For years, Canada has welcomed Filipinos, with many choosing Canada for its thriving economy and optimistic job opportunities. The country also attracts immigrants due to its reputation as being safe and politically stable, and having a national healthcare system and an internationally known school system.
In fact, about 960,000 Filipinos make up Canada’s fourth largest visible minority group. When moving to Canada from the Philippines, many Filipinos choose urban centers such as Toronto and Vancouver; and one out of four relocates to Calgary, Winnipeg, or Edmonton. So, you’ll find established Filipino businesses and communities near Canada’s larger metropolitan areas. Even if you’re nearby those Filipino communities, however, moving to Canada from the Philippines will still require some adjustments.
4 Adjustments You Can Expect to Make when Moving to Canada
Higher Cost of Living
Costs in Canada are considered to be high relative to many other countries. The reality is the cost of living is in line with some other parts of the world and the living can be quite good. For example, your average monthly expenses for a family of four in Canada are actually lower than for a corresponding family in Australia and the United States. And if you choose to live in a smaller Canadian city or town, you can save considerably more dollars per person within your household.
Of course, once you become a permanent resident of Canada, other services are available that further offset the cost of living. You can look forward to subsidized education at Canada schools and to Canada’s infamous single-payer healthcare coverage.
A New Currency
Switching from Philippine pesos to the Canadian dollar (40.44 Philippine Peso = 1 Canadian Dollar, as of early March 2023) may take time to get used to in terms of the values and what the money looks like. The Canadian dollar is the basic unit of money in Canada. The most common paper bills are $5, $10, and $20, but $50 and $100 bills are also used. Canadian coins include the penny (one cent), nickel (five cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), loonie ($1), and toonie ($2). Distinct colors on the paper bills help make the money memorable and less confusing. (Learn more in Immigrating with Family to Canada.)
You can skip some of the hassle of currency conversion in Canada by sending money ahead. If you know the date of your move, you can send a money transfer to Canada through Western Union and cash will be waiting for you at a Western Union location in Canadian currency when you arrive.
Intensive Job Search
One of the primary reasons, individuals and families choose to immigrate to Canada is for work opportunities the country is trying to fill. The country has set up websites and provides information on immigrating, pursuing permanent residency, and finding jobs. But the path to employment takes time and persistence.
The Government of Canada has established portals for skilled workers—the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These offer fairly quick processing times to eligible workers. The PNP helps specific provinces fill jobs. By working through the PNP, you can possibly cut the application processing time by 6 to 18 months. In addition, three main federal programs—the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Trade Worker Program, and the Canada Experience Class—channel applicants into an Express Entry pool.
Though Canada is encouraging newcomers to move to Canada, finding a job takes effort. Employment remains competitive. Before you arrive, start researching potential jobs and see what skills you need to get hired. Try to acquire some needed skills before you leave.
Considering Consider taking courses online. There are some pre-arrival programs in which organizations can provide help for free. Learn about the many sources available to help Filipino immigrants prepare for their move. Once you arrive in Canada, be sure to rely on relatives and friends too to help you understand Canada’s resources for jobs and how the immigration system works.
Language Skills
Speaking English—or French, depending on where you live in Canada—will likely be a requirement for most positions. If you think you will need help with English or French, you can start here to assess your level of understanding and usage. If the assessment indicates you need help, the government funds classes you can take to adapt more quickly.
Or if you just want to polish your English skills, this tutoring service specializes in Canadian English. And, of course, watching television and listening to podcasts can help.
Canada’s World Class Newcomer Services
Canada offers some of the best newcomer services in the world. Start by looking at these publications. Funded by the government and provided by the provinces and territories, newcomer services are meant to help you get the information you need to settle in your new home and take advantage of all Canada offers while finding your way as a new resident in this big, friendly country.
Sending Money to the Philippines
If your family in Canada would like to help with your move, Western Union makes sending money to the Philippines quick and reliable. It’s simple to register and start online or with our app. There are many ways to send money from Canada to the Philippines so you and your family can choose the best way for you.
If you plan on sending money regularly to loved ones in the Philippines once you are in Canada, our app makes it easy and convenient. You can store information instead of re-entering it each time, send money and track when the money arrives all just with a few clicks.
Download the Western Union app from the Apple Store or from Google Play.
