You joke about it every election season, or, at least, you hear other people joke about it. And the majority of those people never actually immigrate over the northern border.
But what if they did? What if you wanted to, for political reasons or not? Would Canada be one of the best countries to live in?
Yes. It’s a great place to be, according to Canadian national statistics. In this guide, we’ll compare some quality of living items between CA and the US, and touch on how immigration to the land of maple leaves works.
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Ready to see if the great north is for you? Read below.
Why is Canada One of the Best Countries to Live In?
When it comes to English speaking first world countries, you don’t have that many choices. You have the countries in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Other countries speak English, yes, but it’s not their first language.
If you’re living in the US, it’s a lot easier to move to Canada, then say to Emigrate to Australia. If you moved down under your life would be flipped upside down – almost literally.
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It’s a big change – and maybe it’s right for you. But if you want a little less season and culture shock – Canada is your best bet.
Quality of Living in Canada
A lot of people think Canada isn’t that different from the states and aside from a democratic socialist structure, they’re right.
Looking at the statistics, it looks like Canada may even be better (but the numbers don’t show everything).
Finances and Job Opportunities in Canada
According to their census in 2014, the average Canadian family makes about $78,870 a year. That’s much more than the American average – which is about twenty thousands dollars lower than that.
The average American family income is $56,516, which comes from the Census bureau’s 2015 numbers.
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While it seems like Canadians make a lot more, keep in mind that a lot of their income goes to taxes. The final number is still higher than the US but by a smaller margin.
Employment rates in Canada are healthy as well, with about 65% of eligible Canadians holding steady jobs. That’s not that much different from the States – we’re at about 63.2% this year (2019).
The biggest industries in Canada are farming, energy jobs, technology, and manufacturing.
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General Health and Life Expectancy
Canada is outshining the US when it comes to life expectancy, as the US is on a three-year decline.
The average Canadian man lives to eighty years old, while women live up to 84. The biggest causes of death in Canada are cancer, followed by heart disease.
Less than five percent of Canadians die per year from “accidents” which, interestingly, is what the country files suicide under.
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In America, the life expectancy is down about half a year from what it was before. The average American lives 78.6 years, which the CDC doesn’t break down by gender.
Causes of death are similar, though heart disease is first in the US, not second. Cancer follows heart disease with accidents following directly after.
How to Move to Canada
Before you can move to Canada and start your -now colder- life, you have to make sure you check the right boxes. Or don’t check the wrong boxes – as the case may be.
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If you have a marked up criminal record or are cited for human rights violations, Canada can refuse you entry.
Most of us, though, are fine.
Step 1: Choose Your Residence Type
Just like the US has different types of visas, Canada has different types of residency. Most Americans go over the border through the “express entry” program, which is a fast track based on your work skills.
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You’ll need certain work experience criteria to enter under the express entry. If you already have a job in Canada, that makes this entry type a lot easier.
The second most popular type is spouse or family sponsored. IF you have family or a spouse who’s a legal Canadian resident, then they can “sponsor” your immigration to the country.
Other immigration types include:
- Business Investor
- International adoption
- Refugees
- Provincial
- Quebec-Selected
- Self Employed
You can find out more about each from an immigration lawyer or on the official Canadian government website.
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Step 2: Complete Your Application
Just like going to college all over again, except it ‘s a country – not a school. You’ll have to fill out a lengthy application one you know which type of residency to apply for.
That includes a passport picture and an application fee. For one person using express entry, the application fee is around $550 Canadian dollars – that translates to about $415 USD.
Step 3: Mail and Wait
Once you’ve completed your application and written the check, you mail in your application. Some forms of immigrants can do it online – but it’s not the norm (yet).
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Then you ‘ll have to wait up to six months to get a response for whether you’re approved or denied.
If you’re denied you can’t reapply, unless your circumstances change dramatically. There is no appeal process at this time.
If you’re approved – great! Now you can start making plans to move to the great white north.
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America or Canada? It’s Up to You
If you’re really serious about moving to Canada, you can most likely make it happen. The country is welcoming to immigrants, no matter the current political official.
You will have to jump through hoops and wade through papers, but as long as you start early enough, you should be fine.
Canada is one of the best countries to live in if you’re looking for a change from the US, but don’t want to go too far.
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Want to learn what life is like in one of Canada’s most popular cities – Toronto? Take a look at the upcoming city events, here.