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There are many things that prospective immigrants have to think
about when they consider immigrating. Here are brief answers
to five of the most common questions people ask me:
Question: “How does the education system work
in Canada and how much will I pay for school fees?”
Answer: The public education system is run
by individual provinces and territories and is funded by taxes.
Every child living in Canada is entitled to free education.
About 5% of students attend private schools and pay fees. Teachers
within the public education system are well qualified and must
be licensed. Education is provided in either English or French.
The school year starts in September and continues through to
June when there is a summer vacation of about 10 weeks. Students
don’t wear uniforms at public schools.
Question: “Can we bring our dog and cat to Canada?
Must they remain in quarantine and how long will we be separated
from our pets?”
Answer: The good news is that generally Canada
does not impose quarantine within Canada on the import of pet
dogs and cats, unlike most other countries. However there are
certain certificates and documents that are required from a
veterinarian in South Africa if you intend bringing your dogs
or cats to Canada. There are certain restrictions on the breeds
of dog that are permitted to be brought to the province of Ontario
and the province imposes owner responsibilities. You should
obtain updated information from local animal travel agencies
in South Africa. The international removal companies can give
you the names of local animal travel agencies. Further information
can also be found here
Canada is very pet friendly and our dogs and cats are an important
part of Canadian culture.
Question: “Will I be able to use household appliances
like those in my kitchen when I get to Canada? Should I bring
them with me?
Answer: Canada operates on a 110 volt electrical
system. In most cases appliances that run on 220 volts will
not operate in Canada. Certain appliances may have a dual control
switch to cater for both systems and some people choose to use
a transformer that facilitates using the different system. Many
newcomers to Canada find that it is more efficient to sell their
appliances before arriving and then purchase new ones here.
Most homes, both purchased and rented are provided with a stove,
fridge, washing machine, dryer and in many instances a dishwasher
and microwave oven as well.
You can buy a good quality toaster for CAD $20.00, a coffee
machine for $29.00 and a microwave oven for $79.00. Generally,
South Africans moving to Canada buy items like a TV and VCR
once they arrive here (Canada does not operate on the PAL system).
You could purchase a new TV set for around $100.00 and a DVD
player for about $50.00.
Question: “What is the difference between being
a permanent resident and a citizen of Canada? When can I become
a citizen?
Answer: If you apply to come and live in Canada
and you are approved as a permanent resident, you are not entitled
to Canadian citizenship until you have lived in Canada for at
least three years out of the four years immediately preceding
your application for citizenship. You need to formally apply
to become a Canadian citizen and there are certain requirements
that have to be satisfied before your application will be approved.
As a permanent resident you have the right to live, study and
work anywhere in Canada and you will enjoy most of the social
benefits that are enjoyed by citizens. Permanent residents may
not vote in an election, they may not be able to be employed
in a job requiring high-level security clearance and if a permanent
resident commits a serious crime, they may be deported from
Canada. Permanent residents are not entitled to a Canadian passport.
Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport.
Canadian citizens can leave Canada for as long as they want
and can return to live in Canada even if it is many years later
without needing any formal authority. Permanent residents however,
must meet certain residency requirements to ensure that they
retain their permanent resident status.
Question: Once I am living in Canada as a permanent
resident, can my parents come and live in Canada?
Answer: The potential exists for Canadian
citizens and permanent residents living in Canada who are 18
years and older to sponsor their parents to become residents
of Canada. Sponsors must be willing to promise to support their
parents for a period of at least 10 years. There are various
requirements that must be satisfied to succeed in a sponsorship
application and the sponsor would need to meet certain income
requirements.
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The
end of the year is fast approaching for all of us. And here
in Canada that means wintertime. People have been dressing a
lot more warmly and this past week we had a light sprinkling
of snow in Vancouver. 
The
virtues of Canada being one of the best places to live in, are
well documented and well known around the world. Canada offers
both a high standard of living and a low cost of living when
compared to many other countries in the world.