Driving In Canada

If you hold a valid full UK drivers license youare entitled to drive in Canada for a period of 3months from the date of landing. After this period you will need to take your UK driving license along to your nearest registry office and exchange it for an Alberta License. On payment of the appropriate fee (currently $64) and on surrendering your UK driving license you will be given atemporary drivers license. The permanent card will arrive through the post inabout a week. If you hold a UK motorcycle or HGV licence this will not be converted in Alberta. The registry office will mail your UK licence back to DVLA and inform them you now hold a Canadian Licence.

If you need to obtain your Canadian HGV licence please contact us and we will explain the process and costs involved.

     


Planning On Bringing Your Pets

The good news is that in mostcases pets arriving from the UK will not require quarantine on arrival into Canada.  In short, there aretwo ways for pets to enter Canadafrom the UK. One method is to have a current valid rabies vaccination on a certificate or a vaccination card, and a “fit to fly” letter on headed paper from an LVI (localveterinary inspector) within around 5 days of travel.  The second option if there is no rabies vaccination then your pet will require an exporthealth certificate from DEFRA (www.defra.gov.uk)which includes the “fit to fly” declaration to be completed by your vet. If an export health certificate is required the preparation time is slightlylonger.  The Canadian equivalent of DEFRA is the CFIA – (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/ )- they can be contacted for further information.  Your pet will need to travel as cargo and must travel in an IATA approved container allowing the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortably.  For further informationplease see the “relocating your pet” tab on the left.

         


Some Useful Study Material

One book that will answer many of the questions regarding settling in Canada is "A guide to living and working in Canada" edited by Graeme Chesters. Unlike a lot of publications aimed at prospective immigrants,this book gives the nuts and bolts of setting yourself up in Canada.Covering topics like Medicare (Canadian equivalent to the NHS) and lifeinsurance to grocery shopping and mortgages, this really is a must read for allpotential expat's. Definitely on the 'must buy' list!  

Another useful read is "Canada News'. This monthly newspaperpublished by  Outbound Publishing deals with topics from all 11provinces. There are special reports from families who have emigrated, newsreports direct from each provincial government. You should visit the websiteand can subscribe for £2.30 per month, the paper is posted to your homeaddress. By checking out the website you are able view back issues for free. Paying for 12 months of issues will save you £10.

Another great free online newspaper is Muchmor Canada. This newspaper is dedicated to people wanting to emigrate here. You will find the articles very written and informative. MUCHMOR