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18 months to go |
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Plan a visit to Canada to investigate. If this is not an option, start researching the web and find out about the country through other migrants. | |||
| Take a look at the different regions and cities and investigate housing options. | ||||
| Decide when you will tell friends and family. Older children sometimes need a bit of time to get used to the idea. If you have children, involve them from the beginning. | ||||
| Take a look at your finances and plan how you can best repay debt/save for the move. | ||||
| Investigate what types of visa you and your family will need. | ||||
| Contact an immigration consultant to help you through the process. | ||||
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12 months to go |
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Attend an Opportunities Canada Expo to find out more about Canada and potential employment. | |||
| Check your passports. They will need to be valid for at least two years before they are due to expire. | ||||
| Collect all your personal papers, including driver’s licences, birth, marriage and adoption certificates, references for employment and qualifications, evidence of qualification, etc. | ||||
| Look into import restrictions for Canada if you have a pet | ||||
| Start the visa application process | ||||
| Start job hunting and contact companies that match your skills and qualifications. | ||||
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6 months to go |
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Check average selling periods and put your house on the market. | |||
| Inform schools that your child will be moving to give them time and help them adjust. | ||||
| Ask several freight companies for quotes for moving personal effects and furniture. | ||||
| Research schools in Canada and review prospective schools’ websites. | ||||
| Go for your medicals and apply for police checks for visas. | ||||
| Open a Canadian bank account. | ||||
| Request credit references from your bank/lending institute. | ||||
| Find temporary accommodation to bridge the gap between selling your house and leaving. | ||||
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2 months to go |
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| Book temporary accommodation in Canada. | ||||
| Research taxes in Canada. | ||||
| Sell any unwanted furniture and belongings. | ||||
| Give formal notice to your current employer. | ||||
| Register your children at their new schools in Canada. | ||||
| Book your pet’s kennel accommodation in Canada. | ||||
| Begin goodbye functions and social occasions. | ||||
| Give notice to your landlord, if necessary. | ||||
| Book hotels and car hire for your first few weeks in Canada. | ||||
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1 month to go |
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Start packing any non-essential items. | |||
Give a forwarding address to all official contacts including your bank, passport office and accountants. |
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Cancel accounts for TV, internet, phone and insurance. |
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Bring all your utilities and taxes up-to-date. |
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Give away or sell any remaining personal effects. |
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Arrange for your post to be redirected. |
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Transfer your funds with a foreign exchange specialist. |
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Confirm bookings with travel agents and freight companies. |
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Cancel direct debits coming from your account. |
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Ask for a copy of your no claims bonus form from your insurance agency. |
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1 week to go |
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| Cancel your car insurance and newspaper delivery. | ||||
| Wind down the goodbye parties, leaving you with a bit of breathing space. | ||||
| Finalise packing and ensure your possessions are ready to be sent. | ||||
| Arrange any thank you gifts for friends and family who have helped. | ||||
| Organise transport to the airport, leaving plenty of time. | ||||
| Change money into Canadian dollars for spending when you first arrive. | ||||
| Arrange little treats for children to keep them entertained on the flight. | ||||
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1 day to go |
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| Confirm transport to airport. | ||||
| Double check your hand luggage has everything you need, including all your travel documents. | ||||
| Try to have an early night! | ||||
