What You Need to Know as Newcomer Moving to Canada during COVID19

Moving to another country during a pandemic can come with some added stress. However, with proper knowledge and planning, this process can become much easier.

We’ve put together some tips and helpful information for newcomers moving to Canada. We will cover some of the immigration processes, restrictions that are specific to COVID-19, finding a job in Canada, and opening a bank account in Canada.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Since we are still in the midst of a pandemic, it is important to be aware of travel restrictions when entering Canada.

Canada’s borders are not totally locked down, but there are some restrictions and guidelines that are in place to keep everybody safe.

If you qualify to enter Canada, you must quarantine for 14 days. This means going directly from the airport or Immigrations to your quarantine place and not going in public for two weeks.

Border Patrol may require you to provide a quarantine plan with specific information regarding where you’re staying, how you can be contacted, where you’d seek medical help, how you will get food, and more.

The 14-day quarantine is being strictly enforced. People who break these rules are risking charges with punishments ranging from large fines to jail time.

Canadian Immigration Process

The Canadian immigration process looks a little different right now since the Canadian government is prioritizing the safety of its people.

You can only immigrate to Canada at this time if you fall into the following categories:

• International student
• Temporary worker (with proper permits)
• An immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• A permanent resident whose visa was approved before March 18, 2020

Very few exceptions are being made at this time.

If you fall into the categories above and you are planning to immigrate to Canada, here are a few measures you must take as a newcomer moving to Canada.

1. Register for a SIN

, you can apply for one through the mail or online. There is no fee for the SIN application.

2. Create a Canadian Bank Account

You will need your passport in addition to your CoPR and/or SIN to open a bank account.

3. Get Insured

Luckily, Canada supports universal healthcare, which means residents can access health services free of charge. However, this isn’t as simple as walking into a random clinic and demanding care.

You need to sign up for providential healthcare insurance and find a primary care doctor. This way, you’ll be prepared in the event that one of your family members get sick.

We’d like to point out that you may have to wait up to three months to qualify for a universal healthcare plan. This will depend on where Canada you are moving to.

We suggest purchasing private insurance to get you through the first few months.

4. Get a Canadian Driver’s License

Once you’ve settled into your permanent place of residence, you should get a Canadian driver’s license. This will reflect your new permanent address.

Canadian officials recommend waiting until things clear up with the pandemic to take this step since it is not essential.

We encourage you to check the Canadian government’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Finding a Job in Canada

If you can find a job before you move to Canada, it will make the entire process easier. However, if you are moving because you’re significant other or family member got a job, you will be fine getting a job after the move.

Due to the coronavirus, the labor market is in an unusual place. The nature of jobs available is shifting due to major industries—like the service and tourism industries—being hit so hard by the coronavirus.

Many people have been left without jobs since they were deemed non-essential so businesses are hurting. Luckily, the Canadian government has stepped in to help, but the longterm projection is up in the air at this point.

However, we recommend looking for jobs that would allow you to work remotely. This way, if social distancing is necessary for several more months or even years, you don’t have to risk the instability that comes with that.

If you have to get a “survival job” to start out, do not feel discouraged. As things settle down, you’ll surely find work that is in your area of preference and expertise.

Conclusion

As you can tell, immigrating to Canada is truly a process. The current pandemic is not helping the situation, but we are confident that the decision to move to this nation is a great one.

Canada welcomes immigrants from all over the world, so the culture is truly a global blend.

Here at Remitbee, we provide support to Canadian immigrants by offering affordable online money transfer services. You can send money from your new Canadian bank account to friends and family back home.

We hope that with our services and advice on moving to Canada, your immigration process will be a little bit easier.