Many Filipinos consider Canada as destination for their overseas job. In the last quarter of 2006, a memorandum of agreement was signed by the Philippines and Canada that would surely bring another opportunity for many Filipinos.  

Before you finally decide to work in Canada, we would like to give you a guide on how much would it cost you living and working in here. It is cheaper to live in Canada than that of Europe. Like any other countries, cost of living here varies in your location.  The most expensive cities are Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal while Charlottetown, Winnipeg and Edmonton are much cheaper.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Canada depends on the location, apartments near the city are more expensive. Rent for a two-bedroom luxury apartment per month in Vancouver costs $1,406.77. Others say that Alberta has the lowest cost of living while others disagree since there are some areas which accommodation is astronomical.

In most cases for Toronto and other major Canadian cities, the closer you’re house to the city center the higher rent will be. In Toronto, average rental prices are:

- Rent for a one- bedroom apartment range from $500 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month, depending on the proximity to city center and the amenities included

- Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment range from $900 CAD to $1,500 CAD, depending on the proximity to city center.

Food

Food in Canada is much cheaper as compared in Europe, typical food allowance is US$5-10. Eating out is affordable, dining for two in restaurant would only cost you for only $20.

Transportation

The cost of transportation depends on how far you need to travel. Buses are the cheapest means, which cost around $3 CAD for one way. Trains are also available and it will cost you some $2.25 CAD per ticket.

Other bills

Other expenses such as gasoline and cars are cheaper. The prices of gasoline also depend on the location/province of the service station. Electric bill comes costly during winter since you need to heat your house during this season.

If you want to spend time watching movie after a long workweek, it would cost you around $8.50 - $12.00 CAD. Sending an international postage (if you still prefer this type of communication with your love ones although there’s email and text messaging) costs $1.45 CAD.

Migration in Canada
OFW Guide
- Maria Theresa S. Samante, Apr 8, 2007
 

Canada is the second largest country and is accepting around 200,000 migrants every year. Many consider working and living in Canada. But before arriving in Canada, make sure that you have acquired a job first. It is hard for migrants to seek job in Canada.

Canada is the most popular destination for skilled workers. It is important that you are holding a working permit to avoid dispute and deportation. After giving you the cost of living in Canada, we’ll give you a guide that would probably give you an idea on how to migrate Canada.

Who needs a work permit

Work permit is issued to those who have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Then the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) will determine if the foreign worker is suitable for the job. The HRSDC also verifies if the job offer is legitimate.

In Justlanded.com’s guide in migration to Canada, there are migrants who can acquire work permit even without the approval of the HRSDC. You may be exempted from satisfying some conditions for work permit issue if you are:

• Professionals, traders and investors who are citizens of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) countries. This regulation also allows the issuance of work permits to people who enter Canada under other types of international agreements.
• Some types of entrepreneurs, intra-company transferees and other types of workers, who will provide significant benefit to Canadians or permanent residents by working in Canada.
• Persons whose employment in Canada provides similar employment to Canadians abroad, such as participants in youth exchange programs, exchange teachers and other reciprocal programs.
• Foreign students studying in Canada who need to work in order to fulfill co-op placements.
• Spouses and common-law partners of skilled foreign workers, spouses and common-law partners of certain foreign students, spouses and common-law partners of a person doing post-graduation employment for certain foreign students and post-doctoral fellows.
• Persons undertaking charitable or religious work.
• Certain persons who need to support themselves while they are in Canada for other reasons such as the refugee determination process and certain persons who have been accepted for permanent residence in Canada.

Skilled Workers Migrating to Canada

If you have at least one year of working experience as full time in any skilled position and have knowledge in English or French language, it won’t be hard for you to apply for a work permit.

Applicants are evaluated based on education level, language ability, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability. Each factor has a corresponding point and the passing mark is 67.

The passing mark is subject to change by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

For queries and other information about migration in Canada please contact the Canadian Embassy at:

Levels 6, 7 and 8, Tower 2

RCBC Plaza

6819 Ayala Avenue

Makati City 1200

P.O. Box 2098

Philippines

Tel: (02) 857-9000

Fax: (02) 843-1082