Living in Canada: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Canada.
Canada welcomes large number of expats each year: would you like to be one of them?
Being one of the richest and most developed countries in the world, bilingual and multicultural, Canada will offer you numerous opportunities. It is then notsurprising that it is one of the favorite destinations to settle abroad, the government implementing several projects to continuously attract potential immigrants.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy with a federal parliamentary system, which recognizes Queen Elizabeth II since her coronation on February 6, 1952. It is also a bilingual and multicultural nation, with English and French being the two official languages at the federal level. New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province. Quebec is officially French, but English is also spoken. The other provinces are English-speaking.
Demography of Canada
Canada's capital is Ottawa. The main cities are Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, among others. Among the various provinces listed are Ontario, which is the most populated province, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. Two-thirds of Canadians live in the south, near the border with the United States.
The population in 2017 was 36,708,083, according to Statistics Canada. From 2011 to 2016, Canada had the highest population growth in the Group of Seven (G7) countries. About two-thirds of this result is attributed to increased migration.
The average age of Canadians is 40.6 years. The most represented age group is the 15 to 64 age group, followed by those aged 64 and over. In 2016, according to Statistics Canada, the number of people close to retirement has exceeded the number of young people preparing to enter the labour market.
Politics in Canada
Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, has been the 23rd Prime Minister since 2015. The next federal elections will be held by October 2025.
The Governor General of Canada is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, but he has no real power. Rideau Hall in Ottawa and the Citadelle in Quebec City are the governor's residences.
Canada's federal parliamentary system is part of a democratic tradition inherited from 16th-century English democracy. The legislative branch consists of the Parliament, composed of the Governor General of Canada who represents the Queen, the Senate and the House of Commons.
Canada is considered one of the richest nations in the world. The country is also a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the G7. Its market economy is slightly more subject to government intervention than the US economy, but much less so than most European countries. In November 2018, the unemployment rate stood at 5.6%, the lowest rate in 40 years.
Immigration in Canada
More than 16 million people visit Canada each year. Each year, nearly 400,000 foreign workers go there to take up temporary jobs. In 2017, according to data from the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 494,525 international students were enrolled in Canadian schools (all levels combined).
Key facts
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Generalities
Get an overview of living in Canada with general information to discover the destination.
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Canada.

Expatriation formalities in Canada
If you're thinking about relocating to Canada, the first step is to explore the eligibility ...

Biometric Identity Record in Canada
If you plan to enter Canada as a tourist, temporary resident, permanent resident, or refugee ...

Getting married in Canada
If you and your partner are planning get married in Canada, here is some information that may help ...
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Canada.

Temporary residence in Canada
If you're thinking about a brief visit to Canada, the first step is to determine if you need a ...

Study permit for Canada
If you're a foreigner looking to study in Canada, you need to obtain a study permit. Expat.com ...

Working Holiday Visa in Canada
If you're interested in traveling to Canada and working to fund your trip, this article is ...
Work
Dive into the Canada labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Canada.

Working in Canada
If you want to work in Canada, you might need a work permit. Here's some information to guide ...

Internship in Canada
If you're keen on pursuing an internship in Canada, here are some tips to assist you in getting ...

Jobs in Canada
Discover professional opportunities in Canada and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Canada. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Canada.
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Canada: public and private health system, health insurance...

The healthcare system in Canada
When you arrive in Canada, here are some tips on what you should do to access healthcare services.

Health insurance for a WHP in Canada
The Working Holiday Program, also known as the WHP or Programme Vacances Travail, is the result of ...

Health insurance for expats in Canada
Protect your health during your expatriation.
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Canada: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Canada.

Taxes in Canada
Any person residing in Canada for more than 183 days is deemed to be a Canadian resident for the purposes of the Income Tax Act. Income earned ...
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Canada.

Getting around in Canada
After you've made Canada your home, navigating around will be easy, thanks to the extensive transportation system. Learn more about it in this ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Canada, driver's license exchange and international permits.

Driving in Canada
If you're thinking about driving in Canada but aren't sure where to start, here's some information that might be helpful.
Removal
Moving to Canada? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Canada.

Internet in Canada
If you're living in Canada as an expatriate, having an Internet connection is crucial for your ...

Internet in Canada
To stay in touch in Canada, you will probable need an Internet connection. Here is some information ...

Telephony in Canada
To keep in touch with your friends and family in Canada, pick the communication method that fits ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Canada.

Leisure activities in Canada
If you've recently relocated to Canada, you might be curious about how to spend your free time. Here's a rundown of the different activities ...
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Canada looks like? Here's a taste.

Diversity and inclusion in Canada
Interested in immigrating to Canada but have questions about these progressive policies in the workplace and everyday life? Here's some ...
Articles from the magazine
Express Entry: Unlock your path to immigration to Canada
Since its introduction in 2015, Express Entry has become the leading pathway for skilled worker immigration to Canada, gaining popularity each year. In 2023, it saw a significant increase to 488,571 applications, up from 443,003 just two years prior. What should you know before applying through this system, and how can you enhance your chances of a successful immigration outcome?
International students in Canada: Rising against new immigration policies
Many are discussing a potential point of no return. Is the perception of Canada as a welcoming land of immigrants shifting? Amid an unprecedented housing crisis, the government is scaling back its immigration goals yet still praises the economic contributions of foreign talent. Despite this, many affected—especially students—view these policy changes as significant obstacles to their aspirations in Canada. This article offers a detailed analysis of the situation.
Is Canada becoming less welcoming to immigrants?
Canada narrowly avoided a technical recession. The country's economic and demographic growth partly relies on immigration. However, the economic downturn, marked by the housing crisis, raises concerns among some of the population. Let's delve into the analysis.
Why are more and more Canadians moving overseas?
One of the top destinations for expats from around the world for decades, Canada continues to welcome foreign nationals despite its recent immigration reforms. However, a growing number of Canadians are choosing to move abroad. While this is not a new trend, it has been steadily increasing, which is quite troubling for a nation grappling with an aging population and seeking to retain its citizens. So why are more and more Canadians moving abroad?
How do you prove your financial means when moving abroad?
If you're planning to move abroad, you're perhaps in the middle of the process of obtaining your visa and residency permit. One of the required documents is proof of financial means. Apart from the often exorbitant amount, how can you prove you have sufficient funds to live in your chosen country?
Canada tightens visas: Is your dream move still possible?
Canada remains a magnet for expats worldwide, but recent policy shifts are putting extra financial strain on those considering the move. Relocating there was already costly, and new visa changes are set to hike expenses further. Will this deter potential expats?
Beyond the postcard: Navigating the realities of being an expat in Canada
Is the dreamland of immigrants losing its shine? Many expats say living in Canada is far from the postcard scenes. Others put things into perspective – living well in Canada is possible as long as you follow a few essential steps. In short, the journey to a successful immigration can be long and tedious. So, what does it take to live well in Canada? What are the pitfalls to avoid?
Why increasing numbers of immigrants choose to leave Canada
Has Canada lost its appeal in the eyes of foreigners? Although the country significantly relies on immigration for its growth, a recent study has sparked concerns as more immigrants choose to leave the country for better prospects. Let's explore the different reasons.