Countdown to Canada

As a newcomer, your pre-arrival journey starts when you first apply for a Canadian immigration program. But even as you wait for your application to be approved and in the months before your move, there’s a lot you can do to prepare for your future life. In this episode, we talk about the essential tasks you should complete before moving to Canada permanently.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Budgeting for your initial months ...

Did you know that the government of Canada requires all consultants who are giving advice on immigrating to Canada or submitting Canadian immigration applications to be licensed? In this episode, we talk to Andrea Bailey, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), about factors to consider before hiring an immigration consultant for Canada.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Do you need an immigration consultant to come...

As you settle into a new country, your financial stability is essential. This means not just earning an income, but also putting your savings to work, so you can better achieve your financial goals. In this episode, we talk to Anam Yousaf, an RBC Newcomer Advisor, about how newcomers can save and invest funds in Canada.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Financial goal setting as a newcomer

• How much money should newcomers save...

Moving to Canada can be a huge change for many newcomers, and culture shock during the initial months is not uncommon. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to adapt to Canada’s culture. In this episode, we talk about some cultural differences to look out for and tips to immerse yourself in Canadian culture.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Appreciating Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism

• Mastering the official langu...

If you’re moving to Canada with your family, then you’ll need to prepare your kids for this major transition, in addition to figuring out things like accommodation and employment. In this episode, we share tips on helping your children adapt to life in Canada, including enrolling them in school, arranging childcare, finding a doctor for your kids, registering for CCB, and more. 

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Types of school...

Your credit score is your financial reputation in Canada and it indicates to lenders your capacity to repay a loan. In this episode, we speak to Wanzi Silva, Senior Manager, Newcomer and Cultural Markets at RBC, for newcomer tips on building a good credit score in Canada. 

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• What is a credit score?

• Why do you need a good credit score in Canada?

• How to build your credit score as a newcomer

...

One of the advantages of living in Canada is access to publicly funded healthcare. Canadian residents don’t pay for most healthcare expenses out-of-pocket but through provincial taxes. In this episode, we talk about coverage under provincial health insurance plans and how newcomers can get access to medical services.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Is healthcare free in Canada?

• Who is covered under provincial health insuran...

The right candidate isn’t just someone who can do the job; it’s someone who can work with others toward a common business goal. In this episode, we talk about why company culture matters to employers and how newcomers can prepare for culture fit interviews in Canada.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• What is company culture? 

• Why does company culture matter?

• How to evaluate a company’s culture

• How to prepare for a culture...

Did you know that 88% of Canada’s entire working-aged population is active on LinkedIn? In this episode, we speak to Ryan Aird, a senior recruiter at RBC, for tips on how newcomers can leverage LinkedIn to build their network, upgrade their skills, and even apply for jobs in Canada.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• What is LinkedIn

• How to create or optimize your LinkedIn profile

• Requesting recommendations on LinkedIn

• How...

Getting ready to apply for jobs in Canada? The first thing you’ll need is a Canadian-style resume. In this episode, we speak to Prachi Korde, a senior recruiter at RBC, for tips on how newcomers can create a Canadian-style resume that’ll clear ATS and impress hiring managers.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• What is a Canadian-style resume?

• Why using a Canadian-style resume is important

• Types of Canadian resume formats

• T...

Plan to move to Canada permanently? In this episode, we speak to Andrea Bailey, an immigration consultant, about the various immigration programs Canada offers and how to pick the right one for your situation.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Canada’s immigration targets for 2023 to 2025

• Express Entry programs: FSW, FSTP, CEC

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Rural and Northern Immigr...

As a newcomer, your first few months in Canada is when you lay the groundwork for your future life here. From getting your finances set up to fast-tracking your job search, and finding a place to live to adapting to Canadian culture, your first 100 days in Canada will be crucial for nearly all aspects of your life. In this episode, we talk about the things that you as a newcomer should do to ensure that your transition to life in C...

As a newcomer, the financial decisions you make during your initial months and years in Canada can impact your long-term financial success - whether it’s choosing the right banking and investment products or learning how to use credit appropriately.

In this episode, Clem speaks to Wanzi Silva from the Newcomer and Cultural Segment at Royal Bank to Canada (RBC) on how banking works in Canada, financial products for newcomers and tip...

Did you know 65% to 80% of available jobs in Canada aren’t publicly advertised? As a newcomer, networking is the only way to tap into this hidden job market. In this episode, we share tips to build your professional network in Canada and leverage it for your job search.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What is Canada’s hidden job market
• Why networking is important for your career
• How professional networking works in Canada
• Ways t...

If you’re moving to Canada soon, it’s time to start looking for a place to stay. In this episode, we cover useful tips on renting a home as a newcomer in Canada. From finding temporary housing to understanding the types of homes available and tips on navigating newcomer challenges to rent long-term accommodation, we talk about everything you need to get that lease signed and ensure a smooth move in process!

Here’s what you’ll learn...

Planning to study in Canada? In this episode, we share valuable tips on coming to Canada as an international student, from applying for your study permit and budgeting for your education, to finding student housing and working part-time, and everything in between.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What makes Canada a great place to study
• Cost of studying in Canada (Hint: Don’t forget to add your living expenses!)
• How to apply for ...

Looking for tips on finding a job in Canada as a newcomer? This episode covers all the job search essentials, from getting the right work permit and building a Canadian resume, to networking your way into the hidden job market.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Who is allowed to work in Canada
• Types of work permits for Canada
• How to find jobs in Canada (Hint: 65% to 80% of jobs aren’t publicly posted!)
• Tapping into Canada’s hidd...