They’re all foreigners abroad

Why are white people expats when the rest of us are immigrants?

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Some medications sold over the counter in Canada are illegal or require a prescription in other countries. Find out whether your medication is legal in your host country. Obtain a note from your doctor stating the medical reasons for your prescription and the recommended dosage. Also carry a medical certificate confirming that these items are for medical use. Condoms may not be available in your destination country or may not meet the safety standards set by the World Health Organization.

For more information, see our Sexually transmitted infections STI page. Would you like to learn more about protecting your health while abroad? Our publication "Well on your way" offers valuable advice on how to:. To order your booklet today, call in Canada or , or download a copy. Make sure your supplementary health insurance covers pregnancy-related conditions, pre-term and full-term birth and neonatal care. Try to avoid malarial zones, as expectant mothers are particularly vulnerable to the illness, which could put their pregnancy at risk. For information on the citizenship of children born to Canadian parents abroad, see Canadian birthright.

More information on travelling while pregnant can be found on our Travelling while pregnant page and in our booklet Her own way: Holders of disabled parking permits in Canada may use them in member or associate member countries of the International Transport Forum ITF.

Be sure to check with local authorities to confirm your entitlement. Parking permits for disabled Canadians are rarely recognized in non-ITF countries. For details, see the ITF website. Further information on government services for disabled travellers, meeting special needs, parking privileges and travelling with a service animal is available on our Travelling with disabilities page. Out-of-country medical bills can be steep and result in a heavy financial burden. Your provincial or territorial health plan will cover only part, if any, of medical expenses outside Canada and will not pay up front.

For more information, contact your regional health authority. Make sure you understand the terms of your policy. It should cover your personal health needs and those of any dependants. Always carry proof of your insurance while abroad , along with contact information for your insurer. Leave a copy with a friend or relative in Canada. If you pay for your own medical care, obtain a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital in order to make a claim later.

Most insurers will not accept copies or faxes. Two types of private health-care insurance are available to expatriates. Supplemental insurance provides added benefits to those covered by a provincial or territorial plan. Replacement insurance provides full coverage for those who stay abroad long enough to become ineligible for a Canadian plan.

Full replacement insurance is less readily available than supplemental insurance, but a number of companies do provide insurance specifically designed for expatriates. When considering replacement insurance, carefully assess your own situation, taking into account your age, pre-existing medical conditions and potential needs in the event of a major or long-term illness. Be sure to arrange for replacement insurance before leaving Canada and check that the policy is valid in the country where you plan to stay.

In addition to health insurance, you should consider getting enhanced life and disability insurance. Insurance coverage can prevent major disruptions and additional costs when relocating abroad. For more suggestions on what to look for when buying travel health insurance, consult our booklet Well on your way: Some insurance companies will not honour medical claims made for injuries suffered in a country where a Government of Canada Travel Advisory is in effect. Moving to a foreign country can be one of the most enriching experiences a child will ever have, giving rise to greater confidence, adaptability and intercultural awareness.

Before leaving Canada, take steps to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for Canadians. You and each family member must have a valid passport to travel or reside outside Canada. Canadian passports for children up to 15 years of age are valid for five years. Passports for persons 16 years of age and older are valid for five or 10 years, depending on the chosen validity period.

Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to determine its rules and restrictions concerning passport validity. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada. If you need to apply for or renew your passport, start the process well before your planned departure from Canada. Application forms are available online on the Passport Canada website and in person at all Passport Canada offices , Service Canada centres , Canada Post outlets and Canadian government offices abroad.

For more information on how to apply for, care for or replace a Canadian passport, consult our Passport page. Only the government of your host country has the authority to grant you a visa. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf. You need a visa to stay in most countries for more than three months. The most common categories are work, student, volunteer and residency visas. However, you may also need a tourist, business, visitor or other visa for a short-term stay. If you plan to exit and re-enter your host country during your stay, inquire about a multiple-entry visa to avoid future problems.

Be sure to obtain visas well in advance. Understand and respect visa terms and conditions. Requirements and processing times will vary, depending on the type of visa you need. In order to grant you a visa, some countries require:. Further details on visa requirements are available on the Travel Advice and Advisories page or from the embassy or consulate of your destination country. Remember to check the visa requirements of countries you may transit en route to your host country or visit during your stay abroad.

Work visa or permit: Your prospective employer may have to sponsor you for a work visa or permit. It can take months to obtain a work visa, so start the process well before your departure. Know the implications if you decide to change jobs after your arrival. Doing so may render your visa invalid, or you may have to leave and re-enter the country under a different one. Canada has reciprocal agreements with numerous countries to encourage cultural exchanges by enabling travellers to experience living abroad while undertaking short-term employment. Most countries require you to have a student visa to undertake temporary or long-term studies.

A residency visa or permit may also be required. Some countries require you to have a volunteer visa to undertake unpaid or charitable activities. Residency visa or permit: Marriage or spousal visa: Upon arrival in your host country, you may be required to obtain an alien registration card. Most countries impose severe penalties for the possession of only a minuscule amount of illegal drugs. Even prescription drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes come under intense scrutiny and should have proper accompanying documentation.

For more information, consult our Alcohol, drugs and travel page. Exercise caution when choosing both short-term and long-term lodgings:. Some countries require visitors to carry photo identification, such as a passport or resident card, at all times. Failure to do so could result in arrest, a fine or other serious consequences. If you spend a significant period abroad, you may be more exposed to health risks than a short-term traveller. You may need to learn how to shop for and prepare food safely, in addition to ensuring access to safe and potable water. Some countries have comprehensive health-care plans that will cover you, after a waiting period, if you immigrate.

Many developing countries provide free health care to citizens and permanent residents. But most Canadians living in these countries seek private health care, which is usually of a higher quality and involves shorter wait times. Private medical facilities are reasonably advanced in most countries and will usually see you immediately for a fee. When you arrive in your host country, you should make a point of locating the nearest reputable clinic or hospital and noting the hours of operation.

Contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors and hospitals. For country-specific information, see our Travel Advice and Advisories page. Most people living abroad experience a period of adaptation known as culture shock. This form of psychological stress affects even seasoned expatriates and occurs when familiar cues and patterns are no longer present.

The symptoms may be fleeting or last several months, and their intensity varies from person to person. Individuals facing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, prior to departure are most at risk. During the third and final phase, foreigners start to accept their surroundings and make a compromise between the honeymoon and emptiness stages.

The best strategy for coping with culture shock is to make a conscious effort to adjust to your new environment:. It may be difficult to assess how much money you can spend due to unforeseen expenses or unfamiliarity with local currency and costs. Among the factors that could diminish your income are recessions, stock market crashes and the devaluation of the currency in which your pension or other benefits are paid.

Ensure that your income is, and remains, enough to live on. Usually someone who can speak English will be available to assist you. The process can be complicated and time-consuming, so ensure that you have an alternative source of funds during this period.

OAS is paid outside Canada if the pensioner lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age The OAS system is intended to guarantee a minimum income to seniors. Eligibility is determined by an income test. For details, see the Canada Benefits website. Most financial institutions allow you to access your account to check balances, pay bills and transfer funds anywhere in the world. For information to determine your residency status, see CRA's " Individuals - leaving or entering Canada and non-residents ".

Once you've confirmed your residency status, you can find information specific to your situation as a Canadian living abroad, such as the tax package you should use; your eligibility for the Foreign Tax Credit and Overseas Employment Tax Credit; your entitlement to other credits and benefits as a Canadian living abroad; and details on tax treaties between Canada and certain countries, which will allow you to avoid being taxed in two countries on the same income. It also provides assistance by telephone and postal correspondence and looks after all non-resident tax withholding accounts.

As a rule, you cannot receive welfare, disability or other forms of social assistance while living abroad. Contact your provincial or territorial authorities for details. Your Canadian citizenship offers no immunity. When in doubt, seek professional legal advice. The nearest Canadian embassy or consulate can provide you with a list of English-speaking lawyers who may be able to assist you.

Visit our Request emergency assistance page for contact information. Laws and procedures regarding marriage and divorce vary widely from country to country, often resulting in unexpected complications. Same-sex civil unions are more widely recognized abroad. Canadians attempting to visit a foreign country as a same-sex married couple may be refused entry by border officials. Moreover, homosexual activity is a criminal offence in certain countries and could result in severe punishment, including imprisonment or the death penalty. Purchasing property in another country is a major decision.

The laws and customs pertaining to real estate can be very different abroad than at home, resulting in unforeseen risks and problems with ownership rights. For example, in Mexico, foreigners require a special permit to purchase land and can only buy property in coastal and border zones through a bank trust. Not all countries regulate lawyers and real estate agents as scrupulously as Canada does. For example, rules governing conflict of interest by lawyers can be lax in many parts of the world. Furthermore, local authorities may disregard complaints from foreign residents about crooked dealings, especially if the lawyer or agent concerned is an established member of the community.

A Canadian who gives or offers a loan, reward, advantage or any other benefit to a foreign public official or another person on behalf of an official can be prosecuted in a Canadian or foreign court. Violation of the act is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years. You may wish to seek permanent residency, citizenship status or both, depending on the immigration regulations of the country you live in.

Either involves establishing legal status beyond that of a short-term visitor. Be aware of the implications, including the likelihood of being prevented from obtaining Canadian consular assistance in your host country. For more information, see Dual citizenship — blessing or burden? Immigration regulations vary enormously from country to country, but are usually based on three principles: For example, Mexico classifies an eligible retiree or other permanent resident as an inmigrante rentista , or long-term immigrant.

Many countries require you to apply to immigrate before you arrive. Others will allow you to enter as a tourist and apply for immigration later. Contact the immigration authorities of your destination country for details. Seasonal retirees, volunteers, students and other Canadians who reside abroad for less than six months each year can visit many countries as tourists. A valid passport is often the only entry requirement. However, some countries impose tight restrictions on the length of time temporary visitors can stay. For example, Costa Rica limits tourists to a maximum stay of 90 days.

Students must obtain an appropriate visa from Costa Rican immigration authorities and provide confirmation of enrolment in an accredited institution. Canadian parents are not required to register the birth of a child abroad. Contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate abroad to apply for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship as well as a passport for your child. Start the process early, as it may take a while. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of injury and death among international travellers.

Take special precautions when driving abroad:. Canadian consular officials are ready to assist you at embassies and consulates around the world. A complete list of services we can and cannot provide is available on our Consular services page. See our Embassies and consulates page for a list of Canadian embassies and consulates worldwide. It will help you:. For more information on creating an emergency plan, visit the Government of Canada website Get Prepared.

If a Canadian relative or friend dies abroad, you should contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate or our Emergency Watch and Response Centre immediately. Consular officials can assist you in making the necessary arrangements to:. For more information, see our Death abroad page. Emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Eligible Canadians can vote in federal elections while temporarily living abroad.

To vote by special mail-in ballot, you must first send an Application for Registration and Special Ballot form to Elections Canada. For further details, see our Elections voting from abroad page. Despite the enchantment of living abroad, you may find that you depend more than ever on contact with Canada. Having a strong support network in Canada will also make your eventual homecoming easier. Keep your contacts in Canada informed of your whereabouts and any changes in your plans. Telecommunications services in many countries are unreliable and more expensive than in Canada.

You may be unable to get a land line immediately. Waiting times in some countries can run into months, and large cash deposits may be required, especially from foreigners.

A cell phone is often a better bet than a land line in countries with mobile services. Private Internet connections may be difficult to obtain. Canadian television broadcasts are available worldwide via Internet and satellite. Tune in to Radio Canada International at rcinet. Postal services tend to be slow and undependable in developing countries. It may be more practical to have your mail sent to a forwarding service in Canada, then periodically couriered to you.

Expect to face a period of readjustment when returning to Canada.

Does Amber Rudd hate foreigners, or does she hate us?

You may experience a reverse form of culture shock, including feelings of anxiety, groundlessness and even depression. A little planning can go a long way to facilitate your homecoming.

Approval usually depends on the satisfactory inspection of travel documents, permits or other official forms. Be prepared to pay a departure tax in the local currency when you leave. Other countries you pass through en route to Canada may also charge fees. Other pets may require an import permit. For more information, see our Travelling with animals page. Keep original receipts for possible inspection.

For more information on what you can bring home, see our Customs page. If you become sick or feel unwell after returning to Canada, you should see your doctor immediately. There are restrictions on bringing certain goods into Canada. For accurate and timely information on import requirements, see our Customs page. Many items brought illegally into Canada, such as elephant ivory, coral jewellery and sea turtle shells, are made from endangered animals and plants. Also, be aware that it may be illegal to bring home cultural property, such as antiques and fossils, whose export is banned or controlled by your host country.

Strict penalties may be imposed, and cultural property may be confiscated and returned to the country of origin. For more information, consult the Service Canada website , visit the nearest Service Canada office or call in Canada or from abroad. There could be a requalification period before your coverage is reinstated.

This period may be covered by any replacement insurance you purchased while abroad. If not, health insurance plans are available for temporary visitors to Canada, usually purchased upon arrival. For more information or to find out what conditions apply to you, contact your regional healthcare authority. Your views are important to us and will help us continue to offer world-class consular services. To share your comments, please fill out our Client feedback form. Information in this publication is readily available for personal and public non-commercial use and may be reproduced, in part or in whole and by any means, without charge or further permission from Global Affairs Canada.

We ask only that:. The reader is also encouraged to supplement this information with independent research and professional advice. We would like to receive your comments on this publication. Introduction The world beyond our borders is home to about three million Canadians. Questions about foreign travel? Is it safe to go there? Could I get sick? Who can I contact for emergency help? Can the Government of Canada get me out of a foreign jail?

What should I do if I lose my passport? Do I have to pay taxes on foreign income? What can I bring back to Canada? Some countries experience continuing wars, insurgencies and civil unrest. Others are subject to extreme temperatures and natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Safe and comfortable housing may be scarce or prohibitively expensive. There may be no wheelchair access or allowances for people with hearing, sight or other special needs.

The consumption of alcohol may be illegal, or persons convicted of drug-related offences may face capital punishment. Children may be tried, convicted and incarcerated as adults for their crimes. To carry out a risk assessment: Consult the Country Insights page on the Centre for Intercultural Learning website for cultural information, facts and advice on showing sensitivity to local customs around the world.

Get weather and climate information on countries worldwide on the World Weather Information Service website. Supplement these resources with guidebooks, newsletters, magazines and websites for expatriates. They offer insight into the health, safety, cultural and emotional issues experienced by Canadians living abroad.

Read up, register, reach us. Carefully evaluate opportunities abroad A wide range of work, study, volunteer and retirement opportunities can be found outside Canada. To ensure a successful experience abroad, be sure to thoroughly evaluate any opportunity before moving forward: Beware of international fraud. Steer clear of overseas recruitment agencies that operate solely by email or telephone and organizations that charge placement fees.

Bogus groups offering international education opportunities have cheated students out of large sums of money under the pretext of securing admissions, financial aid and study permits. Likewise, phony volunteer placement agencies have charged unsuspecting recruits for opportunities that never pan out. Beware of the danger of getting trapped into sex or labour trafficking. Criminals often recruit foreign women through fraudulent ads to work as hostesses, models, entertainers, nannies, maids or in other seemingly legitimate jobs.

Ask for references, visit its website and call your local Better Business Bureau if the organization is Canadian.

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Examine the terms of your contract carefully and have it reviewed by a lawyer if possible. Make sure you fully understand the financial conditions of any job offer. Receiving your salary in Canadian or U.

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Check if your employer will cover expenses, such as airfares, residency permits, language training, school tuition, and health and dental insurance including coverage for family members. If your contract provides for accommodations, ask for photos or a detailed description, floor plan and furniture inventory in advance. Ask about the neighbourhood and local transport. Note that, while some employers and volunteer agencies may promise to pay for your return flight to Canada upon completion of a contract, this commitment will not necessarily be honoured. Are you ready for a cross-cultural move?

Many Canadians who live abroad for the first time are surprised at the cultural isolation they experience, making the transition even more stressful. Are you at ease with stark cultural differences? Are you prepared to be in a minority and to be treated as a foreigner? Do you make new friends easily?

Are you open to different ways of doing things? A focus on delivering high standards of teaching in Iceland means that prior teaching experience is highly desirable for these roles. Holding more advanced qualifications, such as a Masters degree, is also viewed as advantageous. By completing an internship in Iceland, you'll be able to explore a new country while boosting your employability. You could also take the opportunity to learn a new language in the process. The majority of intern positions are located in Reykjavik, and not all will be paid. Search for vacancies at:.

It may also be possible to secure an internship by applying speculatively to companies that you're interested in. If you don't speak Icelandic, focus on larger firms that use English as their business language. If you're moving to Iceland from an EEA country you'll be able to live and work in the country without a work permit or visa. However, you'll need to register as a resident with Registers Iceland , the country's national registry, if you're staying for longer than three months or six months, if you arrive in the country as a jobseeker.

In addition, Swiss nationals have the same rights as citizens of EEA countries. If you're from a non-EEA country and plan on staying in Iceland for longer than three months, you'll need to hold a valid residence permit. Your employer will apply for this permit once you've accepted an offer of employment, meaning you won't be able to arrive in Iceland as a jobseeker. Visit the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for more information on which visa you'll need and what documentation you'll need to supply for your application.

It's advisable to apply as soon as you can - the process typically takes up to 90 days. Contact the embassy in your home country to get started. This visa information remains correct following the UK's decision to leave the EU, and will be updated if changes occur. As the majority of Iceland nationals speak English competently, learning Icelandic won't be a necessary requirement of moving to Iceland. However, you should take the opportunity to do so - you'll find the experience more enriching, finding it easier to integrate with your community while demonstrating your commitment to being in the country.

You can start learning the language before arriving in the country, with free courses such as Icelandic Online. Offered at six levels of difficulty, this course also provides a premium service to candidates at beginner and lower intermediate levels for an additional fee. Qualifications gained in the UK and elsewhere in Europe will generally be recognised by employers in Iceland. A hour working week is the national average in Iceland.

Workers are entitled to 24 days of paid leave per year on top of 13 public holidays. Visit the Multicultural and information Centre - Work for more information about your rights as an employee and the Icelandic tax system. Jobs and work experience Postgraduate study Careers advice Applying for university. Search graduate jobs Job profiles Work experience and internships Employer profiles What job would suit me?

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