This means that you have received a Canada PR approval. Congratulations! Once all the paperwork, waiting and stress have been dealt with, and you have worked with the best Canada visa consultants in India, it’s done. But now there’s one question that no one considers until now: When is the best time to move?
The reality is that there is no simple right or wrong. However, there are certainly some things to consider before taking that flight.
First thing: Your landing deadline.
If you are granted Canada PR visa, then you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). This document expires and you must arrive in Canada prior to the expiration date to obtain PR status.
First, look at your COPR! The deadline cannot be extended. All of the other elements go around it.
Consider the Time of Year:
Canada has four distinct seasons and if you haven’t lived there, this is more than you would think.
Spring and summer (April to September) are the most agreeable months. The weather is nice, you can easily move around your new city, and settling into it does not seem like such a hassle when you do not have to deal with the winters of -20°C as well.
It’s worth a try if one can avoid landing in the middle of a Canadian winter, particularly in cities such as Toronto, Calgary or Montreal. However, a lot of people end up in the winter season and survive. It’s only something to remember.
Are You Ready Financially?
This is a big one. You need to spend money to relocate to another country… for flights, to get to the new place, for food, to make a home, and to get settled in until you receive your pay.
The average income in Canada is different in different cities and different professions, but hardly anyone gets a job on the first day. The time it takes to find a job is different for everyone and varies by industry and region, but can take weeks to months. It’s really important to have a solid financial cushion before you land.
The general guideline: a savings plan of three to six months’ living expenses without any income. This allows you enough time to be able to look for a job properly instead of taking what’s first offered.
Have a Plan for Housing?
If you do not have a permanent place in mind prior to landing, you at least need to have the first few weeks figured out. People in the community who move into the area often end up living in a short-term rental or in temporary housing provided by family and friends.
The rent market in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver is competitive and it helps to have some research done prior to moving in. Understand the neighbourhoods you can afford and the lifestyle you have in mind and be prepared to act quickly when you discover a neighbourhood that’s a good match.
Family Considerations
You are more flexible if you are moving alone. However, if you have a family, particularly with children, time is of the essence.
Plan your transition to a point where your kids can go to school at the beginning of a semester, rather than the middle. September is the beginning of most schools in Canada so landing in the late summer can make transition easier for everyone.
Consider your job situation at home, too. If you are employed, it is worthwhile to do a proper job of notifying and professionally concluding the relationship. You never know when those connections might come in handy.
Start Early
Many people who apply for Canada PR visa do not realize that Canada PRs do require maintenance. You have to be physically present in Canada for a certain period of time over a rolling period or you lose your permanent resident status. The clock begins once you have landed.
Conversely, a too-long period after the expiration of your COPR can be an issue, but don’t delay too much. The earlier you arrive and start establishing your roots there, with a SIN number, a bank account, a credit history, etc., the better placed you will be when you are ready to settle in.
Conclusion
Building up to getting PR is a huge achievement, but the real journey starts after you’ve been accepted. Plan ahead… Money, practical, emotional and take a deep dive.
If you are at the planning phase or still have questions about your situation, you can reach the best Canada visa consultants in India and understand the timelines and maximize the approved visa. With proper advice and guidance, you can make this transition a lot smoother.
Canada is waiting. Get moving when it’s time to move, but not too long.
