Mistake 1: Underestimating the Canadian weather
Unlike some of Canada’s top newcomer source countries, such as India, where weather patterns are often less volatile, weather conditions in Canada are usually somewhat extreme across different seasons and provinces.
Therefore, newcomers need to ensure they are adequately prepared for the climate conditions they will face when they arrive in their destination province.
To begin this preparation, newcomers can take advantage of online resources like the dedicated CanadaVisa webpage listed below, which discusses how to dress for the Canadian weather.
Mistake 2: Lacking insight into your new locale
A significant pitfall experienced by many newcomers, which can affect both their lifestyle and job prospects in Canada, involves the consequences of failing to thoroughly research the specific province or city they will be landing in.
Although many newcomers may be able to understand some generalizations about life in Canada as a whole, it is important to also understand that each province and territory across Canada is unique. From different employment opportunities to unique education systems and healthcare programs (more on that later), newcomers should take the time to conduct a detailed and focused search into what life is like in their specific destination province/territory.
Mistake 3: Delay in establishing financial foundations
Ensuring that you set the right financial building blocks for you and your family, and making sure that this process is started early, is key. In other words, because the Canadian banking system for newcomers to Canada can be different than what you are used to in your home country, not opening a Canadian bank account or properly understanding credit systems early on can be detrimental.
Mistake 4: Unfamiliarity with Canadian workplace norms
Canadian workplace culture is very different from the reality in many newcomer source countries, particularly those outside North America. For example, there is a specific Canadian-style resume that newcomers are advised to follow when looking for work.
Networking is also an important part of finding a job in Canada. Therefore, one area where many newcomers to Canada falter is misjudging the nuances of professional workplace etiquette and communication in Canada.
Mistake 5: Disregarding the benefits of educational advancement
A big part of living a comfortable life, especially in a new country, is professional growth and development. Therefore, skipping opportunities to upgrade skills or gain qualifications that may enhance your employability is a mistake all newcomers to Canada will want to avoid.
Whether that involves going to school, finding a new career or enrolling in a bridging program, there are many ways newcomers can enhance their employability and progress forward in their pursuit of a better life in Canada.
Mistake 6: Inadequate research on housing options
Every province/territory in Canada has a unique housing market. Rushing into long-term rental or purchase agreements without exploring the different communities in your destination and understanding local real estate markets can have long-term negative impacts.
Mistake 7: Neglecting to cultivate local connections
In a similar way that networking is important to a newcomer’s employment in Canada, building a supportive network of other Canadians in your local community is helpful for both personal growth and professional opportunities.
Neglecting this task as a newcomer to Canada can make it significantly harder to acclimate to your new surroundings and establish a comfortable lifestyle in your new home.