Canada understands the value immigrants bring and provides several pre-arrival and social services that can help you and your family access housing, education, healthcare, and more.
Before Immigrating to Canada
Before immigrating to Canada from the Philippines, China, India, Jamaica, or any other country, you will want to research to make your overseas journey and settlement easier. You can start by familiarizing yourself with the Canadian government’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department.
On the IRCC website, you can learn about the many pre-arrival services available to immigrants. These free services can help you prepare for your move to Canada, including help:
- getting your education, work experience, and credentials recognized in Canada
- finding a job and a place to live
- connecting with other free services after you arrive
- understanding the steps to citizenship in Canada
People at these service organizations will assess your needs and create a personalized plan to help you settle in Canada. They can even connect you with mentors who will help you after immigrate to Canada. Some of these pre-arrival services offer in-person services in the Philippines, India, and China, and online services globally.
Go to the IRCC Pre-Arrival Services: Prepare to Live in Canada page for more information.
Social Services for Immigrants in Canada
Once you’ve arrived in Canada, be sure to take advantage of the available newcomer services. These social services help new immigrants from the Philippines, China, and elsewhere find housing, jobs, and schools for children, as well as programs that can help you improve your new language skills or prepare for your citizenship test.
Canada’s newcomer programs vary by province and territory, so when looking to see what’s available, you will want to look for services in your specific area—Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, or other provinces. In general, though here are some things to know:
- Housing – Housing costs vary across Canada and across each province. Before signing any rental agreement, find out what exactly the rent covers. Some include heat, and electricity and some do not.
- Employment – Canada’s services can help you find a job and adjust to your new work environment, as the culture in Canada tends to be different than in other countries. You can also get help preparing your résumé or arranging for certain certifications to transfer.
- Education – Education services can help you find and enroll your children in school, and understand what will be expected of your child. Many Canadian schools offer for French and/or English language training to help your children adjust quickly.
- Healthcare – While Canada is known for its free healthcare system, you must be a citizen or permanent resident. Most provinces require new residents to undergo a waiting period before receiving a public health insurance card. During this time, you can apply for temporary private health insurance coverage, and community health centers offer health care at a low cost.
Western Union Is Always Here for Immigrants
Before you arrive in Canada, you can send money ahead, and it will be waiting for you at a Western Union location in Canadian dollars. This way, you do not have to bring much money with you when you travel and do not have to convert currency at the Canadian airport when you arrive.
Once you get settled and earn money from your new job, if you need to send money from Canada to the Philippines or another country where loved ones are located, money transfers are a reliable and relatively quick way. We recommend you register and download our app or visit our website, which makes repeat money transfers easy. Plus, you can track your transfer from your phone.
You can also check our blog for information on more than just money transfers. Find out why Alberta is a popular place for Filipino immigrants or learn about some things to consider when moving from Jamaica to Canada.
