For homeowners in Canada with a mortgage to pay and spare rooms to rent, becoming a homesharing host can help solve financial and personal needs. All homeowners quickly discover that homeownership comes with costly expenses, including the mortgage, insurance, monthly maintenance, and daily living expenses. Despite the costs, homeownership remains the goal of young Canadians and newcomers, even with the high home prices and mortgage rates, according to a recent Scotiabank survey. Renting out that spare room and welcoming housemates as a home share host can help lower your monthly homeownership costs.

Discover the benefits of becoming a homesharing host and how to do it!

Homesharing Can Reduce Homeownership Expenses

Renting out a spare room can bring Canadian homeowners valuable extra income via home share to help pay their mortgage and bills. Becoming a home share host is a solution that can bring financial relief, whether you’re an empty nester, a struggling young homeowner, or a newcomer to Canada homeowner.  It also enables homeowners to make new friends and gain companionship.

The 1.4 million Canadians who got a mortgage in 2020 or 2021 may have seen their median monthly mortgage cost increase by $420, or 30 percent, upon renewal. Even though the Bank of Canada continues to lower interest rates, many homeowners renewed their mortgages when or just after the rate reached a high of 5 percent in 2023.

Renting out a spare room can ease that financial pressure. It also provides affordable rental housing for newcomers and international students.

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Canada will welcome 395,000 immigrants in 2025 and 380,000 in 2026. That’s in addition to tens of thousands of international students and temporary foreign workers looking for affordable housing. Rental demand and rent asking prices nationwide remain high for renters.

Homesharing, done right, is a safe, reliable, hassle-free process that benefits both hosts and renters.

Homesharing in Canada Means More Rentals

In Ontario, it’s estimated that more than half of residents, and three-quarters of those over 65, live in houses larger than they need. According to the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis, that adds up to five million spare bedrooms across Canada’s largest province.

Sparrow Expertly Matches Hosts and Housemates

Oren Singer, the co-founder and CEO of Sparrow, says Canada needs “to do a better job of making it easier and safer for newcomers to find good housing options in Canada.” “There’s a ton of underutilized housing space in the form of spare rooms and basements,” said Singer.

Making Sure Homeowners Get the Right Price

Dave Frattini, Managing Partner of Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers, says the Prepare for Canada/Sparrow initiative offers a simple, turnkey homesharing service to help homeowner hosts find a pool of compatible housemates.

To ensure accountability, Sparrow verifies every potential renter through background, credit, and income checks. Their matching algorithm finds renters who complement the homeowner’s lifestyle.

Sparrow also ensures that the homeowner’s room rental is the optimal price. They collect and report rent payments to credit bureaus to motivate renters to pay on time.

Housemates can rent a room for as little as two months or up to a year.

Homeowners who want to become homesharing hosts can list their rentals and create a profile for free. A service fee for hosts is only charged once the host has received the first rental payment from the housemate.

The host service fee (a one-time-only charge) ranges from 1/4 – 1 month’s rent, depending on the length of the homesharing contract. There are no service fees for housemates.

Benefits for Canada Homesharing Hosts:

Becoming a homesharing host offers many benefits, including:

• Earning up to $1,200 extra monthly income, depending on the city location, to cover rising living costs.

• Enjoying the companionship of a like-minded housemate.

• Reducing your mortgage payment and the burden and stress of home maintenance.

• Playing a vital role in easing Canada’s housing crisis.

• Helping newcomers and international students settle successfully in their new country.

Watch a Canada Homeshare Host Share Her Experience:

Brigitte Sharpe of Toronto decided to become a Sparrow homesharing host after her son moved out.

“I’ve got a second room,” said Sharpe. “It’s very difficult for people to find spaces, so I thought I would give it a shot.”

Sharpe says that she and her housemate of six months bonded and now have a friendship. She believes that they will definitely get together in the future.

Becoming a Canada Homesharing Host

Canadian homeowners with a spare bedroom can sign up to be a home-sharing host here.

“We’re on a mission,” says Frattini, “to help newcomers enter the rental market faster and easier by connecting them with homeowners and newcomer allies who can provide safe and affordable housing.”

“We look forward to reaching out to any homeowners across the country who want to contribute to building this innovative housing solution for newcomers.”

And, of course, for homeowner hosts, there are the benefits of “having someone around.”

“I recently spoke with one of our hosts who’s been renting out her spare room to a PhD student from the University of Toronto for about a year now,” said Singer.

Creating a Sense of Community

“She shared that, while the extra income has been helpful, the biggest benefit has been the peace of mind that comes with having someone around.”

Singer said that this reminds him “how homesharing isn’t just about financial stability, it’s about creating a sense of community.”

Canadian homeowners looking for a sense of community and an income stream from renting a spare room can sign up here to be homesharing hosts.

Homeshare in Canada Facts

• Canadian homeowners can earn a national average of $591 monthly or about $7,000 yearly by renting a room in their homes.

• Homeowners in large city regions such as Vancouver and Toronto can make over $15,000 yearly.

• 58 percent of homesharing hosts are over 50 and retired.

• 51 percent of housemates are under 30 and just starting their careers or getting an education.

• Over 62 percent of homesharing hosts and housemates are women.

• Homesharing hosts and housemates speak over 40 unique languages. They also have many interests, such as travel, fitness, arts, culture, fashion, sports, gaming, and photography.

With rising homeownership expenses, becoming a Canada homesharing host may be the boost you need!

Finding a short-term rental is a vital first step in the housing journey of immigrants and international students arriving in Canada.

Before finding their first long-term home in Canada, newcomers need temporary accommodation while they search for a job and get settled.

However, finding an affordable, suitable long-term rental in many parts of Canada can now take up to two months.

According to a recent Rentals.ca report, that’s due to fierce competition and historic low vacancy rates amid a rental housing crisis.

Short-term rentals are the most popular solution, and here’s what to know about how to find them:

Do Your Online Research Before You Arrive

Short-term rental operators rent their homes or rooms via companies such as Airbnb.

The bylaws that govern short-term rentals vary across Canada. For example, in Toronto, the initial short-term rental period is less than 28 consecutive days. So, check with the operator about the city’s bylaws and rules.

According to Statistics Canada, the short-term rental industry is thriving in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario.

Montreal, Halifax, Toronto, Ottawa, Victoria, and Vancouver are the most popular Canadian cities for short-term rentals.

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When You Arrive Matters

There are busy and slower seasons for short-term rentals.

Generally, spring and summer (March to August) are busiest, and winter is the slowest.

However, many rentals are also event-driven, so be aware of large events in the city where you intend to land.

Prices and available rentals change based on demand (and supply). Booking well before you arrive will help you secure a rental and get the best deal.

Location Matters

If you know where you want to settle long-term within a specific city, it can be a strategic move to get a short-term rental in that area. That way, you can explore the neighbourhood and determine whether it is right for you and your family.

If you know where you will be working, a rental near your work can help you judge commuting times and costs.

A rental in or near a city’s downtown core allows you to look for your first long-term rental home in Canada and offers many benefits (though rental fees may be higher) such as access to:

• Government services

• Settlement agencies

• Shopping

• Healthcare

• Employers

• Public transit

• Adjoining neighbourhoods.

Be sure to do plenty of research before you arrive. There are webinars, websites, and videos about neighbourhoods in most major Canadian cities. Pre-arrival settlement agencies can also offer guidance before you arrive in Canada.

Short-Term Rental Costs Vary

Short-term rental costs in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are higher than in mid-sized cities such as Hamilton, Regina, or Fredericton. That’s a fact. So, research many short-term rental websites (see below) to find the rental that fits your budget.

Consider this: a recent survey by Rentals.ca showed that it can take renters in Canada as long as two months to find a suitable, affordable rental.

Hopefully, that won’t be your experience.

Still, it’s vital to know that the Canadian long-term rental market is competitive, and vacancy rates are at historic lows in many cities popular with immigrants and students.

So, budget accordingly for your short-term rental. You could be there longer than you anticipated.

It’s also a smart strategy to follow rental housing trends and solutions in Canada before you arrive.

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An Example of Short-Term Rental Costs

Short-term rental prices vary in cities and provinces.

However, a recent Ontario government short-term rental report showed that from January to April 2024, the average DAILY rental rate in the Greater Toronto Area was $114.32. That’s up 9.2 percent from the same months in 2023.

The average daily rate in the famous tourist region of Niagara was $194.44 for the same period.

According to the Ontario report, the average rental daily rate in Canada for that period was $159.88. That’s up 11.8 percent from 2023.

Remember, January to April is a slow season for demand for short-term rentals.

Maintain Rental Records in Canada

Once you arrive in Canada, most financial transactions, such as your short-term rental, can help to build your credit history. So, keep track of your rental payments, AND the addresses of your rental(s).

A positive recommendation from the rental owner is also useful when looking for long-term accommodation and impressing Canadian landlords.

Understand the Cancellation Policy

All legitimate short-term rental operators advertise and define their cancellation policy. Look for it and study it before you book your rental.

If the rental does not provide a policy, be suspicious and ask questions. For example, many operators have a 30-day cancellation policy with a full refund.

How Can You Find Short-Term Rentals in Canada?

Airbnb is a well-known and popular short-term rental site with a major presence in the rental market.

However, many others operate in Canada, and researching them is a smart strategy for newcomers.

Other popular sites include Sublet.com, VRBO, HomeAway, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, FB Groups, HostelWorld, and many others you can search online.

When securing a short-term rental from Kijiji and Craigslist, immigrants to Canada and international students must remember that these are classified ad websites and historically home to rental scammers.

Do your homework before renting through either Kijiji or Craigslist and be careful when considering a listing on these sites.

Beware of Short-Term Rental Scams

Unfortunately, newcomers and international students are the primary targets of short-term rental scammers.

Generally, scammers post their rental offers on well-known sites such as Facebook, Kijiji, and Craigslist. Classified sites are difficult to regulate, so they are popular with scam artists.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

1. If the price sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Walk away.

2. You’re asked to wire cash. Any request for cash is a scam warning. Walk away.

3. You are unable to verify the address. Walk away.

4. The pictures of the rental don’t seem right or don’t match the price (meaning the property and the amenities are too impressive). Walk away.

5. You’re unable to reconnect with the rental host. Walk away.

6. You’re asked for too much personal information regarding banking and credit cards. Walk away.

If you get scammed, contact your Canadian bank (if you have opened an account) and credit card provider to see if you can stop payment. You can also report the scam to the local police.

Action Plan for Newcomers:

• Use short-term rentals as a first step in your Canadian housing journey.

• Remember that rental prices vary across Canada, and cities like Toronto and Vancouver have higher rates.

• Research short-term rentals before you arrive and understand local bylaws.

• Be on the lookout for rental scams.

• Keep records of your rental payments to build credit history in Canada.

• Work with pre-arrival settlement agencies before you book.

SOURCES: Statistics Canada, Ontario Government, Rentals.ca

Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

*Prepare for Canada used no AI-generated content in the writing of this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.

© Prepare for Canada 2024

The cost of accommodation in Canada varies by city and vacancy rates are a key driver of costs. Housing costs are usually the largest portion of a monthly budget, and if you’re a newcomer to Canada, it’s helpful to understand what determines accommodation costs. With this knowledge, you can decide where you want to live and how much you can afford. Other factors that affect the accommodation costs include location, type of housing, and size. 

What Does Vacancy Rate Mean?

In Canada, the vacancy rate refers to the housing supply and the occupancy rate refers to the housing demand. Though the answer is subjective, a healthy vacancy is considered to be around 3% in general.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) conducts the Rental Market Survey (RMS) every October in urban areas with populations of 10,000 and more. The RMS estimates the strength of the rental market. The survey targets privately rented structures with at least three rental units, that have been on the market for at least three months. 

The CMHC also conducts the Condominium Apartment Survey (CAS) every year in September to estimate the strength of the condo apartment rental market. The cities covered in this survey are Calgary, Edmonton, Gatineau, Halifax, Hamilton, Kelowna, Kitchener, London, Montréal, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg.

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How Vacancy Rates Affect the Cost of Accommodation in Canada

A vacancy rate of two percent or lower means there is greater competition among prospective tenants as they vie for fewer vacant rental properties.

The vacancy rate is also a key factor determining the accommodation cost in cities across Canada. With this in mind, you can research vacancy rates to understand rental costs, determine how much you can afford, and budget for rent. Here are the 2023 vacancy rates and average rental rates for a 2-bedroom apartment in several Canadian cities:

How Much Do Apartments Cost in Canada?

Finding affordable housing continues to be challenging, especially in Toronto and Vancouver where vacancy rates are below two percent. That’s why we encourage newcomers to consider other cities that often offer hidden advantages to newcomers, including lower accommodation costs.

What’s Affordable Housing in Canada?

Housing affordability and supply are essential factors when evaluating your landing city options. In Canada, spending less than 30% of your pre-tax income on housing is considered affordable. Spending more than 30% on housing will mean cutting into your budget for things like food, transportation, and other necessities. And, until you establish stable finances, it’s wise to manage your budget and expenses accordingly.

Where to Find Affordable Accommodation in Canada?

Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive when it comes to accommodation. However, you’ll likely find housing prices that are more in line with your budget in other Canadian cities. Carefully researching small and mid-sized cities across Canada before you choose your landing city is the key to your success.

Research the Housing and Job Markets in Different Cities

It’s important to research housing and job markets across Canada. Canada is a vast country with regional, economic, and cultural differences. And, the cost of housing (both in the rental and homebuying markets) can vary widely. At the same time, you want to research your profession in different cities to ensure job opportunities match your skills, knowledge, and experience.

This initial research is critical. While you can always relocate to other cities, making a secondary move is expensive. Carefully evaluating your landing city options, housing costs, and career options will help you make smart decisions and achieve financial stability and success! You can easily check out rental costs in cities across Canada at Rentals for Newcomers.

Become Familiar with the Cost of Living in Different Cities

The cost of living can vary across Canada. Groceries, transportation, rent, or home-buying costs can be expensive. Also, consider your lifestyle and the cost of entertainment and dining out.

Considering all of these factors will help you to budget for the cost of accommodation in Canada. And for newcomers, this information can help you to make smart and affordable landing city decisions!

Settling in an Ontario city can be expensive for newcomers and international students. However, cities in Ontario remain by far the most popular with immigrants to Canada, so let’s look at the 10 best Ontario cities to live in. 

First, rent prices in Ontario cities, particularly those in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), are among the highest in the country, except for Vancouver.

The unemployment rate in Ontario in June was 6.8 percent, up from 0.3 percent from May. Nationally, it is 6.4 percent.

Ontario’s Quality of Life Matters to Newcomers

However, city life in Ontario, Canada’s largest and most populated province, is about more than rent prices. Quality of life and job opportunities are also crucial to newcomers when choosing the best city in Ontario to live in.

Settlement services, vital for newcomers, are also different in each Ontario city, as are job market opportunities and the cost of living (inflation).

Many settlement experts regard selecting the correct city as the best job strategy for newcomers.  

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Recently, The Globe and Mail published research* listing the most livable cities in Canada for immigrants.

The Globe, one of Canada’s premier news outlets, collected data from 439 Canadian cities with a population of at least 10,000 in partnership with Environics Analytics Group Ltd.

Criteria to Assess Best Cities in Ontario

• ECONOMY: Jobs, earnings, taxes, and economic stability.

• DEMOGRAPHICS: Population, stability, diversity, languages spoken.

• HEALTHCARE: Ease of access and satisfaction with care.

• SAFETY: Crime rates and feeling of safety.

• EDUCATION: Residents’ academic qualifications and availability of schools and universities.

• COMMUNITY: Social spaces, events, volunteering opportunities, and the sense of connection residents feel.

• AMENITIES:  Number of recreational places, shopping options, and other facilities, plus cannabis stores, gyms, movie theatres, and essential services such as childcare, grocery stores, libraries, and parks.

• TRANSPORTATION: Public transit, ease of getting around, and proximity to airports and public transportation.

• WEATHER: Extreme conditions, overall climate, humidity and coldness.

Housing was rated as one of THE most important concerns of newcomers to Canada. As the Globe pointed out:

“As housing costs have marched steadily upward in Canada, discussing real estate prices has become as common as chatting about the weather. And so often, the conversation about where to live focuses on one number: The cost of buying a home.”

Burlington is Ontario’s Most Livable City

Unsurprisingly, Globe research determined that Burlington, at the western end of the GTA, is Ontario’s most livable city (it was also ranked as the fifth most livable in Canada). 

Burlington’s geographic location makes it the perfect commuter city. For work or play, people can travel by road or rail to Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the Niagara region. 

While Burlington rent prices are not cheap, a one-bedroom apartment there is over $300 cheaper per month than in Toronto. Also, Burlington scored extremely high regarding amenities.

In a recent Point2 research study**, Burlington was rated as the top Ontario city among the country’s 10 best for juggling professional and personal life. According to the Point2 study, “Burlington enjoys a balanced mix of positive health perceptions, with 93 percent of its residents reporting high levels of life satisfaction.”

10 Most Livable Cities in Ontario

1. Burlington

Rent: $2,196 *** (for a one-bedroom)

(Average) House Price: $1.16 million ***

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.3 percent

Read more about living in Burlington, Ontario

2. Ottawa 

Rent: $1,967

House Price: $686, 535

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 6 percent

Read more about living in Ottawa, Ontario

3. Pickering

Rent: $1,885

House Price: $941,000

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 5.9 percent

4. Oakville

Rent: $2,305

House Price: $1.48 million

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.8

5. Vaughan

Rent: $1,991

House Price: $1.1 million

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.9 percent

6. Hamilton

Rent: $1,806

House Price: $831,190

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.3 percent

Read more about living in Hamilton, Ontario

7. Guelph 

Rent: $2,046

House Price: $850, 226

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 3.7 percent

8. Tecumseh 

Rent: $1,534

House Price: $795, 276

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 9.1 percent

9. Lincoln

Rent: $1,476

House Price: $643,111

Unemployment rate (as of March 2024): 8.4 percent

10. Markham

Rent: $2, 062

House Price: $1.1 million

Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.8 percent

Read more about living in Markham, Ontario

CITATIONS:

* Globe and Mail 

**Point2

*** Prices as of June 2024, subject to fluctuations monthly

SOURCES:

Rentals for Newcomers, CREA, Rentals.ca, Statistics Canada, Zoocasa, Zumper, WOWA, Zolo, Environics Analytics Group Ltd., Point2

Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.

© Prepare for Canada 2024

For prospective newcomers researching landing cities in Canada, it’s vital to assess what city will best meet your needs. Knowing what a city offers can help you pick the one that is right for you, so let’s discover 10 of the most livable cities for immigrants.

Looking only at rent prices, cities like Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan have the cheapest rents among Canada’s large and mid-sized cities. In Alberta, Edmonton and Lethbridge have the cheapest rents, as do Winnipeg in Manitoba and Windsor, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines in Ontario.

Cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are popular but not cheap. In fact, they are by far, the most expensive cities in Canada to rent. 

But livability for newcomers to Canada is about much more than rent. For example, it’s important to consider job market opportunities and the cost of living (inflation). Another thing for newcomers to consider is available settlement services to help you adapt to life in Canada.

Many experts consider picking the right Canadian city to live in as the best job strategy for immigrants.  

Recently, The Globe and Mail published research* listing the most livable cities in Canada for immigrants.

Information was gathered from 439 Canadian cities with a population greater than 10,000. The ranking is based on newcomers who landed in Canada within the last five years.

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Categories and Criteria to Judge Most Liveable Cities in Canada

The following categories and criteria were used to judge the most liveable cities in Canada for newcomers. Unsurprisingly, housing was rated as one of the top concerns.

Top 10 Most Livable Cities in Canada for Newcomers

Among the top 10 cities in Canada for newcomers, rent prices and home prices** vary.

1. Pitt Meadows, British Columbia

Rent: 1 bedroom $2,205/month

Average House Price: $962,362

2. Victoria, British Columbia

Rent: 1 bedroom $2,111/month 

Average House Price: $1,286,600

3. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Rent: 1 bedroom $1,365/month

Average House Price: $375,390

Read more about Living in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

4. North Vancouver, British Columbia

Rent: 1-bedroom $2,704/month

Average House Price: $1,318,687

Read more about living in Vancouver, British Columbia.

5. Saanich, British Columbia

Rent: 1-bedroom $2,023

Average House Price: $1,259,309

6. Wellesley, Ontario

Rent: 1 bedroom $1,900/month

Average House Price:  $1,637,450 

7. Burlington, Ontario

Rent: 1 bedroom $2,145/month

Average House Price: $826,462

Read more about Living in Burlington, Ontario.

8. Regina, Saskatchewan

Rent: 1 bedroom $1,267/month

Average House Price: $304,464

Read more about living in Regina, Saskatchewan.

9. Delta, British Columbia

Rent: 1 bedroom $2,074/month

Average House Price: $1,357,323

Read more about living in Delta, British Columbia.

10. Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Rent: 1 bedroom $1,830/month

Average House Price:  $1,001,518

CITATIONS:

* Globe and Mail 

** Prices as of April 2024, subject to slight changes monthly

SOURCES:

Rentals for Newcomers, CREA, Rentals.ca, Zoocasa, Zumper, WOWA; Zolo

Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.

© Prepare for Canada 2024

Renting a room in a homeowner’s house is a smart strategy for newcomers to Canada. Following these simple, common sense tips for housemates will create a great experience for newcomers, international students, and homeowner hosts.

But perhaps the biggest tip about being a housemate is that the rent as a housemate can be several hundred dollars cheaper than you would pay as a roommate. And, you’re not tied into a long-term lease.

Homesharing provides a way for renters to find budget-friendly rooms in great neighbourhoods. This is a great option for newcomers and international students looking to become housemates in a home-sharing arrangement, whether for two or twelve months.

6 Tips for Housemates

Living with a homeowner in their home as a housemate offers many advantages, from saving money to making friends. Housemates and hosts can forge a lifelong relationship by following simple rules.

Here are six helpful tips for housemates that will contribute to a great living experience:

1. Create Clear and Open Communication from the Start

Make sure that you understand the house rules from the beginning. Have an open discussion with the homeowner and other housemates, if there are any. It’s important to understand the homeowner’s expectations and decide what is fair. A good tip for housemates is to schedule regular meetings (weekly or monthly) to address concerns, expectations, and schedules. This will maintain openness and prevent issues from escalating. If chores are part of your home-sharing agreement, regular meetings provide a forum for updates and feedback.

2. Tackle Issues as they Arise

This is an excellent tip for housemates that will prevent small problems from escalating into big problems. If something is troubling you as a housemate, talk to the homeowner/host and discuss it as soon as possible. Don’t let things fester. This will prevent resentment from building, which could poison your relationship. Be open to finding a solution that works for everyone and be willing to compromise. Being proactive is the best strategy in a homeshare environment.

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3. Be Respectful of Property and People

Most items in a homeshare environment belong to the homeowner/host. If you have agreed to boundaries regarding using items or certain spaces, be sure to respect that by asking first if you can use them or move them. Likewise, the host should show the same respect if you have personal items in the house. Respect each other’s personal space by, for example, knocking before entering a closed room. Creating clear boundaries around property and space from the beginning will ensure maximum privacy and respect. Use headphones and be mindful of noise. Learn the host’s schedule and share yours. Again, it’s all about communication.

4. Respect Diversity and Be Open to Change and New Ideas

You and your host may come from different cultures and thus have different values and beliefs. Approach the housemate experience as an opportunity to learn, share, and grow. It’s a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes and share your view of life. You won’t agree on everything, but if you stay open, the possibilities for learning, growth, and friendship are endless. Be open to sharing experiences,

5. Conserve Energy and Reduce Waste

Again, this is an issue of respect and communication. Energy costs concern homeowners, so do your best to keep them down. Turn off lights, wash your clothes during off-peak hours, turn off taps, and recycle. These are just a few things you can do to show respect and earn the host’s trust and friendship. It will go a long way in avoiding potential conflicts.

6. Understand Rules for Visitors and Overnight Guests

This is an important tip for housemates to ensure privacy and build respect. Be sure to understand the guidelines about having friends over and overnight guests. Discuss and understand the host’s expectations and comfort level regarding visitors and the acceptable length of stay. It all comes down to common courtesy, communication, and respect for privacy.

Housemates and hosts may never become best friends, but the goal should be to be respectful, polite, friendly occupants of a shared co-living space. Take the time to know and understand each other, share some meals, watch TV, and enjoy moments together. All of this – and following these simple, common sense tips for housemates will create a great experience for newcomers, international students, and homeowner hosts.

Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.

© Prepare for Canada 2024

Newcomers to Canada often ask this burning question “how long will it take to get a job?” However, a better question might be “how can I reach my career goals?” By asking this question, it allows you to focus on what you truly love to do and help you to achieve your long-term career goals. 

Linda Ryan is the Provincial Manager (Apprenticeship Services), BCCA. Prepare for Canada (PFC) spoke to Ryan to get her valuable insights about how you can commit to your long-term career goals by not applying for jobs. Sound odd? Find out about a smarter approach to achieving career success and the advice that Ryan provides to newcomers.

BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, is a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN). The BCCA-IN team specialises in helping newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.

PFC: When newcomers ask you how long will it take to get a job, what’s your response?

Linda Ryan: 

I tell them to forget about applying for the job and instead commit to building their long-term career. And in that one sentence, I manage to dash hopes and yet plant a seed for success. My comment is perplexing until I follow it up with these questions, “what’s your dream job?” or “what’s the career you’d truly love?” Let’s face it, the last time you’ve been asked those questions was when you were a kid, everything was possible, and money didn’t matter. 

PFC: What do you think is behind the question “how long will it take to find a job?”

Linda Ryan: 

Well, for immigrants preparing to arrive in a new country, it’s nice to bask in the warm glow of the “I’m in” feeling. This is common, especially after receiving a confirmation letter from the government. However, it can quickly dissipate when the cold reality of “oh crap, how can I afford this?” sets in. So, the best advice I give to clients is to prepare yourself (from both a time and money perspective) for it to take up to six months to find the work you truly love to do.

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PFC: When faced with financial concerns, what are some common job-hunting mistakes that newcomers can make? 

Linda Ryan: 

The worst thing you can do as a newcomer is to accept ‘survival jobs’ too early to earn some cash. Yes, it’s tempting and practical but it can kill your career. This is because it’s so far from your profession that you’ll never be able to use it as a ‘Canadian experience’ reference. Or because it pays so little that you’ll have no spare time and energy to devote to:

• Networking

• Career-building through education

• Volunteering, or

• Searching for a job that aligns with your career goals. 

Another common mistake is to assume that your out-of-country or in-country experience in a different discipline or industry equates to a role you’re fooling yourself into applying for. I always tell clients to aim for the moon and if you fall you’ll hit a few stars along the way! What I mean is, hold true to your dream job but be realistic and take small steps to get there. 

Don’t kid yourself into thinking you can shoehorn your project management experience for financial services companies into project management for construction companies. Or fool yourself that 10 years of engineering in another country will be accepted at face value for 10 years of engineering in Canada. It won’t! While the fundamentals are the same; the industries, credentials, processes, codes, and laws can be very different. Until you have a few years of Canadian experience under your belt, your expertise or seniority will not be considered like-for-like.

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PFC: What advice would you give to newcomers who are looking to land a role faster that aligns with their career goals?

Linda Ryan:

I offer three smart and easy steps to take to ensure you land a career-building role faster:

1. Do your Research

Invest more time in researching roles, duties, companies and less time applying. Don’t adopt the ‘spray and pray’ approach by firing off your resume. Decide that you are a 100% fit for the role (i.e. you could do the job with your eyes closed). Also ensure that the company is a match for you and that you tick the practical boxes (i.e. realistic commute, salary, hours etc.). Do this before you edit your resume.

2. Read the Job Description

Take the time to read the job description and critically assess your entire education and career (not just your existing resume), so that you are confident you can demonstrate you are the obvious best match for the role.

3. Look for Junior Roles in Your Field to Help You Achieve Your Long-Term Career Goals

Yes, it requires you to park your ego and take a few steps back to get in the door, be employed in a role aligned with your career goals, and earning while learning. So, before you spend time editing your resume or drafting a cover letter ask yourself: Is this role a solid stepping stone for my long-term career goals? Will the role give me opportunities to expand my network, credentials, job prospects in the field I’m interested in? How can I express these goals in my cover letter to test if a potential employer is open to supporting me on my career journey? 

Then and only then are you ready to apply for the job.

Learn More about BCCA-IN

*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.

As you are planning on coming to Canada, you will probably want to drive here.  For this reason, it is important to know what you need to do in order to drive here legally.  If you already have a licence in your home country then you can check if you can exchange that license for a Canadian driving licence. Or, you may need to take a driving test in Canada.  Each province in Canada has slightly different rules around how to do this.  Take a look below at the process of getting your driving licence in Alberta, Canada.

Exchange a driving licence from another country with a reciprocal licence exchange agreement

If you’re exchanging a valid driver’s licence from one of the countries in the list below, you can get your Alberta licence without taking a knowledge or road test:  Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.  

To exchange your licence for an Alberta licence, you must:

• hand in your valid licence to a registry agent
• provide proof of two or more years of driving experience, if you want to be issued a full Class 5 licence.

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Exchange a licence with a country that doesn’t have a reciprocal licence exchange agreement

To exchange a licence from a country that doesn’t have an agreement, you’ll need to pass a knowledge and road test.

Step 1. Exchange your driver’s licence

Visit a registry agent and hand in your valid driver’s licence that is equivalent or higher to an Alberta Class 5 licence.

The registry agent will check to see if you can apply for the Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) exemption program and will give you an application to complete.

Step 2. Pass a Class 7 knowledge test

Visit a registry agent and take a knowledge test.

Your licence, application for GDL exemption and support documents will be sent to the Alberta Government for review.

Step 3. Get a full Class 5 licence

There are two ways you can get a full Class 5 licence:

• If you can prove that you have more than 2  years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass an advanced road test

• If you have less than two years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass a basic road test to get a Class 5 GDL licence.

When you have more than two years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass an advanced road test to get a full Class 5 driver’s licence

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!

Do you know how to find your NOC? The truth is most people don’t even consider it when looking for employment – immigrants and native Canadians alike. But if you find your NOC, it can be a valuable resource to help you during your job search. 

According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada welcomed 184,000 new immigrants in 2020 alone. That’s a significant number when you consider that the majority of travel was halted due to COVID-19.

Immigrants are drawn to Canada for many reasons, and if you’re seeking a higher quality of life and access to job opportunities, understanding the Canadian labour market is vital. Find your NOC and use it as a helpful tool along your immigration journey.

What is a NOC?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) tool can help you identify in-demand jobs

One important tool to research the Canadian job market is the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code. This is the government’s system to describe occupations in Canada. It is basically a classification system for each job in the marketplace with a unique identification code. The NOC can help you to identify the most in-demand sectors, understand the job market, and fast-track your job prospects.

When you find your NOC you can use it as a powerful tool to:

• Settle into paid employment soon after arriving in Canada

• Target the most in-demand jobs when job searching

• Enhance job security and stability in Canada in the long run

How to Find Your NOC

Identifying your NOC is a simple process. You can click here to find your NOC and use your current job title in the filter items box.

Alternatively, you can find it by visiting the NOC page directly here. You can either search using a four-digit code or by using your job title in the search box. 

Please note that your job duties must match the ones that you currently do, especially in cases where your occupation is called something different in Canada. When you find your occupation, write down your NOC code.

If you can’t find your NOC, you can use the NOC website to search for the closest options on the list with duties that match yours. Then note down the codes and the applicable skill level.

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Find Your NOC Category

The NOC is used to classify applicants under 10 Broad Occupational Categories (BOC) dependent on skill types. A four-digit code identifies each occupation, otherwise called a unit group.  The numbers 0 – 9 represent the first of four digits in the NOC code Canada. 

Using the outline below, you can identify your BOC: 

0 – Management occupations

1 – Business, finance, and administration occupations

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

3 – Health occupations

4 – Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services

5 – Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport

6 – Sales and service occupations

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

8 – Natural resources, agriculture, and related production occupations

9 – Occupations in manufacturing and utilities

Learn more about how to find your NOC category here.

For example: NOC Code 00

• The first digit represents the skill type: Management occupation
• The second digit represents the management level: Senior Management.

NOC Skill Level

Individuals can move from one skill level to another and possibly target available vacancies, either through additional training or further education. Click here to find your skill level.

Applying for Permanent Residence through Express Entry?

If you’re applying for Express Entry, you must be ranked in the Skill Type 0, levels A or B. This applies to the following Express Entry programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program

• Federal Skill Trades Program and

• Canadian Experience Class.

Applicants looking at the Atlantic Immigration Pilot as a skilled immigrant will be under the Skill Type/level 0, A, B or C.

Applicants on Skill type C or D can target the Provincial Nominee Program, or other shorter-term immigration routes even though you might not become a permanent resident immediately, it provides a route for you to eventually be.

Each NOC has unique advantages. You do not have to be at the highest NOC level to successfully gain an advantage. 

For example, there are provinces that only target people in certain NOC code Canada classes. The province of Nova Scotia, for instance, targets applicants based on its occupation in demand list, in 2021, one requirement was for applicants with NOC 3143 (Nurses and Patient Service Associates) and NOC 7511 (Transport Truck Drivers).

What’s Next After You Find Your NOC?

After you find your NOC, you can apply to the immigration program that you are eligible for. And using the NOC can be your biggest asset. When used correctly it can help you to work in Canada faster.

The Canadian government plans to accept 400,000 immigrants in 2021/2022, most of the opportunities will go to those applying to areas where there is a shortage. Some of the most in-demand jobs in Canada include:

Registered Nurses – NOC 3012

Information Systems Analysts –  NOC 2171

Transport Truck Driver – NOC 7511

Software Engineers and Designers – NOC 2173

Retail Sales Supervisors – NOC 6211

For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our finding a job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!

Career counselling can help you navigate what you require to build your career in Canada. In fact, it can help you to build your success faster when you access pre-arrival career services. For newcomers, finding a job that best suits your skills, background, and experience can reduce your job search stress.

Linda Ryan is the National Program Manager with BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN).

A career and certified performance coach, she and the BCCA-IN team specialize in helping newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.

When it comes to looking for a career, Ryan provides tips about how pre-arrival career counselling can help you build success. 

Prepare for Canada (PFC) spoke to Ryan, who arrived in Canada as a newcomer in 2010. As she explained, settlement services were not as available as they are today. Further, she stated that pre-arrival services didn’t exist, or she was unaware of them. As a result, she struggled to find a job.

In response to the need to help newcomers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada fund free pre-arrival career counselling, employment information, and resources. These services give newcomers knowledge and power to build effective job search strategies even before setting foot on Canadian soil.

PFC: Can you describe your newcomer experience?

Linda Ryan: I had a solid education, a great career in my home country, and a management track record to be proud of. And when I came to Canada, I had to jump many hurdles including:

• Background checks

• Medicals

• Education evaluations, and

• Experience assessments. 

Although Canada had confirmed that it “wanted me”, arriving in Canada as a skilled immigrant still felt like it wasn’t enough. I had to learn from many mistakes about how to:

• Network the Canadian way

• Present my experience and credentials

• Use local labour market and volunteer opportunities, and

• Compete with “Canadian experienced” job hunters. 

Easily I could have saved myself 100 hours of self-doubt and self-defeating job-hunting activities. If I was pre-armed with career counselling services I could have asked specific questions to someone in the know. By investing 10 hours before I arrived in Canada, I could have achieved success faster. Because without this knowledge, it was a challenge to enter the job market.

PFC: What is the BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program and who can it help?

Linda Ryan: It’s a unique, pre-arrival Canada-wide service that helps high-skilled newcomers explore and build construction careers in Canada. Whether you’re an engineer, architect, project manager, estimator, technician or tradesperson looking to continue your career in Canada. Or, if you are a business, IT, HR, marketing, procurement or finance professional exploring how to move into a high-demand industry, BCCA-IN can help.

The program has evolved and extends services to clients or partners of clients, whether or not construction is their primary industry focus. The wisdom is that if you support spouses/partners pre-arrival, you also increase the success rate for settlement, integration, and employment.

Watch now to get engineering and licensing tips for newcomers:

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PFC: What are some of the career counselling services that the program offers?

Linda Ryan: We offer a range of services that include: 

• One-on-one career counselling

• Help to prepare a resume, write a cover letter, and use LinkedIn, etc.

• In-depth skills and education assessment.

Our services focus on the best and most practical career, credentials, and connection activities. As a result, these services help newcomers to find employment faster.

Our team has multi-industry experience that can benefit newcomers. We’re also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada. So we get it!

PFC: How did your job search experience influence you career choice?

Linda Ryan: Ten years on, I’m so passionate about helping others build their careers. So not only do I provide career counselling, but I dedicate my time to ensure newcomers avoid the mistakes I made! 

PFC: What final advice would you offer to newcomers?

Linda Ryan: If I could depart three pearls of wisdom about how to achieve success in Canada, I’d say:

1. Talk to those in the know

2. Access free employment and settlement services

3. Do it before you land in Canada. 

There is a world of opportunity in Canada! But, you’ve got to know where to look and how to access it.

Learn More about BCCA-IN

*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.