WELCOME TO CANADA Brought to you by:
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS IN CANADA From documents to resources to money management, here is what to do first
T
he words “Welcome to Canada” are probably still echoing in your ears. You have just recently landed in Canada and are now faced with numerous decisions and plans to make. How to get help … how to choose a bank to deposit your savings … how to access the health care system … and more. The list is long and can seem confusing at times. The best way to approach it all is to itemize, make a plan of action and check off things you accomplish as you go. So let’s begin …
DOCUMENTS TO GET
Get your wallet-sized permanent resident (PR) card. It’s convenient proof of your permanent resident status. You must submit your Canadian address to Citizenship and Immigration Canada within 180 days after landing and your PR card will be mailed to you. Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card. Without it, you cannot get a job or apply for any government assistance or credit. Applications for a SIN card can be made in person at a Service Canada location. Find one at servicecanada.gc.ca. Apply for your health care card. Application forms for these cards are available from doctor’s offices, hospitals and most pharmacies, or by calling the provincial medical services authorities. Since there is a three-month waiting period for coverage in Ontario, B.C., Quebec and New Brunswick, don’t delay in your application. Ensure you have temporary private health coverage to cover your family during the waiting period. Also look into private insurance for uninsured health care services such as dental work and eye care. Talk to your banker or another private insurer about these services. If you’re already employed, your employer may offer extended health care coverage to pay for uninsured health care services like dentistry, optometry, massage therapy, chiropractic care and more.
RESOURCES TO ACCESS
Don’t miss the first stop! Hopefully before you left the airport, you visited its newcomer welcome centre. These kiosks will have pamphlets and resources to help you in your first days in Canada. Visit a local immigrant settlement agency in your community. Such non-profit organizations receive government funding to offer newcomers services, such as free ESL training, settlement counselling, employment workshops and more. Taking English classes is perhaps the most important start to improve your language skills. Further your training. Whether you want to keep improving your English, learn about Canadian corCelebrating 10 Years!
porate culture, upgrade your training or find an immigrant bridging program to transition back into your field of expertise, research what programs are available at local educational institutes and colleges. Your settlement agency counsellor can help! Talk to your The essential document checklist bank about the possibilities of getting a small loan Do you have? or microloan to help with ✔ permanent resident card tuition. ✔ social insurance number card Validate your profes✔ public health care card sional credentials. Con✔ driver’s licence tact a foreign credentials ✔ savings and chequing accounts assessment service to have ✔ banking debit card your credentials evaluated ✔ secured credit card in comparison to Canadian standards. Or, if you’re in a licensed profession, contact the provincial licensing board regulating your industry. Not sure if your industry is regulated? Find out more about your industry and jobs available on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website (jobbank.gc.ca). Enrol your kids at school. Every child between the ages of five and 16 is entitled to, and in fact required to, attend school. Ask at public schools in your neighbourhood or contact the local school board for guidance.
MONEY TO MANAGE
Open an account at a financial institution near your home. It’s important to start a relationship with a bank as soon as possible, so you can manage your money, deposit your savings, pay your bills and begin building a credit history. Manage your savings well. The money you brought with you is going to have to last you for a while, until you start earning an income in Canada, so be frugal. Cost of living can be expensive in Canada, especially in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, with high rental housing, transportation and food prices. Create a budget that focuses on your needs versus wants to get you through your transition in Canada. Start creating a credit history. If you want to be able to take out a loan or a mortgage to buy a home in the near future, it’s imperative you start building a Canadian credit history. Banks look at your history with loans, paying bills on time and so on to determine your ability to handle debt before lending you any money.
LICENCE TO DRIVE
Get your Canadian driver’s licence. An international licence is only valid for a few months. Check with your provincial motor vehicle branch on the rules in your province and start the process to get your Canadian licence. If you have brought a car or purchased a new one, ensure you get it insured as well! August 2014
Canadian Immigrant
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