Maple News reports that while Canadian permanent residency provides many benefits—from the right to live and work anywhere in the country to access to social services and a clear path to citizenship—there are aspects of the immigrant journey that aren’t always easy to anticipate. One newcomer who arrived in Canada in early 2022 reflects on five key insights they wish they had known in advance.
1. Canadian weather is more extreme—and varied—than expected.
Many newcomers prepare meticulously for Canada’s frigid winters, but fewer anticipate the sweltering heat of Canadian summers. While provinces like British Columbia enjoy milder temperatures, cities like Toronto can swing from -7°C in January to above 30°C in July. “I gave away all my summer clothes before moving, assuming I wouldn’t need them,” the newcomer shares—a mistake many others can avoid.
2. Free settlement services can make a big difference.
Canada offers a broad network of free settlement services, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), to support newcomers with employment, language skills, housing, and integration. Despite these resources being widely available, many immigrants remain unaware of them early on. “I didn’t realize how helpful they were until a friend referred me after I arrived,” the resident recalls.
3. Housing costs are often underestimated.
While not explicitly detailed in the original story, housing affordability is frequently cited as one of the biggest challenges newcomers face. Renting or buying in cities like Toronto and Vancouver can stretch even well-prepared budgets. Newcomers should research average rents, understand tenant rights, and prepare for upfront costs such as deposits.
4. Building a credit history is essential for daily life.
In Canada, having a solid credit score impacts many aspects of life—qualifying for housing, applying for loans, and even securing jobs. Many new residents aren’t aware they need to actively start building their credit through things like secured credit cards or responsible bill payments.
5. Finding a job can take longer than expected—even for professionals.
Credentials from abroad are not always immediately recognized by Canadian employers. While there are bridging programs and credential assessments available, these can take time. As a result, highly skilled workers may find themselves underemployed initially, and should prepare financially and emotionally for a potentially slow job market entry.
While immigrating to Canada offers long-term stability and opportunity, the transition can be smoother with access to accurate, practical information and support. Maple News encourages newcomers to leverage all available services and seek community connections early to ease their settlement journey.