Canada has always been a great country to live in, being the second largest country in the world, the reasons we love Canada are endless. From our gorgeous landscapes of all the lakes and cottage countries, our beautiful and
innovative cities, the Northern Lights, our admiration for winter sports, the world’s longest recreational trails, our glaciers, free healthcare, friendly people and you can even put your very own face on postage stamps here! If you’re planning a move to Canada, here are some things you need to know!

Be Of Legal Age 

First thing’s first, you need to be 18 years old. Otherwise, moving and becoming a citizen will not be an easy ride. If you are a minor and you do want to move to Canada, you will need your legal guardian to fill out the application for you. Or your guardian must be applying to become a citizen at the same time as you or even must already be a citizen of Canada.

Obtain Permanent Residence in Canada

First, you need to obtain permanent residence; you will then be entitled to things like healthcare coverage, you can travel around Canada, study and work here. But there are limitations – for example, you cannot vote.

Declare Your Intent To Reside In Canada

If you want to become a Canadian, you have to confirm your plans to stay Canadian. If you do not spend much time here, you could lose your permanent residence status. You need to be in Canada for at least two years in a five-year period as a permanent resident. In other words, your time in Canada needs to stay rather consistent.

Provide Your Income Tax

You need to prove that your job is legitimate. By doing so you must be able to provide four years’ worth of tax returns in the six-year period leading up to the date of your application.

Speak The Languages

English or French – To become a citizen, you need to know one. You do not need to be fluent, but you need to know the language well enough to make small talk; give directions, be able to introduce yourself, etc.

Buying A Home In Canada

Once you’re ready to buy a home in Canada, you need to find a trusted realtor who will guide you every step of the way and help you find the home of your dreams.

Working With A Realtor

Real Estate Agents will listen to your needs, show you suitable homes to visit, and negotiate on your behalf to help you get the best possible deal. They can also provide you with previous sale prices of comparable homes, provide you with information about neighbourhoods and arrange a home inspection.

Types Of Homes

Canadian homes come in a variety of shapes, sizes and costs. With the help of a real estate agent, you can choose which type of home you can afford and which one fits your lifestyle best. There is a wide variety ranging from condominiums, townhouses, semi-detached homes, detached homes, duplexes and triplexes. What’s more is that your realtor will also take into account not only the home itself but the surrounding schools, neighbourhoods and more. Realtors in Canada can give out demographic data, neighbourhood information and school ratings.

Found The Winner?

Now it’s time to make it official by making an “Offer to Purchase”. If you’re using the services of a real estate agent, they will help you prepare the Offer to Purchase. Most homebuyers rely on lenders (banks, credit unions, caisses populaires, pension funds and insurance companies) to lend them money to finance the purchase of their home. This loan, also known as a mortgage, is repaid by you through regular payments over a period of time, typically 25 years. But keep in mind that as a newcomer to Canada, it may be difficult to finance the purchase of a home if you do not have an established credit history.

Offers

One thing to note is that offers on Canadian properties often include financing and home inspection conditions. Once an inspection has been completed and any financing has been resolved, the property can then become what is known as “sold firm”. All is done, the property is yours!

Taxes

Be prepared to pay those taxes! When you buy a property in Canada you can expect to pay for the land transfer tax, municipal property taxes and capital gain taxes. In most cases, non-residents are subject to tax on any income or gains resulting from the sale of a taxable Canadian property, including residential homes, condominiums, or land.

Embrace Canada!

It’s one thing to become a Canadian citizen, but that’s only the stepping stone. Embrace what Canada has to offer and all the diversity!

 

Sources: http://www.thisisinsider.com/how-to-move-canada-2016-10?utm_content=buffera7197&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer%2F%2F/#invest-in-durable-clothes-for-your-local-climate-11