It has now been more than 5 years since we moved to Canada and and already two years since we received our PR. talked about this topic two years ago, but a lot has changed since, so its due for an update. Before you come to Canada, you probably have a picture in your head, an imagination and therefore expectations on what your life will be like. But when get there and even years later, you likely face a different reality. Not necessarily in a bad way, but different.
1. Cost of Living - Some places are expensive!
When we were students and shortly after graduation, out total monthly expenses were about $2,000 CAD. But now it is more like $4500 CAD. And yes that has many reasons, for example we now have a house and a mortgage and don't just live in an affordable student apartment anymore. Also, since the beginning of 2020, most peoples cost of living have gone up significantly. But once thing that we certainly had not realized yet, when we were just innocent international students, is how much the cost of living varies between different places in Canada. Luckily we managed to move to one of the most beautiful parts of Canada but still keep it somewhat affordable.
2. Government Benefits - Not everything is free!
Many people coming from less wealthy countries are looking forward to all the social support and government programs in Canada. And yes, there are big differences between Canada and a country like the Philippines for example.
However, it is not all as great as you might expect it to be
Child Benefits - To receive a whooping $133 per months, your net household income has to be less than $26,000 per year. If it is over $83,000, you don't get anything.
GST Credit - If you are single and make less than $50,000, you likely receive $100 or so every quarter, but if you make more and have a spouse (more household income) it goes down quickly
Pension - There is a Government Pension called the CPP, you pay into it while you are working. However in 2021 the maximum one could receive was about $1200 per month minus income tax (yes that is taxable income). So that is not enough to survive. You are better off finding a good job that has a much better private pension plan, and also just by investing and saving for yourself. We recommend getting your first property in Canada as soon as you can, not having rent or mortgage payments when you are retired, is worth a lot.
Healthcare - Yes there is Government healthcare, beware each province does their own healthcare. And usually it is not terrible. But if you do go to the hospital or try to get a family physician, be prepared to wait, and wait, and wait.... Also Dental is not included, so unless you have a job that has a benefits plan, you pay for all your dental appointments yourself.
After all it is important to keep in mind, nothing is free, even coming from the government you are paying for it either through taxes or inflation. But yes, the Dental thing was definitely one we did not expect.
3. Nomads - We just never stop moving
When you plan your move to Canada and look for the right school and program, but also the right province, you try to make sure that everything is perfect and works out, and picture the rest of your life in that town that you picked. For many students, Canada is the place where they want to settle. But after a while, after our studies and even much later we realized we have not yet reached our final destination. Since the PGWP is valid in all of Canada, and Felix had a good job offer in Toronto, we moved there. But then after realizing this city is so noisy and hectic and expensive, we kept moving west and ended up on Vancouver Island. And even there we moved three times already. I guess we just have to accept that we are nomads, and will never completely settle anywhere. But that's ok, because life does not stop, when you move to Canada.
4. Career Plans are not set in stone
When you chose your school and program, you might think that it has to be the perfect one and that is what you will have your career in and do for the rest of your life. But that was not true in our case. MCs plan was to transfer her nursing license and become and work as a nurse in Canada. But even though she completed the transfer of her license, she never worked as a nurse here. Instead she worked in an administrative position and shortly after started SLE. It was similar for Felix, he worked in different office and labour jobs. until he eventually joined the team.
5. Our financial Habits changed
MC lived in Dubai before and was walking home from work through a shopping mall everyday. She used to buy lots of luxury clothing brands and eat out everyday. But when she came to Canada, that changed. Partially due to moving to a smaller town and also being an international student, there is not much money left. But even later when she started making more money again, buying stuff was just not important anymore. We definitely noticed that its a lot about the people around you and what you see everyday. Now we live in a small town and there is just not much flashy shopping stuff when you go out, instead mostly nature, and we love it.
So depending on where you move to in Canada, it can definitely change your financial habits. Especially you people that lived in the Middle East haha.
Do you plan on studying in Canada?
Make sure you start the process early so that you have plenty of time to gather all the required documents. And if you have any questions about program options and locations, don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.
Here are some of the mentors that will help you make the perfect choice for you, click here to fill out an application and speak to a real human (ex-international student - Mc, and Dex) - and see if we're a fit to work together inside the SLE Premium Coaching Program.
Each student has a unique story and something valuable to share - hearing these testimonials will give you insights into studying at a university in another country, suggest potential challenges and rewards, and show you that no matter where you are from or what your background is, there are others just like you who have succeeded in doing so. Read on for some amazing stories!
