Mistakes to Avoid as a New Immigrant in Canada

Are you planning to move to Canada but don’t know what things to avoid as a new immigrant? Well, then you have come to the right place. Immigrating to Canada is a dream of many people. Canada offers many opportunities. For example a better lifestyle, improved education, and access to healthcare. However, starting a new life in a new country can be overwhelming and confusing.

Even though this country is extremely friendly and accepts every culture. There are some common mistakes that you should avoid as a new immigrant for your benefit. Mistakes like ignoring the importance of language skills, and not adapting to Canadian culture. Plus, underestimating the cost of living.

In this article, we will highlight some of the common mistakes frequently made by new immigrants so you can avoid repeating them.  

Now let’s discuss some of the common mistakes that you should avoid

Rushing to buy a house or car

Buying a car or a house just after arriving in Canada is one of the biggest mistakes that new immigrants make. This mistake can cause financial problems and also make things difficult in the future.

Canada is a very expensive country and it demands good financial planning to navigate its high living costs. These costs include Groceries, transportation, and healthcare plus taxes.

New immigrants may want to settle quickly. However, it’s important to remember that making expensive purchases can put a strain on your monthly budget.

Instead, as a new immigrant you should wait to buy a car and aim for a low-cost house or maybe rent an apartment.

Renting can also help you to meet with new people and help you to integrate with the local community. It will also give you some time to explore the city and choose the right place to live that suits your preferences.

Lack of insight into the job market

Many immigrants make the common mistake of not understanding the job market in Canada. This leads to a higher expectation of finding a good job right after arriving in Canada.

Different cities in Canada have different types of job roles, some require more advanced skills and some are more basic. Take for example Toronto this city has lots of job roles in IT and finance. However, the job roles of mining engineers. Construction management. And, agricultural technicians are common in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

It is possible that your favourite city might not have the job that you are looking for. This is why doing proper research about the job roles in a specific city is very important. It will help you know which skills are more in demand and which city is best for your qualifications.  

You can connect with the locals and also use online networking apps to hunt for the specific job role that you prefer. Networking with locals can also provide you with some valuable information. Keep in mind that the resume style will be different from what you are used to now.

Not learning about Canadian culture

Canada has a diverse culture and it is home to many people of different backgrounds and ethnicities.  

Many immigrants neglect this part and don’t take the time to explore the culture. This can lead to difficulties in social interactions and may also affect work life.

To understand the culture you can participate in local festivals. Like Canada Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Pride Toronto.

By participating in local festivals and events you will get the opportunity to learn about different cultures. And you can also make new friends.

Additionally, you can join a local club or attend popular sports events like hockey, golf, or baseball.

This will help you to integrate into the community and make lots of friends in a new country. If you feel isolated in a new place this is the best way to build connection.

Neglecting health insurance

In Canada health insurance is publicly funded however some expenses are not covered. For example Dental care, Vision care, and Physiotherapy. Also, before you get the provincial health benefits you will have to go through a waiting period as a new immigrant.

So as a new immigrant, you must apply for private insurance to avoid any unexpected medical expenses during this time. Private health insurance will also cover the expenses that are not covered by provincial health insurance. Make yourself familiar with the Canadian health system.

Plus, learning how to find a family doctor or book appointments will help reduce stress during an emergency. And also avoid unexpected costs.

Waiting to set up finances

Setting up finances is very essential for a new immigrant and delaying it can cause problems in the future. It’ll be harder to manage expenses and may also impact your monthly budget.

You may also miss the opportunity to apply for credit cards and lag behind in building a good credit score. This can cause problems if you want to apply for a house or an education loan.

As a new immigrant, you must take time to understand all the banking options available in Canada. For example, you can compare different banks and check whether they offer low or free account options. Or if they provide package benefits for newcomers.

Some banks in Canada offer benefits to new users. For example no monthly fee for up to three years, unlimited debit transactions, and free e-transfer transactions. Exploring different bank accounts will give you an idea of how the Canadian banking system works and which one should you choose.

Conclusion

These are the top 5 mistakes that you should avoid in Canada as a new immigrant. Shifting to a new country is a very exciting movement in one’s life. However, not setting up a good financial plan or neglecting to research the job market can later cause regret. It may also impact your career in Canada. So, you must try to avoid these common mistakes highlighted here. And remember to follow the suggestions given in this article to kick-start your new Canadian life smoothly.