Living in Canada

There are a many reasons to consider making Canada your home. Canada accepts approximately a quarter of a million new Permanent Residents each year.

For people with skills, work experience and a good standard of English or French, qualifying for residence is not a huge barrier.

Once accepted, you can take pleasure from the fact that you will be free to live permanently in a country consistently rated by the UN as the world's best country to live in.   Furthermore, Canada is the world's second biggest country, rich in natural resources.  Despite the abundance of natural wealth, real estate in Canada is cheap compared with other developed countries. Moreover, Canada's 32 million residents enjoy virtually unlimited recreational opportunities.

Citizenship & Immigration Canada

Since 1867, Canada’s immigration programs have helped build a community of citizens respected throughout the world. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) was established in 1994 to link immigration services with citizenship registration, to promote the unique ideals all Canadians share and to help build a stronger Canada.

Immigration stimulates Canada's growth, prosperity and cultural diversity. It reunites families and offers protection to refugees. Canada benefits from the talents, experience and energy of immigrants, whether they are skilled workers, business people, refugees, relatives of Canadian citizens and residents, foreign students, temporary workers or others. These all stimulate economic growth and enrich Canada's social and cultural life.

The Government of Canada, in consultation with the provinces, the territories and key stakeholders, establishes an annual range for the number of immigrants who will be admitted into Canada. In the past 10 years, Canada has welcomed, on average, 220,778 immigrants and refugees a year.

How Can I Reduce My Culture Shock?

Feelings of anxiety from being immersed in a new culture is called Culture Shock. Although Canadians come from a very wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the environment is bound to be different than the one you are used to, and many things will be done differently and can cause confusion.

Most of your experiences in Canada are going to be pleasant ones. However, if you have a disagreeable experience, please talk it over with someone of your cultural background who has been to Canada. Through discussion with others, feelings of anxiety or anger can be diffused and made easier to cope with.

Another way to help you understand and manage the differences in culture and values is to learn about the history and culture of the community. Participate in activities that include Canadians and International students and their family members. This will lead to friendships that will enable you to cope with culture shock. Here are some ways offered by the Centre for International Programs to learn more about Canada and Canadians:

How Do I Make Sure My Family is  Happy & Healthy While in Canada?

It is natural to feel lost and lonely at the beginning of your time in Canada. This is why it is important to be good to yourself - to your mind and to your body. Make sure that you and your family are eating healthy food, and are getting enough physical exercise. Everyone needs fresh air and should spend some time outside every day. If you stay in an enclosed environment for too long, you tend to be more susceptible to illness.

Also, try to find someone who you can to talk to, at length about your personal issues and who offers support to you. The best way to maintain the state described above is to find a group of people who will be your community support. There are often families who live in the area who will participate in activities together, so attempt to contact them. People with a similar background may also create a homey atmosphere, which will alleviate stresses of living in a new country. Belonging to such a group is a good way to find out where to buy food, to find inexpensive shopping, to get together for a healthy walk or bike ride and to share stories of pleasant and frustrating experiences you can have living in a different place.

Canadian Seasons and the Weather

Never been to Canada before? Don't worry. This page is dedicated to helping you adjust to life in our fine nation and will provide you with plenty of relevant information that will help your stay be as pleasant as possible.

Canada is a northern nation of the world and has become famous (or infamous) for its cold weather and abundance of snow. Although many misinformed people believe that Canada's weather is like this all the time, it is actually quite temperate for the better part of the year.

Canada has four main seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season is described in detail below along with suggestions to help you prepare for the weather the seasons bring. Because Canada is such a large country with many varying climate ranges.

Public holidays