7 Helpful Websites for Canadian Newcomers

These websites are a great resource for all of our customers and readers who have recently secured an IEC VISA. If you plan to come and work in Canada in the near future or have recently arrived in Canada each website either provides great advice, tips for making the most of your time in Canada or useful resources for you to use throughout your stay.

1. Working Holiday in Canada

This is a website dedicated to working holiday makers in Canada. It is designed for anyone who is planning to work in Canada or if you are already residing in Canada as a non-resident. They post content updates once a week with information on living in the major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa.

They also offer a free jobs kit and we would recommend signing up for this if you plan to go to Canada in search of a new career. Make sure to also check out their Facebook page for regular posts about Canadian jobs, newcomer events and useful tips.

2. Moving2Canada

This is one of the top resources for international workers who are planning to live and work in Canada. Guest bloggers post regularly from different cities throughout Canada, giving you first hand insights into what it is like to live in these vibrant cities. They also post weekly jobs that may be of interest to international workers who have experience working in skilled trades, construction and the engineering sector.

This website provides a detailed section on immigration procedures in Canada, outlining all of the requirements for the Provincial Nominee Program, Federal Skilled Workers Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.

3. Hostelling International

Whether you are visiting Canada or planning to work in Canada, you will need a place to stay when you first arrive into the Country. HI Hostels are the most popular hostel accommodation provider in Canada with over 60 hostels in some of the most popular areas throughout the country. They offer budget accommodation in most of the main cities, with easy access to the city centres. Check out the various offers and unique packages on their Facebook page.

4. Samesun Hostels

Samesun Backpackers are Canada’s leading hostel network with locations in Vancouver, Kelowna, Banff, Revelstoke & Silverstar. If you are looking for a place to work hard & play hard, then you've come to the right place, in fact, that is their motto! With awesome staff & fantastic facilities you know these guys are travelers too. Each hostel offers a variety of room types, free WiFi, free breakfast and a free group activity for you to try out.

5. Craigslist, Canada 

Craigslist will be your go-to website when you are searching for accommodation, part-time jobs, furniture and free stuff in Canada. From property agents to employers; everyone uses Craigslist in the major Canadian cities.

All apartments in Canada come unfurnished, so when a tenant is moving out, they sell their furniture on Craigslist - a lot of it is in great condition and there are many bargains to be found. Don’t forget to check out the free stuff section where you can pick up anything from a new sofa to a double bed frame!

6. IKEA, Canada

When you have found your ideal apartment, you will need to stock up on furniture and general household utensils. IKEA is the most popular store as it is cheap and offers everything that you need to fill out your new home. They have a great selection of beds, mattresses, tables, lamps and all of your usual kitchen utensils.

If you plan on moving to Vancouver, you might need to pick up some outdoor furniture for your balcony as the city has a warm climate for the Summer months. You should note that the warehouses are usually located on the outskirts of the city, so you might need to rent a car for the day or get your purchases delivered which can be costly (starting at $59.00).

And of course our very own website, which will help you to file your taxes during Canadian tax time:

7. Taxback.com

We recommend signing up to Taxback.com as soon as you start working in Canada. The Taxback team will send you a reminder of the expenses that you need to keep and the important tax deadlines. The website provides a free estimate of an approximate amount that you will receive in your tax return. To use the Taxback.com free tax refund calculator all you need to do is enter your details here and have your T4 at hand to provide the figures required. You will receive a free estimation within 3 – 5 days from our filing team.

Feel free to use our live chat to ask any tax related questions, get further details on your tax return or get some help filling out the Canadian tax pack.   

If you are canadian student find out more about tax returns for students.