Many ask us “We only talk about couples going to Canada…but what about singles without children?” If you are now approaching the subject of “Canadian immigration”, we suggest that you read this text first. If you already know what we're talking about, then let's go.
To do the Canada Plan via couple studies is great. One studies and works 20 hours a week, the other works full time, children over five years old (if they have any) go to free school, which is amazing. But Canada is also made up – a lot – of single international students. Do you need to be young? No. We know people of all ages who made their study plan to come alone and then managed to immigrate, even single.
A difference in relation to a couple and a family, if it comes via studies, is that the amount that must be proven to the government (proving that you are able to support yourself financially here for a year) should only be for one person, obviously, and today this value is in CAD $10,000.00. A couple or a family with children will have to prove more than that. If the strategy is different, for example, if you apply for an existing immigration program (there are several), in many cases there will also be a value to be proven, in addition to several other prerequisites. Furthermore, anyone who comes to Canada alone with the aim of trying to immigrate later should pay attention to the following things:
– Living expenses in Canada: a couple can share expenses such as rent, food, transportation, internet, health and others. Singles will have to pay for everything themselves, plus the cost of college/university, so everything becomes more challenging and requires a well-designed financial plan.
– Share housing: Many don't mind sharing an apartment or house with someone they don't know, but for some this isn't so good. So, remember that if you are coming alone and don't have the funds to rent a place just for you, you will have to share the house with someone (roommate) or more (depends on your budget), live in family homes (homestay) or live in college or university accommodation (which is not always ideal depending on what the person wants and is usually quite expensive).
The issue of housing is an important factor, as the student will spend many months there (or even years, depending on the course chosen). The house you will live in needs to have a minimum of comfort and if it is easily accessible, even better. Many single students end up living far from school to save on rent, however, this may often not be a good idea, mainly because you will work 20 hours a week and the work may be in a completely different location from your studies.
- Homework: a couple shares household chores, but a single person will have to do everything alone. Will the house be smaller? Maybe, but it's good to consider this, including also shopping at the supermarket, making lunches (yes, the food system here is different and there aren't hundreds of cheap per kilo restaurants everywhere, so it's common to prepare your own food and take it to the school or work, even to save money, as eating on the street every day can be very expensive). Furthermore, you will need to take care of the clothes yourself. The laundry here is different, many buildings have collective laundry facilities and they are paid for, so you have to think about this and other small expenses too. Singles need to be aware that they will do everything alone, so having discipline for such tasks is essential.
– Dealing with loneliness: Some say that being alone is different from feeling lonely. There are some who feel lonely even with dozens of people around and no matter the situation or country. Others deal very well with being alone and love their own company. But there is something that can happen when we change countries, the famous “homesick”, which is the stress caused by being far from home or your country of origin. This can cause depression, anxiety and in more serious cases, even panic syndrome. Therefore, it is important to reflect and prepare yourself psychologically, as each person has an emotional profile. And anyone who already has psychological problems or mental disorders needs to be extra careful and keep all their medication up to date, if they use any. Have a Brazilian doctor or psychologist online Someone you can call and talk to is a good solution in these cases. Even if you have a public health plan in Canada – which also covers international students (for a monthly payment) – talking to a professional in your native language, especially at the beginning, can be a good idea.
The weather should also be something to consider in the emotional factor, since the cold can affect the body and mind of some people and Canada is a country with very low temperatures in autumn/winter.
Married people also suffer from loneliness and have emotional problems, of course. However, having family support physically present at all times, facing the challenges of living in another country can be easier.
- City: In general, there are cities that are more suited to single people than others. Small towns tend to be very familiar and quieter, without much night life or events for young people, although some have all of that too. Very small cities have cheaper rents, however, public transport may not be as good as in a big city or it may not be easy to find so many people to share rent (if it is not a city with so many students). So we suggest that you research and study the city well before deciding where to study and live, as many choose only to focus on the educational institution or immigration facilities and then end up hating the city where they live because it has nothing to do with their lifestyle. or personality. Here we have a text that can help you choose the right city for you.
Nothing is a general rule, the important thing is that everyone evaluates their profile and prepares for a life that is completely different from the one they had in their country of origin and is open to changes and surprises during exchange and immigration.
BENEFITS
There are many advantages to living in another country as a single person. You will be able to enjoy many events, parties, travel, bars, pubs, making new friends with people from all over the world and, why not, even date and find a new love? Many people fall in love with foreigners (or Brazilians) who are also here on exchange or living in the country. We have seen many relationships end in marriage. And for those who don't want to get married or have something more serious, you will also find many ways to flirt, see and be seen. Don't worry, popular dating apps also work here and there are several different ones than those in Brazil.
Another advantage of living alone is having plenty of time for you, which can be taken advantage of by focusing on learning the language, a new skill and concentrating better to do the tasks and work requested at college or university, for example.
THERE IS NO TABOO ABOUT GOING OUT ALONE HERE
In most cities in Canada the culture of going out alone and enjoying the day or having a meal alone in a restaurant is super common and no one sees it as something strange. It's common to see people alone even at bars in pubs and bars simply having a drink with a book in hand or even on the beach or park in the summer, enjoying a picnic in their own company. Whether man or woman, of any sexual orientation, age or nationality, everyone respects anyone who is alone, doing any activity.
Cafés are great options to go alone and read, do college work or simply watch life go by. Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto, for example, are cities where cafes are part of the local culture and everyone frequents them. Even in small or medium-sized cities, you will find popular chains like Tim Hortons It is Starbucks, which are even in more remote places. Apart from the local cafes in each city, which are charming. One thing is certain: you won't lack a place to be at peace, if you want.
Canada is a country where you will find people from different cultures and nationalities, as well as being a place where there is a lot of respect for diversity. This for a single person can mean a lot. After finishing your studies, if you really want to stay and live your life in Canada as an immigrant, you will have several options for immigration programs and other ways to try. But remember, for this, you need to make the right plan, what best fits your case. There are many details that start with planning and go all the way to your final immigration journey, when you become a permanent resident, a process that, for many, is worth every penny of the investment.
Planning is the first step. BFF CANADA can help you with your study plan for anywhere in the country or with your immigration consultancy.
If you are already thinking about living or spending time in this wonderful country, contact us.
Live in Canada. Change your life.
