18 episodes

Countdown to Canada is a podcast FOR newcomers hosted BY newcomers. We give you the information, resources, and tips you need to build a successful life in Canada. Whether you’re exploring your immigration options, looking for your first job, starting your studies as an international student, or adapting to life in Canada; this podcast will set you up for a smooth journey. Now let’s get you home.

Countdown to Canada Arrive

    • Society & Culture

Countdown to Canada is a podcast FOR newcomers hosted BY newcomers. We give you the information, resources, and tips you need to build a successful life in Canada. Whether you’re exploring your immigration options, looking for your first job, starting your studies as an international student, or adapting to life in Canada; this podcast will set you up for a smooth journey. Now let’s get you home.

    Soft Landing as a PR in Canada

    Soft Landing as a PR in Canada

    A soft landing allows new immigrants to come to Canada briefly to complete their immigration formalities and initiate their Permanent Residence (PR) processing before moving to Canada permanently. In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons of doing a soft landing and how you can put that time to good use.

    Here’s what you’ll learn about:


    What is a soft landing?


    Who is eligible for a soft landing in Canada?


    Documents required for a soft landing in Canada


    Things to do during your soft landing


    Where to stay during your soft landing


    Pros and cons of doing a soft landing in Canada



    Links to free resources:

    Preparing for Your Move to Canada Guide

    Pre-arrival Checklist for Canada

    Book an appointment with an RBC Newcomer Advisor 

    Financial Guide for Newcomers to Canada

    Networking Guide for Newcomers to Canada

    Finding your Career in Canada Guide

    Housing Guide for Newcomers to Canada

    • 22 min
    Pre-arrival Preparation for your Move to Canada

    Pre-arrival Preparation for your Move to Canada

    As a newcomer, your pre-arrival journey starts when you first apply for a Canadian immigration program. But even as you wait for your application to be approved and in the months before your move, there’s a lot you can do to prepare for your future life. In this episode, we talk about the essential tasks you should complete before moving to Canada permanently.

    Here’s what you’ll learn about:


    Budgeting for your initial months in Canada


    Signing up for settlement services


    Preparing for the Canadian job market


    Researching housing, healthcare, and schooling in Canada


    Understanding banking and financial products in Canada


    Making travel arrangements for Canada


    Finding temporary accommodation in Canada


    Wrapping up your job at home


    Consolidating finances in your home country, and more



    Links to free resources:

    Pre-arrival checklist for Canada

    Preparing for Your Move to Canada Guide

    Cost of Living in Canada Calculator

    Networking Guide for Newcomers to Canada

    Financial Guide for Newcomers to Canada

    Book an appointment with an RBC Newcomer Advisor 

    Canadian Resume Templates

    • 23 min
    Choosing an Immigration Consultant for Canada

    Choosing an Immigration Consultant for Canada

    Did you know that the government of Canada requires all consultants who are giving advice on immigrating to Canada or submitting Canadian immigration applications to be licensed? In this episode, we talk to Andrea Bailey, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), about factors to consider before hiring an immigration consultant for Canada.

    Here’s what you’ll learn about:


    Do you need an immigration consultant to come to Canada?


    Advantages of hiring an immigration consultant for Canada


    Types of regulated immigration consultants


    Tips on finding a regulated immigration consultant for Canada


    Red flags to watch out for when hiring an immigration consultant


    How much does it cost to hire an immigration consultant



    Links to free resources:

    Immigrating to Canada Guide

    College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) website

    Contact Andrea at Yalla Canada

    • 23 min
    Saving and Investing as a Newcomer in Canada

    Saving and Investing as a Newcomer in Canada

    As you settle into a new country, your financial stability is essential. This means not just earning an income, but also putting your savings to work, so you can better achieve your financial goals. In this episode, we talk to Anam Yousaf, an RBC Newcomer Advisor, about how newcomers can save and invest funds in Canada.

    Here’s what you’ll learn about:


    Financial goal setting as a newcomer


    How much money should newcomers save?


    Difference between saving and investment


    Savings and investment products in Canada


    Registered savings accounts in Canada


    How to choose the right saving and investment products


    How to manage your investments as a newcomer



    Links to free resources:

    Financial Guide for Newcomers to Canada

    Book an Appointment with an RBC Advisor

    • 23 min
    Tips to Adapt to Canadian Culture

    Tips to Adapt to Canadian Culture

    Moving to Canada can be a huge change for many newcomers, and culture shock during the initial months is not uncommon. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to adapt to Canada’s culture. In this episode, we talk about some cultural differences to look out for and tips to immerse yourself in Canadian culture.

    Here’s what you’ll learn about:


    Appreciating Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism


    Mastering the official languages of Canada


    Getting comfortable with small talk


    Respecting personal space


    The importance of networking in Canada


    Giving back by volunteering


    Cultural differences in the classroom


    Tips for newcomers to adapt to cultural differences



    Links to free resources:

    Pre-arrival Checklist for Canada

    Networking for Newcomers to Canada Guide

    Cost of Living in Canada Calculator

    Preparing Your Move to Canada Guide

    • 20 min
    Moving to Canada with Children

    Moving to Canada with Children

    If you’re moving to Canada with your family, then you’ll need to prepare your kids for this major transition, in addition to figuring out things like accommodation and employment. In this episode, we share tips on helping your children adapt to life in Canada, including enrolling them in school, arranging childcare, finding a doctor for your kids, registering for CCB, and more. 

    Here’s what you’ll learn about:


    Types of schools in Canada


    How to enrol your newcomer children in school


    Helping your kids adapt to school in Canada


    Finding child care in Canada


    Family doctor versus pediatrician


    How to qualify for Canada Child Benefit (CCB)



    Links to free resources:

    Preparing for your Move to Canada Guide

    Finding Your Career in Canada Guide

    Newcomer’s Guide to Finding Accommodation in Canada

    Book an appointment with an RBC Newcomer Advisor

    • 21 min

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Dilshan's Thoughts
Dilshan Abeygunawardana
Modern Wisdom
Chris Williamson
Love Life with Matthew Hussey
Matthew Hussey
Where Are You Going?
Loftus Media
Radio Rental
Tenderfoot TV & Audacy
The Paranormal Podcast
Jim Harold