Work permit, PVT, or confirmation of permanent residency: you have finally arrived at the end of your trek, physically—you survived packing, moving, and the waiting lines—and above all administratively—aaaah the formalities of immigration… Congratulations! Now that the paperwork has no more surprises for you, you can relax a bit, right? In fact, technically you have not quite reached the end of your troubles… At this stage, there are still 2 or 3 steps to accomplish before your are completely ready for your new life in Quebec. Nothing terrible, you simply need to acquire your SIN, Read more…
Relocating to Quebec: the administrative formalities for a successful move
It’s not the most glamorous aspect of expatriation, but in order to relocate to Montreal or elsewhere, a certain amount of formal paperwork is required. The formalities are numerous and must be well planned:
- Reflect on your immigration strategy and request visas
- Collect a mountain of documents: marital status, school, health, bank
- Understand how Quebec administration functions
- Familiarize yourself with new acronyms: RAMQ, SIN (NAS), SAAQ
You must do all of this, ideally without stressing and without forgetting anything! Don’t worry, at C&G Relocation by Classe Affaires, we are here to help you immigrate to Quebec and Ontario.
Accomplishing the formalities described here involve knowing the city, and require a certain amount of running around and waiting. It’s worth it to double check your legal documents before heading off to various administrative offices. Moreover, you will also need to have photos and cash or other authorized forms of payment.
We will bring you to the different administrative offices,
- at the best times of day
- to the locations with the shortest lines
- where it’s easiest to park…
You will save precious time and avoid unnecessary headaches.
Relocating to Quebec: the immigration formalities
First, establish your immigration strategy and obtain your visas or residency permits.
There are different immigration programs, each with their own advantages and drawbacks: permanent residency, work or study permit, programs for investors and entrepreneurs, etc. The time-frames are extremely variable, running from a few months to several years.
It’s important to make the right choice according to your family and professional situation. The applications are generally long and detailed. If you feel a bit overwhelmed, contact us now: we can put you in touch with trusted professionals, whether it be lawyers or immigration consultants.
Taking off for Quebec: the trip and customs
Final preparations
All travelers entering Quebec must apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). The eTA does not apply to those who are required to have a visa due to their country of origin.
Currency exchange
If you are travelling alone, you can leave with $200 cash; increase this to $500 if your are traveling as a family. This is also the time to visit your veterinarian to obtain a certificate of good health for your pet.
Declaring your imported goods
On the flight, you will fill out a declaration card. You will declare the belongings that you are bringing to Montreal, whether this be the baggage that accompanies you or the goods that have had shipped as part of your international move.
The border patrol agents of Canada (like elsewhere) have a special sense of humour, and those at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport are no exception. Don’t be too insouciant and make no false declarations! Here, your words and your honesty are very important. Do not lie to the Canadian government.
Forgetting to declare a sausage won’t land you in prison, but the slightest false declaration is enough for them to make a note on your record. Be careful, as your immigration status is fragile and can be revoked without appeal!
Welcome to YUL: the airport of Montreal (Dorval)
You will enjoy your arrival at the border patrol via a large escalator that offers a breath-taking view of the waiting line!
Relocating to Quebec is a long process, and visiting immigration services is an intense and symbolic moment.
Often, fatigue and jet lag have taken a toll and the children are exhausted. Nevertheless, you need to get a second wind as your official immigration documents will be issued to you, and small errors can be made in dates or the spelling of names for example. Make sure to have these fixed right away!
Useful links:
Your first days in Montreal: administrative steps
After immigration formalities comes the formalities for settling in to Quebec. In the first days, your will through several administrative steps:
- Register with Service Canada and obtain a SIN, which is indispensable for work
- Register for health insurance, which is obligatory for all residents of Quebec
- Open a bank account, which helps in your search for housing
- Obtain a cell phone, useful for local communication
It’s helpful to know where to go, which documents to present, and above all when to go to avoid waiting lines and optimize your time.
Clothilde and her team will be pleased to share with you their tips and tricks during a consultation. Even better, we can organize everything for you and accompany you if your prefer.
And after?
Did you organize to have your household affairs shipped to Montreal? It’s necessary to think about customs clearance and all the logistics. Did you immigrate with children? Now is the time to think about registering them in school or day care. You’d like to obtain a Quebec driver’s license? Don’t wait to make an appointment with SAAQ. And registration with the consulate, did you think of that?
These items should keep you busy for a few more weeks as you finalize your relocation. Good luck! Do not get overwhelmed, stay on top of your priorities and remember we're here if you need us.
Managing your Quebec documents
You will have tons of papers to collect and it will require a bit of organization. Collect all of your documents, originals and photocopies, in a special document holder with distinct tabs by person and/or administrative service:
- immigration
- movers
- schools
- health
- work, etc.
This document holder is your best asset, take care of it, never forget it, keep it close to you for the entire duration of your immigration process. For effective tracking of documents in progress, make copies of the mail you send and date it. Reserve a place to check off documents as your receive them.
Scan everything and organize your files electronically as well.
Don’t hesitate to multiply stored copies. Sort, scan, photocopy, organize, don’t lose anything!