Canada
An overview to prepare your move
For a French speaker, Québec removes the language barrier and offers a dedicated immigration route (PSTQ, PEQ). The rest of the country goes through Express Entry. Watch-outs: the Working Holiday runs by invitation rounds, housing costs climb fast in Toronto and Vancouver, and winter is a real factor.
Our services for Canada
Each service below is adapted to the local procedures of Canada.
Cost of living in Canada
| 1-bed flat, central | €1,200/ month |
|---|---|
| Studio, outside centre | €950/ month |
| Utilities (water, electricity, heating) | €90/ month |
| Transport pass | €65/ month |
| Groceries | €320/ month |
| Restaurant meal, mid-range | €20/ meal |
| Coworking desk | €210/ month |
Local currency: CAD. Estimates for a single person, excluding extras. Sources: national statistics institutes and Rootovia surveys, updated quarterly.
Key administrative procedures
- 1
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Request it from Service Canada on arrival, with your work or study permit. No employer can pay you without a SIN.
- 2
Provincial health card
RAMQ in Québec, OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia. Waiting period of 0 to 3 months depending on the province: plan private insurance for the uncovered period.
- 3
Bank account and credit history
Easy to open with the permit and proof of address. The credit score starts from zero: a secured card and reported rent payments help build it, which will matter for the next lease.
- 4
Driving licence
Exchange without a test is possible with France in several provinces (reciprocity agreement), to be done in the first months of residence.
Visa and right to stay
The Working Holiday / International Experience Canada (18-35 for France) grants an open work permit of 12 to 24 months, issued by invitation rounds from the pool. Economic permanent residence goes through Express Entry (points-based criteria, federal categories) outside Québec, and through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) then the CSQ in Québec. The study permit allows off-campus work (up to 24 h/week during classes). The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) follows an eligible Canadian diploma. A job may require an LMIA from the employer, except exemptions (agreements, francophone mobility outside Québec).
FAQ — Canada
Verified review — Canada
« Great Working Holiday support for the file and timeline. I waited two rounds before being invited — nobody can guarantee that — but once the invitation came, everything moved fast thanks to the prep done beforehand. »
« Recognition by the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec was started in the first week, which I would not have done alone. Result: an offer conditional on registration, and a PSTQ file launched in parallel. »
Planning a move? Let's talk.
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