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When moving to Canada, there are steps that you can take in advance to ensure you have a smooth move, manage your costs, and comply with government guidelines. See what's required so that you're ready to go with minimal stress.
Written By
admin
Nov 2, 2021
•Financial First Steps
by | Oct 15, 2024
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/Take-care-of-finances.png” alt=”Financial steps before you leave for Canada” title_text=”Canadian_money_proof_of_funds” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”442px” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Heebo||||||||” text_text_color=”#7c7c7c” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”27px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]While there are many things to do, here are the top 10 financial steps to take before you leave for Canada. And when you take these steps, it will prepare you for better financial footing when you arrive in Canada.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” sticky_position=”top” sticky_offset_top=”85px” sticky_limit_bottom=”row” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Having a Canadian bank account before departure has many benefits. You can use the statement as proof of funds to the immigration officer at the Canadian airport, you don’t have to be carrying cash and worrying about safety and lastly, you have funds ready for you to use and don’t have to wait a week before a draft clears. Scotiabank is one of the few banks that allow you to open a bank account online while in your home country.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”2. Settle your affairs” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#b8322f” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”43.2px” custom_margin=”||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Heebo||||||||” text_text_color=”#7c7c7c” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”27px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Pay your debts. Review your insurance policies. Cancel your monthly services and obtain the necessary proof. Sell your properties or make arrangements on how to manage them from afar. In the stress of moving to another country, it is incredible how easily we can overlook certain details and leave behind loose ends. Never say “I’ll deal with it later,” because settling financial affairs from a distance often turns out costlier and more stressful.
Before you leave, research basic costs in the city where you plan to settle. While you won’t be able to estimate your monthly expenses down to every detail, it’s helpful if you know the following costs:
While you can curb spending on things like food, entertainment, and clothes, you will find that other expenses are less flexible. You want to ensure you have enough money for the essential living costs. Find out more about the cost of living in Canada.
Building a strong financial foundation is vital to your success. Join this webinar to start your banking journey in Canada on the right foot!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/finance-webinar/” button_text=”Sign up for a FREE webinar” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#be352f” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_border_radius=”6px” button_font=”Heebo|800|||||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row_inner use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/shaking-hands.png” title_text=”shaking-hands” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Our Team” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|20px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”4. Gather all your impact documents” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#b8322f” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”43.2px” custom_margin=”||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Heebo||||||||” text_text_color=”#7c7c7c” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”27px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Newcomers to Canada may be eligible for certain tax credits and other benefits. You can file an income tax return even before you have an income history in Canada.
Make sure you and your spouse document your earnings history for the two years before you immigrated to Canada. Also, gather the originals of all the documents that may help you to show proof of your past insurance and credit history.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”5. Research what goods you can bring into Canada” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#b8322f” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”43.2px” custom_margin=”||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Heebo||||||||” text_text_color=”#7c7c7c” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”27px” custom_margin=”||4px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]On the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website, you can research the permitted and forbidden goods you can bring through customs. You don’t want to find yourself in the unpleasant situation of paying fines or extra taxes or having to dispose of certain goods.
Make a list of everything you need to buy to set up a home, down to forks and spoons. The things we take for granted at home cost money, every single one of them. The list may be frighteningly long, but you should always have a realistic idea of your needs. This way, you will avoid getting carried away when you shop for your new life in Canada.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”7. Increase your savings” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#b8322f” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”43.2px” custom_margin=”||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”display: none;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”display: none;” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]The Canadian government requires immigrants to show they have the minimum financial funds to support themselves and their dependents for six months after arrival. However, it’s better if you have more than the minimum financial funds. The bigger your city of destination, the sooner your savings will shrink.
If you can take on extra work or cut down on unnecessary spending, do it. These are critical financial steps before you leave for Canada that will help you to minimize financial stress.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”8. Take advantage of cheaper services” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#b8322f” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”43.2px” custom_margin=”||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Heebo||||||||” text_text_color=”#7c7c7c” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”27px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Make your life easier when coming here by taking advantage of any useful service that is cheaper in your home country. For example, in Canada, like in most advanced countries, dental services are notoriously expensive, and so are many other medical or cosmetic procedures. Repairs and restorations of items such as artwork or other valuable possessions will, most likely, be more expensive here as well.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”9. Find temporary accommodation” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#b8322f” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”43.2px” custom_margin=”||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Heebo||||||||” text_text_color=”#7c7c7c” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”27px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]If you don’t have any friends or family willing to offer temporary accommodation, research the cost of short-term rentals well in advance, and make reservations. Pick a cost-effective and convenient location that will allow you to move around easily while you search for a permanent home.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”10. Obtain the appropriate financial tools” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#b8322f” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”43.2px” custom_margin=”||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Heebo||||||||” text_text_color=”#7c7c7c” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”27px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Know in advance how you will be handling your money. Will you be carrying cash? Will you be relying mostly on plastic? Many hotels here do not accept cash and require a credit card, and rental buildings require payment by debit card or cheque.
It can be stressful carrying around too much cash, but you can easily lose track of spending solely relying on plastic. So make a point of checking your balance.
Moving to a new country will require a solid financial plan. And when you take these financial steps before you leave for Canada you’ll be better able to manage your finances.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” sticky_position=”top” sticky_offset_top=”85px” sticky_limit_bottom=”row” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ width=”100%” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Related articles” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#b8322f” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”43.2px” custom_margin=”||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Heebo||||||||” text_text_color=”#767676″ text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Read more about banking and financing with Prepare for Canada.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”swiper mySwiper” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1440px” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ module_class=”swiper-wrapper” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb title=” Building Credit History in Canada as a Newcomer” image=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/Why-Credit-History-is-Important-When-You-Rent-a-Home-1.jpg” module_class=”swiper-slide” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#2a2a2a” header_font_size=”24px” body_font=”Heebo||||||||” body_text_color=”#666666″ body_font_size=”18px” link_option_url=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/building-credit-history-in-canada-as-a-newcomer” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]A lesson many newcomers learn when they arrive in Canada is that you need credit to pay for large expenses, buy a car, or purchase a home. However, it’s difficult to borrow without a credit history in Canada.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada” image=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/Smiling-woman-with-a-blue-ceramic-piggy-money-with-funds-for-her-bank-account-1.png” alt=”Smiling woman with a ceramic piggy bank with funds for her Canadian bank account” module_class=”swiper-slide” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#2a2a2a” header_font_size=”24px” body_font=”Heebo||||||||” body_text_color=”#666666″ body_font_size=”18px” link_option_url=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/open-a-bank-account-before-arriving-in-canada” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Opening a bank account before you arrive in Canada offers many benefits including transferring funds before you travel to Canada.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Inflation in Canada and What it Means for Newcomers” image=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/Inflation-1.png” alt=”A for rent price sign hangs in front of a rental property. Rental prices are affecting inflation in Canada.” module_class=”swiper-slide” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#2a2a2a” header_font_size=”24px” body_font=”Heebo||||||||” body_text_color=”#666666″ body_font_size=”18px” link_option_url=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/inflation-in-canada-and-what-it-means-for-newcomers” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]For newcomers and international students arriving in record numbers, it’s helpful to understand how the currect inflation rate in Canada can affect how much you pay for housing, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Insurance in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know” image=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/image-20.png” alt=”Insurance in Canada protects your property. Interior of a home with several feet of water.” module_class=”swiper-slide” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#2a2a2a” header_font_size=”24px” body_font=”Heebo||||||||” body_text_color=”#666666″ body_font_size=”18px” link_option_url=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/insurance-in-canada-what-newcomers-need-to-know” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Protecting yourself and your family against unexpected danger and risk is what insurance in Canada is all about for newcomers to Canada and international students.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Do Newcomers Need to File an Income Tax Return?” image=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/Do-Newcomers-Need-to-File-Income-Tax.png” alt=”Father completing income taxes online with wife and young children in the background.” module_class=”swiper-slide” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#2a2a2a” header_font_size=”24px” body_font=”Heebo||||||||” body_text_color=”#666666″ body_font_size=”18px” link_option_url=”https://www.prepareforcanada.com/do-newcomers-need-to-file-an-income-tax-return” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]If you became a permanent resident and lived in Canada, even for a short period, filing your first income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can provide financial benefits.
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]WRITTEN BY
admin
Writer, Prepare for Canada
© Prepare for Canada 2025
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