Is it hard to live in Canada? Complete guide 2025

Living in Canada isn't just a distant dream—it's an attainable reality for thousands of Brazilians seeking quality of life, professional opportunities, and a promising future. Although the country has implemented some changes to its immigration programs for 2025, there are structured and strategic paths that make this journey not only possible but successful.

Why Canada is a good international destination

The country offers excellent education, exceptional security, and a multicultural society that truly celebrates diversity. For Brazilians, it represents a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth in a welcoming environment.

Advantages of Canada:

• Excellent education: Public education for residents and globally recognized universities
• Dynamic labor market: Opportunities in various sectors and competitive salaries
• Official multiculturalism: Government policy to celebrate diversity
• Safety and stability: One of the safest and most politically stable countries in the world
• Environmental quality: Preserved landscapes and sustainable cities
• Clear path to citizenship: Transparent immigration process with multiple routes

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Educational programs: your entry strategy

Educational programs remain one of the most effective and strategic ways to start your life in Canada, offering quality education, professional experience, and direct paths to permanent residence.

Public College in Canada

O Public College in Canada offers a high-level education with excellent recognition in the market. These institutions are subsidized by the government, ensuring exceptional educational quality and greater acceptance by Canadian employers.

Key features in 2025:

• Duration: Starting from 2 semesters (8 months)
• Work permit: 24 hours a week during studies (recent increase of 20 hours), full time during vacation
• PGWP: Postgraduate work permit of up to 3 years
• Eligibility: All public college programs qualify for PGWP

Advantages of public colleges:

• Superior recognition in the Canadian labor market
• More affordable tuition for students
• Strong partnerships with leading companies
• Employability rate greater than 90%
• Direct path to provincial immigration programs

Private College in Canada - Co-op

O Private College in Canada - Co-op combines theoretical studies with practical professional experience, making it an excellent option for quick entry into the Canadian labor market.

Program structure in 2025:

• Duration: From 24 weeks (flexible between study and work)
• Available areas: Business, Marketing, Hospitality, IT
• Salary during co-op: CAD $18-25 per hour
• Flexibility: Adaptable schedules and more accessible language requirements

Unique benefits:

• Guaranteed Canadian professional experience
• Direct network with local employers
• Faster entry into the labor market
• Programs focused on practical skills in demand by the market

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Provincial programs: strategic opportunities in 2025

Although there have been adjustments to the allocations of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for 2025, these programs continue to provide valuable paths to permanent residence, especially for professionals in high-demand areas.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Ontario remains the province with the highest number of opportunities and maintains several active streams:

Human Capital Priorities Stream:

• For qualified Express Entry professionals
• Focus on in-demand occupations such as technology and health
• Optimized processing for strategic candidates

Masters Graduate Stream:

• For Ontarian University Graduates
• Does not require a job offer
• Direct Pathway to Permanent Residency

Entrepreneur Stream:

• For entrepreneurs with investment capital
• Opportunity to create local businesses and jobs

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Quebec maintains its own selection system, offering unique opportunities:

Special advantages:

• Process independent of the federal system
• Valuing knowledge of French
• More affordable cost of living
• Unique French-Canadian culture
• Specific programs for international students

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

British Columbia focuses on strategic professionals:

Skills Immigration Categories:

• Priority for health professionals
• Tech Pilot Program for 29 technology occupations
• Accelerated processing for critical areas
• Opportunities in Vancouver and the region

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Alberta attracts workers to diversify their economy:

Strategic opportunities:

• Competitive salaries in the energy industry
• Moderate cost of living
• No provincial sales tax
• Strong demand for qualified professionals

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

As Atlantic Provinces offer a joint program with unique advantages:

Attractive features:

• Simplified and less competitive process
• Mandatory settlement support
• Welcoming communities and affordable costs
• Focus on immigrant retention with community support

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Express Entry: strategic changes in 2025

The Express Entry system has undergone important updates that create new opportunities for well-prepared candidates.

Key changes in 2025:

Updated scoring system:

• Elimination of points per job offer (March 2025)
• Increased emphasis on education, languages, and experience
• More equitable opportunities for international candidates

Retained scoring components:

• Age: Maximum 110 points (optimized between 20-29 years old)
• upbringing: Maximum 150 points (advantage for graduate studies)
• Languages: Maximum 160 points (English and French)
• Professional experience: Maximum 80 points
• Transferability factors: Combinations of education, language, and experience

Strategies for maximizing scores:

1. Investing in language proficiency - CLB 9+ in English maximizes points
2. Consider French as a second language - significant additional points
3. Evaluate educational credentials through WES or recognized organizations
4. Gain Canadian experience through studies or temporary work

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Cost of living updated by province in 2025

The cost of living varies significantly between Canadian provinces, but with proper planning, all offer excellent quality of life.

Provincial minimum wages (2025):

• Nunavut: CAD $19.00/hour (largest in the country)
• Yukon: CAD $17.94/hour
• Ontario: CAD $17.20/hour (projected for CAD $17.82 in October)
• British Columbia: CAD $17.40/hour
• Quebec: CAD $15.75/hour
• Alberta and Saskatchewan: CAD $15.00/hour

How to get accommodation strategically

Finding suitable housing is one of the most important steps, but with the right strategy, the process becomes much more manageable and successful.

Accommodation types and strategies:

Apartments (Condos)

• Cost: CAD $1,500-3,000+ monthly
• Strategy: Consider suburbs well connected by transportation
• Advantages: Privacy, modern facilities
• Tip: Use apps like PadMapper to compare prices

Shared houses (Room rental)

• Cost: CAD $600-1,500 monthly
• Strategy: Ideal for networking and cultural integration
• Advantages: Reduced cost, social support
• Tip: Facebook Marketplace has excellent options

Basement apartments

• Cost: CAD $1,000-2,000 monthly
• Strategy: Excellent cost-benefit ratio in expensive cities
• Advantages: Affordable price, independent entrance
• Tip: Check municipal regulations

Strategic platforms for search:

1. Kijiji.ca - Largest classifieds platform
2. Facebook Marketplace - Exponential growth
3. Rentals.ca - Professional apartments
4. Viewit.ca - Convenient virtual tours
5. Padmapper.com - Map view

Optimized rental process:

Essential documents:

• Proof of income or letter from the employer
• Employer/owner references
• Credit check (can be obtained free of charge)
• First and last month of deposit
• Official Canadian identification

Tips for success:

• Prepare complete digital package
• Be responsive and professional
• Consider real estate agents for apartments
• Use online affordability calculators
• Visit several options before deciding

Labor market in 2025: abundant opportunities

The Canadian labor market remains robust and offers excellent opportunities for prepared and strategic professionals.

Sectors in high demand:

Technology (15% annual growth)

• Software developers (CAD $75,000-120,000)
• Data Analysts (CAD $65,000-95,000)
• Cybersecurity specialists (CAD 80,000-130,000)
• DevOps and cloud engineers (CAD $85,000-125,000)

Health (critical scarcity)

• Registered nurses (CAD $65,000-85,000)
• Diagnostic Technicians (CAD $55,000-75,000)
• Specialized caregivers (CAD $45,000-60,000)
• Pharmacists (CAD $85,000-110,000)

Skilled Trades (growing demand)

• Electricians (CAD $60,000-90,000)
• Plumbers (CAD $55,000-85,000)
• Specialized welders (CAD $65,000-95,000)
• HVAC Technicians (CAD $50,000-75,000)

Strategies for finding a job:

1. LinkedIn Canada - Essential for professional networking
2. Indeed.ca - Largest job portal
3. Job Bank (government) - Official vacancies and salary information
4. Industry-specific sites - Depending on the area
5. Networking events - Professional Meetups and Conferences

Proven success tips:

• Adapt curriculum to Canadian format (2 pages maximum)
• Get local references through volunteer work
• Use LinkedIn for business research
• Consider Canadian certifications for your area
• Practice behavioral interviewing (STAR method)

Post-Graduation Work Permit: strategic opportunity

O PGWP remains one of the best ways to gain valuable Canadian experience, even with some updates in 2025.

Updated structure:

Duration based on the program:

• 8-month-2-year programs: PGWP equal to the length of study
• 2+ year programs: 3-year PGWP
• Total maximum: 3 years per person (one-time opportunity)

New requirements (2025):

• College graduates: areas related to scarce occupations
• Some fields require CLB 7 in languages
• All applications must be online (CAD $255 total)

Maximization strategies:

• Choose eligible programs carefully
• Maintain legal status throughout the period
• Use time to gain strategic experience
• Network actively during the period
• Prepare an application for permanent residence

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Integration services: guaranteed support

Canada invests significantly in settlement services that facilitate the successful integration of new immigrants.

Free federal programs:

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• Free English/French lessons
• Different levels and flexible hours
• Childcare available during classes
• Online and in person

Settlement Services

• Guidance on Canadian life
• Help with official documentation
• Support for finding a job
• Community Connections

Employment Services

• Curriculum preparation workshops
• Interview simulations
• Job matching programs
• Professional mentoring

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Strategic paths to permanent residence

Canada offers multiple well-structured routes to permanent residence, allowing you to choose the strategy that best suits your profile.

Optimized Express Entry:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - ideal for graduates

• 1 year of qualified Canadian experience
• No need for educational assessment
• Competitive score with local experience

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) - for experienced professionals

• 1 year of qualified international experience
• Mandatory educational assessment
• Certified language tests

Strategic provincial programs:

For international students:

• Ontario Masters Graduate Stream
• BC International Graduate
• Quebec PEQ program

For experienced professionals:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Saskatchewan Experience
• Atlantic Immigration Program

Integrated university pathway:

Consider programs like University abroad or Pathway for university entry that may offer complementary routes for your permanent immigration objective.

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Strategic financial planning

Well-structured financial planning is critical to a successful and comfortable transition to Canada.

Estimated initial costs (family of 4):

Immigration process:

• Credential evaluation: CAD $300-500
• Language tests: CAD $400-600
• Government fees: CAD $6,620 (family of 4)
• Medical exams: CAD $1,200-2,000

Change and installation:

• Air tickets: R$ 12,000-20,000
• First 3 months of housing: CAD $6,000-9,000
• Furniture and equipment: CAD $3,000-8,000
• Vehicle (if required): CAD $15,000-25,000
• Local documentation: CAD $800-1,500

Proven savings strategies:

1. Arrive during the off-season (September-November)
2. Consider medium-sized cities with excellent quality of life
3. Use public transport extensively in the first few months
4. Buy used furniture through Facebook and Kijiji
5. Take advantage of settlement services Free to the maximum

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Cultural adaptation: keys to success

Integration into Canadian culture is facilitated by the welcoming nature of Canadians and the abundance of support resources available.

Positive characteristics of Canadian culture:

• Genuine politeness: Respectful and considerate society
• Multiculturalism celebrated: Diversity as a national force
• Work-life balance: Valuing quality of life
• Equal opportunities: Meritocratic society
• Love for nature: Active and healthy lifestyle

Accelerated integration strategies:

1. Take part in community activities venues
2. Explore Canadian nature through hiking and outdoor activities
3. Be punctual and respectful At every appointment
4. Learn local expressions for better communication
5. Contribute positively for your community through volunteer work

Cultural Adaptation Resources:

• Cultural orientation sessions through settlement agencies
• Conversation Circles For language practice
• Community events in libraries and community centers
• Professional associations for networking in your area
• Newcomer groups on Facebook and Meetup

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Be Easy: your strategic partner for Canada

Na Be Easy, we specialize in transforming the dream of living in Canada into a strategic and successful journey. Our experienced team offers full support from choosing the ideal educational program to customized strategies for provincial immigration programs, ensuring that you have all the tools and knowledge you need to thrive in the Great White North. Contact us today and discover how we can help you confidently navigate the updated paths to Canada!

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