So, you’ve set your sights on Vancouver—that magical place where you can ski in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon (theoretically, if you’re really determined and don’t mind the hypothermia).
Nestled between majestic mountains and the sparkling Pacific, Vancouver isn’t just a city; it’s a lifestyle choice that promises rain-soaked adventures, coffee culture that rivals Seattle’s, and the distinct possibility of bumping into a film crew every third block.
But before you start practicing your Canadian “eh” and stockpiling umbrellas, there’s the small matter of actually getting here and setting up a life that extends beyond living in an Airbnb and surviving on Tim Hortons.
The journey from “Vancouver dreams” to “Vancouver resident” involves a maze of paperwork, housing searches that might make you question your life choices, and the peculiar challenge of making friends in a city known for its “polite but distant” social vibe.
This guide will walk you through every step of transforming yourself from wide-eyed newcomer to seasoned local who knows exactly which SkyTrain station has the best bubble tea and why you should never, ever mention housing prices at dinner parties. We’ll navigate the immigration pathways, decode neighborhood personalities, explain why “mountain views” add zeros to your rent, and share the unwritten social rules that will help you blend in faster than you can say “Sorry” when someone else bumps into you.
Key Takeaways
- Vancouver is a city with one of the best quality of life in the country
- Vancouver has diverse communities, modern amenities, proximity to nature, temperate climate, robust transportation network, job opportunities, and supportive healthcare services
- The downsides of Vancouver are a higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and a housing shortage
- The pathways to gain PR in Vancouver include Express Entry System, BC PNP, Study and PGWP, and Temporary Work Permits or Business Visas
- Some of the best neighborhoods for newcomers are West End, Gastown, Commercial Drive, Kerrisdale, Burnaby, and Surrey
- Three booming industries in Vancouver are technology, entertainment, and renewable energy
- Public transportation in Vancouver includes SkyTrain, TransLink, HandyDART, SeaBus, and West Coast Express.
- The Public Healthcare System in Vancouver is called the MSP, which covers basic, medically required health services.
Why Should You Move to Vancouver?
There are plenty of reasons for moving to Vancouver. In fact, the city is consistently considered to have the best quality of life in the country. Not only is the city full of modern amenities, but it also boasts environmental sustainability and natural beauty. It also has a temperate climate, which is much appreciated by newcomers.
The city is also a hotspot for international job seekers, especially for those in technology, sustainability, and entertainment. Although it has a very competitive atmosphere, there are plenty of opportunities to be seized by young professionals.
On the other hand, Vancouver has a considerably high cost of living. Another well-known downside is its rush hour traffic, which ranks among the worst in Canada. Nevertheless, it’s still a popular destination for immigrants and newcomers due to its quality of life and proximity to the US border.
Vancouver’s Immigration & Visa Options for Newcomers
Canada is known for its immigrant-friendly policies. There are several immigration pathways you can take to move to Vancouver, which are detailed below.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is an application for skilled workers to gain permanent residency in Canada, including Vancouver. You can apply via three different programs:
- Canadian Experience Class, for those already with Canadian work experience
- Federal Skilled Worker Program, for those with eligible work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program, for skilled workers in certain trades
Check out your eligibility by taking their questionnaire on Canada’s immigration website.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
Another way to gain permanent residency in Canada is via the Provincial Nominee Program, where provinces and territories can nominate people. Vancouver is under the British Columbia Provincial Administration, which has three options for immigration:
- Skills immigration stream: for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates and postgraduates, and entry-level or semi-skilled workers.
- Express Entry British Columbia stream; for skilled workers healthcare professionals, international graduates, and postgraduates
- Entrepreneur Immigration; for entrepreneurs who want to establish or set up operations in British Columbia.
Study and Post Graduate Work Permits
You can also opt to further your education in one of British Columbia’s institutions. Choose one of Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) and apply for a study permit. Once you receive an acceptance letter and have your proof of funds, your student visa will be issued.
The country also allows graduates from Canada’s DLIs to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit. Not all programs and DLIs are covered, so be mindful when you choose your major if this is your course of action.
Temporary Work Permits and Business Visas
There’s also the option of getting a temporary work permit that you can use to gain experience in Canada. You can choose between having a specified employer or an open work permit that lets you work for any employer in Canada.
How to Move to Vancouver from the US: Visa Options and Requirements
Due to its proximity to the US, Vancouver is a popular destination for US citizens to relocate. The visa options are similar to the pathways mentioned above. Most US citizens use the Express Entry System because they have a high chance of obtaining a permit. US citizens have strong language skills, work experiences in similar fields, and high levels of education, making them the perfect immigration candidate.
If you want to increase your odds even higher, you can apply for the Provincial Nominee Program and gain 600 points from the Comprehensive Ranking System for invitation if nominated.
Cost of Living in Vancouver: What to Expect
One downside to living in Vancouver is its cost of living. The city is known for being one of the most expensive cities to live in North America, especially its housing. This is a breakdown of living costs per month:
- Housing: Starting from CAD 2,300
- Utilities: CAD 149
- Internet: CAD 79
- Groceries and food: CAD 900
- Transportation: CAD 107
- Entertainment: CAD 500 (CAD 125 per week)
The minimum wage in BC is CAD 17.40 per hour, and the average salary in Vancouver is around CAD 70,000. Entry-level jobs can pay around CAD 49,000, while experienced workers can get paid CAD 95,000 upwards. That means entry-level workers will be spending around 75% of their income on necessities.
When you compare this to other cities, the prices in Vancouver can seem steep. For example, the average total cost of living in Montreal is around 25% less than in Vancouver. On the other hand, the salaries in Vancouver are comparatively higher, making it worth the move.
Finding Housing in Vancouver
The biggest cost breakdown for moving to Vancouver is the cost of housing, so it’s important to know all your options. Newcomers can choose to buy or rent properties. Most people who choose to buy would probably require a mortgage. To get a mortgage, you need:
- Stable employment for at least 3 months
- A sizable down payment, at least 5 – 20% of total mortgage
If you’re a newcomer, we recommend you choose renting first to get an understanding of where you’d like to settle in the future. For example, check out furnished rentals in Vancouver that allow you to move without the fuss.
You might be tempted to check out Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for rentals, but we recommend going for more legitimate organizations. Sites such as Corporate Stays give you security, comfort, and convenience for short and long-term stays.
Vancouver is a diverse city and each neighborhood has their own characteristics. Here are some of the most popular ones for newcomers:
- West End: An affordable and diverse neighborhood in a Downtown location. It has lively dining and nightlife while being adjacent to the beach adjacent.
- Gastown: A good choice for history buffs. Gastown is reasonably priced and affordable, it also has a vibrant art scene.
- Commercial Drive: A very affordable area with quirky cafes and restaurants. It also has a bustling art scene and Little Italy.
- Kerrisdale: Suitable for a more relaxed population, with affordable housing and convenient transit. It’s also a popular choice for University of Columbia students.
- Burnaby: Has a large immigrant community and affordable rent prices.
- Surrey: A popular destination with great access to nature, a hospital system, and affordable housing.
Job Market in Vancouver: Finding Work Before Moving
Vancouver has several booming industries:
- Technology: The city is growing with startups and global companies setting up offices in Vancouver. Job offered include AI, software development, and cybersecurity
- Entertainment: Known as the Hollywood North, major studios and production companies often use Vancouver as a shooting location.
- Renewable energy and sustainability efforts: The city is known for environmental responsibility and encourages job creation in clean energy, green construction, and environmental consulting.
To have a smoother transition, you should find work before moving. You can do this by looking at websites such as Job Bank, Indeed, or LinkedIn. You can also check out province-specific sites, such as the WorkBC job board.
Make sure you have your resume, work references, education and professional credentials, and professional certification from a BC regulatory authority. Education and professional credentials should be translated into English if needed.
Go to the WorkBC website to find more resources on resume and cover letter writing. You can also learn how to get ready for an interview and network with other job seekers on the message board.
The work culture in Vancouver is very collaborative and relaxed, but still professional. It can also be fast-paced as it’s a hub for innovation and global trade. Punctuality and respecting people’s time is important, because most people value work-life balance.
Public Transportation and Getting Around Vancouver
Vancouver’s Public Transportation
The city has a vast network of public transportation, which makes it convenient for its population to get around. Here are some of its modes of public transport:
- SkyTrain: The SkyTrain has three automated routes that go around downtown Vancouver, which are the Expo Line, the Millenium Line, and the Canada Line.
- TransLink Buses: A network of bus services to specific areas throughout the whole city. Monthly pass costs CAD 107.30 for adults.
- HandyDART: A door-to-door service using vans or small buses for passengers with disabilities.
- SeaBus: The SeaBus lets you cross the Burrard Inlet to travel between Waterfront Station in Downtown to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.
- West Coast Express: Train that connects the Waterfront Station to Mission.
You can use a Compass card to access the SkyTrain, TransLink, HandyDART, and SeaBus that costs CAD 107.3 monthly for 1 zone, a daily pass for CAD 11.50, or pay cash for CAD 3.20 per zone. The West Coast Express costs between CAD 6.35 to CAD 13.70, depending on your destination and starting point.
Most people don’t feel the need to purchase a car, thanks to its reliable and cost-effective infrastructure. But one thing people recommend is a bike, because Vancouver has so many bike-friendly streets. It even has public bike-sharing services throughout the city.
If you’re still interested in obtaining a driver’s license, you can still use your foreign driver’s license for 90 days then exchange it for a BC license at the ICBC licensing office. This applies to people from the US, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and the UK. your. For those outside of the mentioned countries, you must pass a thorough process. This includes a knowledge test and road test.
Healthcare System in Vancouver
Permanent residents, citizens, international students with student permits, people with work permits, and government-assisted refugees are covered by the BC Government’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), which pays for basic, medically required health services.
Some of the services covered by the MSP include physician and midwives visits, dental and oral surgery, eye examinations, and diagnostic services. Other healthcare services should be supplemented by a private insurance provider.
Newcomers or people who are establishing their residency in Vancouver may be eligible for MSP after a waiting period of about three months. In the meantime, you’re required to have private insurance coverage.
Disadvantages of Living in Vancouver
Vancouver might be one of the best cities to live in, but it comes with some disadvantages:
- Higher cost of living. Vancouver’s high quality of life comes with higher prices when it comes to living expenses.
- Traffic congestion: The city is also known for heavy traffic congestion, one of the worst in North America.
- Housing shortages and competitive rental market: The shortage of housing leads to premium prices and competitive application.
Living in Vancouver: Pros and Cons
To help you decide whether or not Vancouver is for you, here’s a summary of the pros and cons of living in Vancouver:
| Pros | Cons |
| Job opportunities
Modern amenities Proximity to nature Robust public transportation services Supportive healthcare services Diverse population Vibrant culture |
High cost of living
Traffic congestion Housing shortage |
Things to Know Before Moving to Vancouver
Vancouver’s Rainy Days
Before you make our move, there are some things you need to prepare for:
- Weather: Although the city is considered to have temperate climate, it’s also dubbed as “Rain City” for the frequent downpour. Have warm and waterproof clothing ready to get you through Vanncouver’s rainy and colder months during winter. The best months would be its summer, which is between June to August, where the city experiences warm and dry weather. Other than that, expect heavy rain and a cold winter.
- Culture: Vancouver has a very diverse population, from the laid back to the ambitious, so be mindful of everyone’s preference. Choose wisely when you’re deciding to settle in an area to have a smoother transition and find a community that matches your values. Join a community support group or expat networks to get informed and find people with similar interests.
- Financial and banking: You also need to set up at least a bank account in Vancouver. You can do this in person or online. All you need is two personal identification documents that indicate your name, address, and date of birth.
FAQs
Is Vancouver Expensive Compared to Other Cities in Canada?
Yes, Vancouver is considerably expensive compared to other cities in Canada. In general you need CAD 3,000 to 4,000 for necessities when living in Vancouver.
How Difficult is it to Find a Job in Vancouver?
The job competition in Vancouver is high, so make sure you’re prepared by having an updated resume and cover letter. You should also make use of the job opening list and discussion boards on the WorkBC website.
What are the best neighborhoods for newcomers in Vancouver?
Some of the best neighborhoods for newcomers in Vancouver are West End, Gastown, Commercial Drive, Kerrisdale, Burnaby, and Surrey.
How Long Does it Take to Get Permanent Residency in British Columbia?
The process will depend on your credentials and application. According to past applicants, the PR application process can take around 9 to 18 months.
What is the Minimum Salary to Live in Vancouver?
The minimum salary to live in Vancouver is around CAD 49,000 to cover basic necessities, entertainment, and still have some left for savings.
Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Vancouver the Right Choice for You?
Vancouver is a great place to live in, where the balance of nature and cosmopolitan complements the diverse culture. It also has a robust transportation system and healthcare services, ideal for those seeking modern amenities. Although it’s considered expensive, once you can secure fair employment in Vancouver, you’ll be able to live comfortably. All in all, Vancouver is a good choice for newcomers who are looking to improve their quality of life.
