Making a move to Canada is an exciting experience. However, moving to another country is not simply about booking a plane ticket and packing your bags. From immigration paperwork and financial planning to accommodation, health care, job search, and day-to-day items, preparation can make your move easier.

No matter if you are coming to Canada on a permanent basis by means of Express Entry, are a skilled worker immigrating to Canada, or are a family relocating to the country, checklist for moving to Canada will help you plan and manage the necessary activities before and after your move.

1. Get Your Immigration Situation Straight

Before making any travel arrangements, you need to make sure that your application for immigration to Canada has been accepted and you have all necessary documentation for your particular immigration situation.

For permanent residents arriving in Canada from abroad, important documents may be a valid passport or travel document, confirmation of permanent residence (COPR), permanent resident visa if needed, and proof of funds where applicable.

Carry your original immigration documents in your hand luggage instead of placing them in your checked baggage.

Make sure to have digital and paper backups of important documents.

2. Organizing Your Immigration Documents Folder

The next step in preparing for your application process is setting up an immigration documents folder.

A typical list of documents required for Canada immigration may include:

• Valid passport or other travel documents
• COPR and permanent resident visa, if any
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate, if any
• Certificates and diplomas
• Results from language test
• Letters from employment
• Police clearance certificates
• Documents to prove fund, if any
• Medical check-up documents
• Nomination documents from provincial government, if any
• And other specific documents asked by IRCC

There could be variations in the checklist of documents for various types of immigration programs. The checklist for each applicant would be provided by IRCC, depending on their application.

3. Review Your Express Entry Documents

If you have chosen to migrate using Express Entry, make sure to properly prepare your documents even before you receive an invitation to apply.

Your express entry document checklist may contain:

• Passport or travel document
• Language test result
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), if required
• Documents proving work experience
• Job offer documents, if any
• Funds proof, if required
• Police certificates
• Provincial nomination documents, if any

According to IRCC, the following documents might be required when applying:

• Language test result
• Education or ECA report
• Work experience proof
• Funds proof
• Police certificates and provincial nominations.

Don't procrastinate and get your documents ready before the last minute, since obtaining some of them may require time.

4. Collecting Documents When Relocating from India

If you are moving from India, make sure you begin gathering your academic, professional, and personal documents at an early stage.

Depending upon the immigration process and personal condition, some list of documents required for Canada PR from India:

• Passport
• Birth certificate or any other acceptable identification document
• Marriage certificate, if any
• Academic qualifications
• Report of ECA, if any
• Results of language tests
• Employment letter or work experience letter
• Police clearance certificates
• Proofs of financial documents, if any
• Immigration documents

It should be noted that documents in languages other than English and French may be required to be translated as per IRCC guidelines. Canada also advises to take all such important documents along while moving to Canada.

5. Fill In The Required Canada Application Forms

The immigration forms will vary based on the nature of your application. You cannot just download an immigration form that you see on any other website and assume it is what you need.

For example, a Canada visa application form may be different depending on whether you are applying for permanent residence, a visitor visa, a study permit, or a work permit.IRCC makes available the official application forms and guides for various immigration categories. Your online application may also provide you with a checklist of your required documents.

6. Be Mindful of Your Language Test Requirement

Language skills can also be essential for your immigration and settlement in Canada.

Depending on your immigration program, there may be a requirement for your English or French language test to be valid and approved. In case your immigration strategy involves French, the TEF preperation course for language test may be among the approved language tests that prove your proficiency in French.

Be sure to have your language test scores ready to use and ensure that they are valid before using them for your immigration application.Knowing English or French will also come in handy after your arrival for employment purposes and other daily activities.

7. Develop a Financial Plan

The process of moving to Canada can incur substantial upfront costs.

In preparation for your move, make a realistic budget to cover:

• Airfares
• Temporary accommodation
• Rent
• Deposit
• Food
• Transportation
• Cold weather clothing
• Cell phone and Internet
• Health-related costs
• Insurance
• Home necessities
• Emergency fund

If your immigration program requires proof of financial means, make sure you are aware of the relevant requirements and bring with you all financial documentation required.If you arrive in Canada carrying CAN$10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare this information to the Canada Border Services Agency.

8. Packing List Preparation

Do not attempt to carry all of your possessions at once. Categorize your items into essential documents, clothing, electronics, medication or personal needs, and household goods.

Your packing list for moving to Canada can include:

• Important documents
• Clothing
• Electronics
• Personal essentials

9. Organize Temporary Housing

Make sure to find temporary housing arrangements before traveling. After reaching there, you may find permanent housing according to your budget, workplace, need of transportation and your preferences.

Consider your financial situation, public transport availability, educational facilities and health care facilities in the neighborhood.

10. When You Leave Canada Eventually

Should you leave Canada eventually, using checklist for moving out of Canada will assist you in sorting out your finances, housing, tax issues, insurance, property and other matters. Your tax responsibilities could be subject to whether you are a resident or not.

Quick Moving-to-Canada Checklist

•  Passport & immigration documents
•  COPR/Visa, where necessary
•  Academic & work credentials
•  Language test scores
•  Police clearances
•  Proof of funds, if needed
•  Medical records
•  Housing
•  Plane tickets
•  Personal documents
•  Digital copies of documents
•  Money for financial emergencies

Conclusion

It becomes quite easy to immigrate to Canada if you plan ahead. Prepare your immigration papers, money, place to live, language test scores, and important things before you leave. In case you want to prepare yourself for French-language exams in order to immigrate to Canada, FrenchTree will be able to assist you.

The most important thing is to keep yourself informed about all the requirements of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for your immigration program as they differ depending on the particular program.