Intro

So you decided to migrate to Canada. You finished the final interview and you were given the date when you have to land in Canada. While you're preparing to leave your country, here are a few things you need to prepare before you board your plane.

To begin with
You need to get all your identifications prepared (passports, driver's license, etc.). Make a photocopy or a list of them for your records. You will need some form of identification to apply for anything in Canada, bank accounts, driver's license, etc.

Work
If you are working, prepare some resume. A resume in Canada is different in format and the information required compared to other countries. I'll talk more about resumes in the job section of this book.

If you're a new graduate, you will want to bring your transcripts. Some degrees are not recognized in Canada (e.g. doctors, nurses, architects, engineers, etc.) so your transcripts will help you if you need to take some courses to update your skills to Canadian standards.

School
If you have children and they're still in school, you may want to bring their transcripts. They will have to take ESL (English as a Second Language) classes if English is not their primary language.

Money
Save some money. You will need anywhere from CAD$5,000 to $20,000 in your first year depending on where you live, how many there are in your family and how fast you can find a job. You may need more if you plan to buy a house as soon as possible.

Clothes
Make sure you bring clothing suited for winter as well as for summer. Depending on which Province you stay, summers can be really hot (over 30 degrees Celsius) and winters can be really cold (-20 degrees Celsius or less).

Make sure you buy some winter jackets. They should be make of materials that will resist water and wind on the outside and warm and light-weight on the inside. Jackets made for skiing are good bets.

Geography
Look at the map of Canada to get an idea where you will be going and how the weather would be like where you will be staying. You can check out Google Maps for reference.

Learn how to read a map as well. You need to know how to get around to get a job. A street map is the best way to know how to get where you want to go.