Moving from UAE to Canada

The UAE-to-Canada corridor serves professionals seeking permanent residency, families looking for long-term stability, students pursuing Canadian education, and returning Canadian citizens. Major destinations include Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa. Canada offers a clear path to permanent residency and citizenship.

• Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) — Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and others have specific streams
• Study Permit for international students — pathway to work permits and PR
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit for corporate transfers
• Family sponsorship available for spouses, parents, and dependents
• Canadian citizens returning need no visa — carry proof of citizenship

• Open a Canadian bank account — some banks allow pre-arrival account opening (RBC, HSBC, Scotiabank)
• Major banks: RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC
• Build Canadian credit history with a secured credit card initially
• Close or convert UAE bank accounts — NRI/NRO equivalents do not exist
• Transfer funds via SWIFT or Wise for competitive exchange rates

• Canada taxes residents on worldwide income from the date residency is established
• Federal + provincial income tax — rates vary by province (combined 20–53%)
• No tax treaty between Canada and the UAE — but UAE has no income tax to create double taxation
• Report worldwide assets if they exceed $100,000 CAD (Form T1135)
• Register for CRA accounts (SIN, MyAccount) immediately upon arrival

• Public education is free for permanent residents and citizens (K–12)
• School registration requires proof of address and immunization records
• French immersion and bilingual programs available across Canada
• Private and international schools available in major cities
• Universities: UofT, UBC, McGill, Waterloo — application through individual university portals

• Popular areas: Toronto (North York, Mississauga), Vancouver (Burnaby, Richmond), Calgary (NW communities)
• Rental market is competitive — start searching 1–2 months before arrival
• Expect to provide references, credit check, and first/last month rent
• Property purchase possible — foreign buyer restrictions may apply in some provinces
• Budget $1,800–$3,500/month for a 2-bedroom apartment in major cities

• Provincial health insurance (OHIP, MSP, AHCIP) — coverage may have a 3-month waiting period
• Purchase private health insurance for the waiting period
• Family doctor wait times can be long — walk-in clinics are widely available
• Pharmacare programs vary by province for prescription coverage
• Childcare costs are significant — check provincial subsidy programs

• Valid passport and Canadian visa/PR card
• Police clearance certificate from UAE (required for PR applications)
• Educational certificates attested by UAE MOFA
• Marriage and birth certificates (attested and apostilled)
• Employment reference letters
• Detailed inventory of household goods for Canadian customs
• Proof of funds for immigration and settlement

• Personal effects and household goods can be imported duty-free as a settler
• Complete the BSF186 (Goods to Follow) form at your port of entry in Canada
• Present a detailed packing list — items not listed may be assessed duty
• Alcohol and tobacco have limited duty-free quantities
• Vehicles from the UAE may need modifications to meet Canadian safety standards
• Ocean transit from UAE to Canada: 6–10 weeks
• Air freight for urgent items: 7–14 days