Your Guide to Moving from Malaysia to Canada

Are you interested in moving to Canada from Malaysia? You are not alone! Canada is quickly becoming a popular destination for those wanting to relocate to North America and take advantage of the generous social and lifestyle benefits offered. With stunning landscapes, cosmopolitan cities, and a diverse culture, Canada offers something for everyone. At Allied, we’ve helped thousands of Malaysian residents make the move to Canada successfully. We’ve created this handy guide to make your dream of living in Canada a reality!

IS MOVING TO CANADA RIGHT FOR YOU?

Many people dream of living overseas, however taking the leap to relocate requires commitment. With the promise of a new life and an abundance of opportunities comes a range of challenges. You’ll need to adjust to a new culture, be without your support network of friends and family, and depending on where you live in Canada, maybe even learn a new language. Take the time to make sure that your expectations are realistic and prepare yourself for some difficult months of adjusting. 

CANADIAN CULTURE

There are multiple reasons why Malaysian residents decide to relocate to Canada. One of the main motivations is the civil liberties, with Canada being accepting of all ethnic groups, sexualities and gender identities. Canada has no laws against same-sex, inter-racial or interfaith marriages. 

Ice hockey is what springs to mind when most people think of Canada. As the national sport, ice hockey is played and greatly celebrated across the country. If ice hockey isn’t your thing then there’s still a variety of different sports to enjoy. The arts scene in Toronto is also beginning to blossom with a range of galleries, shows, and events to immerse yourself in. 

As Canada is roughly 30 times the size of Malaysia, the great outdoors plays a big role in the culture. Many Canadians enjoy hiking, skiing, surfing, kayaking and other various outdoor activities throughout the year. Although Malaysia’s close proximity to the rest of Asia makes it a great place to travel from, there’s much to explore in Canada. From Whistler’s sky high mountains to the stunning blue waters of the Bruce Peninsula, you’ll always find something new to discover and try. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO CANADA

Moving to Canada is a significant commitment so it’s essential to do your research before you leave Malaysia. Here’s what you should be aware of before you pack up your things and head overseas to your new home in Canada. 

Organising a visa

The type of visa you choose to apply for will depend on your reasons for moving to Canada. If you are moving for work reasons, then it’s best to get your employer to assist you in applying for the right visa and work permit. You can find out whether you need a work permit here. An Express Entry is a great way to obtain an immigration visa to Canada if you’re an eligible skilled worker. If you’re moving to be an international student then you can investigate whether you require a study permit here. You can find out more information about immigrating to Canada and track your progress on obtaining a visa on the Immigration and Citizenship website. 

Housing

Canadian housing prices have increased significantly over the past few years. This surge has even seen the Canadian government choosing to ban foreigners from buying in the local market. Fortunately, this does not extend to international students, foregin workers and permanent residents. The cost of renting is significantly more expensive in Canada than Malaysia. You can expect to pay at least MYR$5,3170 to rent a one bedroom apartment in a Canadian city centre.

Languages

The two official languages of Canada are English and French, and to obtain citizenship you need to be proficient in at least one. While the majority of the Canadian provinces tend to favour English over French, Quebec is predominantly French speaking. 

The cost of living 

You’ll often hear the high cost of living in Canada talked about, with both Toronto and Vancouver being included in some of the most expensive cities in the world. Expect to pay a lot more to afford the lifestyle you are used to in Malaysia when living in Canada. You'll be paying at least twice as much for groceries and transport, and at least four times as much for restaurants in Canada. Fortunately, the average salary in Toronto tends to be slightly higher (approximately MYR$15,750) than Malaysia (MYR$3,630) which helps to offset the greater cost of living. 

Climate

Canada lacks the hot and humid weather of Malaysia. But, the warm, and dry summers are ideal for all outdoor activities like hiking, camping and water sports. It’s important to note that Canada experiences intense wildfires during summer so ensure you are adequately prepared if living in a vulnerable area. Winter in Canada is not the mild and short winter you have experienced in Malaysia, instead you should expect regular snow and temperatures dropping to as low as -25 degrees celsius. 

LIVING IN CANADA

Ready to make the move to Canada? Life in Canada will be different to what you’re used to in Malaysia. Here’s what you should expect. 

Healthcare

Canada has a universal and publicly funded healthcare system, which gives access to free or subsidised health care services including emergency services. The Canada Health Act defines the eligibility of access to "a person lawfully entitled to be or to remain in Canada who makes his home and is ordinarily present in the province, but does not include a tourist, a transient or a visitor to the province." However, every province and territory determines the eligibility of residence.

Finding work

Unless you’re moving to Canada to retire, arranging your work permit and finding a new job is important. As mentioned above, you can check on the Government of Canada website to see which jobs and industries require a work permit. The healthcare, hospitality, and science and technology industries are continually growing and benefit from immigrant workers so they can provide exciting career pathways. Job websites such as Job Bank and Indeed are great resources for those looking for work.

Relocating with pets

If you’re moving to Canada with your furry or feathered friend, you'll need to ensure that you have the necessary documentation and proof of vaccinations before you arrive. You can check what vaccinations and other import requirements you need to adhere to here. Using a pet relocation service is an easy way to ensure that your pet makes it safely to their new home.

Transportation

Depending on where you decide to live in Canada, you may need a car. The larger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Hamilton have comprehensive public transportation networks including subway, streetcar and bus. In the more rural areas, it’s best to have access to a vehicle. If you’re bringing a car from Malaysia, you can use a vehicle relocation service.

BOOK YOUR MOVE TODAY!

If you’re making the move from Malaysia to Canada, you’ll need an international moving company to help make your relocation as easy as possible. Allied helps Malaysian residents make the successful move to Canada every week. Contact us today to begin discussing your specific relocation requirements and receive a free quote.