Moving to Canada from South Africa
If you’re considering a relocation from South Africa to Canada, or already on your way, this guide is for you.
Discover everything you need to know for every part of the process. From the first step of choosing an immigration pathway, all the way to moving your furniture, settling in, and finding specific information about your region.
South Africa to Canada Immigration Options
The most common pathway:
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Express Entry
This system manages several immigration programs for skilled workers, based on a points system.
If you already have family in Canada:
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Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens can sponsor their relatives and help bring them to Canada to live, study, and work.
If you’re relocating to a specific region, or open to:
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Provincial Nominees
Get nominated to live in a specific province or territory. Each province has its own programs and requirements.
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Atlantic Immigration Program
Apply to work and live in 1 of the 4 Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Quebec-selected skilled workers
Apply to work and live in the province of Quebec.
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Rural community immigration pilots
Apply to work and settle in 1 of 14 rural communities in need of specific skilled workers.
If you have a specific skill or industry:
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Caregivers
Specific immigration pathway for caregivers such as home care workers.
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Start-up visa
An immigration pathway for immigrant entrepreneurs who have the skills to build businesses in Canada.
If you speak French or want to study in French:
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Francophone Mobility work permit
For French speakers who want to live and work outside of Quebec.
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Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
For French-speaking students who want to study at designated learning institutions.
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Francophone community immigration pilot
Apply to work and settle in 1 of 6 Francophone communities in need of specific skilled workers.
Work with a relocation expert
New Roots Relocation can help you choose the best pathway and support your relocation from South Africa to Canada with our bespoke services.
South Africa to Canada Moving Logistics
Canada and South Africa are (at minimum) more than 12,000 kilometers apart! With typical commercial flight times between 20-30 hours, and the Atlantic Ocean separating them, moving between these two countries requires some planning.
The logistics will depend heavily on the distance, budget, and what exactly you need to move. For example, moving to the East Coast of Canada will be a bit closer and less complex compared to moving to the West Coast.
Here’s what we recommend:
→ Start by determining your budget for moving costs.
→ Then, make an inventory or at least get a sense of what items you’ll need to move. Write down a general list of items (especially bigger items like furniture)
→ From there, you can acquire quotes from different moving companies, narrow down your options, and compare.
The best option depends on your specific situation, and may even be a combination of these 3 moving methods! Experienced relocation experts can help you make the right decision, find trusted companies to work with, and keep costs as low as possible.
Air Freight
Air freight is generally the fastest way to get things from point A to point B, but it also tends to be expensive. For your move from South Africa to Canada, air freight is likely best for lighter/smaller belongings, or to get your most important items to Canada as fast as possible.
Sea Freight
If you have a large amount of belongings, shipping them by sea freight container is another option. You can load the container with everything you’re taking, big and small. While it’s generally the most cost-effective option, it does take time. Containers typically take about 4-8 weeks to arrive.
Buying New
You may also consider buying new items upon your arrival in Canada instead of bringing everything with you across the Atlantic. This can help you save big on shipping costs and travel a bit lighter.
For big items like furniture, bedding, and other household items that are heavy and expensive to ship, this is a great option.
Other Considerations & Tips
Immigration and moving logistics are two of the biggest elements of any relocation, but there are plenty of other considerations for before, during, and after your move.
For South African citizens moving to Canada, here are a few top tips and reminders from New Roots Relocation’s experts:
Banking
You can open a Canadian chequing account even before arrival. Generally, you will need your South African passport, Canadian address, and sometimes your job offer or visa information.
Your Canadian credit file is separate from your South African file, so it’s important to start working on your new score right away. Applying for a Canadian credit card as soon as possible is a good idea.
Consider holding both ZAR and CAD for some time, to help simplify transfers and handle swings in the exchange rate while you get settled in.
When you cease to be an SA Tax Resident, you’ll need to file a form and pay an “exit-tax”. We recommend working with your local accountant to ensure you fulfill all obligations before departure, and working with an accountant in Canada who is familiar with international tax issues. New Roots Relocation can work with you to recommend one of our vetted financial partners.
Healthcare
Most provinces impose a waiting period for healthcare coverage to kick in, so you’ll want to apply as soon as possible.
It’s always a good idea to bring relevant health records to help inform your new Canadian healthcare providers, and this is especially important if you have any prescriptions or ongoing health issues. If you can, opt for your yearly check-up right before moving. This way, you can request files and address any immediate issues.
Keep in mind that Canada’s free health insurance doesn’t cover dental, vision, and many prescriptions. You can consider opting for additional coverage with your workplace, or purchasing privately from providers like CAA, Blue Cross, or Manulife.
Settling In
Moving to Canada from South Africa may come with some elements of “culture shock”. From the weather to the infrastructure, these countries are fairly distinct. It’s important to expect an adjustment period and give yourself time to settle in.
Community is crucial: We highly recommend looking for local clubs, groups, or even online forums to connect with other expats! You can start with a simple Facebook group like South Africans in Canada, but we also recommend searching for groups unique to your new city, as well as joining in-person groups where possible.
Getting to Know Your New Home
Explore our collection of resources for a few of Canada’s top cities!
Ready to embark on your journey from South Africa to Canada?
Let us be your trusted guide, starting with a short consultation to help us understand your unique relocation needs.