Things to Expect, Most common Mistakes & Things to avoid in Canada

Canada is widely recognized as one of the best places to live. It is known for its friendly people and a strong emphasis on safety and security. However, it is important to manage your expectations before coming to Canada.

Things to Expect:

1. Cultural Diversity

Canada is known for its multiculturalism, with people from various cultural backgrounds living together harmoniously. Expect to encounter a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, languages, and customs that contribute to Canada’s vibrant social fabric.

2. Rentals are expensive

The cost of rentals in Canada can be quite high, and the prices you see on websites are generally accurate. It’s important to be aware of the actual rental costs and plan your budget accordingly

3. Cost of living is very High in Canada

The cost of living in Canada can be high, including taxes and expenses for various goods and services. This includes items such as housing, groceries, transportation, and even cellular plans. It’s important to budget and plan accordingly to accommodate for these higher costs.

4. Weather variations

Winter in Canada can be quite harsh, especially in most parts of the country. It is important to be prepared for the cold weather by having appropriate winter clothing, such as warm coats, boots, gloves, and hats. Additionally, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with winter safety precautions, such as driving in snow and ice, protecting your home from freezing temperatures, and practicing proper winter outdoor activities. Being prepared for winter will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience during the colder months.

5. Personal Income Taxes are high

Calculating your monthly take-home salary in Canada is not as simple as dividing your yearly salary by 12. It is important to consider the deductions for taxes and other contributions. The Canadian income tax system is progressive, meaning the amount of tax you owe increases as your income increases. Additionally, other deductions such as Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions are also taken into account. To get an accurate estimate of your monthly take-home salary, it is advisable to use online calculators or consult with a financial professional who can help you understand the specific deductions applicable to your situation.

6. Everything takes time

It is important to have patience when navigating various processes in Canada. Whether it’s immigration, visa stamping, job search, the interview process, or dealing with government offices, things may not move as quickly as you would like. It is essential to understand that these processes often have their own timelines and procedures. It is advisable to be prepared for potential delays and allow sufficient time to complete each step. Maintaining patience and a positive mindset will help you navigate these processes more effectively and reduce unnecessary stress.

Most common Mistakes:

1. Not Researching and Planning Adequately:

Lack of research and planning can lead to difficulties in finding suitable housing, understanding the local job market, and adapting to the Canadian lifestyle. It is crucial to research about the cost of living, job opportunities, healthcare, education, and other essential aspects before arriving in Canada.

2. Underestimating the Job Search Process

Finding employment in Canada can be competitive and may take time. Many newcomers underestimate the time and effort required to secure a job in their field. It is important to have realistic expectations, network effectively, tailor your resume and cover letter to Canadian standards, and be persistent in your job search.

3. Neglecting Language Skills

Language proficiency, particularly in English or French, is essential for effective communication and job opportunities in Canada. Some newcomers may underestimate the importance of improving their language skills or may not prioritize language training. It is crucial to invest time and effort in language learning to enhance your employ-ability and integration into Canadian society.

4. Overextending Financial Resources

It is common for newcomers to feel the pressure to immediately establish a certain standard of living or fulfill financial obligations. However, it is important to manage financial resources wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses. Building a financial buffer, budgeting effectively, and understanding the Canadian banking system can help avoid financial strain.

5. Purchasing Expensive Car

When you try to purchase a car in Canada, you may feel that an expensive car might be affordable based on the monthly payments the car companies offer. But one thing everyone feels to understand is that they miss to calculate the other expenses which will be encountered when purchasing a car.

You can read more about it in the blog “Purchasing an expensive Car“

6. Lack of advance Planning

Many individuals who immigrate to Canada face challenges when they are unprepared for the new lifestyle and requirements of the country. Lack of knowledge about important tasks and processes can lead to wasted time and delayed progress in various areas, including job search and settling in. Therefore, it is crucial for newcomers to conduct thorough research and make necessary preparations prior to their arrival in Canada to ensure a smoother transition and successful integration into their new life.

7. Not purchasing basic Life Insurance

Insurance is an important consideration when you come to Canada for several reasons.

Insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your untimely death. It ensures that they are financially supported and can cover expenses such as mortgage payments, education costs, and daily living expenses.

Insurance can provide peace of mind and a sense of security knowing that your family will be taken care of financially if something were to happen to you. It can provide a safety net during the initial years of settling in Canada when your family may still be adjusting to the new environment and building their own financial stability

Go for Term Insurance. Its premiums are typically more affordable compared to other types of life insurance, making it a practical choice for individuals and families on a budget

8. Not obtaining drivers license

Even though you are not planning to purchase a car during your initial days, it is advisable to start the drivers license process & obtain the DL during the initial days. In Canada, driving history & experience in driving matters a lot while obtaining the auto insurance. The more driving experience you have, the better insurance rates would be. Hence it is better to obtain the drivers license & build your driving history.

Things to avoid:

There are a variety of scams and frauds happening in Canada – with new ones invented daily. Learn how you can protect yourself from scammers and be scam smart.

Canada official site for types of scams & how to protect yourself

1. Beware of the Ponzi Schemes:

Upon arriving in Canada, it’s common to encounter individuals who quickly try to befriend you. However, it’s important to exercise caution as some may have ulterior motives. Beware of Ponzi scams and individuals posing as insurance agents who may approach you with enticing offers. It is advisable to maintain a healthy level of skepticism and avoid engaging with individuals who approach you unsolicited. It’s best to take the time to research and verify the credibility of any offers or services before making any commitments.

2. Beware of Rental scams

Be cautious when searching for rental accommodations. Avoid sending money or personal information before verifying the legitimacy of the landlord or rental agency. Research the rental market, read reviews, and consider working with reputable real estate agents or rental agencies.

3. Unlicensed Immigration Consultants

Avoid working with unauthorized or fraudulent immigration consultants. Always verify the credentials and reputation of any immigration professional you choose to work with.

4. Beware of “Too good to be True” schemes:

You may receive some offers which are too good to be true. 99% of the times, these will end up as a fraud or scams.

5. Beware of Telephonic Scams:

Many scams and frauds attempt to imitate government services in order to gain access to your personal and financial information.

• Calls from CRA asking for payments. CRA usually do not make calls for requesting payments
• Calls claiming to be from IRCC agent asking for payments to complete your immigration process
• You may receive scam calls claiming to be CBSA or Service Canada to process your requests.