Prepare to Move

Take advantage of the wait time

If you are accepted to immigrate to Manitoba you may have to wait a long time before you can move. While you are waiting there are helpful things you can do to make it easier to adjust to life in Manitoba.

Learn about Canada and Manitoba

Manitoba is known as a friendly place. And you are sure to find people who moved here from your country earlier. But there will be things about the province that are different than what you are used to: the weather, society and culture, even the way we do everyday things such as work, shop and spend time with family and friends.

The websites below have detailed information about Canada, about the Province of Manitoba and our cities, towns and regions.

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Winnipeg and Manitoba facts & figures

Statistics Canada shows the social and economic character of Manitoba’s capital city, Winnipeg. Information includes what jobs residents have and how much they spend on food, home and other living expenses.

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Improve your English

At home your English may be very good compared to other people. But you can expect that Canadian employers will want to hire people with the best communication skills. You may need to improve your technical or business English. As well, casual listening and speaking will be harder when you are living here.

Once you live in Manitoba you can take advantage of free English classes. But if English is not your first language it is strongly recommended that you attend English classes before you come to Manitoba.

See our Learn English on Your Own page. There is a link to a website that uses Manitoba radio news reports in English lessons designed for immigrants. And there is a booklet you can use to compare your language abilities to the expectations of Manitoba schools and employers.

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Find a job

While still overseas you can search the Manitoba pages of online jobsites to see what kind of jobs are available and what they may pay. Although you do not yet have permanent resident status employers may want to hear from you now. At these websites you can learn about the Canadian method of looking for work – “job search skills.” For more information go to our Find a job section.

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Have your work and educational credentials recognized

Being accepted for immigration to Canada does not mean that your work experience, credentials or educational achievements will be recognized by Canadian employers. Our Working in Manitoba section explains how to have your qualifications recognized. There may be steps you can take now to speed up the process.

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Connect with people and organizations

It will be much easier to adjust to life and become a part of the community if you make contact with people here while you are still overseas. Making connections now could even help you find a job.

Our Multiculturalism section has links to ethnocultural associations representing various groups in Manitoba’s diverse population.

You may also do a web search of professional, social and other groups in Manitoba whose interests you share. For example the service group Rotary International is active in many countries, and in Manitoba. Or, soccer (football) is a very popular sport in Manitoba; visit the websites of the many amateur clubs.

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Find a home, consider your budget

Among Canadian cities Winnipeg is known for its low cost of living. But what that means to you depends on the country you are leaving.

Destination Winnipeg calculates how much money the average Winnipeg family spends on food, shelter, transportation, healthcare, etc. and compares these amounts to other Canadian cities. Use the websites below to see what is available. You can use these sites to look now for a home to buy.

Our Housing section explains Manitoba laws and practices for renters and homeowners such as signing leases and getting mortgage loans.

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Gather documents, records, certificates

Before you leave your home country gather all documents that will be required for you to enter Canada, and documents that you will need to help you settle and find a job. (Make photocopies of your papers and keep them in a separate place in case the originals get lost.)

Documents you must have to enter Canada

NOTE: Keep these documents with you, not in your luggage, because you must show them to immigration and customs officers when you first arrive in Canada. For forms and additional information visit Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Prohibited goods: Read the CBSA brochure Importing Goods to see if you have any personal or household items that you cannot bring into Canada.

Documents that you will need during your first days here

NOTE: If possible have your documents translated into English or French by a qualified translator before you move.

CHECKLISTS: Download and print  Documents To Bring, and Things To Do  (PDF)

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Prepare for arrival

When you arrive in Winnipeg there are several things that you should have ready:

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