Living abroad – A Canadian’s guide to working, studying, volunteering or retiring in a foreign country

For more suggestions on what to look for when buying travel health insurance, consult our booklet Well on your way: a Canadian’s guide to healthy travel abroad.

Moving abroad with children

Moving to a foreign country can be one of the most enriching experiences a child will ever have, giving rise to greater confidence, adaptability and intercultural awareness. But meeting your children’s needs can also add stress to the already considerable challenges of relocating abroad. Before leaving Canada, take steps to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family.

• Be sure to have an open discussion with your children so they can express their feelings and concerns about moving abroad.
• Arrange for appropriate daycare or schooling. Make sure you’re satisfied with the standards of daycare offered in your destination country. Contact the country’s education authorities for information about the school system. In addition to public and private schools, most countries have international schools, attended mainly by expatriate children. Have copies of your children’s school records in case they’re needed.
• Remember that immigration officials are vigilant about documentation for children crossing international borders. Unless children under 18 are accompanied by both parents, we strongly recommend that they carry a consent letter proving they have permission to travel from every person with the legal right to make major decisions on their behalf. We advise you to have the consent letter certified, stamped or sealed by an official with the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration. A sample consent letter, as well as an interactive form that you can use to compose your own letter, are available here.
• Make sure each child has a valid Canadian passport and supporting identification, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card. Check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate in Canada regarding additional entry conditions and documentation that may be required, including divorce papers, custody court orders or a death certificate (if one parent is deceased).
• Keep additional identification in your child’s pocket in case you’re separated. Carry recent photographs of the child for emergency identification purposes.
• Seek advice from a lawyer if a custody dispute might develop while your child is living abroad. Custody arrangements in Canada may not be recognized in another country. In extreme cases, you or your child may not be allowed to return to Canada. Check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate in Canada before moving abroad.
• Consult with a pediatrician on how best to protect your child’s health while living abroad.

For more information, consult our page Children and travel.

Required travel documents

Make sure your passport, necessary visas and other documents are in order before leaving Canada.

Your Canadian passport

A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for Canadians. You and each family member must have a valid passport to travel or reside outside Canada.

Canadian passports for children up to 15 years of age are valid for five years. Passports for persons 16 years of age and older are valid for five or 10 years, depending on the chosen validity period.

Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to determine its rules and restrictions concerning passport validity. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada. Plan to renew your passport before your return date if it will expire while you’re abroad.

If you need to apply for or renew your passport, start the process well before your planned departure from Canada. Allow more time if you need a visa, since you’ll need to obtain a passport first.

Application forms are available online on the Canadian passports website and in person at all Passport offices, Service Canada receiving agents, and Canadian government offices abroad.

Keep the following items on hand to make it easier to replace a passport that’s lost or stolen while you’re abroad:

• a photocopy of the identification (photo) page of your passport;
• the original of your birth or citizenship certificate;
• a copy of at least one other document to support your identity;
• contact information for a Canadian government office in your destination country; and
• two recent photos meeting Passport Canada specifications (taken within one year and reflecting your current appearance).

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re outside Canada, report the incident to the local police and to Passport Canada or the nearest Canadian government office abroad.

For more information on how to apply for, care for or replace a Canadian passport, consult our Passport page.

Visas

You need a visa to stay in most countries for more than three months. The most common categories are work, student, volunteer and residency visas. However, you may also need a tourist, business, visitor or other visa for a short-term stay.

If you plan to exit and re-enter your host country during your stay, inquire about a multiple-entry visa to avoid future problems. Be sure to obtain visas well in advance. Don’t count on entering a country as a tourist in hopes of changing your visa classification later on. Understand and respect visa terms and conditions. Staying in a country without the right visa or overstaying a visa expiry date is illegal and may result in imprisonment, a stiff fine and/or deportation.

Requirements and processing times will vary, depending on the type of visa you need. In order to grant you a visa, some countries require:

• a certified criminal record check through the RCMP or your local police;
• a medical certificate signed by a doctor, demonstrating that you’re in good health and free of specific contagious diseases;
• a certificate of a negative test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and
• a yellow fever vaccination certificate (if you’re arriving from an infected area).

Further details on visa requirements are available on the Travel Advice and Advisories page or from the embassy or consulate of your destination country. Remember to check the visa requirements of countries you may transit en route to your host country or visit during your stay abroad.

Work visa or permit: All countries require you to have special permission to enter if you’ll be employed while living there. Your prospective employer may have to sponsor you for a work visa or permit. It may also be your employer’s responsibility to obtain the document, or you may have to do so yourself through your host country’s embassy or consulate in Canada. It can take months to obtain a work visa, so start the process well before your departure. Know the implications if you decide to change jobs after your arrival. Doing so may render your visa invalid, or you may have to leave and re-enter the country under a different one.

Working holiday visa: Canada has reciprocal agreements with numerous countries to encourage cultural exchanges by enabling travellers to experience living abroad while undertaking short-term employment.

Student visa: Most countries require you to have a student visa to undertake temporary or long-term studies. A residency visa or permit may also be required.

Volunteer visa: Some countries require you to have a volunteer visa to undertake unpaid or charitable activities. Others demand a work visa or permit, even if you’re a volunteer.

Residency visa or permit: If you stay in a country beyond the period allowed by a typical tourist visa (usually three to six months) for reasons such as retirement abroad, you’ll need a residency visa or permit.

Marriage or spousal visa: Some countries will grant you a marriage or spousal visa, usually with a specific validity period, if you’re married to – or intend to marry – one of their citizens or permanent residents.

Alien registration card: Upon arrival in your host country, you may be required to obtain an alien registration card. You’ll have to carry it at all times for identification purposes and as proof of your status, then return it to local authorities before your departure.

Calculate the costs

Before leaving Canada, make sure you can afford to relocate abroad.

• Look into the cost of living in your destination country, since an average salary in Canada isn’t adequate everywhere. Allow for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations that will likely occur while you’re abroad.
• Know the cost of shipping personal and household effects. Take only what you need and find out what you can buy in your destination country. If you’ll be working or volunteering, find out if your employer or recruiter will cover the cost of moving your belongings or provide you with essentials when you arrive.
• Make sure you have enough money to get properly settled, including funds to cover expenses such as a rental security deposit and utility connections. Good accommodations are expensive in many countries, especially if you need a furnished home.
• Establish an emergency fund or make arrangements with family or friends to assist you in case you run out of money while abroad or need to return home unexpectedly.
• Take into account all duties, fees and taxes you’ll pay on retirement income or other revenue. Non-residents of Canada are taxed on income received from sources in Canada and may also be subject to taxation in their host country.
• Keep in mind not only the cost of travelling to your host country but also the cost of returning to Canada, possibly on a regular basis. Many countries require foreign visitors to have a valid return ticket with a departure date within the time limits allowed by immigration authorities. If you have to make an unplanned trip home, be prepared to pay much more than the average economy airfare.
• See Manage your money for tips on banking, budgeting and other financial issues while living abroad.

While living abroad

Stay safe

No matter how secure you may feel in your host country, it’s essential to crime-proof yourself:

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Minimize alcohol consumption and don’t use, carry or get involved with illegal drugs.
• Always pack your own luggage and never let it out of your sight. Never carry another person’s luggage or transport anything – even an envelope – across a border or through customs for anyone else. Conceal in a money belt or neck pouch necessities that can’t be easily replaced: your passport, credit and debit cards, cash, airline and train tickets, a copy of your insurance policy, medical prescriptions and contact information for your doctor. Keep copies of all important documents in a secure place, in case the originals are stolen or lost.
• Watch out for criminals who target foreigners. They may work individually or in teams, often posing as good Samaritans or creating distractions to steal belongings. Be wary of new “friends,” including locals, fellow foreigners and even Canadians you meet abroad.
• Make an effort not to stand out or to give the impression that you’re lost or vulnerable. Know where you’re going, what you’re doing and how to find your way back. Always carry the address of your accommodations. Study a street map before going out. Avoid opening a map in a public area or keep it hidden under a newspaper. Steer clear of isolated areas.
• Avoid displaying expensive-looking cameras, jewellery and other showy accessories that mark you as a wealthy foreigner.
• Use only legal and reputable taxis. Never hire a taxi if the driver approaches you in an airport arrival area. Such services are usually illegal and may be unsafe. Ask someone you trust to recommend taxi services and avoid the risk of hailing an unlicensed cab on the street.
• Beware of credit card fraud. Never let your credit card out of your sight. If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building. Make note of credit and debit card numbers so they can be cancelled quickly.

A roof over your head

Chances are you’ll need temporary accommodations before you get settled in your host country. Exercise caution when choosing both short-term and long-term lodgings:

• Make sure you feel comfortable about your accommodations and their location. Do the doors lock properly? Are there fire alarms and escape routes? Don’t stay anywhere unless you feel safe.
• Avoid lodgings on the ground floor or with easy access from the outside, such as from a balcony or fire escape.
• Understand the risks of staying in low-budget accommodations, such as youth hostels and dormitories. Never leave valuables or travel documents behind in your room. Keep them close to you if you sleep in a dorm. Bear in mind that accepting lodgings from a stranger could be an invitation to danger.
• Even if you choose luxury accommodations, you should always be vigilant. Ensure that the door of your room is locked, even when you’re inside. Never open your door to anyone without looking through the peephole, using a door chain or confirming the visitor’s identity.
• Never leave your window open, especially if your lodgings are on the ground floor or have a balcony.

Health care

If you spend a significant period abroad, you may be more exposed to health risks than a short-term traveller. You may need to learn how to shop for and prepare food safely, in addition to ensuring access to safe and potable water. You’ll also have to arrange for health care for yourself and accompanying family members.

Health care is a serious issue for Canadian expatriates because few countries have systems as comprehensive or as inexpensive as Canada’s. Some countries have comprehensive health-care plans that will cover you, after a waiting period, if you immigrate. However, most countries don’t offer such programs.

Many developing countries provide free health care to citizens and permanent residents. But most Canadians living in these countries seek private health care, which is usually of a higher quality and involves shorter wait times. Private medical facilities are reasonably advanced in most countries and will usually see you immediately for a fee. Faced with these trade-offs, most Canadians choose the private alternative and make sure they’re well covered by supplemental or replacement insurance. See Purchase the best insurance you can afford for more information.

Culture shock

Most people living abroad experience a period of adaptation known as culture shock. This form of psychological stress affects even seasoned expatriates and occurs when familiar cues and patterns are no longer present.

The symptoms may be fleeting or last several months, and their intensity varies from person to person. Individuals facing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, prior to departure are most at risk. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of culture shock, which usually follow a familiar pattern.

During the first phase, often described as the “honeymoon stage,” most encounters in the new country are perceived as exciting and positive.

During the second phase, sometimes called the “emptiness stage,” foreigners typically feel a sense of dislocation and unease. Symptoms may include:

• feelings of anger, frustration and irritability, especially a loss of one’s sense of humour;
• negative feelings about the people and culture of the host country; and
• boredom, fatigue and inability to concentrate or work effectively.

During the third and final phase, foreigners start to accept their surroundings and make a compromise between the honeymoon and emptiness stages.

Manage your money

Managing your finances – from budgeting and banking to paying taxes and purchasing property – is an integral part of living abroad. It may be difficult to assess how much money you can spend due to unforeseen expenses or unfamiliarity with local currency and costs. If you’re paid in the local currency, you may be vulnerable to inflation and currency fluctuations. Among the factors that could diminish your income are recessions, stock market crashes and the devaluation of the currency in which your pension or other benefits are paid. Ensure that your income is, and remains, enough to live on.

It’s also a good idea to consult a private financial planner, who can provide advice on such matters as contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan and the Canada Pension Plan while you’re abroad.

Opening a foreign bank account

You’ll almost certainly want to set up a bank account in your host country, preferably one that can be fed by funds from a Canadian account. To do so, you’ll need to go to a local foreign exchange bank with your passport, residency permit and Canadian banking information (including your branch and account number). Usually someone who can speak English will be available to assist you. The process can be complicated and time-consuming, so ensure that you have an alternative source of funds during this period.

Additional tips on banking abroad

• Advise your Canadian bank and credit card company about the period you’ll be abroad.
• Look into the feasibility of transferring money between accounts in Canada and your host country. Know how much money you’re allowed to send home. The amount may be strictly regulated by your host country.
• Retain all receipts, transaction records and documentation on financial transfers.
• Exchange money using only authorized agents to avoid violating local laws.
• Have a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, debit cards and cash.

Receiving a public pension abroad

Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits may be paid to you while living abroad, subject to certain conditions.

CPP and QPP benefits are paid outside Canada, as long as all conditions of eligibility are met. OAS is paid outside Canada if the pensioner lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18. The OAS system is intended to guarantee a minimum income to seniors. Eligibility is determined by an income test. To receive OAS benefits outside Canada, you’re generally required to file an annual tax return reporting your worldwide income. For details, see the Canada Benefits website.

Taxation

Your tax obligations while living abroad depend largely on whether you’re a resident or non-resident of Canada. Your status is determined by a number of factors, including the purpose and permanence of your stay abroad, the duration and frequency of your visits to Canada and whether you’ve severed your residential ties with Canada. Be sure to review your situation with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to avoid surprises.

For information to determine your residency status, see CRA's "Individuals - leaving or entering Canada and non-residents". Once you've confirmed your residency status, you can find information specific to your situation as a Canadian living abroad, such as the tax package you should use; your eligibility for the Foreign Tax Credit and Overseas Employment Tax Credit; your entitlement to other credits and benefits as a Canadian living abroad; and details on tax treaties between Canada and certain countries, which will allow you to avoid being taxed in two countries on the same income.

The CRA’s International Tax Services Office processes income tax returns for non-residents and deemed residents of Canada, including Canadians working abroad. It also provides assistance by telephone and postal correspondence and looks after all non-resident tax withholding accounts.

See our Taxation for Canadians Travelling, Living or Working Outside Canada page for more information.

Legal matters

While abroad, you’re subject to the laws and regulations of your host country. Your Canadian citizenship offers no immunity. When in doubt, seek professional legal advice. The nearest Canadian embassy or consulate can provide you with a list of English-speaking lawyers who may be able to assist you.

Marriage and divorce

Laws and procedures regarding marriage and divorce vary widely from country to country, often resulting in unexpected complications.

• If you plan to marry while living abroad, understand that some countries enforce tight restrictions on a woman’s right to seek property entitlement, inheritance, divorce, alimony and child custody. A husband may be entitled to impose strict controls on his wife and children, preventing their return to Canada without his permission.
• Make sure you understand the laws and conventions of your host country regarding relationships and marriage, as well as their implications for children. In case of separation or divorce, investigate the rules concerning child custody and property settlement. If your spouse is a citizen of your host country, he or she may have more rights than you do as a foreigner. You could also be at a disadvantage if the country has a tradition of deciding child custody cases on the basis of gender or religious belief. Contact a legal representative or the appropriate authorities of your host country for more information.
• Find out if a marriage or divorce performed in your host country will be legally recognized upon your return to Canada by consulting with the vital statistics office of the province or territory where you will live.
• If your future spouse is not Canadian, confirm if he or she will be eligible to return to Canada with you on a temporary or permanent basis by contacting the nearest Citizenship and Immigration Canada office abroad.
• For additional details, see our Marriage overseas page.

Buying property

Purchasing property in another country is a major decision. The laws and customs pertaining to real estate can be very different abroad than at home, resulting in unforeseen risks and problems with ownership rights. For example, in Mexico, foreigners require a special permit to purchase land and can only buy property in coastal and border zones through a bank trust.

• Proceed with caution if you plan to buy property. It’s usually best to rent for a while before committing to purchase a home. Research local property laws and investigate all aspects of the purchase, including such claims as “beach access,” which may be false. Consult our Travel Advice and Advisories page to find out if problems, such as real estate fraud, are widespread in your host country.
• Hire a legal representative with expertise in local real estate law, who only represents you and is independent of anyone else involved in the transaction (e.g., a real estate agent or vendor). If possible, appoint a Canadian lawyer with expertise in the laws of your host country. Never sign anything that hasn’t been carefully reviewed by your lawyer. If things go wrong, remember that property disputes are private legal matters that can only be resolved through local courts. The Government of Canada cannot intervene.
• Make a will to avoid creating problems for heirs to your property or other assets you hold abroad.

Immigration and citizenship

You may wish to seek permanent residency, citizenship status or both, depending on the immigration regulations of the country you live in. Either involves establishing legal status beyond that of a short-term visitor. Be aware of the implications, including the likelihood of being prevented from obtaining Canadian consular assistance in your host country. For more information, see Dual citizenship – blessing or burden?, or visit Travelling as a dual citizen.

Regulations for immigrants

Immigration regulations vary enormously from country to country, but are usually based on three principles: employment, investment and family connections. Some countries accept individuals with adequate guaranteed income – including pension benefits – as potential immigrants. For example, Mexico classifies an eligible retiree or other permanent resident as an inmigrante rentista, or long-term immigrant. However, the United States doesn’t recognize retirement as a reason for establishing permanent residency.

Many countries require you to apply to immigrate before you arrive. Others will allow you to enter as a tourist and apply for immigration later. Contact the immigration authorities of your destination country for details.

Regulations for temporary visitors

Seasonal retirees, volunteers, students and other Canadians who reside abroad for less than six months each year can visit many countries as tourists. A valid passport is often the only entry requirement.

However, some countries impose tight restrictions on the length of time temporary visitors can stay. For example, Costa Rica limits tourists to a maximum stay of 90 days. Students must obtain an appropriate visa from Costa Rican immigration authorities and provide confirmation of enrolment in an accredited institution.

Think twice about settling in a country where you can only enter as a tourist, especially if you’re planning to purchase a home. Instead, you may wish to apply for legal residency, which removes restrictions on the length of your stay and gives reasonable assurance that you’ll be able to re-enter the country at any time. Taking out legal residency in another country doesn’t prevent you from maintaining Canadian residency.

Driving

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of injury and death among international travellers. Take special precautions when driving abroad:

• Find out if you’re required by local laws to hold an International Driving Permit (IDP). Available through the Canadian Automobile Association, the IDP is proof that you hold a valid driver’s licence in Canada. Keep in mind that the IDP is valid for only one year from the date of issue or until your Canadian licence expires, whichever comes first. Remember to safeguard your Canadian licence and renew it before the expiry date, as it may be difficult to replace from abroad. Note that some countries require foreign drivers to obtain a local licence after a specified period.
• Confirm that you’re insured to drive abroad and have comprehensive coverage for loss or damage, liability, collision, medical expenses resulting from an accident and other risks.
• Educate yourself on local traffic laws and comply with speed limits, legal alcohol levels, road safety procedures and mechanical requirements.
• Drive defensively. Motorist habits and road conditions vary markedly from country to country. Carefully plan road trips in advance and know where you’re going at all times. Always lock the doors to prevent carjackers and thieves from getting in with you.
• If you operate a vehicle imported from Canada, ensure that it’s equipped for local driving – for example, headlight converters for left-hand driving, an approved emergency breakdown kit, an oval sticker on the rear indicating “CDN” (the licence plate country code for Canada).
• Before buying an automobile abroad, confirm if you’re allowed to bring it home. For details, see the Canada Border Services Agency video Importing a Vehicle into Canada.

Consular services

Canadian consular officials are ready to assist you at embassies and consulates around the world.

We can:

• Arrange help in a medical emergency by providing you with a list of local doctors and hospitals.
• Help coordinate a medical evacuation if a necessary treatment is not available locally (fees apply).
• Provide advice and contact information on local police and medical services to victims of robbery, sexual assault or other violence.
• Supply you with a list of local lawyers.
• Provide you with sources of information about local laws and regulations.
• Seek to ensure you’re treated fairly under the country’s laws if you’re arrested or detained.
• Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or expired passport (fees apply).
• Contact relatives or friends to request assistance in sending you money or airline tickets.
• Contact next of kin, with your authorization, if you have an accident or are detained by police.
• Provide advice about burying a Canadian abroad or assist in repatriating the remains to Canada (fees apply).

However, we cannot:

• Intervene in private legal matters.
• Investigate a crime or death.
• Ask local authorities to give you preferential treatment.
• Make travel arrangements.
• Assist with job hunting.
• Help you find accommodations.

A complete list of services we can and cannot provide is available on our Consular services page. See our Embassies and consulates page for a list of Canadian embassies and consulates worldwide.

Death abroad

If a Canadian relative or friend dies abroad, you should contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate or our Emergency Watch and Response Centre immediately. Consular officials can assist you in making the necessary arrangements to:

• register the death with local and Canadian provincial or territorial authorities;
• obtain documentation, including a death certificate, autopsy report or police report;
• acquire information on the circumstances surrounding the death; and
• return the remains of your loved one to Canada.

Fees may apply. For more information, see our Death abroad page.

Keep connected

Despite the enchantment of living abroad, you may find that you depend more than ever on contact with Canada. Sharing your experiences and problems with family and friends and receiving news from home can have a stabilizing influence while you’re getting accustomed to being a foreigner in a faraway land. Having a strong support network in Canada will also make your eventual homecoming easier.

Keep your contacts in Canada informed of your whereabouts and any changes in your plans. Canadian consular officials receive countless calls from distraught friends and family who haven’t heard from loved ones abroad. Don’t expect communications to be as advanced in every corner of the world as in Canada.

Coming back to Canada

Planning for your return

Expect to face a period of readjustment when returning to Canada. You may experience a reverse form of culture shock, including feelings of anxiety, groundlessness and even depression. A little planning can go a long way to facilitate your homecoming.

Departure clearance and tax

It’s important to settle any obligations before leaving your host country. Make sure you’ve paid your local bills or made arrangements to do so. If you’ve obtained citizenship, permanent residency or any other form of legal status in the country, you may need departure clearance to leave. Approval usually depends on the satisfactory inspection of travel documents, permits or other official forms. For example, some countries ask for a statement from local tax authorities that you’ve met all obligations. Others will terminate your residency permit if you’re leaving for good or for an extended period.

Be prepared to pay a departure tax in the local currency when you leave. Other countries you pass through en route to Canada may also charge fees.

Bringing it home

Depending on how long you’ve lived abroad, you may be subject to import provisions for personal belongings and household goods upon your return to Canada. Declare all items acquired abroad, whether they’re intended for you or as gifts. Keep original receipts for possible inspection.

There are no restrictions on how much money you can bring into Canada, but you must report a sum of $10,000 or more to a customs officer.

For more information on what you can bring home, see our Customs page.

Illegal souvenirs

There are restrictions on bringing certain goods into Canada. If you’re thinking of importing meat, eggs, dairy products, fresh fruits or vegetables, plants, animals or items made from their feathers or skins, contact the Canada Border Services Agency beforehand for guidance. For accurate and timely information on import requirements, see our Customs page.

Many items brought illegally into Canada, such as elephant ivory, coral jewellery and sea turtle shells, are made from endangered animals and plants. They’re among the 34,000 species regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). A violation of CITES could lead to seizure of your purchase, as well as a fine and/or prison term. Consult Environment Canada’s CITES website for details.

Also, be aware that it may be illegal to bring home cultural property, such as antiques and fossils, whose export is banned or controlled by your host country. Strict penalties may be imposed, and cultural property may be confiscated and returned to the country of origin. For more information, consult with your host country’s border authorities or Canadian Heritage.

Social insurance number

If you’ve live abroad for an extended period and haven’t filed a tax return in Canada for at least five years, your social insurance number (SIN) may be deactivated. To have it reactivated, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and an acceptable explanation for the period of inactivity. For more information, consult the Service Canada website, visit the nearest Service Canada office or call 1-800-206-7218 (in Canada) or 506-548-7961(from abroad).

Provincial/territorial health insurance

Your provincial or territorial health plan will become invalid if you’ve been abroad beyond a certain length of time, typically six months. There could be a requalification period before your coverage is reinstated. This period may be covered by any replacement insurance you purchased while abroad. If not, health insurance plans are available for temporary visitors to Canada, usually purchased upon arrival.

Be sure to apply for reinstatement of your provincial/territorial health plan upon your return to Canada. For more information or to find out what conditions apply to you, contact your regional healthcare authority. For links to the official government websites of Canada’s provinces and territories, visit the Moving back to Canada page.

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