• Canadians usually hope that visitors will recognize how different their country is from the United States.
• Canadians quickly move to a first-name basis, although you should wait until you have been invited to do so.
• The order for Canadian names is first name, middle name and last name.
• A firm handshake makes a very good first impression.
• Keep a distance of several feet when talking to another person. Canadians like their personal space.
• Do not show emotion in public.
• It is okay to use the "O.K." sign and the "thumbs up" sign, but the "V" sign with the palm inward and pointing with your index finger are considered offensive.
• Holding doors open for the person behind you is appreciated and often expected.
• Being punctual should be a priority especially for business-related meetings. However, being 15 minutes late (and no later) for an evening social engagement is acceptable.
• Some professions allow for casual dress, but if you are not sure then dress on the formal side.
• Canadians in general do not wear any type of scent in a business setting. Perfume, aftershave and heavily scented personal care products such as shampoo and hair spray should be avoided.
• It is considered rude to speak in a foreign language in the presence of others who do not understand what is being said.
• If you see someone you know at a distance, a wave is an appropriate acknowledgement.
• People using the ATM machines expect the next person waiting in line to stand a few feet behind them.
  

Spring to Summer (March to September) - This is a great time to be in Calgary when the days are warm and dry and the altitude cools things off in the evening. And, temperatures are always cooler in the mountains so if you need some relief go hiking!

Autumn to Winter (September to March) - Even with the beautiful blue skies, temperatures are known to drop below freezing with extreme wind chills. But, Chinooks (warm winds) are known to blow in raising temperatures more than 20 degrees turning wintery weather into spring skies.

The best way to cope with Canada’s changing weather is to be prepared.

• Permanent - For workers and their families who are moving to Canada permanently.
• Temporary - For workers, visitors and students who will be residing in Canada for more than six months, but not permanently.

• You must have a valid travel document (such as a passport) for each family member on the application.
• Two recent passport photos of each family member are required. Make sure these photos meet the requirements. For more information on specifications for photographs, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
• Enclose the application fee and the IMM 5401 receipt of payment. Your fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
• You must provide proof that you have enough money for your visit to Canada. The amount of money may vary, depending on the circumstances for your visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives. You can get more information from the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
• You may need to include other documents. These documents could be identification cards, proof of employment, a letter of invitation from relatives or friends in Canada, or a proposed itinerary. Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information.

• You must be authorized to work in Canada for six months or longer.
• The work you are doing must meet a minimum skill level (usually work that would require at least a college diploma). Specifically, your job must be listed in Skill Level O, A or B in the National Occupational Classification.

• firearms, explosives, fireworks and ammunition;
• narcotics, other than prescription drugs;
• meat, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables;
• plants, flowers and soil;
• endangered species of animals or products made from animal parts, such as the skin, feathers, fur, bones and ivory;
• cultural property, including antique and cultural objects considered to have historical significance in their country of origin (you may, however, bring family heirlooms);
• more than 200 cigarettes (you must pay tax on the excess amount) per person over 18 years of age if you are immigrating to Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, or per person over 19 if you are immigrating to Ontario or any of the other provinces; and
• more than 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of commercial alcohol (you must pay tax on the excess amount) per person over 19 years of age.

• Birth certificates or baptismal certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Adoption, separation or divorce papers
• School records, diplomas or degrees for each family member traveling with you
• Trade or professional certificates and licenses
• Letters of reference from former employers
• A list of your educational and professional qualifications and job experience (resumé)
• Immunization, vaccination, dental and other health records for each member of the family
• Driver’s license, including an International Driver’s Permit, and a reference from your insurance company
• Photocopies of all essential and important documents, in case the originals get lost (keep separate from the originals)
• Car registration documents (if you are importing a motor vehicle into Canada)

• Notes: The Canadian Dollar is available in $5, $10, $20, $50, $100.
• Coins: All Canadians Coins are the same size and shape as their American counterparts except for the one and two dollar coins which do not exist in the U.S. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, and 25 cent denominations, and the $1 and $2 bills have been replaced by coins.

• Cash
• Personal cheques
• Traveler’s cheques
• Automatic personal bank account withdrawal set up prior to the payment date(s)
• Debit card (personal banking card)
• Credit card

• Fill out an application form
• Provide two forms of identification (passport, birth certificate, Social Insurance Card and/or any credit cards in your name)
• Provide proof of residency (you will need a fixed home address before you apply)

• Price - Calgary's numerous neighborhoods offer a wide variety of price ranges
• Neighborhood - some expatriates may prefer a country setting, whereas others may prefer to be in the city centre
• Housing type - house, townhouse, condominium, apartment, duplex or multiplex
• Housing condition - older dwellings look more historic, but often require more renovations than newer dwellings
• Size of family - this may affect housing type and location
• Distance to work - will you drive, walk or use public transportation to get to work
• Distance to schools - if applicable, will the children walk to school or is transportation provided
• Proximity of services - public transportation, fitness centers, shopping centers, etc

• School bus (funded by the government through tax revenue)
• Public transportation - bus (BRT), streetcar, or train (LRT)
• Walking or biking (for students within walking or biking distance of the school)
• Parents (some parents choose to drive their children to school on their way to work or they form carpools with other parents and take turns driving the kids to and from school)