Features for expats in Canada

Canada, one of the most popular expat destinations, is set to elect their Prime Minister on the 21st of October. Expat.com chats to a short-term expat living in Canada at the moment as well as a long-term expat who has chosen to run in the elections.

Quebec appears third in the ranking of the world's most secure cities in 2019 by CEO Magazine. Interesting fact: it is the only city in North America in the top 30 of this ranking. What makes it stand out?

According to a recent survey by the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), owners of Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Québec are more likely to sell their enterprises than in any other Canadian regions. Indeed, almost one in four small business owners have stated that they plan to transfer their business between the years 2017 and 2022. In other areas of Canada, only one in five business owners state they might want to sell their enterprises.

What will happen to the 18 000 visa applications threatening to be cancelled by the Quebec government? Earlier this month, the government announced it would scrap 18 000 visa applications in order to clear the backlog. But following the approval of an injunction request by an association of immigration lawyers, the ministry of Immigration of Quebec will continue processing applications.

Two new programs announced on the 23rd of February will allow caregivers who want to move to Canada to bring their families along and apply for permanent residence.

While most expats in Canada tend to flock to the biggest cities, many regions are in need of foreign talent in a wide range of fields. So if you've always dreamed of moving to Canada for work, or you're pondering on your next destination, have a look at the most promising provinces for foreign professionals according to a recent research by BMO Capital Markets.

Charlene comes from a small town next to Nantes, in France. She flew to Quebec a long time ago to visit her family, and twelve years later, she decided to go back to Quebec with her husband on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). Charlene has now been in Quebec for over seven years and is enjoying a good life with her little family. She shares her experience with Expat.com.

In an effort to boost its worldwide commercial interests and lift its domestic economy, Canada has committed to increase the number of international students in the following years. But international students don't need to be pushed to choose Canada – its top universities, reputation as the best place to live in, strong job prospects for graduates, diversity, and natural beauty are good enough reasons for young people who want to invest in their education. To top it all, Canada is now granting international students with the opportunity to obtain the Canadian citizenship.

Will the housing crisis affect the policies of major immigration countries? Inflation is driving up all costs worldwide, and rents are no exception. Countries are becoming increasingly expensive with fewer housing options available. This situation could benefit other countries that are also trying to attract expats, especially international students.

Canada has been facing a severe skills shortage for several years. Some fields, particularly Tech and innovation, are in a particularly critical situation and are seeking help from the government. The authorities subsequently unveiled new measures to attract and, more importantly, retain foreign talent.

As an officially bilingual country, Canada must ensure that French doesn't fall behind English in all of its provinces, not just in Quebec. In June, the Canadian government adopted a new bill to foster the immigration of francophone expats as well as promote the use of French in federal institutions.