Moving to Vancouver | Things to know before relocating to Vancouver
THE BASICS
What you should know about Vancouver before moving there
British Columbia, Canada
UTC-8
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
631.000
English
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BEFORE MOVING
The cost of moving to Vancouver | International removals to Vancouver
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How to apply for a Canadian Visa before immigrating to Vancouver?
Canadian immigration heavily favours skilled workers, but overall, many expats will tell you that Canada’s immigration process is quite easy and straight forward, allowing people to move to Vancouver and other cities in Canada from overseas for a variety of reasons. For those wishing to immigrate to Vancouver, there are several ways you can immigrate to Canada by obtaining these visas:
- Work visa: allowing you to live and work in Canada
- Student visa: allowing international students to relocate to Vancouver to study
- Business visa: for start-ups, investors and self-employed people
For more information about how to apply for a Canadian visa, visit the Canadian immigration website.
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Do foreigners buy property or rent an apartment in Vancouver?
The price of real estate is higher in Vancouver than most of the rest of Canada, so when foreigners first arrive in Vancouver, most will choose to rent an apartment, rather than buy a property. The best place to look for an apartment to rent in Vancouver is to check local newspaper and online listings, and avoid using agents, as they will only add to the expense. If you want to live in the center of Vancouver, renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost around $2.000 per month. If you prefer to buy property in Vancouver, be prepared to pay around $12.000 per square metre. Many foreigners living in Vancouver choose to share their living space to save on the costs of rent and expenses.
LIVING IN VANCOUVER
Cost of living in Vancouver
Vancouver is surrounded by beautiful scenery, so you can spend less on leisure and entertainment when living there. As with the price of real estate, the costs of living in Vancouver can be quite steep, but you can find plenty of thrift stores which can save you money on everyday items, clothing and furniture. Consider using public transport where you can, the price of a ticket on public transport is usually around $3 and Vancouver has great infrastructure for both buses, and bikes. An average cup of coffee in a local café costs around $4, and a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can cost around $75 for three courses.
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Finding a job in Vancouver as a foreigner
Being such a densely populated city, the competition to find work can be quite fierce unless you come prepared. Finding a job in Vancouver as a foreigner may not be easy, but you will certainly give yourself an advantage by bringing notorised and translated diplomas with you, as the process can be quite lengthy. Many opportunities can be found in areas which have skills shortages, and the Canadian government makes it easier for skilled workers in these fields to immigrate. In 2019, the most in-demand jobs included biomedical engineering and medical technology, telecommunications and IT jobs, trades, including welding and jobs in mining and mineral exploration.
Schools and Education in Vancouver
If you are relocating to Vancouver with children, you will be happy to know that the standard of public schools is exceptionally high, and for this reason, there are not many private institutions. School is free of charge for all citizens and permanent residents, however, international students in Vancouver will still have to pay for tuition. There are also plenty of programs for international students at Universities in Vancouver, so you might wish to look at applying to the University of British Columbia. The school system in Canada consists of:
Age: 6-12
Compulsory: Yes
Age: 13-15
Compulsory: Yes
Age: 16+
Compulsory: No
Healthcare for immigrants in Vancouver
Residents of Vancouver enjoy access to public healthcare covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP), providing some of the best standards of healthcare in the world. As an immigrant to Vancouver, once you obtain residency, you will also enjoy the benefits. In the meantime, you should organise private healthcare insurance, as it may also be a requirement when applying for a Canadian visa.
Can I drive in Vancouver with a foreign license?
When you move to Vancouver and want to drive, you will need to bring an international driving permit with you to accompany your foreign license. Once you obtain residency, you will need to switch your foreign license to a local one in order to continue to drive in Vancouver and the rest of Canada.
Unlike their American neighbours, Canadians measure distances in kilometres, not miles. It is also mandatory to use winter tires between October and March during the winter months.
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What else can I expect when moving to Vancouver?
- If you enjoy skiing, you will love living in Vancouver, as the ski slopes are only a few hours away.
- If you do not like snow so much, you will be happy to know it only rarely snows in Vancouver.
- Traffic jams are a huge problem in Vancouver, and the average person spends up to 11 days a year stuck in traffic.
MOVING DESTINATIONS
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Immigrating to Vancouver from Europe
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Relocating from the USA to Vancouver
It might only be a short drive away, but moving furniture to Vancouver from the USA or anywhere else when relocating can be a nightmare. So, why not take the hassle out of moving, and book your removals to Vancouver with Eurosender instead. Find out the price to ship your furniture and belongings to Vancouver in a few simple clicks in the booking tool. For any specific request you may have, reach out to our team who will happily prepare a tailor-made solution in no time at all.
Moving to Vancouver from the UK
Immigrating to Vancouver from the UK raises many important questions, such as ‘what is the fastest way to ship belongings to Vancouver?’ or, ‘How much does it cost to relocate a household to Vancouver?’ Eurosender has all the answers you need. Book low-cost shipping to move furniture, household items and personal belongings from the UK to Vancouver in a few simple clicks. Benefit from some of the best prices in the industry and expert support to answer all those burning questions. So, what are you waiting for? Start your relocation to Vancouver or anywhere else with Eurosender.