Your to-do list before going to Canada

Cancelling services and power of attorney

Cancelling services and subscriptions

Before you leave the country, make sure to cancel the following services:

• Your mobile phone plan: You may be able to put your plan on hold for a fee if you explain you’ll be abroad for a long period of time. Many travellers also choose to move onto the cheapest plan available to keep their original phone number for two-factor authentication. If you do need to cancel your contract, make sure to do it the right way—check with your provider the exact information they need to process your cancellation request. Note that you may have to pay early termination fees. Some providers are easy to deal with and cancel contracts without much hassle. Others may argue that going abroad isn’t a legitimate reason to break your contract before it’s up and you might have to back up your request with documentation.
• Your Internet/cable/landline subscription: You may have to pay cancellation fees if you signed a contract—if so, try to explain you’re relocating; fees can always be waived… Some WHV holders got out of their contract without penalty by sending a copy of their POE Letter of Introduction. Don’t forget to return equipment where relevant (i.e. cable box, modem, etc.).
• Car insurance: If you don’t want to cancel your car insurance, try to see if you can find a secure long-term parking solution or put a trusted family member on the insurance so they can help with the maintenance of the car while you’re away.
• Membership fees: Gym, movie theatre, etc.
• For tips on cancelling with minimum hassle, search online for “nameofcompany+cancellation.”
  

  Consider giving power of attorney to a relative

  A Power of Attorney and a proxy form are legal documents. They give one person, or more than one person, the authority to manage business for you, including your money and property. It can be useful when you’re abroad since this person will be able to:

  • Pick up packages and letters for you at the post office
  • Deal with tax matters (don’t forget to give the person access to relevant documents, such as pay slips, expenses, etc.)
  • Deal with financial matters (initiate a bank transfer to Canada from your home bank account, cash a cheque, etc.)
  • Vote on your behalf

  Don’t forget to bring the following documents where applicable: your ID card/citizenship card, driver’s licence and International Driving Permit. It’s also a good idea to scan and save useful documents, e.g. diplomas, certifications, letters of recommendation, etc.

  Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorisation?

  Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). The Canadian eTA is much like the American ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).

  IEC participants do need an eTA, however your eTA is issued automatically if you’re approved for an IEC work permit.

  Your POE Letter of Introduction contains information regarding your passport and your eTA. Unless you’re landing with a different passport than the one you used when you applied for your IEC permit, you’re good to go!

  Note this exception: If you renew your passport after you receive your POE Letter of Introduction, your letter is still valid but your eTA (issued automatically) isn’t. The eTA is linked to your old passport number, so you must apply for a new one.

  Learn more about the eTA on the Government of Canada website.

  I want to visit the US (or another country) before entering Canada

  It generally doesn’t matter where you come from when you land in Canada. You can fly from your home country directly or you can enjoy a stopover somewhere else in the world.

  However, you must be careful if choosing to visit the United States before entry into Canada to activate your work permit. (Once you have your work permit, you can travel across the borders freely!) The US will not consider you a resident of Canada until you have your IEC permit. Until that point, you must be prepared to book and show a return or onward ticket out of North America (USA, Mexico, Canada, Caribbean Islands and Bermuda) within 90 days of arrival in the USA. Some travellers have been denied boarding without this, so proceed with caution.

  Note that all eligible international travellers who wish to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program must apply to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before their trip, even if you already have your IEC permit.

  For other countries, check the visa requirements before booking your ticket.