Every year, more and more foreigners dream of moving to Canada. And this is not surprising, as the country has a stable economy, ample opportunities for career growth, affordable healthcare services and quality education. However, moving to a new country has its pros and cons. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Canada for foreigners in 2024

Canada is a country that combines a modern economy with a high standard of living. Its 22nd place in terms of GDP per capita is impressive. Freedom of choice, stable income, excellent career opportunities and a calm political environment attract professionals from all over the world. 

The country offers various immigration programs and actively supports the relocation of skilled workers. This makes you think about changing your place of residence. Canada harmoniously combines development opportunities and a comfortable life, making it attractive to many who dream of new horizons. According to statistics, the largest number of migrants arrive in Canada from France, India and the United Kingdom.

Rules for entering Canada for foreigners in 2024

Before entering Canada, foreigners must obtain an entry permit, which is a visa - a tourist, visitor or business visa. A visitor visa is granted to persons who have received an invitation from relatives or friends. If there is no invitation, it is recommended to obtain a tourist visa.

For business travel with Canadian partners, it is worth choosing a business visa, which is ideal for negotiating and signing contracts.

The process of obtaining a Canadian visa, regardless of the type, includes the preparation of documents. You must have with you:

1. Foreign passport and copies of all pages;

2. National passport with copies;

3. Marriage certificate and its copies;

4. A copy of the divorce certificate (if any);

5. Copies of birth certificates of children (if any);

6. Salary certificate for six months;

7. Extract from the state register, tax return, receipt No. 2;

8. Bank statement for the last six months;

9. Children's passports, copies of pages with stamps, birth certificates, parental permission to travel, and a 3.5 x 4.5 cm photo on a white background (in electronic format).

These requirements are standard for most cases of applying for a visa to Canada. It is important to prepare all the documents according to this list in advance to successfully obtain a permit to enter the country.

Cost of living in Canada in 2024

Despite the high average after-tax salary, the cost of living in this country is quite high. The average cost of living for a family of four in Canada is approximately $3302 per month, excluding rent. Renting an apartment for one person will cost $920 per month on average. According to official information from the Canadian government, about half of earnings are spent on rent.

In order to rent an apartment, you need to have proof of employment (a letter from your employer) or a sufficient amount of money in your account. Many apartments in Canada are rented for a short period of time, usually up to a year, due to tax and legal aspects. Professional landlords can offer contracts for even a year and even impose penalties for early termination.

The cost of renting an apartment also depends on the location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs an average of $1189.15 per month, while in the countryside the price is slightly cheaper - about $1001.29 per month.

Healthcare in Canada in 2024

The medical system in Canada is considered one of the most developed in the world, which is confirmed by the high life expectancy of the population - 82.24 years, of which 71 years people live in health. However, it should be borne in mind that not all medical services in Canada are free of charge.

Basic healthcare services in Canada are provided free of charge through taxation, but their access and list may vary depending on the province of residence. Each province has its own health care system, such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in Ontario, the Régie de l'assurance maladie (RAMQ) in Quebec, or the Health Services Plan (HSP) in British Columbia.

Services that are often not included in general health insurance include long-term care, prescription drugs, dentistry (except in an emergency), psychotherapy, cosmetology, and plastic surgery. These services usually need to be paid for separately.

According to The Global Economy, the cost of healthcare in Canada is at a level that is significantly higher than in many other countries, with an index of 127.9, which is higher than, for example, in Ukraine with an index of 14.37.

Legal immigrants are eligible for public health insurance, but the conditions for obtaining it may vary from province to province. For example, the waiting time for a Health Card in Ontario or Quebec is 3 months, while in other provinces this period may be longer or even zero. If you arrive in Canada on a work visa, your employer may provide corporate health insurance for you and your family.

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For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, take the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

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The level of security in Canada for migrants

The assessment of the level of security in Canada covers a variety of indicators that reflect the overall state of social and criminal security. According to the Global Peace Index, Canada ranks 10th in the world, which indicates a high level of social security of citizens and the absence of serious internal or external conflicts. The low level of organized crime (3.67) and the low number of murders per 100,000 people (2.0) also confirm the favorable security climate in the country.

In terms of overall crime rates, Canada has a score of 44.26, which, while not the lowest in the world, reflects a relatively safe situation compared to other countries. In addition, Canada demonstrates low levels of corruption, ranking 11th in the world in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) with a score of 77 out of 100. This indicator indicates trust in government institutions and a high degree of transparency in the country's governance.

Compared to other countries, such as Ukraine with its corruption score of 32 and other high crime rates, Canada stands out as a country with a high level of security and integrity of state institutions. These indicators make Canada attractive for living and immigration, providing stability and a high standard of living for its citizens and residents.

Benefits of living in Canada for foreigners in 2024

Canada remains one of the most attractive countries for foreigners in the world due to its openness, high quality of life and a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Let's take a look at the main advantages of living in Canada in 2024:

1. Healthcare. Canada has an excellent healthcare program. One person has to pay about $5,000 a year to get medical care. At the same time, you can visit the hospital at any time, as well as the emergency room to receive medical services without any direct payments;

2. Low crime rate. Canada ranks 53rd in the world in terms of crime. The population is lower in Canada, so the crime rate is also decreasing;

3. Employment opportunities. The Canadian government is constantly making efforts to attract foreign workers to fill the gap in the shortage of qualified personnel in industrial sectors;

4. Affordable education. Canada's school education program is similar to the United States, where students can get an education without paying any fees or donations from their parents. Higher education at a college or university is slightly higher in price than in Europe, but the continuing education program in Canada is very low and easy to obtain;

5. Growing economy. This country provides a free market economy. If you want to set up a company or business in Canada, you need to follow a simple procedure that will help you to settle the business;

6. Natural beauty. Canada is very famous for its nature and beautiful landscapes with oceans, lakes and rivers. If you live in the province of Nova Scotia, you can enjoy fishing and boating in the ocean. The central part of Canada offers hunting opportunities. You can enjoy hiking, skiing and hockey;

7. Low rents. Life on the northern border of Canada is almost 26% cheaper when compared to the average cost of rent in other Canadian cities. Toronto and Vancouver are relatively expensive cities. Rents in these cities are high. If you want to live with low rents, Montreal is a cheap city where you can find a place to live at an affordable price.

Disadvantages of living in Canada for expats in 2024

Despite its many advantages, moving to Canada has some unpleasant aspects. Let's consider the main disadvantages of living in this country:

1. High housing costs. In major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, housing costs are very high. Renting apartments or buying real estate can be difficult for many expats given the high prices;

2. Seasonality of weather conditions. Canada is known for its harsh winters, especially in the northern regions. For many expats, this can be a great stress or inconvenience, especially if they are not used to this climate;

3. Language barrier. Although many Canadians speak English, French is the official language in some provinces, such as Quebec. For expats who do not speak this language, it can be an obstacle in everyday life and work;

4. High taxes. Canada has high income taxes, especially for highly paid professionals. This can affect the financial situation and reduce discretionary spending;

5. Competition in the labor market. Canada has a competitive labor market environment in many industries;

6. Long immigration process. Obtaining the status of a resident or citizen of Canada is a complex and lengthy process that requires significant effort and time.

Despite its many drawbacks, Canada remains an attractive country for expats because of its safety, quality of life, healthcare and education systems. Many people find their place in this country and successfully adapt to its peculiarities over time.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Canada, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in the Canada.

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