Top 10 Reasons to Move to Canada
September 8, 2023
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Canada is fast becoming the designated land of opportunity for many international immigrants who want to make a new home for themselves overseas. As the world’s second-largest country, spanning over six different time zones, Canada offers a wealth of opportunities that can’t be found or equaled anywhere else.
Deciding to move to Canada can be a difficult decision to make for many immigrants, but in Canada's case, that decision is worth it! Discover how it might be right for you with the top ten reasons for moving to Canada!
10 Reasons to Move to Canada
Canada offers a host of reasons why it is an excellent choice for relocation. Let's explore the top 10 reasons to move to Canada that place it at the top of many immigrants list of prime immigration destinations.
Safety in Canada
One of the primary reasons to consider moving to Canada is its reputation for safety and security. Safety in Canada is highly prioritized. This has proven to be beneficial to the country's image, which consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, as reflected in the World Population Review rankings, which place the country at the top of the list.
The country's rigorous law enforcement system and low unemployment and poverty levels have reduced Canada’s crime severity rate to 2.07 per 100,000 people, according to macrotrends.net.
This places it among the top countries with the lowest incidents of crime per capita. Whether you're walking down the streets of Vancouver or exploring the wilderness of Banff National Park, you can rest assured that your safety is a top priority in Canada!
According to transparency.org, Canada is the world’s 14th least corrupt country, with a 74/100 corruption rating.
Standard of Living in Canada
The standard of living in Canada is very high, as reflected by the country’s high human development index of 0.935 according to the World Population Review. Four main aspects underpin the country’s high standard of living, which include:
Competitive Salaries
Across all industries, Canada has some of the world’s most competitive salaries. According to Statistics Canada, the average annual salary in Canada is 56 217,19 CAD, among the highest in the world.
Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada is one of the most affordable among major developed nations. This is especially evident when compared to the United States (US), one of its closest competitors in the international immigration market. This is illustrated in the table below:
| Contries | Estimated Monthly Cost for a family of four (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Canada | 4,817.70 |
| United States | 5,520.18 |
Find out more about the cost of living in Canada vs United States.
Work-Life Balance in Canada
Canada’s labor market system is tightly regulated and concerned with maintaining its workers’ good health and welfare. Working hours in Canada depend on the industry, occupation and your location in Canada. However, the standard hours of work for employees and student interns is 40 hours per week according to information from the Canadian government site.
Canadian workers have enough leisure time to stay connected with friends and family. This is due to the Canadian government's understanding that healthy employees and work-life balance are key to maintaining productivity and quality work.
According to Statistics Canada, 78 % of Canadians working from home and 61% working in the office were satisfied with their work-life balance in Canada. This may be highly encouraging if you’re from a country with long and non-strictly regulated working hours, such as China, Japan, and South Korea.
Canada Government Services
To secure the basic human rights and livelihood of its permanent residents and citizens, Canada has extensive social support services administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Canada government services ensure that each Canadian permanent resident or citizen does not fall through the cracks in Canada’s basic living standards.
Employment Opportunities in Canada
Canada is known for its strong and diverse economy, which presents a wealth of employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers. The country has a growing job market in various sectors, including:
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Finance
- Skilled trades i.e. welder
- Professional services e.g. lawyer
With an aging population and a shortage of skilled workers, Canada actively encourages immigration to help fill in-demand occupations.
Whether you're a recent graduate looking for your first job or an experienced professional seeking new opportunities, Canada has numerous employment options to suit your skills and expertise.
Learn more about the top ten in-demand occupations in Canada in 2023.
Universal healthcare in Canada
Canada boasts a subsidized, universal healthcare system that provides its residents with access to top-notch medical care. Regardless of your income or employment status, if you’re a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, you are eligible for essential primary healthcare services, including:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Provision of prescription medication
- Surgical operations
Combining a focus on preventive care, early intervention, high medical practice standards and a patient-centered approach, Canada's healthcare system helps ensure that its residents lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Moving to Canada means gaining peace of mind, and knowing that your health needs will be well cared for.
Learn more about Canada’s universal healthcare system.
Free Education in Canada
Canada’s primary education system, Grades 1 to 12, is free and universally accessible for all eligible permanent residents or citizens of Canada. Although not free, the Canadian government subsidizes tertiary education in Canada, making studying in Canada cheaper for permanent residents or citizens than for international students. Canada has a host of scholarship programs to assist international students, some of which include:
- Study in Canada Scholarship
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development
- Organization of American States Academic Scholarship Program
Canada is home to some of the top universities and colleges in the world, with four universities ranking in the top 100 of Times Higher Education list. They include:
| Top Canadian Universities | Times Higher Education Ranking (THE) |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 18 |
| University of British Columbia | 40 |
| Mcgill University | 46 |
| McMaster University | 85 |
These universities offer a diverse range of programs and degrees. By moving to Canada, you open doors to a world-class education that can shape your future and broaden your horizons.
Canada's Diversity
Canada prides itself on being an inclusive and diverse society. With a long history of welcoming immigrants worldwide, Canada celebrates its multicultural communities and fosters an environment of acceptance and respect.
According to Statista, there were approximately eight million immigrants in Canada with permanent residency status, roughly 20% of Canada’s overall population. There are approximately 200 ethnolinguistic groups in Canada, one of the highest cultural diversity figures in the world.
Canada’s diversity allows you to expand your worldview, learn to sympathize with a broad range of diverse perspectives, and forge close bonds of community with people you may have never expected to before.
Canada is a Beautiful Country
Canada is a beautiful country with vast and diverse natural landscapes that are a sight to behold. From breathtaking mountain ranges to pristine lakes and rivers, Canada offers a wealth of natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts and casual leisure seekers.
Take a hike in the Rocky Mountains or kayaking in the coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada offers no shortage of outdoor adventures to take your breath away and leave you in awe. Moving to Canada means immersing yourself in a country home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes on Earth.
In winter, the night skies of Canada’s most northerly regions are transformed into an array of colorful atmospheric phenomena called Aurora Borealis, popularly called the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights offer some of the most stunning imagery any individual can witness, offering a glimpse into the unique elements that make up our atmosphere. Popular National parks where you and your family can experience Canada’s natural beauty in a safe environment include:
- Banff National Park
- Fundy National Park
- Nahanni National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Yoho National Park
No Shortage of Things To Do In Canada
If you looking for fun and entertaining things to do, Canada is the place to be! From vibrant cultural and art festivals to various popular entertainment film and music festivals and international sporting events, there are no dull moments in Canadian life's leisure and entertainment side.
Whether exploring the bustling streets of Toronto, Ontario, attending a music festival in Montreal, Quebec, or cheering on your favorite hockey team in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada offers a rich tapestry of experiences to suit every possible interest. Popular entertainment events and festivals in Canada you can participate in include:
- Montréal International Jazz Festival
- Canadian National Exhibition
- F1 - Canadian Grand Prix
- Pride Toronto
- Canada Day
World-Renowned Canadian Cities
Canada is home to some of the world's most renowned cities, each with its unique charm and character. From the modern and cosmopolitan vibe of Toronto to the European flair of Montreal, Canada's cities offer a blend of history, culture, and modernity.
With their bustling downtown cores and modern commercial business districts (CBD), vibrant neighborhoods, and thriving arts and entertainment scenes, Canadian cities provide a dynamic and stimulating environment to call home. Canadian cities are also some of the cleanest and most environmentally secure cities in the world, with well-maintained roads, parks, bridges and canals.
This orderly and easy-to-navigate infrastructure helps to transport you and your family around the city. The world-renowned Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, are vital in the global economic network.
Canadian cities also have a lot of suburban and peri-urban neighborhoods, ensuring that the flow of human traffic in and out of the city center/core is not congested, relieving hours of gridlocked traffic and potential road rage for you.
Canada Welcomes Immigrants
Canada has a long-standing tradition of welcoming immigrants with open arms. Since its 1867 confederation, Canada has recognized the immigrants’ valuable contributions to its society and economy.
Canada's immigration system is designed to be fair, transparent, accessible and easy to navigate for foreign applicants worldwide. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the institution responsible for immigration to Canada, operates in a very customer-centric manner and is flexible to the needs of prospective immigrants to Canada.
With over 80 immigration visa pathways, Canada is sure to have an immigration pathway you can use to obtain a Canada visa and eventual permanent residency in Canada.
Whether you're a skilled or non-skilled worker, a business entrepreneur, unemployed, an athlete or artist or a refugee in need of protection, Canada welcomes immigrants with immigration programs tailored to their specific circumstances. With open arms, Canada welcomes immigrants worldwide!
How Can I Move to Canada If I’m Ineligible for Permanent Residency
For individuals who are ineligible for permanent residency, there are still several options available to move to Canada. These options include:
Work Permits
With a work permit, which is required to work in Canada legally, you can take advantage of this thriving job market and build a successful career in Canada. There are primarily two types of work permits available in Canada:
- Open work permit
- Grant the recipient the right to work for any employer in Canada for a specific period and change jobs anytime.
- Employer-specific work permit
- Enables the prospective immigrant holder to work for a sole Canadian employer for a certain period at a single location.
Study Permit
By obtaining a study permit, you can study as an international student in Canada’s designated learning institutions (DLI’s). Having a study permit can put you on a path to permanent residency in Canada by allowing you to work during or after graduation, enabling you to gain the experience needed to apply for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Learn how you can study in Canada without a study permit.
IEC Working Holiday Visa
If you are a young adult looking for an adventure abroad, the IEC Working Holiday Visa provides the perfect opportunity to do so. This program allows individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 and from one of the 35 participating countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. Make lifelong memories while immersing yourself in Canada's vibrant culture with the Working Holiday Visa program!
Learn more about Canada’s Working Holiday Visa.
Canada Super Visa
If you have family members living in Canada, the Canada Super Visa offers a way to reunite and spend quality time together. The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada. This visa is valid for up to 10 years and allows visitors to stay in Canada for up to two years, enabling families to maintain close ties and create lasting memories in Canada.
FAQs
Which Place in Canada Offers the Best Job Opportunities?
Canada offers job opportunities across the country, but certain regions have stronger job markets than others. Cities known for their thriving economies and abundant employment opportunities include:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Montreal
- Calgary
- Ottawa
It's important to research the specific industry and region you are interested in to determine the best place for job opportunities that suit your skills and qualifications.
Is Canada a Good Place to Raise a Family?
Yes, Canada is widely regarded as an excellent place to raise a family. The country offers a safe and secure environment, high-quality education, and access to healthcare for all residents. Canada offers a range of family-friendly benefits and programs, such as parental leave and child tax benefits, to support parents in raising their children.
Learn more about the best cities in Canada to raise a family.