Whether you’re relocating for college, new work opportunities, or even to get a fresh start for your family, moving to Ontario can be a wonderful experience. This province of Canada is also the location of the Canadian capital, Ottawa. The closeness to the US border, affordable housing, and great job options are just some of the reasons why many Americans want to relocate to this great country in 2020.
Explore How Things Work in Canada
If you want to become a Canadian citizen, learn as much as you can about the law, visa application, health facilities, tax payment, work conditions, culture, cuisine, all of it. First and foremost, you should check your eligibility. In case you have some recorded violations, financial problems at some point in your life, etc., you might not get your visa approved. Also, remember to calculate fees and additional charges for your immigration application as well as gather documents needed to travel abroad, especially if you’re moving with dogs. Any type of relocation is an important decision, so be sure you’re making the right one.
How Can I Immigrate to Ontario? Depends What You’re Qualifying For
The Immigration office is tough. No matter where you’re from or who you are, you can’t get an easy pass. Depending on the reason for your move to this country, there are three basic applications you can qualify for in 2020:
Be sure to apply for your visa at the Immigration office on time, bring all necessary documents that they require, and after a few months, reserve international moving services so that your transition to Canada may go smoothly.
Best Places to Live in Ontario, Canada
With a diverse culture and a thriving economy, Ontario is one of the most popular places to live in Canada. Here are some of the most wanted and best places to be in 2020:
- Ottawa – Welcome to the capital of the country! The city has a rich history, and it’s full of museums, beautiful parks, attractions, and lovely restaurants and bars.
- Toronto – The city of Toronto is also the capital – but the capital of Ontario, and one of the cultural centers of Canada. It is regarded as one of the world’s most famous metropolitan areas to spend your life in.
- Hamilton – If you’re a person that likes to see beautiful cities, rich with history and art, you should definitely live here. The city is also called the Waterfall Capital of the World, home to the Dundurn Castle, which is a UNESCO Site, with a rich scenery covered with over 100 waterfalls.
- Oakville – Known for its incredible architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and a short ride from Toronto, this city is often cited as one of the best to live in.
- Cobourg – In case you want a stunning view of the beaches and lake Ontario, with a small-town feel and comfort, then Cobourg is your best option in 2020. It’s a bit further than Oakville from Toronto, but still close enough to enjoy the ride.
Check Out the Best Things To Do in Ontario
There are so many things you can do and visit here. When you move here, take a week or two to experience the province to the fullest. It can help you feel more comfortable when you know your surroundings and provide you with some fun activities to do over time. Be sure to watch this video and learn what the best things to do here are.
Guidelines for Apartment Applications
Since you’re probably relocating for the first time to Canada, it may be a wise choice to hire a real estate agent to help you find the perfect home here, while you deal with packing. In case you want to do it yourself, you can use platforms like Kijiji, RentBoard, or RentCafé, to find a suitable apartment. Also, if you’re a student looking for a roommate, try the Canadian app Roomies to find other people who are looking for someone to split rent with.
When it comes to prices, it varies from city to city. Write down what’s important to you about your dream home, so you can narrow down your search. Be sure to get a home insurance policy. Insurance should cover all your belongings.
What You Need to Know About Leases in Canada
It is important for you to know that Canadian landlords are required to use a standard lease template. The lease must contain:
- Rules and priorities set by the landlord.
- All the amenities that are part of the rent.
- Rent price amount and the due date when it has to be paid.
- Overview of the rights and responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord.
Public Transport – How Does It Work?
Public transportation can be a bit confusing here. What you need to know is that the public transport system is separated into two different services – the Conventional and Specialized. The first one – conventional services – is the one that serves the public. The other one provides transportation for persons with disabilities from door to door. Uber is also quite popular in bigger cities. For your everyday use you can ride the bus, subway, train, light-rail trains, or streetcars, also known as trams.
First Steps Upon Entry
When you arrive at your new home, there are certain things you should definitely take care of first. Be sure to follow the list, so you won’t forget anything important about your new life in one of the Canadian cities.
Apply for Health Insurance
Apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Once you do, you’ll get a health card that practically covers everything. Residents are covered with public healthcare but bear in mind that you’ll need about three months to get approval.
Get a Driver’s License
Get in touch with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to arrange a meeting, so that you can later take a road test at the DriveTest Centre or Travel Point. You can use your US license for about 180 days here. Also, remember to seek out international car shipping, so you won’t have to buy a new vehicle anytime soon.
Update Your Documents
Remember to notify everyone important about your address change. Check all personal documents and start calling each organization one by one about your move.
Learn Everything About Taxes
When you move, you won’t immediately become a citizen. You will still be marked as an American, so for the first few months, you will have to pay Canadian and American taxes at the same time.
Hiring International Moving Services
Before you start figuring out how to live abroad, hire a professional moving company that offers its services on an international scale, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. Timing is key, so be sure to do it a couple of weeks before the big day. Explore services that you may need and get a free quote from agents any day of the week.
