Settling in Canada Before the School Year: Practical Tips for a Smooth Transition

Summer doesn’t necessarily mean vacation, especially for newcomers to Canada who take advantage of the beautiful season to make a fresh start. Are you planning to embark on the Canadian adventure?

Discover all the benefits of immigrating before the school year starts and the steps to take upon your arrival!

ARRIVING IN THE GREAT NORTH DURING THE BEAUTIFUL SEASON 

Whether it’s for studying or working, with family or solo, the end of summer is often a convenient and comfortable time to immigrate to Canada. It usually coincides with the start of internships, work contracts, exchanges, and school programs. Interested in coming to study or work in Canada?

The slower pace of summer allows you to take your time settling in and ensures a smoother transition than if you were to arrive in winter. It’s also an opportunity to explore your new environment, taking advantage of the benefits of sunny days and the numerous related activities!

However, before enjoying these benefits, there are important tasks to complete upon your arrival.

COMPLETE YOUR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES PROMPTLY

Regardless of when you arrive, certain administrative tasks should be a priority to facilitate your integration.

OBTAIN YOUR SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)

You’ll need to quickly obtain a SIN – Social Insurance Number – which is mandatory if you wish to work, open a Canadian bank account, or get a Canadian phone line. You can apply for a SIN online, in person, or through mail, and the application requirements vary based on your profile. Click here for more information on obtaining your SIN and the relevant centers.

HEALTH INSURANCE

It’s essential to ensure you have health insurance coverage tailored to your needs and profile. Each province has its own health insurance system. In Quebec, the relevant organization is RAMQ – Régie d’Assurance Maladie du Québec.

Be sure to check your eligibility before you leave to finalize the procedures upon your arrival, as the processing times can take several weeks. Find all the information about health insurance in Canada here.

If you’re not eligible for RAMQ or the provincial insurance of your destination province, numerous private insurance options are available. It’s important to research thoroughly, as healthcare costs can be substantial in Canada.

PLAN FOR YOUR CHILDREN’S SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

An important advantage of immigrating before the school year starts!

Moving countries with school-age children isn’t easy, as it involves changing their schools. Arriving just before the school year starts is a real advantage in this situation. It allows children to complete their academic year in their current school and start the next one in Canada at the same time as their peers. This change is then less abrupt and stressful for both you and them.

ANTICIPATE THE PROCEDURES

To ensure a smooth transition, it’s necessary to anticipate the school enrollment procedures. You can inquire before arriving in Canada, contacting SSC – School Service Centers – or private institutions. Find out about enrollment deadlines, keeping in mind that most schools close completely for a few weeks during the summer. Upon your arrival, you can quickly take charge of finalizing these enrollments.

Find more information here about the education system and level equivalences in Canada.

FIND YOUR COMFORTABLE NEST

When talking about the Canadian adventure, it often revolves around finding accommodation! An essential and potentially challenging step in your integration into the land of the maple leaf.

ON-SITE, IT’S ALWAYS SIMPLER

Even though you can start your search before your arrival, it’s still easier to find housing when you’re on-site, as you can visit properties in person and have a clearer view of the market. Many landlords also prefer candidates who can visit in person due to practical reasons.

Several options are available to you, depending on whether you want to become a homeowner or a tenant. Renting a property is more common, at least initially, especially if you’re settling in Canada for the short or medium term. Numerous websites allow you to find rental accommodations, such as Kijiji or Duproprio, as well as other sites specific to each city. You can also use social networks like marketplace platforms or Facebook groups to help you.

Arriving at the end of summer can be advantageous, as many people are looking to transfer their lease around this time.

Vigilance is important when searching for accommodations, especially in a country whose regulations you may not be familiar with. For instance, keep in mind that a landlord is not allowed to demand a deposit or payment exceeding one month’s rent. Such requests should serve as a warning signal regarding the reliability of the listing.

LOOKING FOR A JOB

WHERE TO LOOK FOR A JOB?

Depending on your qualifications and the sector you’re targeting, there are several ways to search for a job: directly applying on company websites, sending unsolicited applications, submitting your resume on job search platforms that recruiters have access to. You can submit your resume for free on immijob.com to give recruiters a chance to discover you!

STACKING THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR

Every country has its own customs and specifics when it comes to the job application process, and Canada is no exception! It’s important to follow the standards for CVs and interactions with recruiters to increase your chances of finding a job. Check out our practical guides on crafting a Canadian-style CV and conducting a successful interview in our articles “Creating Your CV in Canadian Standards” and “Successfully Navigating Your Interview in Quebec.“

This article covers recent information, subject to change at any time. Its latest update was on July 31, 2023.