Moving to Montreal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to Montreal can be exciting and rewarding. Montreal is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its lively arts scene, festivals, and blend of European and North American cultures. It’s the largest French-speaking city in North America, yet most residents are bilingual (French/English). From historic Old Montreal and the bustling Plateau Mont-Royal to its riverside parks and modern downtown, the city offers a mix of old-world charm and urban convenience. For newcomers – whether students, families, or skilled workers – Montreal’s relatively affordable cost of living and strong economy (tech, aerospace, healthcare, creative industries) make it an appealing destination. The city’s world-class universities (McGill, Université de Montréal, Concordia) and internationally oriented industries create opportunities in education and employment. In this guide, we walk you through planning and executing your move to Montreal, from researching neighborhoods and handling paperwork to settling in, budgeting, and integrating into daily life.

Montreal’s skyline as seen from Mount Royal, with the St. Lawrence River and downtown buildings in view. The city’s blend of natural beauty and modern urban life creates a unique backdrop for new residents. (Image: Scenic view of Montreal's skyline at twilight from Mount Royal.)

Why Choose Montreal?

Cultural and Economic Appeal. Montreal is often touted as Canada’s cultural capital. It hosts world-famous festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs comedy festival, and its cuisine blends French influence with local Quebecois flair (think smoked meat, bagels, and poutine). Economically, Montreal has thriving sectors in aerospace, technology (AI, software), healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and the creative industries. The city is also known for its quality of life; many residents find it more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver and enjoy its rich public services (transit, parks, museums). According to cost-of-living surveys, average rents for a one-bedroom range roughly CAD 1,200–1,500 downtown and CAD 900–1,200 in the suburbs, significantly lower than Canada’s biggest cities. Median salaries depend on sector, but tech and healthcare jobs can pay well (e.g., software developers ~$85K–110K/year; nurses $70K–90K/year).

Bilingual Environment. Unlike Quebec’s rural areas, Montreal is fairly bilingual; you can get by in English, but French is ubiquitous. Many jobs and services require or prefer French, and learning French greatly expands work and social opportunities. Still, Montreal’s large Anglophone and immigrant communities mean you can start life here with mostly English skills. The Quebec government even offers free French classes for new residents, to help newcomers integrate and find better jobs. If you come as a student or skilled worker, brush up your French or take a language course to make the most of your stay.

Cost of Living. In general, expect to spend 35–50% of your income on housing and utilities. Montreal’s cost of living is lower than many Canadian metros: one report cites about CAD 300–400/month for a single person’s groceries (CAD 900–1,100 for a family of four), compared to much higher prices in Vancouver or Toronto. Dining out can be moderate: a mid-range meal ~$20–30, a coffee ~$3–5. Transit is affordable too (a monthly pass is CAD 104.50, and single rides are CAD 3.75). Electricity in apartments is typically from Hydro-Québec, with $50–100/month extra in winter. Overall, newcomers often find that Montreal offers a relatively lower budget for housing and essentials while providing big-city amenities. Throughout this guide, we’ll use Montreal-specific figures (citing recent data) so you can accurately plan your budget.

Research and Planning (Before You Move)

1. Set Your Goals and Timeline. Decide why you are moving to Montreal (study, work, family, etc.) and for how long. Many newcomers arrive on temporary permits (student visa, work permit) before deciding whether to stay long-term. Keep in mind visa timelines: for example, a study permit typically covers one academic program, while a work permit is tied to a specific job or program (see below).

2. Choose a Neighborhood. Montreal has distinct neighborhoods (“boroughs”) each with its own character. The Plateau Mont-Royal (north of downtown) is trendy with cafes and parks; Villeray and Mile End are popular among young professionals; Outremont and Westmount have upscale housing and parks; Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Verdun are more affordable families-friendly areas; Downtown (Ville-Marie) has condos and businesses. When comparing, consider commute (Montreal traffic can be slow in rush hour), access to services, and housing prices. Rents vary widely by area: e.g., a 3½ or 4½ (see note) in the Plateau might rent for $1200+, while in suburbs like Pointe-Claire or Brossard you might find cheaper options. Many immigration guides advise budgeting about CAD 800–1,500 per month for rent, depending on area and size.

3. Understand Quebec vs Canada Rules. Quebec has its own immigration policies. If you plan to stay permanently, know Quebec-specific programs (e.g. Québec Skilled Worker program, Quebec Experience Class). For temporary residents (students/work), remember that Quebec requires a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for study or certain work permits. For example, international students must obtain a CAQ from Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration before applying for a Canadian study permit. Similarly, some work permits (like the Post-Graduation Work Permit after finishing studies) also involve the province. Detailed requirements are on government sites, but key fact: to study in Quebec, you need both an acceptance letter from a Montreal school and a CAQ. Plan extra weeks (often months) for processing these.

4. Check Visa/Permit Requirements. You’ll need a valid passport plus the proper Canadian visa/permit. For studying, confirm your chosen school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Get your admission letter, then apply for a CAQ via the Québec government site, and then apply online to IRCC for a study permit. You must also prove financial support (for example, around CAD $10,000 for yourself as of 2024, plus $4,000 for a spouse, $3,000 per child). For working, unless you are Canadian or French citizen, you generally need a work permit. Most require a job offer plus a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an exempt work-permit category. However, some come via programs like International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visas) which are open to youth from certain countries. Also, spouses of skilled workers or students can often get open work permits. See Canada.ca’s “Work in Canada” pages for specifics (e.g. employer-specific vs open permits).

5. Plan Your Budget. Montreal’s cost of living is generally lower than many Canadian cities, but you still need careful planning. Canada’s immigration site notes that newcomers should be ready to spend up to half their take-home pay on basic living costs (housing, utilities, food, insurance, transportation). For example, IRCC suggests most Canadians spend 35–50% of income on housing and utilities. Estimate your housing (use current rent data: e.g. as of mid-2025, average 1BR ~$1,540/month), utilities (Hydro-Québec ~$80–100/month), transit pass ($104.50), food (at least $300–400/month per person), and other costs (phones, internet, clothing, personal items). Don’t forget initial expenses: first month’s rent, last month’s rent (Quebec does not allow advance “security deposits”, but landlords typically require the first month’s rent up front), a photo ID OPUS transit card ($6), cell phone deposit or SIM purchase, etc. Use budgeting tools or a spreadsheet to tally all.

6. Finalize Finances. Arrange to transfer enough funds. Check if your home country limits carrying cash abroad, and consult your banker or Canada Border Services. Keep records of large sums. When opening a Canadian bank account (you can often do this from abroad with major banks), you may need identification and a Canadian address. If you move cash over $10,000 CAD, declare it to customs.

7. Healthcare Preparations. In Quebec, health insurance (RAMQ) won’t cover newcomers immediately. IRCC advises you may not have provincial coverage for the first 3 months. Quebec requires newcomers to be present 183 days in the first year to qualify. To be safe, purchase private travel/health insurance for at least 3-4 months to avoid any gap. (Some countries have bilateral agreements with Quebec that let their citizens use RAMQ immediately—these include France, Belgium, etc.)

8. Health and Immunizations. Get routine medical and dental check-ups before departure, and ask your doctor for extra prescription medicines or scripts if needed. Bring an official transcript of immunizations. (Quebec might ask for proof of certain vaccines when enrolling children in school.)

9. Closing Affairs and Packing. Give notice on housing or storage, cancel unused subscriptions, set up mail forwarding. Decide what to bring vs buy: heavy winter gear you might buy in Montreal (or bring if you have), documents (birth certificates, degrees, etc), some furniture or clothes. Remember Montreal winters are cold (-20°C or colder, often!), so plan warm coats, boots, gloves. Ship belongings (via freight, air, or cargo) if necessary.

Traveling to Montreal

• Entry Documents. Carry passports and visa/permit letters (eTA, study/work permit approval, CAQ, etc). If flying, ensure visas and Travel Authority (eTA) are sorted. Pack extra photocopies of all important documents (also email them to yourself). Children’s travel documents: minors need passports; if only one parent is accompanying, bring a letter of consent from the other parent.

• Flight and Airport. Fly into Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Upon arrival, go through immigration where an officer will check your passport and immigration documents. If approved, you’ll receive a document (often attached in passport) stating your permit validity date.

• From Airport to City. Montreal’s airport is ~20 km from downtown. Options: the 747 bus express costs $11.25 (24-hour pass) and goes to central bus stations (for many metro and bus lines). Taxis or rideshares are convenient (taxis have fixed fares to downtown). Prepaid SIM cards (Bell, Rogers, Fido, Videotron) can be bought at the airport or nearby if you need phone service immediately.

Initial Tasks in Montreal

Once you arrive, focus on immediate needs:

• Temporary Accommodation. If you haven’t lined up a long-term place, book a short-term stay (hotel, hostel, Airbnb). You can hunt for apartments while there, or continue online.

• Phone and Internet. Buy a local SIM or set up a phone plan. Quebec’s main carriers are Bell, Videotron, Rogers/Fido, Telus/Koodo. Prepaid plans start around $30-$40/month for unlimited talk/text + some data. For home internet, plans average about $50–60/month.

• Social Insurance Number (SIN). If you’ll work, you need a SIN. Apply at a local Service Canada office (bring passport and work permit).

• Bank Account. Open a Canadian bank account (most banks have newcomer programs with free chequing for a year). You’ll need ID and proof of address. A credit card (even secured or store card) will help build credit, which is important for future rentals, loans, etc.

• Budget Transport. Purchase an OPUS card ($6) at a metro station or retail outlet. Load one or more unlimited passes or tickets. An unlimited monthly pass for all Montreal zones costs $104.50 (adult), or $62.75 for youth/student. (Children 11 and under ride free when accompanied.) Get familiar with Montreal transit maps: 4 metro lines (green, orange, yellow, blue) plus many buses cover the city.

• Furniture and Essentials. If your new place is unfurnished (common in rentals), you’ll need basics: bedding, kitchenware, perhaps appliances. IKEA (in Quebec City, or IKEA online with home delivery) or local furniture stores and thrift shops (Village des Valeurs, Aubut) are options. For everyday shopping: large grocery chains are Metro, IGA, Maxi; supermarkets like Provigo or dépanneurs (corner stores) are for small runs. Quebec has weekday shopping hours with some late shopping and Sunday hours (except in small towns).

Finding a Permanent Home

Searching for an Apartment or House

• Online Platforms. Common sites: Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, PadMapper, rentals.ca, Craigslist Montreal (though Craigslist Canada is banned, but local boards exist), and brokers via the Multi-Listing Service (MLS). Many landlords list on Kijiji or advertise on local Facebook housing groups. Also see Centris.ca for larger rental agencies. If you speak French, the listings in French boards or newspapers (e.g., La Presse, Journal de Montréal) can help.

• Visit and Inspect. Never rent sight-unseen unless via a trusted agent. When you visit, check for damage (report to landlord), test heat/air conditioning, and note if utilities (heat, hot water, electricity) are included. In Montreal, ask specifically if heating is included – electric baseboard heat in winter can be expensive, and landlords may or may not cover it. Watch for red flags: landlords asking for extra payments or deposits. By law in Quebec, no security deposit or “key money” is allowed. A landlord may ask only for the first month’s rent (plus last month is optional legally – many negotiate first and last simultaneously, but it is not required). If someone demands a deposit up front, politely refuse and cite the law.

• Understand Lease Terms. Typical apartments are advertised by “½” count: a 3½ means 3 rooms total (living room, one bedroom, kitchen) plus one bathroom; a 4½ means 4 rooms (two bedrooms, living, kitchen) and a bathroom. This numbering is a Quebec convention. Leases often start July 1 (tenant turnover day in Quebec), but you can find places year-round. Agreements are usually 1-year fixed term (then auto-renew on month-to-month). Before signing, verify the exact rent, included services (parking, storage), and pet policies. Don’t pay anything until the lease is signed.

• Legal Protections. Quebec tenants have strong rights. Unfounded rent increases, non-return of deposits (if any), or attempts to collect illegal fees can be reported to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). If in doubt, consult the TAL website (formerly the Régie du logement) for guidance.

• Costs and Deposits. Aside from first-month rent (usually needed), expect to pay your own moving costs. In Quebec, you do not pay a damage deposit or last month in advance unless you negotiate separately. However, many tenants choose to pay last month at signing as a convenience (it then simply covers your final rent, not held as deposit). Remember, utility setup fees: e.g. Hydro-Québec may charge a small fee to start service. Some apartments include heat and hot water; others do not. If not included, budget an extra $80–150/month for utilities.

This street-view photo of a historic Montreal apartment building illustrates the city’s varied housing stock. Many Montreal homes have unique facades and are older constructions (be prepared for quirks like high baseboard heaters or tall windows). When renting, check if utilities are extra and whether the heating is electric, since winters are harsh.

Buying Property (Long-Term Stay)

If you plan to settle long-term, you might consider buying. Montreal’s real estate prices vary: the average home price is around $550,000 CAD (mid-2020s range), but condominiums in city center can be higher. Foreign buyers face no special restrictions (Quebec does not have a foreign buyer tax like BC/ON), but you’ll need a substantial down payment (commonly 20%) and credit history to qualify for a mortgage. Consider consulting a local real estate agent and mortgage broker once you arrive.

Finances and Cost of Living

Budgeting is key in the first year. Keep receipts and track spending. Here are some ballpark monthly costs:

• Housing/Rent: As above, ~$1,200–1,500 for a modest 1-bedroom in the city. Suburbs can be cheaper. Plan for rent increases: by law, Quebec rent can only increase each year by the allowable index (often 3–4%). Note: if rent rises during your lease, you may owe the difference for your pre-paid last month (see Quebec rules on last-month’s rent).

• Utilities: If not included, Hydro-Québec electricity + heating costs vary by season. The average small apartment might run $50–100/month outside winter, more when heating is on. Heat is often electric baseboard; some older buildings use natural gas or oil (ask the landlord).

• Transit: $104.50 for an unlimited monthly pass (all zones A, city of Montreal). A single metro/bus fare is $3.75. Students and youths pay reduced fare ($62.75 monthly). BIXI bike-sharing is $3.00 for a single 30-min ride or $27 for a 30-day pass in summer.

• Food and Groceries: Expect to spend at least $300–500 per adult per month on groceries. Shopping at large grocery chains (Metro, IGA, Maxi) and discount stores (Super C, Fruit d’Or) can save money. Dining out: a simple lunch or takeaway sandwich is $8–12, a restaurant meal $15–25 on average.

• Cell Phone/Internet: Basic cell plans ($30–50/month) cover unlimited Canada-wide talk/text with a small data plan. Unlimited data plans run $60–80 or more. Home internet averages around $50 per month, with faster fiber plans costing $80+. Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, libraries, and campuses too.

• Health Insurance: Once covered by RAMQ, basic doctor visits and hospital care are free, but prescriptions and many other services are not. Expect to pay out-of-pocket or via supplemental insurance for dental, glasses, prescriptions, etc (often $20–50/month in premiums or co-pays, depending on plan). If you’re uninsured before RAMQ kicks in, medical clinics can charge $50–150 per visit.

• Entertainment & Miscellaneous: Movie tickets $12–15, gym $40–70/month. Quebec public schools and CEGEPs (college) are free, and local universities are cheaper for Quebec residents (though international students pay higher tuition). Socializing and cultural events range from free community festivals to paid concerts and sports games ($50+).

IRCC’s “Prepare financially” guide warns that newcomers often find they earn less initially than at home, and have different spending habits. It’s wise to have savings or income to cover at least 6 months of living costs. Also set aside funds for occasional expenses (car repairs, new winter coat, friend’s wedding gift, etc.). Plan carefully and gradually adjust your lifestyle. Remember, Montreal’s overall costs remain lower than many global cities, which many newcomers appreciate once settled.

Working in Montreal

1. Prepare Your Job Search. If you haven’t secured a job beforehand, use online job banks and recruiters once you’re here. Good platforms include Indeed, Job Bank (Government of Canada), LinkedIn, and local sites like Jobillico or Monster. Montreal’s economy is diverse: tech companies (especially AI, gaming, software), aerospace (Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney), life sciences, manufacturing, and service industries all hire. The Montreal Newcomer’s Guide suggests that technology, healthcare, construction, aerospace, and creative sectors are particularly strong. Note that Montreal also has a robust startup scene and many government jobs (federal offices, universities, etc).

2. Leverage Newcomer Services. Organizations exist to help immigrants find work. For example, YES Montreal offers career counseling, networking events, and training for newcomers. Emploi-Québec (provincial) also provides job-search assistance in multiple languages. The Top 10 Jobs guide recommends: “Search online job boards like Indeed or Job Bank, connect with immigrant employment services like YES Montreal, and attend career fairs”. Networking is crucial too: join LinkedIn groups, attend Montreal professional meetups (you can search Meetup.com for “Montreal [your field]” or “expats in Montreal”), and consider volunteering to gain Canadian experience.

3. Language Skills. Many employers require French. While there are English-friendly jobs (especially in tech or academia), speaking French will greatly expand your options and salary range. If you need to improve quickly, take French classes (the Quebec government offers free francization programs). Even basic French phrases help with daily life (shopping, transit, neighborly chats).

4. Know Workplace Norms. Canadian workplace etiquette may differ from home. Résumés should be concise (1-2 pages) and focused on achievements. Cover letters are common. “Canadian-style” resumes often list work experience in bullet points with context (no personal photos). Punctuality is expected. For interviews, practice with common questions (STAR method). Show enthusiasm for Montreal’s multicultural environment and your adaptability.

5. Earning Power. Salaries in Montreal can be lower than in other provinces. The Top 10 Jobs FAQ notes, e.g., IT specialists earn about $50,000–$70,000; nurses $70,000–$90,000. Research average wages in your field (Job Bank posts them by NOC code). Consider also cost-of-living differences: a smaller salary in Montreal might still afford a better lifestyle than a higher salary in a more expensive city.

6. Tax and Banking. When you work, you’ll pay federal and provincial taxes (Quebec’s rates are separate). Your employer will deduct income tax, EI, and CPP from your paycheque. Keep track of tax files; new residents must file a Canadian tax return by April 30. Ensure your bank account allows direct deposit of paycheques (most do).

Education and Family Considerations

If you’re moving with children, Montreal offers both French and English public schooling, but with restrictions on English schooling.

• Schooling Eligibility. Quebec law generally requires children to attend school in French, unless they have a certificate of eligibility for English instruction. To enroll a child in an English public school, parents must apply to the Ministère de l’Éducation for this certificate. The process (often handled by the local English school board) takes about 15 business days once a complete application is submitted. It’s based on the parents’ educational history (one parent must have studied in English in Canada, etc.). If your child is not eligible for English school, they attend the French system (Commission scolaire de Montréal or local board). Private English and some French immersion schools exist as alternatives.

• Enrollment Timing. Public school registration typically happens Jan-Feb for September start. Private schools may have entrance exams in fall. For English schools, contact the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) or Lester B. Pearson School Board (for West Island). For French schools, contact the Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM) or appropriate regional board. Each board’s website explains its registration process.

• Daycare and Early Childhood. Quebec is famous for its subsidized daycare ($8.70/day per child for government-run or many private CPEs). Spots are limited, so apply early (waitlists are common). Otherwise, daycare fees without subsidy can be $20–30/day.

• Post-secondary for Adults. If you’re a student or want further education, Montreal’s universities (McGill, Université de Montréal, Concordia, UQAM, etc.) offer undergraduate and graduate programs. Provincial tuition for Quebec residents is very low, but international students pay higher fees ($15,000–25,000/year). Some newcomers study in CEGEP (pre-university college) as a pathway. Vocational/trade schools and language institutes also abound.

• Scholarships and Loans. Investigate scholarships for which you might qualify (e.g., country-specific awards). Canadian banks offer student lines of credit and loans (co-signer may be needed).

Healthcare in Quebec

1. Quebec Health Insurance (RAMQ). Once you have the right immigration status and reside 183 days/year in Quebec, you become eligible for the province’s public health plan (RAMQ). To apply, you must visit a RAMQ office within your first two weeks in Quebec and submit a form with ID and proof of residency. Note: there is usually a waiting period: coverage kicks in on the 1st of the 3rd month after arrival for most newcomers (exception: citizens of countries with social-security agreements can get immediate coverage, e.g. France, Belgium).

2. In the Meantime. Because of that waiting period, you must have short-term private health insurance (travel or expat health plan) for your initial months in Montreal. This protects you from high bills for doctor or ER visits. (Canadian healthcare is public, but foreigners cannot bill the system until officially covered.)

3. After RAMQ. When your RAMQ card arrives, you have free visits to family doctors and hospitals (with some co-pays on prescriptions). Quebec’s healthcare is good but wait times can be long for specialists or non-emergency care. Register with a Family Doctor (médecin de famille) or CLSC local clinic early. Dental and eye exams are not covered (budget separately or get private dental insurance).

4. Canadian Healthcare Basics. For emergencies, call 911 or go to an ER. Pharmacists can give some basic advice but will charge for medications. Walk-in clinics (cliniques sans rendez-vous) exist if you need urgent care and your family doctor isn’t available. Remember that even with RAMQ, prescription drugs cost money (Quebec has a public drug plan for some, but many pay out-of-pocket or through insurance).

Daily Life and Transportation

• Public Transit. As noted, STM runs the metro/bus network. It’s reliable in the core but buses can be late in winter. An OPUS card ($6) is reusable for loading passes/tickets. Monthly passes (as low as $62.75/student) are great value if you commute regularly. For occasional riders, single tickets or day passes work out. Purchase passes at metro stations or retail outlets.

• Driving. If you plan to drive, you can drive on an exchangeable foreign license for up to 6 months in Quebec. Afterwards, you must exchange your license for a Québec one (rules depend on country of origin). Quebec drives on the right side; beware of winter driving hazards (get winter tires – the law requires studded or snow tires in the season). Register any imported car with the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and get Québec insurance. Note: fuel is around $1.40–$1.70/L (less than many places) but parking is costly downtown (often $20–$30 per day).

• Cycling and Walking. Montreal is fairly bike-friendly (over 750 km of bike paths). You can buy or rent bikes. The BIXI bike-share operates seasonally (late spring to fall) with affordable plans ($27 for 30 days unlimited 30-min rides). In winter, cycling is tougher but some still do it. Overall, Montreal is walkable: downtown and many neighborhoods are compact, and October foliage or snowy scenes can be beautiful.

• Weather. Montreal has four seasons. Summers (June–Aug) are warm to hot (up to 30°C), often humid with festivals. Fall (Sept–Nov) is cool and colorful. Winters (Dec–Feb) are cold (often –15°C to –20°C, wind chills), with snow January–March. Spring (Mar–May) is unpredictable (mud season). Prepare for winter: warm coat, boots, gloves, thermal layers. Winter also brings fun: skating on Parc Lafontaine or Beaver Lake, skiing nearby, and winter carnival events.

• Shopping and Services. Stores are generally open late one weekday and on Saturdays, with limited Sunday hours. Large malls (Eaton Centre downtown, malls in suburbs) and grocery stores serve most needs. Pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix/Drugs) often double as convenience stores. Banks have ATMs everywhere; choose one that waives or reduces international fees if sending money abroad is needed.

• Community and Social Life. Montreal has vibrant cultural communities (Arabic, Jewish, Caribbean, Chinese, etc.). Meet people through community centers, language exchanges, or sports leagues. Join free activities: parks (Mount Royal is a must), libraries, and festivals (many summer events are free). Volunteering is also a good way to meet locals and practice language.

Education for Children and Adults

• Schools (K-12). If you have kids, contact your local school board (French or English) as soon as possible. French boards include Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM) for the city; English boards include the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) and Lester B. Pearson School Board (West Island). Enrollment typically involves presenting birth certificates, proof of address, and (for English schools) the certificate of eligibility. Most children must attend school from age 6 to 16. French school will be the default if no English eligibility. Both systems teach math and science in the respective language; English schools also teach French as a subject.

• Daycare/Preschool. Quebec’s subsidized public childcare (CPE) costs only $8.70/day for children ages 0-5 (as of 2025). These spots fill fast; apply through the Ministère de la Famille’s portal. Private daycare or home daycare (garderie) is more expensive (often $40–50 per day). Family co-ops are another option.

• Higher Education. After high school, Quebec students attend CEGEP (2-year pre-university or 3-year tech diploma) before university. As an adult, you could enroll in CEGEP or university. International tuition is higher: for example, one-year undergraduate tuition might be $15K–25K for non-Canadians. Check scholarship opportunities at each institution. If you plan to stay permanently, consider the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after finishing studies (if you studied full-time at least 8 months at a DLI, you may qualify, allowing work in Canada).

Social Integration and Tips

• Learn French and English. Even if you start with English, picking up French will deepen your Montreal experience. Take advantage of free government-run francisation classes. Practice by chatting with neighbors or baristas, or using language apps/groups like Tandem Montreal.

• Join Newcomer Networks. Clubs like the Montreal Newcomers Club hold social events. Cultural community centers (Italian, Greek, etc.) often have activities open to all. Websites like Meetup.com have groups for every interest (hiking, board games, tech). LinkedIn and Facebook groups (e.g. “Montreal Expats”, “Startup Montreal”) can also help connect you.

• Embrace Culture. Try local foods (poutine, smoked meat at Schwartz’s, bagels from St-Viateur or Fairmount). Explore walking tours of Old Montreal (free and paid). Attend the many festivals – summer evenings come alive with music and street fairs. In winter, go ice skating at Parc Lafontaine or attend Igloofest. Montreal’s museums and art galleries (Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts) often have discounted days or free hours.

• Stay Informed. Keep up with local news (English-language papers: Montreal Gazette, French: La Presse, Le Devoir). Watch for changes (e.g. in transit schedules, new COVID measures, etc.). Local radio and TV (CBC/Radio-Canada) also give a feel for life in the city.

• Taxes and Government Services. Residents must file an income tax return each spring, both to Canada and to Revenu Québec (provincial). Even if you earned little, filing can give you credits (GST rebate, provincial tax credit, etc.). Beware that Quebec taxes tend to be higher than other provinces, but much of that funds social programs (health, childcare).

• Driving and Winter Prep. If you drive, purchase winter tires (mandatory in Quebec by Dec 1). Learn to de-ice the car and shovel snow; landlords plow streets but not always sidewalks (tenants may need to shovel front steps). Stock emergency winter supplies in your car (blanket, snacks) in case of breakdown on snowy roads.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Montreal is an adventure in adaptability. The city’s vibrant blend of cultures means you’ll always meet people from around the world. Embrace the learning curve: whether it’s picking up French phrases, getting used to snow tires, or adapting to new foods, each step will make the city feel more like home. Newcomers often say that Montreal’s neighborhoods start feeling like community sooner than in many big cities, thanks to friendly locals and abundant community groups.

Montrealers take pride in their city’s unique identity – a Francophone metropolis in North America with European flair. By planning carefully, respecting local customs (e.g., queuing for buses, saying “bonjour” or “merci”), and being open to new experiences, you can integrate smoothly. Key resources include the Montreal municipal site (montreal.ca), the Quebec immigration portal (immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca), and Canada’s IRCC website for immigration details. Don’t hesitate to use newcomer helplines or services in your language if needed.

Welcome to Montreal! With good preparation and an open mind, you’ll soon discover why so many choose to settle in this dynamic, welcoming city. Good luck with your move – Montreal awaits with opportunities, culture, and community.