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UK expats wanting snow as well as sun should head for Canada
| Published: | 16 Sep at 6 PM |
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For UK would-be expats with post-Brexit worries about settling in EU states, Canada is the perfect answer, especially if snow as well as sun is a requirement.
The vast expanses of Canada are no strangers to Britons, as the first UK citizens arrived in the 15th century and have been arriving ever since. Nowadays, ultra-modern cities nestle amongst some of the world’s most dramatic scenery, making the country the perfect place for those looking for an outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Canada is a country of contrasts, with Vancouver and Montreal favourites with expats, and for those who love winter sports, Calgary and Whistler are both world-class hubs and boast hot summers as well as superb snow in winter. Whale-watching and trips to Newfoundland for the breathtaking Northern Lights are favourites with tourists and expat residents alike.
An essential attraction for expat retirees is the country’s high-quality heathcare, and the people are friendly and welcoming. Canada boasts one of the highest immigration rates per capita of any world country, and spends a great deal of time and money attracting even more new arrivals, especially to more remote corners of the country.
Getting accepted as immigrants can be somewhat of a hassle, as visas are issued on a points basis. Criteria for points include age, occupation, language skills – Canada’s dual-language, French/English tradition is geographically designed – and you’ll need to prove you won’t be a drain on the economy.
The most common visas for those still in work are the ‘professional’ and the ‘skilled worker’, and a total of 67 points or more gets you in. For retirees, proof of enough cash to support yourself, including a pension if applicable, is required, and a medical exam is mandatory.
The UK state pension is payable, but won’t be upgraded annually unless a miracle happens and that particular UK rule is changed. Routine vaccinations are required, plus rabies if you’re planning to live in a region where you’ll come into contact with bats and carnivores known to carry the deadly virus.
The vast expanses of Canada are no strangers to Britons, as the first UK citizens arrived in the 15th century and have been arriving ever since. Nowadays, ultra-modern cities nestle amongst some of the world’s most dramatic scenery, making the country the perfect place for those looking for an outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Canada is a country of contrasts, with Vancouver and Montreal favourites with expats, and for those who love winter sports, Calgary and Whistler are both world-class hubs and boast hot summers as well as superb snow in winter. Whale-watching and trips to Newfoundland for the breathtaking Northern Lights are favourites with tourists and expat residents alike.
An essential attraction for expat retirees is the country’s high-quality heathcare, and the people are friendly and welcoming. Canada boasts one of the highest immigration rates per capita of any world country, and spends a great deal of time and money attracting even more new arrivals, especially to more remote corners of the country.
Getting accepted as immigrants can be somewhat of a hassle, as visas are issued on a points basis. Criteria for points include age, occupation, language skills – Canada’s dual-language, French/English tradition is geographically designed – and you’ll need to prove you won’t be a drain on the economy.
The most common visas for those still in work are the ‘professional’ and the ‘skilled worker’, and a total of 67 points or more gets you in. For retirees, proof of enough cash to support yourself, including a pension if applicable, is required, and a medical exam is mandatory.
The UK state pension is payable, but won’t be upgraded annually unless a miracle happens and that particular UK rule is changed. Routine vaccinations are required, plus rabies if you’re planning to live in a region where you’ll come into contact with bats and carnivores known to carry the deadly virus.
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