Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,300* in value in the first year.
Are you moving to Toronto soon? Finding an apartment in Toronto for rent is a big priority. While there is much to plan before you move to Canada, finding housing is at the top of the list. And, it’s challenging when you are looking for a place to live while you are living abroad.
Toronto is a big city with many diverse neighbourhoods and apartments to rent. But, you want to find a comfortable place that fits your lifestyle. This information will help you find an apartment in Toronto while you are living abroad!
The first step to finding apartments for rent is to research the housing market. Your research will help you become familiar with:
There are many types of housing in Toronto to rent, from apartments to condos to basement apartments to townhouses. You’ll also find studios, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. It’s important to determine your needs before you begin your search.
The cost of rental housing in Toronto is more expensive than in other cities in Canada. The rent you pay depends on the type of housing you require, size, amenities, and location. Living in downtown Toronto is more expensive than living in the suburbs of Toronto. However, living downtown gives you more access to restaurants, entertainment, transportation, and more.
It’s good to explore the cost of renting apartments before you arrive. That way, you’ll know how much to budget for accommodation in Canada.
Living in downtown Toronto is expensive. So, it’s important to consider whether you want to settle downtown or in the suburbs, where housing is less expensive. But, living downtown gives you access to more jobs, restaurants, entertainment, public transit, and much more.
A common strategy for people looking for an apartment in Toronto when living abroad is to find a short-term rental. This could mean staying with friends or family if you know people in the city. Or you could stay at a hotel or Airbnb. Staying in a short-term rental allows you to explore other Toronto neighbourhoods in person before you commit to a long-term rental.
Ideally, you want to live close to where you work. A short-term rental gives you the flexibility to move when you know where you will be working.
Finding the right neighbourhood is vital. The City of Toronto is quite dispersed, and depending on where you live and work, you may discover that it can take well over an hour to commute to work. If you want to avoid a lengthy commute, ideally, you will rent an apartment close to your job.
A challenge of looking for an apartment in Toronto online is knowing if a listing is legitimate. Listings can be deceiving. Units may not be as they appear in photos. There is no substitute for seeing a rental in person before you agree to lease it. So, your best bet is to secure a short-term rental before you arrive in Canada.
The time to start your search for a long-term apartment for rent in Toronto is when you arrive. That way, you can visit the apartment in person, meet the landlord, and explore the neighbourhood to ensure it meets your needs. Finding a suitable and comfortable long-term rental is important, especially since you will likely have to sign a year-long lease.
Some people try to take advantage of new renters in the city, so tread carefully with online listings. Here are some tips to avoid rental scams:
One of the best decisions you can make when looking for an apartment in Toronto is to enlist the services of a local real estate agent. They will have an inside track on listings that are coming up and can help you quickly narrow down your search based on budget, location preferences, type of housing, and other factors of importance to you. However, it’s best to connect with a real estate agent only when you are in Toronto.
Finding an apartment in Toronto for rent can be a challenge. And, it’s even more challenging when you are looking from abroad. But, when you use this information to research the rental market before you arrive, it will help you to find the perfect Toronto rental when you arrive!
👉 Want to start your search for a Toronto rental? Visit Rentals for Newcomers!
There are many benefits to living in a small city. Smaller cities in Canada can provide advantages such as:
Discover the advantages and benefits of choosing to live in a small city in Canada and important questions to guide your decision!
Vikram and Nutan had great lives as budding professionals in India’s IT capital Bangalore. But, after a close friend immigrated to Canada, they decided to explore moving to Canada. They soon discovered they met the requirements to immigrate to Canada! However, they were unsure about where they wanted to live. Canada is a vast country.
Both agreed, on factors that were important to them. For example, they wanted to live in a small city that offered job opportunities, affordable housing options, and a nice quality of life. The Atlantic Provinces were a big draw and they settled on Fredericton, New Brunswick for its beauty, charm, and sense of community. Two years later, they had jobs, a 5-bedroom home, and the lifestyle they wanted. But, most importantly, they became members of a welcoming community.
Small cities across Canada attract newcomers by providing quality job opportunities, and a better quality of life. Living in a small City can offer newcomers an option to avoid congestion issues, high housing costs, and hectic pace.
While large cities attract newcomers, you may find high competition for jobs. But, smaller Cities often experience job growth when existing residents leave the community, or retire. So, many small cities look to newcomers with the right job skills to meet their employment needs.
A small city can be much quieter and laid back than life in a large city. This can benefit newcomers looking to integrate into the community more easily. Living in a small city may help you to easily immerse yourself in the local community. But, you must decide if you prefer to live in a large and bustling city or a more relaxed, small city.
In Canada, smaller cities recognize the many benefits of welcoming newcomers. To attract and keep newcomers, they continue to build communities that welcome, embrace, and support newcomers.
Newcomers often move to large Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver because of the social, economic, and community networks. With these networks in place, newcomers may find better access to jobs, cultural and social communities, and support services. However, newcomers often find these same services and jobs in small cities!
Population and migration growth in large cities often puts pressure on areas such as:
As a result, large cities often have a higher cost of living and can create financial stress. As a newcomer, you must decide what you prefer, living in a large or small city. You may discover that a small City can provide the lifestyle and many of the amenities you seek.
When choosing a city, it’s vital to research job opportunities, housing costs, and the culture of the city to determine if it’s the right city for you.
This is a very important question. If few jobs match your skill set, you will leave the community if you and your spouse cannot find suitable jobs. While you may initially settle in the community, you will likely make a costly secondary move to another city.
Questions to Consider:
While many cities in Canada face rising housing costs, small cities can offer more affordable options. As of July 2024, the national average price for a home in Canada was $667,317. The median home price in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the same period was $404,534.
Questions to Consider:
Best Fredericton Neighbourhoods for Renting
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARImmigrants often consider the existing cultural and social network when deciding where to live. This can include services in different languages, faith-based, and nationality-based communities.
Small cities recognize the economic, cultural, and social benefits of welcoming newcomers. Supporting newcomers creates benefits for the community and attractive options for future residents.
Questions to Consider:
What groups, ethnic networks, and professional associations support newcomers?
What’s the quality of life? (fast-paced or relaxed? Access to nature, bike trails, etc?)
Newcomers benefit from services available to help them settle and find jobs in the local community. Services could include help to conduct job search activities, write a Canadian resume, enroll children in school, apply for government programs; and many other activities.
Questions to Consider:
Small city living can be a great option for newcomers seeking a relaxing pace and an option to bustling, hectic, and expensive Canadian cities. With many advantages, it’s worth exploring!
Mobile phone plans in Canada are often more expensive than in many other countries, especially in Europe, due to limited competition. However, prices have started to come down, and newcomers now have more options when it comes to finding an affordable plan. If you’re moving to Canada soon, consider buying a SIM Card before you arrive so you can stay connected as soon as you land. Having mobile service right away can make it easier to navigate your arrival, contact family, or access important information. Once you’re in Canada, take time to compare providers and plans to find the best deal for your needs and budget.
Choosing the right provider and plan will let you connect with friends and family abroad and in Canada! This overview highlights Canada’s main mobile phone providers, their “flanker brands” (or value discount brands), and plan options. You’ll also discover what to consider to select a plan that fits your needs whether you’re a data-hungry user, frequent traveller, or budget-conscious consumer.
Three major cell phone companies and national carriers want to compete for your mobile phone business: Bell, Rogers, and Telus. These “big three” tier one providers offer the largest networks, coverage, and a range of plans from basic talk and text packages to data-focused plans to meet unique needs.
Each provider also has flanker brands that appeal to value-conscious customers. The tier two and three flanker brands offer more affordable plans and flexible options that result in large savings.
| TIER 1 MOBILE PHONE PROVIDERS | TIER 2 & 3 FLANKER BRANDS |
|---|---|
| Bell | Virgin (tier 2 mid-level) Lucky Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| Rogers | Fido (tier 2 mid-level) Chatr Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| Telus | Koodo (tier 2 mid-level) Public Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| MID-LEVEL PROVIDERS | WHAT THEY OFFER |
|---|---|
| Virgin Plus (owned by Bell) | – 4G LTE network (does not offer 5G speeds) – All plans include five bonus hours of unlimited data each month – Data, talk, and text plans allow roaming in the U.S. and other select countries – Data overage protection automatically turns off your data rather than penalizing you with overage fees when you hit your data cap |
| Fido (owned by Rogers) | – 4G LTE network – Offers affordable plans and exclusive benefits – Call control is an optional postpaid plan feature to prevent robocalls and scammers before their calls reach your end – Select plans allow you to add a perk to your plan like unlimited international SMS, rollover data, or unlimited long distance. – Fido deals offer customers the latest iPhone and Androids (but don’t include financing) – Check the Fido website for the best mobile phone deals and biggest savings. |
| Koodo (owned by Telus) | – 4G LTE network – Offers affordable plans and exclusive benefits – Koodo offers a selection of Samsung, Apple, and Google phones with financing options for $10-20/month (but be sure to read the contract for any additional fees) – Select plans allow you to add a perk to your plan like unlimited international SMS, rollover data, or international long distance add-ons. |
| LOW-COST PROVIDERS (Network) | WHAT THEY OFFER |
|---|---|
| Lucky Mobile (Bell) | – Operates on the Bell 4G network – Range of low-cost prepaid plans with generous data – Good fit for users who only need basic connectivity – Unlimited Canada-wide calling plan with unlimited talk and text and 4G data – Bonus data with Lucky Rewards – Bring your own phone (check for device compatibility) – No long-term commitments. |
| Chatr Mobile (Rogers) | – Operates on Rogers’s nationwide network – Bring your own phone plans avoid high monthly payments (check device compatibility) – Prepaid plans for people looking for basic connectivity – No credit checks or contracts for prepaid plans. – Check out the International Talk Saver Rates. |
| Public Mobile (Telus) | – Operates on 5G and 4G networks – Offers prepaid plans – Limited options outside of Quebec. |
Finding the best mobile phone deal in Canada depends on your unique needs and budget. This can include data usage, unlimited calling, high-speed connectivity, network coverage, extra features, or international calling. Compare deals, prices, and newcomer offers, as well as provider’s customer service reputation.
These tips will help you select the best mobile phone plan that meets your needs and budget:
Your usage will help you identify the plan that provides the right balance of data, minutes, and features.
Bell, Telus, and Rogers offer the most comprehensive coverage, but discount providers may have better options in specific regions. Research the coverage maps of different providers to ensure they provide reliable connectivity in the areas where you live, work, and travel. Network coverage can be sparse in remote or rural areas. But you’re likely settling in a city with good coverage.
If you enter a contract, know the duration and any fees or penalties for ending the contract early. While longer contracts may offer lower monthly rates, they also limit your ability to change providers or plans in the future.
Carefully review the monthly plan costs and additional fees for:
Look for providers that offer transparent pricing and avoid hidden charges. Find a plan that meets your needs and fits your budget to maximize value and avoid overspending.
If you own a mobile device, ensure that it is compatible with the provider’s network and that you can bring it when switching plans. BYO plans are the most affordable plans for talking, texting, and mobile data.
Knowing different plans’ unique features and benefits will help you select the best mobile phone deal to meet your needs.
Prepaid plans require you to pay for your usage upfront, giving you more control over your spending. These plans are more flexible, with no long-term contracts or credit checks. They are often a good choice if you have a limited budget.
These are monthly subscription plans, where you receive a monthly bill for the services you have already used. Postpaid plans often include a wider range of features, such as unlimited talk and text and higher data allowances. They may also offer the option to finance a new device as part of the plan. Most providers request a Canadian credit check for a month contract subscription.
Many providers offer family plans that allow you to share a pool of minutes, text messages, and data across multiple lines. These plans can be more cost-effective for households with multiple users, as they often include discounts for additional lines.
Also known as “top-up” plans, these options allow you to pay for usage as you go, without a fixed monthly fee. You can purchase airtime and data credits as you need, making them suitable for infrequent or occasional users.
Suppose you consume large amounts of mobile data, such as heavy streamers or mobile hotspot users. In that case, data-focused plans offer higher data allowances, often with the option to add more data as needed. These plans may be more expensive, but can provide better value for data-heavy users.
If you frequently travel outside Canada, consider plans that offer affordable international roaming options, such as discounted rates or included roaming data. This can help you avoid costly overage fees when using your phone abroad.
The most affordable plans for talking, texting, and mobile data are BYO plans. Often, this is the only option for newcomers. To purchase a new phone on a contract requires a credit check and a Canadian credit history.
By researching, comparing, and evaluating your options, you’ll make an informed decision and find the best mobile phone plan that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re a data-hungry user, a frequent traveller, or a budget-conscious user, there is a plan with the perfect balance of features and costs.
The cost of accommodation in Canada varies by city and vacancy rates are a key driver of costs. Housing costs are usually the largest portion of a monthly budget, and if you’re a newcomer to Canada, it’s helpful to understand what determines accommodation costs. With this knowledge, you can decide where you want to live and how much you can afford. Other factors that affect the accommodation costs include location, type of housing, and size.
In Canada, the vacancy rate refers to the housing supply and the occupancy rate refers to the housing demand. Though the answer is subjective, a healthy vacancy is considered to be around 3% in general.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) conducts the Rental Market Survey (RMS) annually in urban areas with populations of 10,000 or more. The RMS estimates the strength of the rental market. The survey targets privately rented structures with at least three rental units, that have been on the market for at least three months.
The CMHC also conducts the Condominium Apartment Survey (CAS) annually in September to estimate the strength of the condominium apartment rental market. The cities covered in this survey are Calgary, Edmonton, Gatineau, Halifax, Hamilton, Kelowna, Kitchener, London, Montréal, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg.
A vacancy rate of two percent or lower means there is greater competition among prospective tenants as they vie for fewer vacant rental properties.
| VACANCY RATE | WHAT IT MEANS |
|---|---|
| Less than 2% | – High demand with a limited housing supply – Drives rental cost higher |
| 3% | – Healthy balance between housing supply and demand |
| Greater than 3% | – High supply with low demand – Lower housing costs – “Renter’s Market |
The vacancy rate is also a key factor determining the accommodation cost in cities across Canada. With this in mind, you can research vacancy rates to understand rental costs, determine how much you can afford, and budget for rent. Here are the 2023 vacancy rates and average rental rates for a 2-bedroom apartment in several Canadian cities:
| CITY VACANCY RATE | AVERAGE RENT FOR A 2-BEDROOM CONDOMINIUM APARTMENT |
|---|---|
| CANADA 0.9% | $2,049 |
| OTTAWA, Ontario 0.4% | $2,085 |
| VANCOUVER, British Columbia 0.9% | $2,580 |
| HALIFAX, Nova Scotia 1.0% | $1,628 |
| TORONTO, Ontario 0.7% | $2,862 |
| KITCHENER-CAMBRIDGE-WATERLOO, Ontario 0.1% | $** |
| CALGARY, Alberta 1.0% | $1,819 |
| REGINA, Saskatchewan 1.8% | $1,421 |
| LONDON, Ontario 0.1% | $2,050 |
| SUDBURY, Ontario 1.2% | $1,361 |
| WINNIPEG, Manitoba 1.8% | $1,333 |
| WINDSOR, Ontario 2.0% | $1,253 |
| SASKATOON, Saskatchewan 2.0% | $1,449 |
| EDMONTON, Alberta 2.5% | $1,359 |
| HAMILTON, Ontario 2.6% | $2,373 |
| ST. CATHARINES-NIAGARA, Ontario 2.8% | $1,388 |
Finding affordable housing continues to be challenging, especially in Toronto and Vancouver where vacancy rates are below two percent. That’s why we encourage newcomers to consider other cities that often offer hidden advantages to newcomers, including lower accommodation costs.
Housing affordability and supply are essential factors when evaluating your landing city options. In Canada, spending less than 30% of your pre-tax income on housing is considered affordable. Spending more than 30% on housing will mean cutting into your budget for things like food, transportation, and other necessities. And, until you establish stable finances, it’s wise to manage your budget and expenses accordingly.
Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive when it comes to accommodation. However, you’ll likely find housing prices that are more in line with your budget in other Canadian cities. Carefully researching small and mid-sized cities across Canada before you choose your landing city is the key to your success.
It’s important to research housing and job markets across Canada. Canada is a vast country with regional, economic, and cultural differences. And, the cost of housing (both in the rental and homebuying markets) can vary widely. At the same time, you want to research your profession in different cities to ensure job opportunities match your skills, knowledge, and experience.
This initial research is critical. While you can always relocate to other cities, making a secondary move is expensive. Carefully evaluating your landing city options, housing costs, and career options will help you make smart decisions and achieve financial stability and success! You can easily check out rental costs in cities across Canada at Rentals for Newcomers.
The cost of living varies across Canada. Groceries, transportation, rent, or home-buying costs can be expensive. Also, consider your lifestyle and the cost of entertainment and dining out.
Considering all of these factors will help you to budget for the cost of accommodation in Canada. And for newcomers, this information can help you make smart and affordable landing city decisions!
Canada leads the way globally as a preferred immigration destination. Every year, hundreds of thousands of hopeful people apply to immigrate to Canada. However, understanding Canada’s many immigration programs can be confusing. Many people rely on consultants for help to immigrate to Canada. However, it’s important to understand how to select an immigration consultant. Discover what to know and how to avoid immigration fraud.
The primary way for skilled immigrants to live permanently in Canada is through the Canadian Government’s Express Entry program. There are three immigration programs under Express Entry, and each has different requirements.
You can visit the Government of Canada site to see if you are eligible for Express Entry. It takes about 10 – 15 minutes to find out if you are eligible and answer questions about your:
After you respond to the questions, you will:
When you complete the steps, you will receive a confirmation that your profile is complete.
The Canadian government determines how many Express Entry applicants will be admitted to Canada each month.
You can also hire an Immigration Consultant to help you apply to immigrate to Canada. An experienced consultant knows about the many streams and programs available for people looking to immigrate to Canada. With more than 100 Canadian immigration programs, they can help you select the right program.
Related Post:
Does New Government Mean New Immigration Rules in Canada?
The Government of Canada has important tips if you decide to hire a representative to help you with your immigration process:
Immigration consultants must be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Review these helpful tips to ensure you select a qualified representative.
2. Ask the representative about their training and experience.
3. Find out how long they have been in business and ask for references.
4. Discuss the services they provide and their fee.
5. Get a written contract and read it carefully before you sign it. Ensure the contract lists all the services they will give you and clearly states the fee you discussed.
Also, if you use a representative who works in Canada, you can contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can tell you if they have received complaints about a citizenship or immigration consultant, lawyer, or other representative.
Immigration fraud can have devastating consequences from delays to deportation. Here are some tips to avoid the risks:
Learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud.
If you’re having problems with your representative, see:
Source: Government of Canada
It’s smart to make a checklist of the important documents to carry when you move to Canada. Whether you are immigrating permanently, studying, or working in Canada, these documents will help you to enter Canada, open a bank account, drive, rent a house, and even access healthcare. This comprehensive list of documents outlines what you will require and why you need them. Ensuring you have the right documents for permanent residence (PR) can minimize delays and avoid complications as you settle in Canada. Without the right documents, you may face challenges finding a job, enrolling your children in school, or even renting a place to live.
It’s important to keep all your documents safe and keep digital copies.
You will require specific documents to complete the immigration process and PR in Canada. The PR documents you require vary based on the immigration program you’re applying for. However, here are some of the essential documents you will need.
Passports show your biographical information for you, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children. Passport photos must comply with Canadian passport photo specifications.
You’ll need a birth certificate or an equivalent document from your birth country for yourself and each family member travelling with you. Birth certificates serve as proof of your date and place of birth. If you do not have a foreign birth certificate, the date of birth indicated on your foreign passport or travel documents will establish your date of birth. You will need a birth certificate to get a Social Insurance Number, enroll your children in school, or apply for government services.
If you identify a dependent child as “adopted” you will require a certificate from a national authority to show that the adoption is legal and approved.
If you declare yourself married, you will need a valid marriage certificate issued by a government authority under the law of the country where you were married.
A divorce certificate and legal separation agreement are necessary if you declare your marital status divorced.
Carry your educational certificates and official transcripts. These documents prove your education qualifications and you may require them to attend Canadian schools or for employment. And, don’t forget any school records you have for your children!
You may need an education evaluation or credential recognition from an evaluation service, academic institution, or professional association. Such evaluations can help you to find work more easily. You may also require them if you plan to work in a regulated occupation or attend post-secondary schools in Canada.
Many professional associations, universities, colleges, and assessment agencies require the school you attended to send your academic records directly to them. They may not accept the original or a copy of academic documents. You may have to get your documents translated into English or French, depending on the language requirements of the province you are moving to. It’s a good idea to find out what documents the professional association, academic institution, or credential assessment agency requires before you come to Canada. This will also save you time and money and avoid costly delays.
It is helpful to bring samples of your professional work to showcase when you attend job interviews in Canada. Bring your resumé or curriculum vitae. However, you may have to use your existing resume as the foundation to write a Canadian-style resume.
Canadian employers often request references from former employers before they offer you a job. So, it’s helpful to bring reference letters with contact information. An official reference must be a printed letter on company letterhead and include:
If you have young children who are immigrating to Canada with you, consider carrying their education documents as well. Your children may have to complete a math and English language skills assessment when you enroll them in school. The assessment results will identify what grade level your child is at and what support they may need to achieve success in school. It’s helpful if you can provide your child’s previous report card or other documents to help place them into the right grade.
Continuing to care for your health when you move to Canada is vital. Health-related documents such as medical records, vaccination records, prescriptions, etc, are helpful when you seek a medical doctor or apply for health insurance.
If you need to complete an International Medical Exam (IME) it’s helpful if you can bring any medical reports or test results for any previous or existing medical conditions.
Most people seeking permanent residence in Canada will require an IME. If you do not have adequate immunization records, you may have to start an immunization schedule based on your age and risk factors. This applies to adults and children. Immunizations are not mandatory in Canada. However, children and adolescents who attend school in Ontario and New Brunswick must have proof of immunization.
For the IME, it is not mandatory to show proof of vaccination. However, proof of previous vaccination is helpful, including vaccination against illnesses such as tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, COVID-19, and others.
While you can apply for public health insurance when you arrive in Canada, some provinces have a waiting period before you can receive provincial health care coverage. Buying private health insurance to cover expenses in case of a medical emergency during your first few months in Canada is a smart idea. Without medical health insurance, you could face a large bill for medical treatment or emergency surgery. Having to pay a hefty medical expense is not how you want to begin your new life in Canada. It’s much better to purchase insurance for peace of mind.
Proof of funds show you have enough money to support yourself for at least the first three months in Canada. It can take three to six months to find a job in Canada, and you will need to have money for living expenses until you have a stable income.
You’ll need a list of effects when you land at the airport. It’s also helpful to have certificates of valuation and authenticity (including photos) for jewelry, valuables, and belongings you carry.
Foreign income is taxable in Canada.
When you land at the airport in Canada, you will meet with an immigration officer from the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA). The officer will check that you enter Canada on or before the expiry date on your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR); this date cannot be extended. If there are no problems, the officer will authorize you to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
When landing at the airport, you require your:
While the immigration officer may not ask you for proof of funds, it’s helpful to have.
The officer will also confirm your Canadian mailing address. Your Canada permanent resident card will be mailed to the address you provide. You can notify IRCC if you change your address before you receive your PR card using this online address notification service. The time to process your PR card can vary. However, you can check the IRCC website for current processing times.
If you plan to drive in Canada, you can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country. Permanent residents can use the IDP for a defined period (usually 60 – 90 days depending on the province). Be sure to check the specific IDP requirements of the province you are moving to. Some provinces in Canada may allow you to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Canadian driver’s license, while others may require you to take a driving test.
If you have a good driving record in your country of origin, you may be able to get a better auto insurance rate in Canada. Bring a copy of your international automobile insurance to show your driving record.
With this comprehensive list of documents for PR in Canada, you can begin to gather and organize them for your convenience. Having these documents before you move will minimize potential delays and help you settle when you arrive.
Communication skills are important for two primary reasons. Firstly, if you apply for Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada you must have strong language skills. You need to show that you can communicate in either of Canada’s official languages: English or French. And you have to provide proof of your language results from an organization that the Canadian government approves. For example, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a common tool to show your language skills.
Secondly, one of the most important skills that Canadian employers look for is the ability to communicate effectively. Regardless of your title, profession, or industry, strong communication skills will help you to achieve success. Employability skills include managing information, thinking and solving problems, using numbers, using digital tools, and communicating.
Employability skills are the skills you need to enter, go through, and grow in the world of work. Understanding and applying these skills will help you create a set of tools to improve your ability to grow and do well in the workplace and beyond.
Conference Board of Canada, 2022
In 2022, the Conference Board of Canada, in partnership with FutureSkills Centre, defined communication skills as a fundamental skill. Other employability skills include:
The goal was to identify the top skills that Canadian employers seek. The research showed that employers seek these top three skills:
While language and communication skills are essential for most jobs, what exactly does that mean? And, how do you show that you have proficient language skills?
To succeed in the workplace, it’s essential to communicate with managers, co-workers, clients, suppliers, and customers. Strong communication skills include:
In the workplace, you require:
Strong writing skills are vital for many jobs. Writing skills include your ability to write clearly and concisely. This can include:
Reading skills include your ability to read and understand:
The level and type of reading requirements will vary based on the type of work that you do.
Listening skills include verbal and non-verbal responses to show the speaker that you are engaged in what they are saying. Active listening allows you to hear, understand, and respond in a meaningful way to the speaker.
This is an important skill to help you build relationships and trust with managers, co-workers, and others you work with.
Active listening includes:
Non-verbal feedback, such as nodding your head, shows that you understand what the speaker is saying without interrupting them. It’s a helpful cue you give to the speaker. Other non-verbal cues include:
Active listening allows you to focus on the speaker, listen, and understand another point of view. All skills that will help you to succeed in the workplace.
Strong speaking skills allow you to influence others such as managers, co-workers, and customers. Whether you manage a team or are a team member, speaking skills allow you to convey ideas effectively and persuade others. Speaking skills are helpful for most positions and important for any customer-facing role.
Many newcomers misread their struggle to acquire employment and look to add to their already long list of educational credentials. This is good, but you also need your soft skills to succeed.
Soft skills are a critical factor for success in Canada because when employers ask about “Canadian experience”, they are looking for candidates who can easily adapt to the workplace. They want assurance that you are a match for the job and the workplace culture. When looking for work in the Canadian job market, it’s vital to put your best foot forward.
Soft skills remain out of the grasp of many people because Canadians have difficulty articulating what “soft skills” actually include, beyond interpersonal skills. Hard skills are related to your technical ability, credentials, and relevant experience that you already have in abundance. On the other hand, soft skills, or people skills describe how you connect with others, build relationships, solve problems, and interact with others.
Certainly, communication skills are a part of the soft skills package, but it’s only a part. Within communication skills, is the capacity to network with others (which includes the art of small talk), effectively communicate (verbally and non-verbally), work in teams, collaborate with others, and demonstrate empathy. While your hard skills and resume will get you an interview, it is your ability to present yourself in the interview that will make you stand out. This is an important piece of the puzzle and without developing these skills, you may find it difficult to get past the initial interview.
Mastering your language and communication skills will help you when you apply to work in Canada. Employers will see your strong communication skills as a strength and help you to stand out among other applicants.
Many settlement services also provide free language instruction. Settlement agencies exist across Canada and can help you with many services such as job-specific language training to help you excel in the workplace.
When you’re comfortable with your communication skills, you will be more confident in job interviews. As well, strong communication skills will help you to excel in the workplace.
The Canadian government funds many language programs. These programs are available through settlement services, or you can improve your language through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
The LINC program provides free instruction to improve basic language skills such as speaking and writing in English or French. To find a LINC program, click on the links below for the province where you plan to settle:
Language classes that the government of Canada funds are:
You can take language classes at community organizations, schools, and colleges. Other benefits are meeting other newcomers and boosting your confidence when you take your language skills to the next level!
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a popular English language test commonly used by schools and organizations to assess and measure language skills. The IELTS test is also one of the language tests that Canada will accept for people who want to immigrate to Canada.
Some professions in Canada including, engineering, law, medicine, and teaching require a minimum IELTS score. For example, to work as a teacher in Ontario, you require a minimum IELTS score of:
Organizations like British Council IELTS can help you improve your communication skills with webinars, practice materials, tests, and free online courses.
Research your profession in Canada to see if you must meet an IELTS requirement.
Communication skills are important because they will ensure your success in the workplace. You can develop your communication skills at home, school, work, and in your community. And many people can help you to build these skills such as your family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers.
It feels great to get to get your first job offer in Canada, especially if you have been job searching for a while. And, it’s helpful to gain Canadian work experience! However, it’s important to make thoughtful decisions when facing a job offer that may not be a fit. You may want to refuse a job offer for several reasons. For example, the job may not align with your long-term goals or the organizational culture doesn’t align with your values. Navigating the job market can be challenging, but when you understand when and how to refuse a job offer in Canada, you’ll make smart career decisions. Keep reading to gain insights on how to politely decline a job offer. When you refuse a job the right way, you’ll maintain professional relationships, and leave the door open for future opportunities!
Accepting a job offer in Canada is exciting and it allows you to start a new chapter in your professional life. However, it’s equally important to recognize that not all job offers will be a perfect fit for you. Making the right decision and knowing when to refuse a job offer can save you from potential disappointment and ensure that your career remains on the right track. Or, you may need a survival job, especially in the first few months after you arrive in Canada. Only you can decide the best approach for your unique needs.
When you receive a job offer, you need to assess whether the role aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations. Signs that indicate you may want to refuse the job offer include:
By recognizing these signs to refuse a job offer, you can make an informed decision that will benefit your career in the long run.
Before you decline a job offer, consider these factors that may influence your decision. Ask yourself if the offer aligns with your career goals, values, and personal circumstances. Evaluate the company’s reputation, financial stability, and growth potential. Additionally, consider the location, work-life balance, and potential for skill development. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that supports your professional growth and satisfaction.
Consider if the job matches your skillset. If you think the job may be too challenging, you might want to think twice before you accept the job offer. If the role is too challenging, it may cause undue stress. However, if the company wants to hire you, they must be confident in your ability and qualifications for the role. So, take a second look at yourself to see if you are up for the challenge. You may surprise yourself!
If you are overqualified for the role, then you may be dissatisfied with the role and you may want to leave after a shortperiode. Only you will know how to best handle this situation and a job that is too easy is better than a job that leaves you frazzled at the end of the day.
[cjtoolbox name=’Drake p3 Assessment’]
Before outright refusing a job offer, carefully review the job terms in the offer letter. Perhaps your job title doesn’t match your experience. Or, you would higher pay. You may be able to negotiate your salary or other aspects of the job offer such as benefits, or work hours. If the company is open to negotiating the terms, it may be possible to find a compromise that meets your needs. Additionally, it’s worth considering if other positions within the company may be a better fit for your skills and career goals. By exploring these alternatives, you can potentially turn a less-than-ideal offer into an opportunity that aligns more closely with your career goals.
First 90 Days in the Canadian Workplace | Success Tips
Working in Canada | A Guide to Find Your Dream Job
Tactfully declining a job offer is essential to maintain professional relationships and leave the door open for future opportunities. Start by expressing your gratitude for the offer and the time and effort invested in the interview process. Be honest about your reasons for declining and focus on the factors that do not align with your long-term goals or values.
Keep the conversation positive and professional. By politely declining a job offer, you’ll demonstrate a professional image and leave the door open for future possibilities. Use professional language and maintain a respectful tone throughout the conversation.
Keep in mind that the job market is a small world, and maintaining positive relationships can benefit you in the future. Leave the employer with a lasting positive impression! If appropriate, offer to stay in touch and express your interest in future opportunities.
If you find yourself unsure about whether to refuse a job, seeking professional advice can provide valuable insights. Reach out to mentors, career coaches, or industry professionals who can offer guidance based on their experience and expertise. Many settlement agencies in Canada offer job search services. Settlement counsellors can help you assess the offer and provide objective perspectives to help you make an informed decision. By seeking advice, you can gain clarity and confidence about your decision.
Navigating the Canadian job market can be challenging. When you understand when and how to refuse a job offer, you’ll make the right decisions so you can successfully achieve your career goals. It’s vital to assess signs that indicate you may want to decline the job offer. Consider the factors that may influence your decision, and handle the process with professionalism and effective communication. Seek professional advice when needed, and make it a priority to make the best decision for a fulfilling career journey in Canada.
The Canada Job Bank is a vital tool to research your profession or trade in Canada. This Government of Canada resource allows you to search for jobs in your field and apply for them online. Canada Job Bank is a great tool for newcomers before and after arrival. Researching your profession before you arrive will help you understand job requirements so you can continue your career. Canada Job Bank will help you do just that. It provides detailed information for each career in Canada to help you develop your job search approach.
Canada Job Bank can provide insightful information about your career in Canada based on your:
With this in mind, let’s discover how to use Canada Job Bank and kickstart your dream career in Canada!
Moving to a new country is a major life decision. While it can be a thrilling and exciting experience, you may also feel uncertain. You may be thinking:
These are important questions to consider before you move to Canada. The answer to these questions for your field will help make your transition into Canada’s workforce easier. By researching, you can determine how and where to continue your career successfully.
Because the labour market in Canada varies, you need to know how your job skills align with the labour market needs. For example, locating in the Atlantic region of Canada when you have experience in the oil and gas sector wouldn’t be wise. Instead, you would want to consider Alberta, where there is a strong oil and gas sector.
Ideally, you want to identify the provinces and cities with a demand for your profession, skills, and experience. Fortunately, the Canada Job Bank can provide the information you need to make important career decisions.
The Job Bank is a useful tool to conduct research related to your profession or trade in Canada and apply for jobs for which you are qualified. This portal provides vital labour market information that allows you to:
Canada Job Bank is a free resource that the Government of Canada manages in partnership with provinces and territories. You’ll discover that both the website and mobile app are simple to use, convenient, and provide information that you can trust. Canada Job Bank can help you find jobs in your field and plan your career using its thorough research tool. As someone looking to continue their professional journey in Canada, the Job Bank is the perfect place to start.
While the Job Bank is a great starting point, you should use it as part of a larger strategy. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to search for jobs in Canada to see how to integrate this tool into your 2026 arrival plan.
The trend analysis section of the Canada Job Bank is filled with useful information about job prospects all across Canada. You can also find a 10-year analysis for your occupation. So if you’re researching the Canadian job market, this is a helpful resource to learn about your occupation. With this information, you can:
Identify the job prospects for your industry (good, fair, limited, undetermined)
When researching the trends, consider these questions:
Another useful section of the Canada Job Bank is the wage information. You can find the average wages per hour for your occupation, including the following:
This information can help you identify what you can expect to earn in Canada. For example, some sectors, such as technology, generate high incomes. It’s a high-wage sector that also attracts highly skilled immigrants. However, when considering average wages, it’s also important to consider the cost of living and housing affordability versus salaries.
For example, British Columbia has a strong technology sector. And while technology wages are high, so is the cost of living and housing in Vancouver, BC. So when choosing a city to locate, it’s helpful to consider the cost of living versus average wages.
You may want to explore job prospects in a small or medium-sized city. While the average wages may be lower, you’ll likely discover it’s more affordable than a larger city such as Vancouver or Toronto. Rentals for Newcomers is a practical and easy-to-navigate site to help you find housing and make an easier transition to life in Canada! And you can even determine the average cost of renting in each city. This is helpful since rental prices change often.
Answering these questions can help you decide how you want to move forward. Many newcomers get other certifications or take a new course for credential recognition. This will help you transition better into the Canadian labour market. And if you strategically get the correct certifications, you will ultimately get paid more.
By understanding the trends in your profession and accounting for wages, you can make an informed decision about your next step.
With more than 100,000 job postings, you can browse jobs based on:
The Canada Job Bank search tool is helpful if you are in Canada and ready to work. This is because employers want to fill job vacancies as quickly as possible.
If you are still in your home country, you can apply for Canada Job Bank jobs before you arrive. The Job Bank services and tools are available to help job seekers find employment opportunities Canada-wide, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. However, some jobs require Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or a work permit visa. You must carefully review the job description to ensure you meet the immigration requirements before you apply.
In any case, the job bank search tool can give you an idea of the types of jobs available, job duties, and requirements, including:
This information can help you assess if you have the skills employers require.
You can also browse job boards and read the job postings for your profession. Note the types of skills and experience that Canadian employers seek. Assess whether or not you possess similar skills and experience. If you have any skills gaps, make a plan to close or narrow the gap if possible.
Researching the Canadian job market is essential to ensuring a strong job market for your profession, skillset, education, and experience. A good place to start is with the Canada Job Bank to research your profession and apply for jobs where you meet the requirements.
Small businesses are a vital part of Canada’s economy. In fact, small businesses (with less than 100 employees) make up close to 98% of employer businesses in Canada. And, for many newcomers starting a small business in Canada can be a rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to understand what’s required to ensure your success. Check out these eight steps to know and do if you’re interested in starting a business! From understanding your market to small business financing, you’ll discover helpful information and resources to move you in the right direction.
A small business usually starts with a simple idea. Maybe you have a new product idea or invention. Or maybe you want to distribute products from your homeland to the Canadian market (or vice-versa). You may want to purchase an existing running business or franchise. Or maybe you have a specialty service to market as a self-employed person or a small boutique firm (i.e. web designer).
But, before you venture further, you need to better understand the market or need for your product or services, particularly in the Canadian context. Ask yourself if there is a need in your community. What is your target market? Is there a demand for the product or service? While there are many reasons why small businesses fail in Canada, a common reason is a failure to conduct market research.
You have to do plenty of market research (see Industry Canada, a great resource for this), plus look at your local market and competitors. For example, if you’re planning to open a sushi restaurant in a specific city or neighbourhood, find out who your competitors will be, including sushi and other restaurants.
Starting a small business is one thing, but how will you structure it? There are many things to consider related to how you form your business and its legal structure. There are pros and cons with different types of legal entities, which include:
You must also decide on and register a business name. You will require proof of registration to open a bank account, for example, for the company.
Once you have a clear understanding of the market, and feel your business meets a need, the second step is to write a business plan. A business plan is an essential document for launching a small business in Canada. Do you understand Canadian business plan standards? Find help in writing a plan with a professional consultant or these online resources:
[cjtoolbox name=’Working Webinar’]
Working in Canada | A Guide to Land Your Dream Job!
Crafting Your Job Search Action Plan to Work in Canada
Best Business to Start in Canada in 2024
Most small businesses take time to start earning a profit. Do you have financing in place to not only start your business but keep it afloat?
Financing is one of the biggest challenges for start-up businesses, particularly if you are a newcomer with a limited amount of credit history in Canada. Various options for financing your business include:
Do you know how to effectively market your business in today’s social media-savvy climate? Do you have a social media strategy?
For many small businesses, especially for mom & pop stores, small restaurants, and boutiques, profit margins can be pretty tight. Your next goal is to grow your business by increasing your efficiencies and maximizing your profits.
Increasing your sales is critical to growing your profit. The first part of increasing your sales is having a product or service that meets a consumer’s need at an appropriate price point. The second part is to create a sales and marketing strategy to get the word out!
Are the costs of running your business too high? Look at ways of cutting your overhead. Assess your suppliers and look for competitive pricing.
Labour, of course, is one of the biggest expenses you’ll have, so it’s important to hire well and retain quality staff by creating a positive workplace environment that keeps your employees in your corner.
A socially responsible business is all about combining economic and financial goals with social, environmental, and/or humanitarian goals. It’s about companies who know that “doing good” is good for business.
Here are some examples of how small businesses can be socially responsible:
Hiring and retaining staff can be one of the most costly, frustrating parts of owning a small business. But hiring your first employee or adding new members to the team can help to transform your business. When recruiting and hiring new employees in Canada, a key priority will be to hire the right person with the right skills and experience for the job.
From accounting to paying taxes, a successful business is organized and maintains its records. Keeping track of your finances with proper accounting and bookkeeping is critical for successful small businesses.
Proper bookkeeping can help you keep track of expenses and cash flow, and measure your bottom line.
Not all owners have the skill, expertise, or time to manage all these financial details on their own, however. Hiring a financial professional – be it as an employee or a freelance consultant can ease this burden for many owners. And while you may worry about the expense of such services, a professional can actually save you money by showing you how to better manage your money, save on taxes, and more.
There are different types of professionals you can hire such as:
If you’re starting your business out on a small scale, you can at least rely on popular software like Quickbooks to help you manage your finances.
The Canadian economy is driven by the small business sector. Even though many small businesses have just one owner and a handful of employees, there are many taxes and regulations the business must still contend with.
There are basic tax requirements such as Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST or provincial sales tax) that you must comply with.
Then there are numerous permits, licences, and regulations related to your employees such as minimum wage, maximum work shifts, vacation pay, and more.
If you’re new to the country, it is worth the investment to have a qualified tax professional and/or lawyer in your corner to help you navigate the rules and regulations when starting a small business.
Using the right technology, from back-end software to a great web presence, will help you succeed in your business.
No business today can operate without the proper technology, so it’s important to invest in this aspect of your business, to keep both the back end (i.e. accounting software, servers) and front end (i.e. cash registers) working smoothly.
In addition to your basic computer hardware and software needs, here are several additional technologies to consider:
Do you have the professional and leadership skills to keep your business running? It’s a question few business owners ask themselves. Finding a mentor can help. Learn more about mentoring in Canada.
With small business as a key driver of the economy in Canada, newcomers often find starting a small business is a rewarding opportunity. With support and a strong understanding of these eight steps you can be well on your way to achieving your small business dream.
For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!