As a nation Canada offers its citizens so much - from free healthcare and education, to an excellent standard of living in a country where there is so much outdoor space that recreational time is often spent enjoying outdoor life and related activities. If you've ever thought about starting a brand new life in Canada, here's how to go about making your dreams a reality.

The first thing you need to do is determine whether you are eligible for a residency visa. If you have family already living in Canada they can sponsor you, or if you want to invest or start a business in Canada you stand a good chance of getting a visa for entry. On the other hand, if you are a skilled worker with qualifications or experience in an in demand trade or profession, you can apply for a visa to work in Canada. If you speak English, have a clean criminal record, have talents that Canada wants and are of working age, you do stand a fair chance of acceptance.

You begin to apply for your visa by looking online on the Canadian immigration website and determining which visa to apply for, or by contacting the Canadian high commission in your own home country for more information about how to apply. Some companies offer to assist your relocation to Canada, and as part of their service they will help you apply for a visa. Many of these companies have a high success rate because they know how the wording of visas should be written and who stands the best chance of getting whichever type of visa. However, such companies can charge high fees for their services, so if you can go it alone you will save yourself money!

Once you have applied for a visa you may have to wait anywhere between 6 months and 3 years to hear whether your application has been successful. This depends on the country you are applying from. Details about typical wait times are published and updated on the Canadian immigration website online.

With your application submitted it is time to think positively and plan your move to Canada on the assumption that your application will be successful. That doesn't mean you should sell up and be living out of a suitcase ready for the off for three years, but it does mean you should begin to look at the practicalities of relocation - so, think about what you want to take, whether you want to sell your home, buy or rent a home in Canada and where exactly you will want to live. You can also get your CV or resume together and begin examining the types of job opportunities that there are available in Canada.

Once you have obtained your visa you have to work hard to arrange the move. Begin by informing friends and family of your pending emigration so that they have time to accept the fact that you are leaving. You may need to travel to Canada to find a home to move to, you will have to pack, give up your job, prepare any pets for relocation and begin getting the children in the right frame of mind to see the whole move as an adventure.

Once you have arrived in Canada you need to hit the ground running - and running quite fast! There will be so much to organise from schooling for the children to a job for you, from bank accounts and registering with a doctor to simply finding the nearest grocery store! During this very hectic period try and take some down time to appreciate the fact that you have succeeded in making the move. Enjoy your new home and surroundings and get out and about and start meeting people and making friends.

The fastest way to feel at home in your new country is to make friends and get familiar with your surroundings - so make this a priority. Once you have jumped all the hurdles necessary for organising your new life, you can get on with loving living in beautiful Canada.