During the previous few months, more than 82,000 people escaping the Ukrainian conflict arrived in Canada. Giving them the opportunity to start over. Before moving to Canada from Ukraine, you should be aware of a few things that you must take into account under the CUAET – (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program. This article provides a general overview of what you should do to prepare yourself for success. And feel at home in Canada during your first few months.
Choosing a province and city to settle in
When you decide to move to Canada, one of the first things you’ll have to decide is where you will live. A unique culture, job prospects, cost of living, and lifestyle are characteristic of each of Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories. You can find a place you would like to call home by exploring the provinces and territories of Canada.
When choosing a province or territory, take into account the local job market, the cost of living, the weather, and cultural variety. Agri-food is a big business in Saskatchewan, and oil and gas are big businesses in Alberta.
The other thing you should consider is whether or not you would prefer to live in a city or in the countryside, based on your own preferences. In addition to Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, there are several urban areas with strong job markets and hectic lifestyles. However, rural areas do offer some advantages, such as reduced costs of living, more relaxed lifestyles, and less competitive employment markets.
Canada’s cost of living
While it may differ significantly depending on where you live, the average cost of living in Canada is significantly higher than it is in Ukraine. Knowing the cost of living in your area is crucial when planning your first few months in Canada.
Your biggest expense will probably be renting an apartment, but you also have to budget for other living expenses including food, transportation, phone bills, and clothes. To determine the typical monthly expenses for your family, use Arrive’s cost of living calculator for Canada. You might have to rely on your funds up until you land a job in Canada, so plan ahead and make every effort to reduce spending. In some cases, it may be possible to save money on housing if you stay with a host family for the first few weeks of your program. To save money on rent, consider relocating to the suburbs instead of the city when searching for long-term housing.
CUAET provides support to newcomers from Ukraine
In the event you need assistance with your finances and relocation after arriving from Ukraine, we are here to help. It is possible to adjust to your new surroundings through the assistance of various programs offered by the Canadian government and nonprofit groups.
CUAET: Government support for Ukrainians
The federal government once made a one-time direct payment: Ukrainian immigrants to Canada are entitled to a one-time, tax-free cash compensation under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. A benefit of $1,500 is available for children under 17 years of age, whereas a benefit of $3,000 is available for adults above 17. If you are eligible for this type of financial aid and fill out the application form, you may be eligible to receive it. You must be physically present in Canada, hold a bank account in Canada, and be physically present in the country.
Support from provincial governments in times of emergency: In some provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec, Ukrainians who cannot afford basic living expenses such as food and housing can receive temporary income assistance. The Ontario government might be able to provide you with $733 per month for a short time.
Financial credits: Your first year in Canada can qualify you for several financial credits upon filing your first income tax return. A Canada Child Benefit may be available to you based on the age at which you are receiving the benefit. A quarterly GST/HST credit payment may also be available if your household income falls below a certain threshold and you meet certain criteria.
Non-profit assistance for Ukrainians through CUAET
- The Red Cross provides welcoming services to Ukrainian travelers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Furthermore, they can point you toward other settlement and government assistance services.
- It has been reported that some Canadian YMCA chapters have collected funds to help house Ukrainian refugees, as well as assist them with language interpretation.
- In addition to housing assistance, COSTI offers relocation services and employment assistance to newcomers from Ukraine.
Discovering a host family
It has always been a tradition for Canadians to welcome and support refugees escaping conflict. Ukrainian families coming under CUAET have been temporarily housed in homes by some kind-hearted Canadians.
Since urban homes are typically smaller than suburban or rural homes. You might have difficulty finding a host family in major cities such as Toronto or Vancouver. You might have a hard time finding a host family if you bring a pet or aren’t fully protected against COVID-19.
Your host family’s expectations in Canada
Ukrainians have no right to compensation, assistance, or payment from the government in exchange for free temporary housing from host families. For a pleasant stay with your hosts. It is vital that you set clear expectations so that both you and the family are comfortable during your stay:
Recognize the duration of your stay: If you plan to stay with your hosts for an extended period of time, make sure you inquire about the length of your stay. Others might be open to accommodate you for a few weeks, while others might only be able to accommodate you for a short time.
Make a concerted attempt to gain independence: As a newcomer to Canada, you will have a lot to do, including opening a bank account, seeking government assistance, finding long-term housing, and finding a job.
Assistance with domestic duties: Maintaining and keeping a home clean is typically more difficult when there are more occupants. To avoid burdening your host family, offer to help whenever you can with home tasks like stacking the dishwasher, vacuuming, and maintaining your rooms.
Observe neighborhood laws and house rules: You might need to follow the house rules your host family has, as well. Smoking indoors is prohibited, footwear is to be removed at the door, and certain waste materials can be recycled. It is also important to familiarize yourself with local regulations, like wearing a seat belt in the car and following traffic signals.
Recognize your obligations: You will be responsible for getting groceries and preparing meals for your family on your own if you stay with a host who merely offers to lodge. Your host can offer to cook meals for their family in addition to providing them for yours. It’s preferable to be upfront if you need to divide costs with them throughout your stays, such as groceries or other expenses.
Canada’s first few weeks
Obtain your Social Insurance Number – (SIN)
For tax submissions, government benefits, and employment in Canada, you must have a Social Insurance Number. In-person, by mail, or online, SINs are available at Service Canada Centers. It is recommended that you only disclose your Social Security Number to governmental entities, financial institutions, or your employer once you have been hired, as it is private information.
Open a bank account
An account in a Canadian bank will allow you to manage your finances every day, bring money from Ukraine, and increase your savings. CUAET also requires you to have a Canadian bank account in order to apply for financial aid from the government.
Make an appointment with an RBC Newcomer Advisor. If you are interested in learning more about RBC’s bank accounts and financial products. It is required that you present your passport. Also, an IMM 1442 issued document (visitor record, work permit, or study permit) when opening your account.
Credit is the foundation of the economy of Canada. The importance of building a strong credit history goes far beyond. And being able to get a loan or obtain an apartment. As well as being able to use it for specific employment and to rent an apartment. I believe it is extremely important for you as a new immigrant to begin building a credit history in your new country as soon as possible. If you want to get started with credit cards. You should apply for one and using it to make purchases is the easiest way to begin. Paying off your debt on time and in full is the best way to avoid accumulating excessive interest charges on your credit card balance, as well as potentially damaging your credit rating, as well as avoiding accumulating excessive interest charges.
Request financial support
A one-time financial assistance program is available to you when you arrive in Canada under CUAET and open a Canadian bank account, and you may be eligible to receive it.
It is necessary for applicants to complete online applications for financial assistance on behalf of themselves and their dependents. In addition, you must provide your bank’s transit numbers, institution numbers, bank account numbers, temporary resident document numbers, and unique client identifiers (UCIs). Upon receiving the payment, you will be notified by your bank within five business days as to whether the funds have been deposited into your account.
Apply for provincial healthcare
As part of Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, most health-related costs are covered by the provinces. Health insurance is not guaranteed to be free for temporary residents, international students, or visitors without work permits.
While there may be some provinces that have a waiting period before health coverage begins. All Ukrainian immigrants who arrive in Canada via the CUAET program will be covered immediately for their healthcare costs in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland & Labrador, irrespective of their residency status.
You may be required to provide the following information in order to apply for provincial health coverage:
- Identification must be a passport or a provincial driver’s license.
- Demonstration of your province of residence. A provincial driver’s license, a lease agreement, a proof of address, or utility or phone bills. If you are staying with a Canadian family, they might need to come with you. Because they need to certify that you are doing so.
- As evidence of your legal residence in Canada, you should be able to produce your work or study permit.
Being prepared for the weather
Canada’s winters are bitterly cold and snowy, with some locations experiencing lows of -20 degrees Celsius. It’s crucial to be weather-ready, particularly if you’re coming from a warmer region of Ukraine and don’t have the proper winter attire. Between November and March, layering your clothing is essential for remaining warm. Make sure to add thermal underwear, wool sweaters, a thick winter coat, gloves, scarves, winter boots, Woollen socks, and caps to your list of essentials. Additionally, kids need snow pants for school.
Organizations like the Salvation Army, Value Village, thrift stores, and regional clothing banks all have gently worn winter apparel. You may either receive it for free or at significantly reduced costs.
Obtain a driving license
You must have a current provincial driver’s license every time you can drive a Car or motorcycle in Canada. As well as serving as proof of your provincial identity. A driver’s license serves as proof of your health insurance eligibility.
It varies from province to province how application and license are obtained. The majority of provinces use a progressive licensing system that entails three levels, one knowledge test, and two driving tests. Additionally, there can be a pause between actions.
Make school registration for your kids
Moving to Canada with children will mean enrolling them in school right away. A nearby school board can help you enroll your children in a nearby public school, which is free in Canada. Newcomer welcome centers assess your child’s education level and linguistic proficiency to determine if your child needs further support. For your child to enroll in a public school, you must have the following documents:
- Birth certificates, passports, or other identification documents should be presented as proof of your child’s age.
- Statements of Bank, utility bills and rental agreements can be used to prove your residence in Canada. You must have proof of address and a signed statement that you are staying with the host if you are being hosted.
- The child’s vaccination records.
- If you are not the parents of children, you have to demonstrate proof of guardianship.
Removing restrictions from your CUAET visa
Unless you had a medical exam before touring Canada. Your CUAET open work visa may limit your employment opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, domestic labor, and childcare.
If you want to remove the job limitations on your work visa, you must undergo a medical examination (including x-rays and blood tests) within 90 days of arrival in Canada. A panel doctor must conduct the exams, which are fee-based.
You can apply for a fresh, unrestricted open work visa once you receive the results of your medical examinations. Removing the restrictions is free for Ukrainians.
Getting a job in Canada
To become financially independent, you must first find work. It’s possible that you’ll face different hiring procedures and the employment market in Canada. Companies and job listing websites, job fairs, and employment agencies are all great places to find job opportunities. You can do the following things to make your job hunt simpler:
Get your qualifications evaluated
The majority of Canadian companies will check your academic credentials before hiring you. It is recommended that you take advantage of an established organization. The purpose of this is to verify your Ukrainian credentials as legitimate and transferrable to Canadian certifications. For example, World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).
Unlike other ECA organizations, WES allows Ukrainians living in Canada who have been displaced from their homeland to take educational credential examinations (ECA). A designated Canadian partner organization must recommend an ECA to WES as part of the Gateway Program.
Create a Canadian-style CV that stands out
Because the Canadian employment market may not accept a resume from your home country, you’ll need to adapt it. It is ideal to have one to two pages on your Canadian resume. It should include your contact information, professional objectives, work experience, abilities, and education. You should focus on your accomplishments rather than just your job responsibilities when describing your work experience.
Your resume must be modified for every job application. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter resumes removing those closely matching the job description.
In spite of the fact that the job description does not directly require a cover letter. It is strongly recommended that you include one. You can showcase your enthusiasm for the organization or industry. Provide examples of your successes, and grab the recruiter’s attention with a strong cover letter.
Learn about the culture of networking
Canada’s majority of jobs are not advertised on job boards. It represents a substantial untapped labor market. Positions are filled using the networks of companies and recruiters.
Your Canadian network will be essential to your employment hunt as a new immigrant. You can start networking by making connections with professionals at networking events and on LinkedIn. As well as you can ask them if they’d be open to having one-on-one coffee conversations. Coffee talks and informational interviews are excellent ways to develop business contacts and gain knowledge of a particular sector or group of firms. Once you establish solid relationships, you might be able to use them in your job hunt and request recommendations.
Searching for survival jobs
Finding a position that suits you in your field may take some time. Many immigrants to Canada take on temporary work to get. During their first few months while exploring career prospects in their field. Despite the fact that most survival jobs are transient. You shouldn’t undervalue the value of the skills you can learn from this experience. For instance, if you work as a barista in a coffee shop or as a concierge. You might learn the important language and customer service abilities that you can use in higher-skilled positions in your business.
Locating housing in Canada
Finding permanent housing is one of the most essential steps in settling in Canada. Renting housing options can range from basement flats to independent apartments to apartments. Condos to semi-detached homes to detached homes in Canada. Make sure you consider factors such as your budget. Your desired neighborhood, public transportation accessibility, distance from the center of the city, and other factors prior to choosing a rental home.
Conclusion
Therefore, it is during your first few months in Canada that you will lay the foundation for your future in this country. It will be challenging for you to manage your funds, find a residence, and seek employment during this period. As well as adjusting to cultural differences, and preparing for the weather. As well as brushing up on your language skills, you may need to adjust to cultural differences. Canada has a friendly and welcoming culture, and many people and organizations are prepared to assist you. However, adjusting to change is never simple. So, being somewhat flexible will be necessary to start off your life in Canada on the right foot.
