Naturalization: 1095 days, test, fee 653 CAD; dual citizenship without obstacles (Bill C-3 reform from December 15, 2025, expands citizenship by descent). Spousal sponsorship without income threshold. Hot news: PGP program for parents suspended July 15, 2026 – the real path is Super Visa (stay up to 5 years, cheaper foreign insurance from 2025). Plus, 730-day requirement for PR.
eTA costs 7 CAD (only on the official site!), dual citizens PL+CA must fly to Canada exclusively on a Canadian passport, kabanosy are prohibited in both directions (CFIA: fresh and smoked meats are not allowed), limits of 200/800 CAD, cash limit of 10,000, APPR up to 1,000 CAD for delays vs EU261, driver's license in Ontario (changes from 1.07.2026) and pets.
Canada has an exit tax (deemed disposition, T1161/T1243) – but the treaty provides a loophole: step-up under Article 13(7) in Poland. MLI changed the method to credit, RRSP→RRIF reduces withholding from 25% to 15%, TFSA is a trap (Poland taxes it), rental section 216/NR6, sale T2062 – plus 2026 parameters with a new federal rate of 14%.
CPP (max 1507.65 CAD) and OAS (751.97/827.17 CAD) can be received in Poland – the 2009 agreement sums periods, and Polish years fulfill the 20-year requirement for OAS abroad.
CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) manages federal taxes in Canada, with a tax year running from January 1 to December 31 and specific deadlines for filing and payment.
Renting in Canada varies by province (housing law is provincial, not federal), with specific regulations and average rental prices differing significantly across regions.
Credit score in Canada: 300-900, managed by Equifax and TransUnion (2 bureaus, similar to the USA). Good: 660+. Very good: 720+. Excellent: 760+. Required for: loans, mortgages, rentals, some jobs. Polish immigrants start with a null score – key building strategy: secured credit card (deposit $200-500), Canadian bank account, phone plan in their name, regular utility payments (sometimes reported). Impact on score: payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), new credit applications (10%). FREE check: Borrowell, Credit Karma Canada, Equifax monthly tools. Dispute errors online. NEW from PR: Newcomer credit programs from banks (RBC, Scotiabank, TD) – special secured cards + no fees first year + credit building support.
Toronto is Canada's largest city (~6.5M metro) and economic center, with a Polish community of ~250k and popular sectors for Poles including construction, transportation (truck driver), healthcare, finance, IT, and restaurants, with average salaries in 2026 ranging from minimum wage ON $17.20/h to ~$65-75k CAD for full-time jobs.
The Canadian health card is provincial; the process for obtaining OHIP (Ontario), MSP (BC), AHCIP (Alberta) includes waiting times and costs.
The Canadian Social Insurance Number – who can get it, where to apply, how long it takes, and whether you can work without a SIN.
The Express Entry point system – who can apply, how many points are needed in 2026, and the associated costs.