Moving2Canada: Unlocking the Newcomer Experience
Mon Sep 08 2025
What does it take to build a life in a new country? On this episode of Sync or Swim, host Giacomo Ladas speaks with Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada, about the newcomer experience in Canada. Stephanie shares how Moving2Canada grew from a Facebook group into a leading resource for immigration and settlement, and reflects on her own journey from Australia. The conversation covers key housing challenges, from misconceptions about basement suites to differences in rental rules across provinces. Stephanie offers practical advice on preparing documents, avoiding scams, and building credit, along with tips like starting with short-term accommodation before signing a lease. Tune in for insights on what newcomers face and how to make the transition smoother!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing guest Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada.
Moving2Canada’s journey since starting as a Facebook group in 2011.
Why Moving2Canada’s free immigration resources are vital for accessibility.
A breakdown of Stephanie’s personal journey moving from Australia.
Early challenges newcomers face: housing, healthcare, banking, and immigration rules.
Misconceptions about basement suites and provincial rental laws.
Exploring stigma around renting in Canada compared to Europe and Australia.
Why Toronto and Vancouver tend to attract the most newcomers despite high costs.
Tips for renters: credit scores, references, and landlord expectations.
Key documents to prepare: references, bank statements, and proof of funds.
Common mistakes, including scams and signing leases before knowing neighbourhoods.
Short-term rentals as a safer first step before committing to long-term rentals.
Tips for building credit from scratch as a newcomer in Canada.
Quotes:
“We're really designed to support newcomers throughout the entire immigration and settlement journey at no cost to them.” — Stephanie Ford [0:04:10]
“Housing can be surprisingly expensive [for newcomers], which can be a really significant challenge, especially in the first few years.” — Stephanie Ford [0:07:49]
“Young people are attracted to cities. We're seeing that everywhere. People are moving from regional areas to cities, ideally for better economic opportunities. That's played out in Canada's immigration as well.” — Stephanie Ford [0:12:45]
“If you're applying for a house, just bear in mind that your landlord wants two things. They want someone who they can trust to treat their property with care and respect, and to pay rent on time.” — Stephanie Ford [0:16:11]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Stephanie Ford
Stephanie Ford on LinkedIn
Moving2Canada
Moving2Canada on Facebook
Moving2Canada on Instagram
Moving2Canada on TikTok
‘How to Identify Rental Scams When Searching for an Apartment or Housing’
Rentals.ca
Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn
Rentsync
Sync or Swim Podcast
Sync or Swim Email
More
What does it take to build a life in a new country? On this episode of Sync or Swim, host Giacomo Ladas speaks with Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada, about the newcomer experience in Canada. Stephanie shares how Moving2Canada grew from a Facebook group into a leading resource for immigration and settlement, and reflects on her own journey from Australia. The conversation covers key housing challenges, from misconceptions about basement suites to differences in rental rules across provinces. Stephanie offers practical advice on preparing documents, avoiding scams, and building credit, along with tips like starting with short-term accommodation before signing a lease. Tune in for insights on what newcomers face and how to make the transition smoother! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing guest Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada. Moving2Canada’s journey since starting as a Facebook group in 2011. Why Moving2Canada’s free immigration resources are vital for accessibility. A breakdown of Stephanie’s personal journey moving from Australia. Early challenges newcomers face: housing, healthcare, banking, and immigration rules. Misconceptions about basement suites and provincial rental laws. Exploring stigma around renting in Canada compared to Europe and Australia. Why Toronto and Vancouver tend to attract the most newcomers despite high costs. Tips for renters: credit scores, references, and landlord expectations. Key documents to prepare: references, bank statements, and proof of funds. Common mistakes, including scams and signing leases before knowing neighbourhoods. Short-term rentals as a safer first step before committing to long-term rentals. Tips for building credit from scratch as a newcomer in Canada. Quotes: “We're really designed to support newcomers throughout the entire immigration and settlement journey at no cost to them.” — Stephanie Ford [0:04:10] “Housing can be surprisingly expensive [for newcomers], which can be a really significant challenge, especially in the first few years.” — Stephanie Ford [0:07:49] “Young people are attracted to cities. We're seeing that everywhere. People are moving from regional areas to cities, ideally for better economic opportunities. That's played out in Canada's immigration as well.” — Stephanie Ford [0:12:45] “If you're applying for a house, just bear in mind that your landlord wants two things. They want someone who they can trust to treat their property with care and respect, and to pay rent on time.” — Stephanie Ford [0:16:11] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Stephanie Ford Stephanie Ford on LinkedIn Moving2Canada Moving2Canada on Facebook Moving2Canada on Instagram Moving2Canada on TikTok ‘How to Identify Rental Scams When Searching for an Apartment or Housing’ Rentals.ca Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email