Do You Regret Moving To Canada? What You Need To Know Before Immigrating
Do you regret moving to Canada? I sometimes get asked this question, having moved to Canada 5 years ago. And the short answer is no, I love living in Canada and definitely do not regret moving here.
However, different people have different experiences. Therefore, just because I don’t regret moving to Canada doesn’t mean everyone else who has made the move feels the same way.
Therefore, to help you decide if a move to Canada is right for you, I have outlined everything you need to know before immigrating, what my experience was like, and some reasons why you could regret moving to Canada.
Do You Regret Moving To Canada?
No, I don’t regret moving to Canada. In fact, it’s no secret that I love Canada! I have lived here since 2018 and I don’t have plans to leave anytime soon.
Fortunately, my move to Canada met all my expectations. And, after living in several different countries, Canada is the one place that truly feels like home.
I came here with a realistic understanding of what to expect. Plus, my interests were aligned with the Canadian way of life, and I had an open mind. As a result, I’ve had a great experience.
However, to understand why Canada suits me so well, you have to understand why I moved to Canada in the first place.
Why I Moved To Canada
Having moved around a lot in my life, I’ve had an opportunity to experience living in different countries, speaking different languages and starting over several times. These have been wonderful experiences which led me to better understand what I truly wanted.
I was living in Australia at the time when I decided to make the move to Canada. Australia is a beautiful country but it is very far away from the rest of the world and I didn’t connect with the lifestyle there as much as I thought I would. Plus it was just too hot there, all the time!
My criteria for where to move next included having four seasons, beautiful nature and lots of adventure. Plus, I wanted somewhere with good job opportunities, easy access to international travel, and preferably which was English speaking. This didn’t leave me too many options, so I naturally fell on Canada.
I had already been on holiday to Canada and I had a great feeling about it. It’s such a naturally beautiful place, the people are friendly, there are tons of outdoor activities, and the culture really suited me. As such, deciding to move here was an easy decision for me.
My Experience Immigrating To Canada
Luckily, when I moved to Canada, my immigration process was relatively easy. I was able to qualify for the Express Entry program, through which I was granted permanent residency. The process took about 6 months but then I was able to move to Canada knowing that I could stay as long as I liked.
It was also a really convenient time in my life to make the move. I didn’t have a family to move over with me, so I didn’t have to worry about anyone else. And I wasn’t tied down anywhere.
I decided to move to Toronto.
In July of 2018 I made the move to Toronto by myself. I did consider Vancouver, but I ultimately chose Toronto, primarily since it’s a larger city so there are more job opportunities. Although the fact that it’s closer to Europe also appealed to me, as I have friends and family there.
I had to overcome some challenges when I first arrived.
When I got to Canada, the only thing I had pre-arranged was a one month vacation rental. Upon arriving, I immediately started trying to find a job and somewhere to live long-term.
Both these tasks can be quite difficult and time consuming when you first arrive. It actually took me the full month to find a lease, and 6 weeks to land a job offer in Canada!
The best way to meet people when you first arrive is by connecting with other newcomers!
Upon arriving in Toronto, I immediately connected with some other newcomers through a Facebook group. This made things easier, as I then had some friends who were going through the same experience as me. So we were able to navigate settling into life in Canada together.
Plus, as we all arrived in Canada in summer, it was the perfect time to explore and sightsee together before we all found jobs and started working.
Before I knew it I was settled in with a job, friends and a routine in Toronto.
Getting settled did have its ups and downs, as being somewhere unfamiliar can be scary at first. Plus job and house hunting is stressful. But these are difficulties you will experience when you move anywhere new, not just in Canada.
My Experience Living In Canada
Fortunately, life in Canada has worked out really well for me. I live in Toronto, which is an expensive city, but I have always worked in corporate jobs which pay relatively well here. As a result, I have been able to afford to live comfortably downtown, travel several times a year and enjoy a few luxuries.
Living downtown can be expensive, but it’s also very convenient.
Rent is the biggest expense living in downtown Toronto. But, as I don’t have a family, downtown living suits me perfectly and comes with a lot of perks which can actually help you to save money. For example, most condo buildings come with onsite facilities like a gym, and there are tons of free activities to do in the city, so you don’t have to spend much money on entertainment.
Toronto is also very walkable, so I get around mostly on foot and there is a good public transit system. This means I don’t need to own a car. Instead, I can simply rent one if and when needed.
I settled into the community here and made friends easily.
By networking in Facebook groups, at work, and through the people I’ve met, I’ve developed a strong friendship circle in Toronto. This is important, since I don’t have any family in Canada. Although adapting to being away from family was easier for me than for many people, as I have previously lived abroad for many years, so I’m used to it.
Finally, I just really enjoy the lifestyle in Canada!
There is an excellent work-life balance here, the quality of life is very high and there are plenty of free services available, such as provincial healthcare, and sporting and recreational facilities. Canada is also a very outdoorsy country, so I get to spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities and hobbies.
Of course there are some downsides to living in Canada too. The winters are cold, taxes are quite high, and the cost of living is quite expensive, to name a few. But this is the trade off for living in a country with plenty of other perks. And, based on my lifestyle and priorities, for me it’s definitely worth it.
Reasons Why You Might Regret Moving To Canada
Although moving to Canada has been a positive experience for me, this may not be the case for everyone. For many, there are plenty of reasons not to move to Canada.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you may find that you are worse off financially here, can’t find employment in your field, or aren’t able to live as comfortably as you are back home. And, unless your interests are aligned with the Canadian way of life, you might not enjoy living here as much as you had hoped you would.
Plus, your location within Canada can play a big part in your happiness here. If you’re a city person, but you can’t afford to live in a downtown neighbourhood, your experience in Canada may be very disappointing. This could also be the case if you love the mountains but you end up living in a flatter province, like Ontario.
You should also make sure you’re moving to Canada for the right reasons. If the Canadian lifestyle, landscapes, weather, culture and hobbies appeal to you, then you will likely enjoy living here. But if not, you may be better off living somewhere else. For example, if you love hot weather and the beach lifestyle, perhaps Australia would be a better fit for you!
Therefore, when deciding to move to Canada, make sure you consider all your options, really think about what your motivations and interests are, and give some thought to the pros and cons of living in Canada.
READ MORE: 17 Reasons Not To Move To Canada [2023]
What You Should Know Before Immigrating
To make sure you don’t regret moving to Canada, it’s important to know what to expect before you immigrate. As a long-term Canadian resident and ex-immigration lawyer, here are the key things I think you should know before immigrating.
Immigrating To Canada Can Be Difficult And Expensive
Canada’s immigration process is often easier than many other countries. But that doesn’t mean it will be smooth sailing for you.
Each of the Canadian immigration pathways have strict eligibility criteria and very specific documentation requirements. If your situation is at all out of the ordinary, it can be difficult figuring out how to meet these. Plus, the immigration officers can be ruthless, so any mistake, large or small, may cost you your chance of coming to Canada.
On top of this, the processing times can be really long, the online portal always has technical issues, and the application instructions are often unclear and confusing.
Although it is possible to navigate the application process yourself, for many applicants the best way to immigrate to Canada is by using a Canadian immigration lawyer or consultant. Although this is a safer option, the cost of this can be very expensive.
On top of this, the application fees and cost of preparing your application – such as language testing, credential assessments and police certificates – can really add up.
Therefore, before you begin trying to immigrate to Canada, make sure you understand the application process, requirements and costs, and what your chances of success are.
You Might Be Financially Worse Off In Canada
Canada is a great country to live in. But the reality is that you do pay a high price for that privilege!
In the past few years the cost of living has skyrocketed and housing prices are now through the roof. Plus, certain things like car insurance, mobile phone plans and domestic travel are really expensive in Canada, taxes are higher than in many other countries, there’s a big tipping culture, and advertised prices don’t already include sales tax.
On top of this, you won’t necessarily earn more money in Canada! There are plenty of industries which don’t pay well in Canada, and your international work experience and qualifications may not be as highly regarded here when trying to find employment.
It’s always important to do your research ahead of moving, so you have a realistic idea of what type of job and salary you should expect, and how much it will cost you to establish yourself and live here. You may be surprised to find out that it’s not quite what you expected!
It’s Normal To Feel Lonely At First
For many newcomers, Canada can be a lonely place when they first arrive.
When you move here, you will be leaving behind your friends and family.
Therefore, it’s important to make an effort to network when you first arrive, to establish some relationships early on. You want to create both a social life and a support network for yourself here.
The best way to do this when you first arrive to Canada is to join online communities or groups for newcomers. This is a great way to meet other people going through the same thing as you.
Location can play a big role in how easy it is for you to build relationships.
If you’re moving here alone, you will have an easier time living in a busy area where there are more people, activities and entertainment options, like the downtown core of a city. Whereas if you’re moving over with your family, you might find it better to meet likeminded people in a suburban neighbourhood.
Many towns and cities in Canada also have different cultural neighbourhoods. Choosing to live in or near one of these neighbourhoods can help, as it is often easier to meet people when you share a culture or language.
Be open minded to trying different locations.
A big mistake many newcomers make is moving to a specific area when they arrive, not liking it and struggling to meet people, and then believing Canada isn’t the right fit for them. It’s important to remember that one place you don’t like doesn’t define Canada as a whole.
Canada is such a huge and diverse country, and you probably won’t like every single place here. Therefore, if you’ve ended up living somewhere you don’t like, try somewhere else!
Plus, you should always remember that it takes time to settle into a community. So, no matter where you move in the world, there will always be a settling period to get through, before it feels like home.
Embrace The Cultural Differences
When you move to a new country, you have to expect to experience cultural differences. It can often be challenging adapting to a new way of life. But this is part of the reason you moved abroad to begin with.
It’s really important that you embrace these differences, rather than letting them annoy you. If you’re always comparing things to back home and are unable to accept the differences, you will likely begin to resent your new country.
Depending on where you’re coming from, there may be some huge cultural differences in Canada. And if you’re coming from a culturally similar country, there will likely still be some little quirks to contend with.
For example, cheques are still used here, having a washer and dryer in your home is a luxury, not the norm, and milk comes in bags in the Eastern provinces. Plus, Canadians will eat donuts for breakfast, love maple syrup on almost everything and add clam juice to their Bloody Mary’s (it’s called a Ceasar, and it’s actually delicious)!
FAQs – Moving To Canada
Should I move to Canada?
If you’re considering moving abroad, Canada is a great option! Canada is a naturally beautiful country, with lots of opportunity, excellent quality of life and a very multicultural population.
But whether or not Canada is right for you really depends on what your interests and motivations are. To decide whether you should move to Canada, you should consider both the pros and cons of moving to Canada.
Why shouldn’t I move to Canada?
The cold winters, high cost of living and difficulties immigrating are some reasons why you could regret moving to Canada. To read more about the downsides of moving here, check out the top reasons not to move to Canada.
Is Canada a good country to live in?
Canada is a wonderful country to live in, but it might not suit everyone. If you’re outdoorsy, you enjoy having four seasons, and your industry pays well here, then Canada is a great place to live.
However, if you won’t earn as much money here, you prefer urban living, or you can’t stand the cold, then you might find Canada a difficult place to live.
What is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada?
Canada has various immigration pathways. The easiest option will depend on your individual circumstances and which program you qualify for.
Generally speaking, the Express Entry program is the easiest pathway for economic immigrants. Whereas, Family Sponsorship is the best option for spouses and family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. However, you should consult the Immigration Canada website to review the different pathways and establish which ones you’re eligible for.
How can you move to Canada from the US?
Moving to Canada from the US follows the same process as if you were coming from any other country. Although one advantage you may have is the Canada-United States-Mexico agreement. This agreement makes it easier for US Citizens with experience in certain professions to get Canadian work permits.
Is Canada a better place to live than the US?
This really depends on what you’re looking for. Although, Canada is usually ranked higher for its quality of life than the US, so is often considered a better place to live. Canada is also a more immigrant friendly country, has free healthcare, and lower unemployment rates than the US.
Where is the best place to live in Canada?
This really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer an urban lifestyle then Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal will be your best bet. Whereas if you love the outdoors and prefer to live in a smaller town, living in a mountain town in BC or Alberta might suit you better.
Should I move to Toronto?
Toronto is a great place to live if you’re looking for a city lifestyle! It’s a super diverse city, with tons of activities, events and entertainment, so you won’t get bored here. And it’s close to some other beautiful places in Canada, such as Algonquin Provincial Park, Niagara Falls and Prince Edward County. So as soon as you need a break from the city, it’s easy to escape into nature and enjoy some downtime.
Is Canada a safe place to live?
Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world to live in. It’s ranked 12th on the Global Peace Index and crime rates are relatively low, with a crime index rate of just 41.89. Plus, even its largest city, Toronto, is a safe place to live.
However, nowhere in the world is completely safe and crime does still occur in Canada. So, just like you would anywhere else in the world, always apply common sense and exercise some caution. You should also be cautious of the weather, as the snow and ice in winter can create dangerous conditions, such as for driving. And Canada is prone to wildfires in the summer.
Is the quality of life in Canada good?
Yes, the quality of life in Canada is one of the best in the world! Canada has free healthcare, low unemployment rates, individual freedom and political stability. This makes Canada one of the highest ranked countries to live in for quality of life!
Is Canada a good place to live for families?
Canada is a great place to live for families. There is a high standard of education, free healthcare, low crime rates and plenty of space, which makes it an excellent place to raise a family.
Is it hard to live in Canada?
Although Canada has an excellent quality of life, it can be hard for some people to live here. Some newcomers find it difficult to adapt to living here at first. This is especially true when it’s a big cultural change from back home.
And not everyone will have an easy time earning a living in Canada. Some industries don’t pay as well here as they do abroad. And often international experience and qualifications aren’t as highly regarded here. Plus, the immigration process can be difficult. So, for many people, being granted the right to work and live in Canada long term can be hard.
Final Thoughts: Do You Regret Moving To Canada?
My answer to the question do you regret moving to Canada is definitely not! Due to my circumstances, interests and motivations I have had a great experience in Canada.
However, just because living here suits me, doesn’t mean it will suit everyone. If you’re considering a move, you need to give a lot of thought as to whether Canada is right for you.
You should consider both the pros and cons of life in Canada, reflect on what you want from your lifestyle, and research the immigration process, to make sure that you also don’t regret moving to Canada.
READ MORE
50 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada (From an Expat)
17 Reasons NOT To Move To Canada
Do You Really Need A Canadian Immigration Lawyer? Why, When & How To Hire One
Is Toronto Safe? Everything You Need To Know About Safety in Toronto
