Before Moving Checklist

 
Canadian Immigration, or moving from your country to Canada is like moving from one city to another, but on a bigger scale. You have to close your affairs in the old city and get employment and a place to stay in the new city.
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IMMIGRATION GUIDE CHECKLIST

Get photocopies of all your important documents
Get your documents translated in English
Prepare for Employment
Decide where you want to live

 
For your Canadian Immigration, you will need to have the following

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

A valid passport
A Canadian Immigration Visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence
Documentation of all the belongings you will be bringing to Canada, stating when it will arrive and how much it is worth.
Enough money to cover your living expenses for the first 6 months of your Canadian Immigration.

 
OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
depending on your personal situation

Birth certificates or baptismal certificates
Marriage certificates
Adoption, separation or divorce papers
School records, diplomas or degrees
Trade or professional certificates and licenses
Letters of reference from former employers
A résumé
Immunization, vaccination, dental and other health records
Your driver's license, including an International Driver's Permit
A reference from your car insurance company

 
THINGS TO DO

Finalize your affairs with the Income Tax and Revenue department in your country
Close all your non essential bank accounts
Keep a current account in your country of origin and make sure it has internet banking
Open a Canadian Bank Account and make sure it has internet banking
Have a valid Credit Card, preferably with online payment options
Cancel all credit cards you no longer need or want
Update your will and if needed, have a power of attorney
Notify your doctors and dentist that you started Immigration procedures and get copies of your medical and dental records
Have a record of all your prescriptions and make sure you have enough supply of your medication to last for a one to two months
Get medical insurance to make sure you are covered until your Canadian Health Insurance kicks in.
Get travel insurance and insure your belongings
Notify Gas, Hydro and other utility companies of the date you are leaving
Notify every one, including the postal service of the fact that you are immigrating and arrange for someone to forward your mail
Open a free email account at www.Canada.com or www.hotmail.com so you can keep in touch with everyone until you have an Internet Service Provider once you are in Canada.

 
WHAT CAN YOU BRING INTO CANADA

Canada has strict laws about what goods you can bring into Canada

Tabacco: You can bring in up to 200 cigarettes
Alcohol: you can bring in 1.5 liters of wine or 1.4 liters of alcohol

Many cars are not allowed into Canada because of the strict Canadian safety and pollution control standards
To find out if your car is allowed in, contact:
Immigration Guide for Vehicle Import, Transport Canada

 
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED INTO CANADA

Unauthorized firearms, explosives, fireworks and ammunition
Narcotics, other than prescription drugs
Meat, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables
Plants, flowers and soil
Endangered species of animals or products made from animal parts, such as the skin, feathers, fur, bones and ivory
Cultural property, including antique and cultural objects considered to have historical significance in their country of origin

For more information contact:
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Information