New to Canada? What immigrants need to know!

Guess how many people move to Canada every year? This info-graphic gives you an idea of how many and where they come from.

If you have a friend or family member planning to emigrate, here are some things they should know before coming to Canada.

1. Investors, information technology professionals, software professionals and skilled workers are highly desirable.
2. They can enjoy dual citizenship.
3. Education, not included colleges and universities, is free.
4. Basic healthcare is free.
5. You can be eligible for Canadian citizenship within three years.
6. You can enjoy welfare benefits, unemployment insurance, child tax benefits and much more.
7. It's easy to start a business. Regulations are minimal.
8. Canada has an old age pension plan.

Investors, information technology professionals, software professionals and skilled workers are highly desirable.

Sounds fabulous. That's why people love to come to Canada. Even the U.N. rates Canada as one of the top countries to live in. What about problems for immigrants?

So, what are the key problems and what can immigrants prepare for to make their move to the land of mild and sweet, delicious, pure maple syrup a good one?

1. Learn as much of the language as you can, English or French. This is not only a significant frustration for immigrants; it could limit opportunities.
2. Certainly, some immigrants are prepared to take some of the low paying jobs. However, there is a glut of people working at that level. If an immigrant has a developed skill, find out what it requires to have the proper accreditation before coming to Canada or where accreditation can be obtained once in the country ----and the cost to do so. The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program outlines the ins and outs for skilled workers and trades people. There’s also a category for “Express Entry” pool candidates.
3. When it comes to things like housing, transportation and access to services, it is a good idea to identify an organization in the intended city of residence and make a connection in advance. Canad has many organizations, such as as Charity Village, which offer a list of Canadian Associations and affiliates.
4. Choose a place to live carefully. According to immigration.ca, the top 10 places to live are as follows.

10) Guelph, Ontario
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    4.8%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   17%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $1,027
9) St. Albert, Alberta
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    5.1%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   9%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $1,383

8) Regina, Saskatchewan
Estimated unemployment rate:                                     5.2%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   12%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $1,097
7) Burlington, Ontario
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    4.9%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   18%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $1,267
6) Saanich, British Columbia
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    5.2%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   17%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $1,144
5) Delta, British Columbia
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    4.9%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   27%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $1,051
4) Brossard, Quebec
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    5.3%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   36%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $789
3) Waterloo, Ontario
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    5.2%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   25%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $1,081
2) Gatineau, Quebec
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    5.5%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   9%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $752
1) Ottawa, Ontario
Estimated unemployment rate:                                    6.6%
Immigrants as percentage of population:                   20%
Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment:                     $1,176

Canada has many organizations, such as Charity Village, which offer a list of Canadian Associations and affiliates to help new immigrants. 

If you know someone planning to make the big move, share this with them. Canada is a great place to live. Immigrants are a big reason the country is one of the best in the world. Diversity of culture and ideas flourishes in this nation. So, if you are new to Canada, welcome.