NEW YORK, Dec. 31 — For anyone seeking new surroundings or perhaps hoping to retire with a fresh perspective, Tom Moore, a real estate specialist in Nova Scotia and popular YouTuber (Living In Halifax), is here to share the secrets you need to know before you pack your bags, book a U-Haul, and move to the Maple Leaf Country … for good.
Top 10 Tips You Need to Know Before Moving to Canada
- Do Your Research. Just like the U.S., Canada is home to a wide range of cultures, languages, weather patterns, terrain, time zones, and cost of living. Nova Scotia, which means “New Scotland,” is a great frontier for those who love the ocean, hiking, boating, and fishing. Known as Canada’s “Ellis Island,” Halifax is close to where the Titanic sank, and you can visit three Titanic gravesites. The South Shore of Nova Scotia is a must-see, with historical towns like Mahone Bay and UNESCO Heritage sites like Lunenburg.
- Test It Out. Before you make an official plan to move, take an extended trip to the place you want to call home. Canada still allows Americans to enter on a six-month tourist visa, so take advantage of it and use the time wisely. Check out not only your dream destination but also add three to six provinces to your itinerary before you hunker down and focus solely on one endgame.
- Pick an Immigration Attorney. Now that more and more Americans are leaving the U.S., it’s important to strategize your move. Because laws across the globe can change at a moment’s notice, simply reading a government’s website isn’t always going to give you the up-to-date information you need to make your journey smooth and safe. Before you fill out any application, choose a reputable attorney whom you can trust to oversee your status from tourist to permanent resident to citizen.
- Choose an Immigration Pathway. Just like mapping out a trip, in Canada, there are many different pathways you can take. Your attorney can help you find the best way to emigrate. Think of this as the key that will open the front door to your new frontier.
- Real Estate Has Rules. You can’t just show up at the border without having a place to live. Buying or renting a house or an apartment is somewhat different from what it is in the States. Work with a reputable real estate agent who can help coordinate the names of a mortgage broker, a real estate attorney, and someone who understands the rules of buying versus renting properties in their respective province.
- Budget Accordingly. In addition to paying legal and real estate fees (down payments, deposits), keep in mind that every country, including Canada, charges application and entry fees. Make sure that you, your attorney, and your real estate agent go over the necessary funds needed before you start the immigration and real estate process, and then assume that you’ll need another 25% for a rainy day.
- Find a Mover. Every parcel needs to be documented and approved. And make sure your reputable mover will pick up your things in the U.S. and deliver them to your destination.
- Vaccinate Your Pets. If Rover is coming with you, make sure you find the current guidelines—like updated Rabies shots—and don’t forget to keep the vaccination records with you when crossing the border.
- Clear Your Car for Customs. If you are planning to import your car(s) into Canada, there are many options, from working with a car shipper to driving it through customs yourself. And the rules for car owners and car lessees are very different.
- Take a Leap of Faith. Work hard to assimilate into the landscape and learn the culture. You will be part of the millions of people across the globe who are known as immigrants.
Finally, once you cross the border, get ready to meet all the different Canadians who share one thing in common: Canadians are known to be kind, welcoming, and have big hearts — and they love their neighbors across the border.