3 Things You Should Know About Living In Vancouver

September 2, 2022

Kouthar LCG

With over 100 immigration visas and programs to choose from, you can benefit from an abundance of opportunities in the Great White North. These opportunities are easily accessible to international students or skilled foreign workers.

In this article, we will dive into the benefits and factors you should know before living in Vancouver, and the suitable programs and application process applicants must undergo.

Not targeting Vancouver specifically?

Simply head to our top jobs in Canada for foreign nationals immigrating from the US. Are you targeting Vancouver for business purposes? Explore our resource on how to start a business in Canada with the Canadian Investor Visa here.

But for now, turn on the switches and read further as we analyze some interesting facts about living in Vancouver, which explains why this city may be the best life-changing destination...

1.Cost of Living in Vancouver

Vancouver is a city that accommodates people from all walks of life with various socio-economic backgrounds. As per Numbeo, the table below summarizes the cost of living in Vancouver:

Category	Average Monthly Costs
Family of four estimated monthly costs (excluding rent)	$4,755.22
Estimated monthly costs for a single person (excluding rent)	$1,289.27
Daily amount of money required for Western foods (2400 calories) per person	$15.41
Monthly amount of money required for Western foods per person (assuming 31 days per month)	$477.85
Daily amount of money required for Asian foods (2400 calories) per person	$11.83
Monthly amount of money required for Asian foods per person (assuming 31 days per month)	$366.87
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre)	$2,310.02

Source: Numbeo

2. Quality of Life in Vancouver

As per the data on Numbeo, we gain insight into Vancouver's quality of life while using a myriad of factors to determine its quality of life:

Category Index	Value	Rating
Purchasing Power Index	90.53	High
Safety Index	61.39	High
Health Care Index	74.34	High
Climate Index	91.15	Very High
Cost of Living Index	74.46	High
Property Price to Income Ratio	12.59	High
Traffic Commute Time Index	36.63	Moderate
Pollution Index	25.44	Low
Quality of Life Index:	171.72	Very High

Source: Numbeo

Remember, every city has its fair share of challenges, and the current state, rated "very high," will be subject to social, economic and environmental factors - these factors are constantly changing.

Furthermore, before you plan on living in Vancouver, we advise you to research the available opportunities within the city and get the necessary advice and guidance from an experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before settling in Canada.

3. Vancouver has Tourist Hotspots

Vancouver has an abundance of hotspots and touristic features such as the mountain backdrop, majestic beaches and parks. Below we list some of Vancouver's most popular attractions!

Stanley Park

This 405-hectare outdoor recreational space is visited annually by tourists. Stanley Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to cycle or run along the Sea Wall constructed around the park, or explore the Second Beach and the secluded Third Beach and immerse yourself in the spectacular views overlooking the bay.

Grouse Mountain

Feeling spontaneous? Take a 15-minute drive downtown Vancouver and discover Grouse Mountain, where you can indulge in awesome hikes and zip lining through the forest. Enjoy sightings of Canadian wildlife and Skyride to the mountaintop for one of the finest views. If you do not mind the cold, you can expect a heavy dose of snowfall in Winter, which allows visitors to go skiing and snowboarding.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

First introduced in the late 1880s, this 70-meter deep river leads to an activity park of forest trails. As you cross the bridge and experience nature in its truest form, you can take a free shuttle ride to and from the bridge park while absorbing other glorious attractions in the park.

Vancouver Lookout

If you are not afraid of heights, you may want to explore one of Vancouver's iconic attractions at Harbour Centre, which is known as Vancouver Lookout. Ascended from the glass tower elevator for approximately 40 seconds, leading to the panoramic observation deck at 553 feet high while you overlook this breathtaking stunning city from a 360 view. This sight is a must-see!

Chinatown

If you love all things Asian, you may want to check out Chinatown - located in Vancouver beyond the majestic Millennium Gate. This gem of a neighbourhood is well-renowned for its traditional Asian cuisines. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens encompassed small Victorian shops and restaurants and were originally inspired by the Ming Dynasty, which hosted a wonderful parade for the Chinese New Year.

Vancouver’s Restaurants

Whether you enjoy fine dining, seafood, steak houses or pub food, Vancouver caters to every unique pallet. Let us get into a breakdown of what the city has to offer in terms of food…

Fine Dining: Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar

Known for its seafood, Yaletown is known for two prominent seafood restaurants: Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar. You can expect a wide selection of seafood, from the raw menu to fresh tank seafood, including Alaskan King Crab and Atlantic Lobster.

Vancouver's Restaurant of the Year: Hawksworth Restaurant

Voted as "Restaurant of the Year" in Vancouver, Hawksworth Restaurant is a culinary winner. The restaurant has an upmarket clientele and prides itself in elegance - it can be found on West Georgia Street in the vibrant city. Go ahead, tantalize your taste buds!

Dining with a View: Observatory Restaurant

You want the best of both worlds? Simply take the sky car up Grouse Mountain to the Observatory Restaurant and enjoy good food and views. The restaurant offers locally-sourced meals using sustainable ingredients while peaking your pallet.

Arts and Culture: "Gallery road" and the Vancouver International Film Festival

You would be delighted to know that Vancouver prides itself on its artistic and creative talents. The city's multi-dimensional rich culture allows locals to exhibit their varied talents. South Granville Street, also known as "Gallery road," has some of the top art galleries, featuring the reputable Douglas Reynolds Gallery and the well-renowned Ian Tan Gallery.

If you are a cinema fanatic, you can explore the annual Vancouver International Film Festival, making the finest cinemas easily accessible. Broaden your horizons with some of the best film fans and industry professionals from various parts of the world.

Suitable Canadian Immigration Programs

While there are immigration programs in abundance, we will outline some of the most commonly used and preferred immigration pathways below...

What is the Express Entry System?

The Express Entry system is an online points-driven system which aims to manage immigration applications. It is not a program within itself, but rather, it is a system well-renowned for yielding quick immigration results.

Under this system, you will find three immigration programs known as Express Entry programs or Express Entry streams under the Express Entry umbrella. These programs are:

1.Canadian Experience Class
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program

Foreign nationals who earn at least 600 points can score an additional 600 points in areas the Canadian government may deem favourable. For your convenience, discover how you can increase your CRS score here.

Furthermore, if you would like to know more about our resource on the Best Express Entry Programs, click here.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

This immigration pathway is a province-driven program for skilled workers, and Canadian employees use this program to hire global talent. However, the scarcity of skills and labour needs within a province will determine whether skilled workers will succeed under this program. However, you can find out more about the 11 Provincial Nominee Pathways that lead to permanent residence (PR) here.

Do I Need an Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?

Skilled workers may have to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Canadian employee. A positive LMIA would show that your employee is authorized to hire a skilled foreign worker after being unsuccessful in exploring local skills.

If you are an international student looking to live and work in Canada, you may want to find out more about the best cities for international students if you are considering settling in Canada.

The Application Process

All immigration programs will require you to follow these steps if you are applying for permanent residence in Canada:

Step 1: Check if you meet the program criteria (and the job requirements) - you can do this with our eligibility assessment.
Step 2: Check your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score - under the Express Entry system or other points-driven programs
Step 3: Gather your documents beforehand and have them ready
Step 4: Create your online Express Entry profile
Step 5: Apply to the most suitable program, pay the application fees and submit your application

You may be interested in learning more about the IRCC processing times and how fast you can move to Canada here.

Kindly note: Applicants must remain truthful in the information they provide on their Express Entry profile or application. Always ensure that the fields are filled out accurately and provide the required documents to validate the information on the application. Failure to do so will result in a delay in processing times. Should the immigration officer suspect you have been dishonest in the information you've provided, your application will be rejected immediately.

Living in Vancouver can be easier than you think with the right guidance and support. Simply get in touch with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) for the necessary support for your immigration journey today.

FAQs

1. What is the Easiest Program to Migrate to Canada?

The Express Entry System is easy to utilize due to its highly versatile immigration streams. The system is known for quick immigration results, and if all goes well, you could immigrate within six months, depending on the individual's needs and circumstances.

2. Is Vancouver a good place to immigrate to?

Yes. Vancouver is a beautiful city that offers a wealth of opportunities. Those interested in moving to Vancouver should research the city's current economic, political and social state before officially settling in Canada. Contact our immigration expert for professional advice and guidance.

3. What are the disadvantages of living in Vancouver?

Currently, Vancouver ranks fairly well for social, economic and political factors. The city has loads of potential, and while no city is perfect, we would advise that immigrants speak to the experts so they can make sound decisions.