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Expat Exchange > Canada

Canada

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Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is known for its vast and diverse landscape, which includes majestic mountains, rolling plains, forested valleys, and stunning coastlines. The country is divided into ten provinces and three territories, each with its own unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, and economic contributions. Canada's population is a mosaic of multicultural communities, with two official languages, English and French, predominantly spoken. The nation's cities, such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa, are vibrant and modern, offering a high quality of life, excellent public services, and a range of cultural activities. The Canadian wilderness is home to an array of wildlife, and the country's national parks and conservation areas are world-renowned for their conservation efforts and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Canada's economy is robust, with significant contributions from natural resources, manufacturing, technology, and services sectors. The country is also known for its commitment to social welfare, with a comprehensive healthcare system and a focus on education and environmental sustainability. Despite its northern latitude, Canada experiences a wide range of climates, from the harsh winters of the Arctic to the milder, temperate regions of the south. Canadians are generally known for their politeness and civic-mindedness, and the country consistently ranks high in global quality of life surveys. With its rich history, from Indigenous cultures to European colonization and its role in global affairs, Canada continues to play a significant role on the world stage as a member of various international organizations and as an advocate for peace and human rights.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Canada is considered high, especially in major urban centers such as Toronto and Vancouver where housing prices and general living expenses can be significant. However, the cost of living can vary widely depending on the region and lifestyle choices.

Weather

Canada's climate varies widely across its vast area, from the Arctic climate in the north to temperate zones in the south. Coastal regions have milder weather, while the interior and Prairie provinces experience extreme temperature ranges. Winters can be harsh in many regions with heavy snowfall and temperatures well below freezing, while summers can be warm to hot, particularly in southern areas and the interior.

Educational System Canada

The educational system in Canada is renowned for its high quality and is publicly funded. Education in Canada is under the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories, which means there can be some variation in the system depending on where one lives. However, there are many commonalities across the country. Children typically start their education with kindergarten at the age of four or five. Elementary school follows, which includes grades one through six or eight, depending on the province. Secondary school, often referred to as high school, continues until grades nine through twelve. In Quebec, high school ends in grade eleven, followed by a pre-university program called CEGEP. Students graduate high school around the age of 17 or 18. The school year usually begins in September and ends in June. Canadian schools offer a balanced curriculum, with a mix of academic, practical, and arts subjects, and they place a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. English and French are the primary languages of instruction, with the latter being predominant in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick. Canada also offers various programs for children with special needs and gifted students. Parents moving to Canada can expect a supportive environment for their children's education, with opportunities for involvement through parent-teacher associations and community events.

Best Places to Live in Canada
Discover the top-ranked towns in Canada. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.
Connect with Our Partners
Connect with our trusted local partners in Canada and around the world through our Partner Connect tool. From moving companies to expat health insurance and more, our partners are here to help.
The Relocator AGS Worldwide Movers William Russell iVisa.com Universal Tax Professionals GeoBlue  PassportCard Expat Health Insurance SJB Global Cigna Global Health Traveling Mailbox

Visa & Residency

Obtaining a residency visa in Canada involves several steps and can vary in difficulty depending on the applicant's qualifications, the visa type, and the specific requirements of the immigration program. The most popular pathways for expats to obtain residency in Canada are through the Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and Family Sponsorship. The Express Entry system is a points-based system that manages applications for permanent residence under federal economic immigration programs. It includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Applicants create an online profile and are scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Each PNP has its own criteria for eligibility, and successful applicants will receive a provincial nomination that can be used to apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Family Sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their relatives, including spouses, partners, children, parents, grandparents, and others, to become permanent residents of Canada. The process can be complex and may require various forms of documentation, such as language test results, educational credential assessments, proof of work experience, police certificates, medical exams, and more. The processing time for residency visas can vary greatly, from a few months to a few years, depending on the immigration program and the applicant's circumstances. While Canada does not offer a specific visa for digital nomads, those who wish to work remotely from Canada may do so on a temporary basis using a tourist visa or a temporary work permit if they qualify. However, these do not lead to permanent residency and typically allow individuals to stay for up to six months. Overall, the process of obtaining a residency visa in Canada is structured and clear, but it can be competitive and requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. It is considered to be of average difficulty compared to other countries' immigration processes.

Living in Canada

Healthcare in Canada

Canada's healthcare system is known as Medicare and is a publicly funded and administered system, primarily through taxation. It provides universal coverage to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to access most healthcare services without direct charges at the point of care. The system is based on the principles of comprehensiveness, universality, portability, public administration, and accessibility. While public healthcare covers a wide range of services, it does not cover everything; prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care are often obtained through private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Private healthcare exists alongside the public system, offering services for those willing to pay privately, often for faster access or elective procedures. The quality of healthcare in Canada is generally high, with excellent standards of medical practice and well-trained professionals. However, wait times for certain procedures and specialist care can be a concern. Expats and digital nomads can gain access to public healthcare once they become residents of a province or territory, which typically involves living in Canada for a minimum period, such as three months, and providing proof of residence.

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