English before moving to Canada
Canada has its own everyday vocabulary — from "walk-in clinics" to "first and last month's rent". This guide covers the situations newcomers meet most often and how we practise them before you arrive.
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Written and reviewed by Mourade Boulanouar — Founder & Head of Teaching, EnglifyLast reviewed
In short
Before moving to Canada, practise the English of renting (leases, first and last month's rent), healthcare (family doctors, walk-in clinics, provincial health cards), work (polite indirect requests, small talk) and phone calls. Englify teaches these situations in live online lessons. If you also need an IELTS General or CELPIP-style score, prepare for the exam separately — we cover IELTS General.
Key facts
- Live classes with a teacher, online on Google Meet
- 60-minute sessions, levels A0 (complete beginner) to C1
- Free level check and free trial class before you pay
- 14-day refund from the first class, requested on WhatsApp
- Price given in your currency on WhatsApp or during the trial class
Related questions
Words newcomers meet in the first weeks
| Area | Canadian words you'll hear | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | lease, first and last month's rent, utilities, landlord, unit | Contract, two months paid upfront in some provinces, bills, owner, apartment |
| Health | family doctor, walk-in clinic, health card, prescription | Regular doctor, clinic without appointment, provincial health insurance card, medicine order |
| Money | SIN, chequing account, e-transfer, tip | Social Insurance Number, everyday bank account, bank transfer by email, extra paid in restaurants |
| Daily life | washroom, line-up, toque, convenience store | Toilet, queue, winter hat, small shop |
Workplace English in Canada
Canadian workplaces are often polite and indirect. Requests are softened, disagreement is careful, and small talk — weather, weekend, sports — is part of building trust.
Too direct
Send me the report.
Natural at work
Could you send me the report when you get a chance?
Too direct
This is wrong.
Natural at work
I think there might be an issue here — can we take a look?
Too direct
I don't understand.
Natural at work
Sorry, could you walk me through that again?
English and French in Canada
Canada has two official languages. Most of the country works mainly in English; Quebec works mainly in French, and some areas are bilingual. Check which language your city and job actually use. Englify teaches both English and French, so French speakers can keep their French and strengthen their English, or the other way round.
Exam or everyday English?
Some immigration routes require an approved English test. That is a separate goal with its own preparation. Our related pages:
- IELTS General Training for Canada: /ielts-general-canada-morocco
- IELTS to CLB score conversion guide: /blog/ielts-clb-score-conversion-canada
- Check official requirements on the Government of Canada website — we do not give immigration advice.
What a lesson looks like
Choose a situation
For example, calling a landlord about a unit you saw online.
Learn the key phrases
Lease, deposit, utilities, move-in date — with pronunciation.
Role-play
Your teacher plays the landlord, with realistic questions and speed.
Correction and repeat
You get corrections, then do it again more naturally.
Written report
Vocabulary and corrections sent after the session.
Where to go next
Each of these pages answers a different question. Pick the one closest to your goal:
- English before you move (all countries): /english-before-you-move
- English before moving to the UK: /english-before-you-move/uk
- English for Arabic speakers: /english-for-arabic-speakers
- Online English for learners in the UAE: /english-for-arabic-speakers/uae
- English for work: /english-for-work
- Personalised English lessons: /personalised-english-lessons
- Online English speaking practice: /english-speaking-practice-online
Frequently asked questions
- What English should I learn before moving to Canada?
- Focus on renting, healthcare, banking, phone calls and workplace communication. These cover most of the first months.
- Do you prepare for Canadian immigration English tests?
- We prepare for IELTS General Training. We do not give immigration advice; check the required test and score on the Government of Canada website.
- Do you teach Canadian accents?
- We practise listening to different accents and the vocabulary used in Canada. Lessons are live with our teachers on Google Meet.
- I'm moving to Quebec. Should I learn French instead?
- It depends on your city and job. Englify teaches both English and French, so we can help you decide during the free trial class.
- How much do lessons cost?
- We give the price in your currency on WhatsApp or during the free trial class.
Explore more
Start with a free level check and a free trial class
Tell us your goal on WhatsApp. We check your level, give you a free trial class and tell you the price in your currency before you decide.