Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services and the relocation process

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General Questions

What services does Pacific Relocation provide?

We provide comprehensive relocation services including housing search and lease negotiation, immigration support, moving logistics, school enrollment, healthcare and banking setup, settling-in services, and customized relocation planning. We serve both individuals and corporate clients relocating to the North American West Coast.

Are your services customizable?

Absolutely. We believe every relocation is unique. We offer fully customizable service plans tailored to your specific needs, timeline, and budget. You can select individual services or comprehensive packages depending on the level of support you require.

What areas do you serve?

We specialize in relocations to the North American West Coast including Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary (Alberta region), Seattle, Portland, and surrounding areas. Our West Coast focus allows us to maintain deep local expertise and trusted service networks.

How early should I contact Pacific Relocation before my move?

We recommend contacting us 6-12 weeks before your planned move date for local relocations and 8-16 weeks for international moves. Earlier engagement allows more time for thorough planning, housing search, immigration processing, and logistics coordination. However, we can accommodate shorter timelines when necessary.

How do your services differ from traditional moving companies?

Traditional moving companies handle the physical transportation of belongings. We provide comprehensive relocation support that goes far beyond moving boxes. Our services include housing search, immigration assistance, administrative setup, school enrollment, settling-in support, and ongoing guidance—everything you need for a successful transition to your new home.

Pricing & Packages

How much do your services cost?

Pricing varies based on services selected, relocation complexity, timeline, and individual circumstances. We provide customized quotes after an initial consultation to understand your needs. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees. Contact us for a personalized estimate.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept bank transfers, corporate billing, credit cards, and check payments. Payment terms and schedules are outlined in your service agreement.

Do you offer volume discounts for corporate clients?

Yes. We provide corporate rates and volume-based pricing for organizations relocating multiple employees. Our corporate packages offer cost-efficiency, consistent service quality, and dedicated account management. Contact us to discuss corporate pricing.

Housing & Neighborhoods

How do you help with housing search?

We conduct targeted property screening based on your criteria, coordinate virtual or in-person viewings, provide neighborhood consulting, negotiate lease terms, and review rental contracts. We leverage our trusted real estate networks to find properties that match your needs and budget while protecting you from scams and misrepresented listings.

What should I consider when choosing a neighborhood?

Key factors include proximity to work or school, public transportation access, housing costs, community amenities (parks, shopping, recreation), safety, demographic fit, and future development plans. Our neighborhood consulting services help you evaluate these factors and choose a community where you'll thrive.

Can you help if I can't visit the area before moving?

Absolutely. We provide virtual property viewings, detailed neighborhood assessments, and video tours to help you make informed decisions remotely. Many of our clients successfully secure housing without visiting in person, relying on our local expertise and detailed guidance.

Immigration & Legal

Do you provide immigration services?

We provide immigration coordination and support through collaboration with licensed immigration consultants (RCICs) and immigration lawyers. We guide you through visa applications, work permits, permanent residence processes, and government registration while our licensed partners handle the legal aspects.

What immigration pathways do you support?

We support temporary work permits, employer-specific permits, open work permits, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship, business immigration, and study permits. Our immigration partners assess your eligibility and develop appropriate strategies.

How long does the immigration process take?

Processing times vary significantly by visa type and individual circumstances. Work permits typically take 2-12 weeks; permanent residence applications can take 6-18 months. We provide realistic timelines based on current processing standards and your specific situation.

Moving & Logistics

Do you handle international moves?

Yes. We coordinate end-to-end international moving services including packing, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery through vetted carrier partners. We manage all logistics, documentation, and coordination to ensure timely, damage-free arrival of your belongings.

Can you help with vehicle importation?

Yes. We coordinate vehicle shipping and import processes including customs documentation, safety inspections, and registration. Vehicle importation requirements vary by jurisdiction—we guide you through the specific requirements for your destination.

What if my belongings arrive before I'm ready to move in?

We arrange secure storage solutions near your destination for short-term or long-term storage needs. Our storage partners provide climate-controlled facilities with full insurance coverage and flexible access.

What about pet relocation?

We provide pet relocation coordination including transportation arrangements, health certificate processing, import permit documentation, and quarantine coordination where applicable. We work with specialized pet transport companies to ensure safe, compliant pet moves.

Settling In & Support

What settling-in services do you provide?

Our settling-in services include Social Insurance Number (SIN) application, healthcare enrollment, banking setup, driver's license exchange, school enrollment, utility setup, local orientation, and community integration support. We follow a structured day-1 to 30 playbook to ensure you're operational and comfortable quickly.

What is the process for getting a Canadian driver's license?

Requirements vary by province. Generally, new residents can use their existing license for 60-90 days, after which you must apply for a local license. Some provinces offer license exchange programs for certain countries, which may waive knowledge and road tests. We guide you through your specific jurisdiction's requirements.

How do I enroll my children in school?

We assist with school identification, enrollment coordination, and document preparation. Requirements vary by school type and region but typically include proof of residence, birth certificates, immunization records, and academic transcripts. We guide you through the entire process and liaise with school administrators on your behalf.

How quickly can I access healthcare in Canada?

Provincial healthcare enrollment typically processes within 1-2 weeks, but coverage waiting periods vary by province (immediate to 3 months). We arrange private insurance coverage for any waiting periods and help you register with family doctors and medical clinics.

Can I open a bank account before arriving?

Some banks offer programs allowing newcomers to open accounts remotely. You'll generally need identification, immigration documents, and employment letters. We coordinate with banks to facilitate pre-arrival account opening when possible and provide in-person support for accounts that require physical presence.

Corporate & Employee Mobility

What corporate relocation services do you offer?

We provide end-to-end employee mobility services including needs assessment, customized relocation packages, housing and family support, immigration coordination, logistics management, settling-in services, and post-relocation support. We work directly with HR teams to design scalable, cost-effective programs.

What reporting do you provide to corporate clients?

We provide regular status updates, relocation progress reports, budget tracking, employee satisfaction metrics, and program performance analytics. Reporting frequency and format are customized to your organizational requirements.

How do you support employee families?

Our family integration services include school search and enrollment, spouse/partner career support, childcare resources, and community orientation. We recognize that successful employee relocation depends on family satisfaction and provide comprehensive family-focused support.

Getting Started

How do I get started?

Contact us through our inquiry form, email, or phone to schedule an initial consultation. We'll discuss your relocation needs, timeline, and objectives, then develop a customized service plan and provide a detailed quote. Once you approve the plan, we begin implementation.

What happens after I engage your services?

You'll be assigned a dedicated relocation coordinator who serves as your single point of contact. Your coordinator develops a detailed implementation plan, coordinates all service components, maintains regular communication, and supports you throughout the entire relocation journey.

What information do you need to provide a quote?

We need to understand your relocation origin and destination, timeline, who is relocating (individual/family/employee), services required, housing preferences, family composition, immigration status, and budget considerations. The more detail you provide, the more accurate our quote will be.

Do you provide support after I move in?

Yes. We provide post-arrival support for 30-90 days depending on your service package. This includes check-ins, troubleshooting, additional administrative assistance, and access to local resources. We remain accessible until you're genuinely settled and thriving in your new home.

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