for each accompanying spouse or dependent child.
- Language testing: You will need to take a language test to demonstrate your proficiency in English or French. The cost of these tests varies depending on the test you take, but they typically cost between $200 and $500 CAD.
- Foreign degree assessment: If you have a degree from a non-Canadian university, you will need to have it assessed by a recognized organization to determine its equivalency to a Canadian degree. The cost of this assessment varies depending on the organization, but it typically costs between $500 and $1,000 CAD.
- Criminal background check: You will need to obtain a criminal background check from your home country and have it authenticated by the Canadian government. The cost of this check varies depending on the country, but it typically costs between $50 and $100 CAD.
- Medical examinations: You will need to have a medical examination to ensure that you are in good health and free from any contagious diseases. The cost of this examination varies depending on the doctor, but it typically costs between $500 and $1,000 CAD.
- Moving expenses: The cost of moving to Canada will vary depending on the distance you are moving and the amount of your belongings. However, you can expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 CAD on moving expenses.
In addition to these costs, you will also need to factor in the cost of living in Canada. The cost of living varies depending on the city you are moving to, but you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $3,000 CAD per month on basic expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.
It is important to note that these are just estimates and the actual cost of moving to Canada for a family will vary depending on individual circumstances. However, this should give you a general idea of what to expect.
Here are some additional tips for budgeting for your move to Canada:
- Start saving early. The earlier you start saving, the more time you will have to accumulate the necessary funds.
- Get quotes from multiple service providers. This will help you get the best possible price on your moving expenses.
- Consider moving during the off-season. This can save you money on airfare and other travel expenses.
- Minimize your belongings. The less you bring with you, the less you will have to pay to move.
I hope this helps!
How much is visa from Nigeria to Canada?
The cost of a visa from Nigeria to Canada varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Here are the current fees for some of the most common types of visas:
- Visitor visa: CAD 100 for adults and CAD 50 for children under 18 years old.
- Student visa: CAD 150 for adults and CAD 75 for children under 18 years old.
- Work permit: CAD 150 for adults and CAD 75 for children under 18 years old.
- Permanent resident visa: CAD 1,000 for adults and CAD 500 for children under 18 years old.
In addition to the government fees, you may also have to pay additional fees to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) where you submit your application. These fees typically cover the cost of processing your application and providing you with a visa interview.
The exact amount of the VAC fees will vary depending on the VAC you choose. However, you can expect to pay between CAD 25 and CAD 50 for these fees.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the cost of a visa from Nigeria to Canada:
- The fees are subject to change.
- You may be eligible for a waiver of the government fees if you are applying for a visa under certain circumstances.
- You will need to pay the fees in Canadian dollars, even if you are applying from Nigeria.
Conclusion
Moving to Canada with your family is an exciting endeavor, but it requires careful planning and preparation. By researching immigration programs, determining eligibility, and understanding important aspects like healthcare and education, you can ensure a successful transition. Remember to consider financial implications and take necessary steps to settle in comfortably. Moving to a new country can be challenging, but with the right information and support, it can also be a rewarding experience for you and your family as you embark on a new chapter in Canada.