Moving to Canada

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Canada is a highly desirable destination for those looking to relocate. The country offers a plethora of benefits, including a high standard of living and exceptional quality of life. Canada has a stable political environment, which provides a sense of security for its residents. The healthcare system is world-class, and education facilities are some of the best in the world. Canada is also known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences. Moving to Canada can provide access to a strong economy and job market, with ample opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance.

Additionally, Canada has a welcoming and inclusive society, which promotes diversity and multiculturalism. The country is safe, clean, and offers a peaceful way of life. Finally, Canada has a reputation for being a great place to raise a family, with high-quality childcare and education systems. In summary, moving to Canada offers a multitude of advantages for those seeking a safe, prosperous, and fulfilling life.

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TRANSFER OF RESIDENCE TO CANADA – CUSTOMS DUTIES IN CANADA

Client and/or spouse must be present during Customs clearance Failure to appear will result in shipment going to bonded storage at client’s expense.
All shipments are subject to inspection. Air shipments must be cleared within 48 hours to avoid storage charges.
All new items (less than 6 months old) must have receipts in the event the items are questioned by Customs agents. Items cannot be sold or lent within one year of importation.
Note: Customs has the right to refuse entry of used mattress into Canada however it is seldom enforced. Including mattresses in a HHG shipment does entail the risk of confiscation, should enforcement occur.

IMPORT CUSTOMS GUIDE TO CANADA

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

having resided outside of Canada for at least one year but less than five years can import used household goods and personal effects free of duty.

Passport including photo page
Visa – if applicable
Comprehensive inventory list in English or French appliances and electronics require make, model and serial number noted on the inventory list
Work Permit – if applicable

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:

Customs Manifest – Form A8A
Importer’s Declaration for Customs
Previous airport or United States/Canada Border Declaration
Landed Immigrant Application and papers if applicable
Letter of Undertaking (not always necessary)
Returning Canadians will also need to provide the following documents: o Proof of Residency abroad o Monthly statements, i.e. rent receipts, electric/water/telephone bills, letter from employer

DIPLOMAT STATUS

Foreign diplomats are granted duty free entry

Required Documents

Diplomatic Franchise
Passport copy
Comprehensive inventory list in English

Canada has complex requirements, restrictions and limits on meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables and other foodstuffs. It is strongly advised NOT to bring such goods into Canada. For more information, contact the CFIA Import Services Centre.

– Narcotics/illegal drugs of any kind
– Weapons, explosives, ammunitions and fireworks
– Pistols, revolvers and handguns require a Police Permit
– Animals and products there-of on the CITES and/or Endangered Species list,
– Soft shell turtles from any country including the US
– Plants, sand and other related matter requires a Phytosanitary Certificate and Import Permit issued in advance from the Department of Agriculture
– Products from Haiti, including drums made of animal skins

All live animals must meet specific permit requirements issued by the Veterinary Services Division of the Quarantine may be required depending on type of pet and country of origin.

Note: Dogs, cats, birds, horses and other livestock three months old or older from the United States can be imported provided they are accompanied by a certificate, signed and dated by a veterinarian indicating the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the last year.

The certificate must identify the animal by breed, age, sex, color and any distinguishing marks.

– Firearms and ammunitions- Require Import, Government and Police Permits to be obtained before being allowed importation. These requirements are strictly enforced
– Meat requires a Health Certificate and must be inspected by the Port Health Authority Live plants
– must be inspected by Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Tobacco products
– Alcohol- A detailed list is required stating type, size and quantity. o Provincial and Federal duties and taxes
– Will be assessed o DO NOT ship wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid possibility of freezing

Office equipment – new or used. Commercial quantities of any item or product incur duties. Radio equipment (CB’s, walkie talkies etc). Any item valued at or over $10,000 is dutiable. Air guns are not restricted so long as the muzzle velocity does not exceed 500 feet per second. Hunting rifles or shotguns for sporting purposes are allowed so long as they are not modified

Inspection by the Department of Agriculture
Health and Inoculation Certificate (International version)
Vaccination Record – must be at least 30 days prior to entry
Import Permit – Required for birds imported from ALL countries except the US

Vehicles are duty-free but may be subject to local taxes. Vehicles over 15 years old are subject to different regulations and costly modifications may be required. Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission control regulations apply. Certificate of Title and Registration, Form K-22 Proof of Ownership – i.e. Insurance Policy, Purchase Invoice Statement of Compliance label affixed by the manufacturer

High standard of living: Canada consistently ranks highly in quality of life surveys due to its excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Employment opportunities: Canada has a strong and diverse economy with opportunities in various sectors, including mining, healthcare, technology, finance, and more.

Multicultural society: Canada is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a diverse and inclusive community.

Beautiful natural landscapes: From the Great Barrier Reef to the Canadian Outback, Canada boasts stunning natural landscapes that attract tourists from around the world.

High-quality education: Canada is home to some of the world’s top universities, and the country’s education system is highly regarded globally.

Work-life balance: Canadians value work-life balance, and many companies offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or part-time work.

Healthcare: Canada has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens and permanent residents have access to affordable healthcare services.

Overall, Canada offers a high quality of life, a strong economy, and a welcoming and diverse community, making it an attractive destination for those looking to relocate.

Canada is also prone to extreme weather events such as bushfires, floods, and droughts, which can have a significant impact on the country’s environment, economy, and communities. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these extreme weather events and impact Canada’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and agriculture.

CLIMATE

Canada has a diverse climate, varying from tropical in the north to arid and semi-arid in the central and western regions, and temperate in the south and east.

The northern part of Canada, which includes the Northern Territory and the northern parts of Western Canada and Queensland, has a tropical climate with two seasons, the wet season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October). During the wet season, temperatures are high and rainfall is heavy, often leading to flooding. The dry season is characterized by clear skies, cooler temperatures, and lower humidity.

The central and western parts of Canada are mostly arid and semi-arid, with hot, dry summers and cool winters. The region includes the desert areas of the Great Victoria Desert, the Gibson Desert, and the Simpson Desert.

The southern and eastern parts of Canada have a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, while winters are cool to cold, and snowfall occurs in some areas. The region includes major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart.

The cost of living in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including location, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Generally, major cities such as Vancouver and Torronto are more expensive than smaller regional cities and towns. Some of the main expenses to consider when calculating the cost of living in Canada include:

Accommodation: Rent or mortgage payments can be a significant expense in Canada. The cost of housing varies depending on the location, type of property, and amenities.

Transportation: Public transportation is available in most major cities, and the cost of fares can vary depending on the location and mode of transport. Owning a car can also be expensive due to high fuel prices and insurance costs.

Food and groceries: The cost of groceries and dining out in Canada can also vary depending on the location and type of food. Generally, food and groceries in Canada are more expensive than in many other countries.

Healthcare: Canada has a universal healthcare system, which means that most healthcare services are subsidized by the government. However, there may still be out-of-pocket expenses for some medical services.

Utilities: The cost of electricity, gas, and water can vary depending on the location and usage.

Entertainment: The cost of entertainment, such as movie tickets, concerts, and sporting events, can also vary depending on the location and type of activity.

Overall, the cost of living in Canada is generally considered to be high. However, salaries and wages in Canada are also generally higher than in many other countries, which can help to offset the higher cost of living.

According to the Canadian Bureau of Statistics, the estimated population of Canada as of September 2021 is approximately 25.9 million people. The population has been steadily increasing over the past few years due to natural growth and net overseas migration.

Canada is a relatively sparsely populated country, with the majority of the population concentrated in major cities. The country has a low population density, with an average of around three people per square kilometer.

Canada is also known for its cultural diversity, with people from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds living in the country. According to the 2016 Census, around 29% of the population were born overseas, and over 300 different languages are spoken in Canadian homes

Strong economy: Canada has a strong and stable economy, which provides many employment opportunities for expats. The country has a diverse range of industries, including mining, finance, healthcare, and technology.

High standard of living: Canada consistently ranks highly in quality of life surveys due to its excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The country also has a relaxed and welcoming culture, which can be attractive to expats.

Multicultural society: Canada is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a diverse and inclusive community. This can help expats feel more at home in a new country.

High-quality education: Canada is home to some of the world’s top universities, and the country’s education system is highly regarded globally. This can be an attractive factor for expats who have children or who are looking to further their own education.

Work-life balance: Canadians value work-life balance, and many companies offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or part-time work. This can be appealing to expats who are looking for a better work-life balance.

Beautiful natural landscapes: Canada boasts stunning natural landscapes that attract tourists from around the world. Expats can take advantage of this by exploring the country’s beaches, mountains, and wildlife.

Healthcare: Canada has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens and permanent residents have access to affordable healthcare services. This can be a comforting factor for expats who are concerned about healthcare costs.

Overall, Canada is an attractive destination for expats due to its strong economy, high standard of living, diverse culture, and beautiful natural landscapes.

Documentation: You will need to provide certain documentation when shipping baggage to Canada, including a customs declaration form, a packing list, and a copy of your passport.

Shipping options: There are several options for shipping baggage to Canada, including air freight, sea freight, and courier services. You should compare the different options to determine which one is best for your needs.

If you are shipping baggage to Canada, there are certain customs rules and regulations that you must follow. Here are some of the important points to keep in mind:

Prohibited items: There are certain items that are not allowed to be shipped to Canadian, including weapons, illegal drugs, and certain food items. You should check the official Canadian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) website for a complete list of prohibited items.

Restricted items: There are also certain items that are restricted and require special permits or licenses to be shipped to Canada. These may include firearms, certain types of medication, and certain types of plants and animals. You should check with the ACBPS to determine if any of the items you are shipping are restricted.

Declare all items: You are required to declare all items that you are shipping to Canada on the customs form. This includes both prohibited and restricted items, as well as any items that are within the duty-free allowance.

Duties and taxes: You may be required to pay duties and taxes on any items that you are shipping to Canada. The amount of duty and tax will depend on the value of the items and the type of items you are shipping.