The interest in moving to Canada skyrocketed because of recent political issues around the world. A host of American celebrities entertained the idea of moving to Canada, but none have moved thus far. Still, it had a lot of people wondering what life as a Canadian citizen would be like. Canada has turned out some amazing people in academics and athletics. According to the Statistic Times, Canada is ranked 10th for gross domestic product, which is usually referred to as GDP. Given those highlights, and many other positives about the country, it is easy to see why so many Americans and refugees want to head to the mecca of syrup each year.
There are many details to consider when debating a move to Canada. Everything from the immigration policies to the political leadership of the country are worth considering when you are deciding to move to a new country. If you really are serious about leaving for a change, politics or work, you will see five things below you should consider and learn more about before leaving for Canada.
1- Immigration
Immigration is the most in-depth of the five. Before you move to Canada, you have to find out your eligibility status and determine the right immigration program to file under, according to Allied Van Lines, Inc. For example, you can file under study, work, visit or to file to become a citizen. If you want to become a citizen of Canada, you have to be a permanent resident of the nation for at least seven years before you can even apply to begin the naturalization process and become a citizen of Canada. According to the Canadian government website, there are several perks to being considered a naturalized citizen. For example, you can work, study or live anywhere in the country and enjoy the protection of Canadian laws. Also, you have the right to access most of Canada’s social benefits. Health coverage would be a good example. Although, refugees to the country are already enjoying several of these benefits at the expense of tax payers, and you would become a tax payer donating your tax dollars to a large number of programs you may or may not support, which is no different than a number of other countries.
2- Cost of Living
At the moment of this writing, $1 in the United States is equal to $1.31 in Canada. Currency markets fluctuate constantly, but the conversation for the American dollar and the Canadian dollar hovers around that price. From data provided by Numbeo, which is a database of user contributed data about cities and nations across the world, the overall cost of living in Canada is nearly nine percent lower than it is in the United States. According to Numbeo, restaurant, grocery and consumer prices are all lower than the United States, and the rent is 27.94 percent lower overall too.
It seems attractive, but the population is lower and metro areas where most work is available have higher costs of living. Also, the Canadian economy is significantly smaller than other countries, which means wages are lower overall too.
3- Healthcare
If you are a temporary or new resident trying to earn citizenship, healthcare is not free in Canada. You will probably have to buy private coverage. Permanent residents and citizens of Canada do get the benefit of free healthcare. Visit the Canadian government’s website for more on the finer details of the healthcare system.
4- Tax Issues
If you are an American citizen and planning on becoming a permanent resident of Canada, you will have still to pay the United States’ taxes. There is a tax treaty between the two countries though. The tax treaty prevents double taxation, so you will not be required to pay duplicate taxes to the United States and Canada. Permanent residents of Canada have to pay municipal, provincial and federal taxes.
5- You Need to Have a Job Ready
Canada also has a seven percent unemployment rate. Commodities based off natural resources are cheaper, and lower oil prices are causing strain on the Canadian dollar. Do not move to Canada unless you have a decent to great job already lined up. The job market is declining, and the economy appears to be heading towards a downward spiral.
Moving to another country will cost you money and take time to place your affairs in order so you should be proactive and carefully consider these 5 areas when deciding to move to Canada.
