Are you considering a life-changing move from Saudi Arabia to the welcoming shores of Canada? You may be considering moving to Canada from Saudi Arabia for career opportunities, educational pursuits, or simply seeking a change of scenery. Whatever your reasons behind the move, international relocation always requires careful planning and expert assistance. As international movers to Canada with years of experience, Aegis Logistics understands the complexities involved in cross-continental moves, and we are here to guide you through every step.
Planning Your Relocation: Essential Steps to Follow
Whenever you are planning a relocation, there are a few essential steps to follow. It requires careful planning; following these essential steps will help to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Completing Immigration Requirements
Before planning your physical move, it is extremely important to secure your immigration status. Canada offers several immigration pathways for Saudi residents:
- Express Entry System: A point-based immigration program designed for skilled workers.
- Provincial Nominee Programs: As the name suggests, it is a province-specific immigration pathway.
- Family Sponsorship: If you have family members with Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, you can choose this stream to relocate to Canada.
- Study Permits: Students pursuing education at a Canadian institution can choose this program.
- Work Permits: Individuals with job offers from Canadian employers are eligible for the Canadian work permit program.
Whichever program you choose, each one has specific requirements related to education and work experience, language proficiency, and financial resources. You need to start the documentation process for moving to Canada from Saudi Arabia well in advance of your planned relocation date because the whole process may take several months to over a year to complete.
- Timeline for Relocation
For a successful international, careful timing is also important. It is better to follow the given timeline for efficient and effective relocation
- 12-18 months before: Start your research related to immigration 18 or 12 months before. You need to research immigration options and start your application process way in advance.
- 6-12 months before: It is the perfect time to secure housing in Canada; if you are moving with family, research schools for your kids to take admission.
- 3-6 months before: It is the best time to contact international movers to Canada. Contact international moving companies to get quotes and schedules.
- 2-3 months before: It is time to sort your belongings and separate your belongings into items to ship, sell, or donate.
- 1-2 months before: It is time to finalize your shipping arrangements and obtain all the necessary documents for customs for smooth and hassle-free shipping of your items. If you have the help of trusted international movers to Canada, like Aegis Logistics, they will assist you in obtaining the necessary documents.
- 2-4 weeks before: Pack all the non-essential items and arrange for utility disconnections as well.
- 1 week before: Complete your packing and prepare essential documents for travel.

Shipping Options to Consider When Moving to Canada from Saudi Arabia
Aegis is one of the experienced international movers to Canada who offer shipping solutions for moving to Canada from Saudi Arabia. When you decide to relocate, choosing the right shipping method is crucial. Aegis Logistics offers multiple shipping solutions for your specific requirements.
- Air Freight
Air freight offers fast and secure transport of your belongings when you move internationally. You can choose air freight to ship essential items, valuables, and smaller shipments. It is one of the shipping methods that offers quick customs clearance and timely delivery. This shipping method is ideal for essential items, valuable possessions that require extra security, and smaller shipments.
With the help of Aegis Logistics through air freight, your shipment will arrive in Canada in just 1 to 3 weeks, which helps you to settle in quickly.
- Sea Freight
For larger household moves, our sea freight option provides extreme convenience. It is a cost-effective and reliable solution for international moves to Canada. It is ideal for larger volumes and heavier items. Compared to air freight, the shipment time taken by sea freight is longer. Sea freight typically includes three options.
- Full container load (FCL): In this mode, a private container will be exclusively used for shipping your belongings. It offers maximum security and protection.
- Less than container load (LCL): It involves a shared container space for smaller shipments. It is a cost-effective way where items are consolidated with other cargo to optimize the cost.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO): It is an exclusive vehicle shipping service for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
Sea freight methods typically take 8 to 10 weeks to ship your belongings from Saudi Arabia to Canada. The time taken to deliver your shipment may vary depending on the destination cities.
- Combined Shipping Solutions
You can also make use of this hybrid shipping option, where you can send essential belongings through air freight for immediate use and bulk and heavy items through sea freight. This is a convenient way that can minimize disruption through coordinated delivery schedules.
Besides, our professional packing service ensures your belongings arrive safely after a long journey. We offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, and fragile items. We use industry-leading packaging materials, including bubble wrap, custom cartons, and moisture-resistant wrapping, and custom foam inserts for electronic items.
Navigating Custom Regulations between Saudi Arabia and Canada
Navigating customs regulations between Saudi Arabia and Canada requires specialized knowledge.
Documentation Preparation: You need to complete assistance with customs forms, including BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document).
Prohibited Item Guidance: We provide clear information regarding the prohibited items to export and alternatives you can use.
Duty and Tax Calculation: We provide a transparent estimation of potential customs charges.
Electronic Filing: Advanced submission of custom documentation for smooth clearance.
Custom Representation: Professional representation during the inspection process.
As one of the professional international movers to Canada, we ensure a smooth transition through both customs authorities. Our customs clearance specialists maintain current knowledge of Saudi export regulations and Canadian import requirements.
Let’s Wrap Up
Moving to Canada from Saudi Arabia is indeed an exciting chapter in your life. The process of relocation involves various steps and processes. It poses potential challenges and considerations. However, getting the assistance of professional international movers to Canada, like Aegis Logistics, can transform this complex procedure into a manageable and enjoyable experience. We have decades of experience in helping Saudi residents successfully relocate to their new Canadian homes. Our comprehensive services, including shipping solutions, expert packaging, and customs clearance assistance, will ensure a worry-free transition from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you need to have a Saudi Arabian passport and an embassy visa for Canada to go to Canada from Saudi Arabia.
Canada prohibits certain items like food products, plants, weapons, and specific cultural artifacts from being imported. If you are seeking the assistance of professional international movers to Canada, they will provide comprehensive guidance.
The time taken to ship your items from Saudi Arabia to Canada will depend on factors like the mode of shipping and your destination. Air freight may take 1 to 2 weeks to ship your items; on the other hand, sea freight may take 4 to 8 weeks. Sometimes, the customs clearance process, shipping volumes, and port efficiency may also influence the shipping time.
The cost of shipping your belongings to Canada depends on several factors. The volume of your items, the shipping method you choose, and the distance between your current location and destination have the potential to alter your shipping cost. Additional services like packing, customs clearance, and insurance can also affect the overall price.
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