Provide Your Canadian Address to IRCC
Within 180 days of arriving in Canada, you must give your Canadian residential address to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is crucial to ensure you receive your permanent resident card, which will be mailed to that address.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) should be one of your top priorities upon arrival in Canada. This 9-digit number is essential for working in Canada and accessing government services and benefits. Ideally, you should apply for a SIN within the first two weeks.
Key points about the SIN:
- It’s free to apply
- International students typically receive a SIN starting with ‘9’
- SIN validity is tied to your study or work permit expiry date
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- In person at a Service Canada office (issued same day)
- Online through the Service Canada website
- By mail (for those eligible)
- At some airports upon arrival (check availability)
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- In person at a Service Canada office (issued same day)
- Online through the Service Canada website
- By mail (for those eligible)
- At some airports upon arrival (check availability)
How to apply for a SIN:
- In person at a Service Canada office (issued same day)
- Online through the Service Canada website
- By mail (for those eligible)
- At some airports upon arrival (check availability)
Required documents:
- Primary document: Valid study permit or work permit
- Secondary document: Passport or government-issued ID
- All documents must be originals
Important notes:
- Protect your SIN – store it safely and share only when necessary
- Renew your SIN when you extend your study or work permit
- A valid SIN alone doesn’t make you eligible to work – check your permit conditions
Relevant links:
Get Private Medical Insurance
Consider obtaining private medical insurance while waiting for your government health coverage to be approved. This can help ensure you have adequate protection for any medical needs that may arise during the interim period. Be sure to review the details of your temporary insurance plan to understand what is and is not covered, avoiding potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Get Your Permanent Resident Card
Applying for and receiving your permanent resident (PR) card is a crucial step. This card serves as proof of your legal status as a permanent resident of Canada. To receive your first PR card, you must provide your Canadian address to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 180 days of landing in the country.
- Automatic Issuance: Your initial PR card will be automatically issued after you arrive in Canada as a new permanent resident.
- Provide Address: You must provide a Canadian address to IRCC in order to receive your PR card. This can be done at the time of landing, through an online webform, or by phone.
- Processing Time: It typically takes approximately 6-8 weeks to receive your PR card after submitting your address information.
- Travel Without PR Card: If you need to travel outside of Canada before receiving your PR card, you will require a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) in order to re-enter the country.
Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Canada as soon as possible is essential for managing your finances effectively in your new country. A Canadian bank account will allow you to receive payments, track expenses, and establish a financial history.
When choosing a bank, consider the following key factors:
- Account fees and minimum balance requirements
- Accessibility of branch and ATM networks
- Online and mobile banking features
- Special offers for newcomers or your demographic (e.g., students, seniors)
- Additional services like credit cards, mortgages, and investments
- Quality and availability of customer service
Top banks to consider include the “Big Five” (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) as well as other major banks like HSBC Canada and National Bank of Canada. Online-only banks like Tangerine and Simplii Financial are also worth exploring.
To choose the best bank, assess your specific banking needs and priorities, compare account features and fees, look for newcomer packages and promotional offers, and read customer reviews. If possible, visit branch locations or try online banking demos. Remember that no single bank is ideal for everyone, so you may want to open accounts with multiple providers to meet your needs.
Find a Doctor and Dentist
Having access to healthcare is vital, so find a family doctor and a dentist as soon as possible. They will keep your medical history and provide regular care. You can find them by asking for recommendations, searching online, or visiting community health centers.
Finding a Doctor:
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or settlement services
- Contact a Community Health Centre in your area
- Use provincial/territorial health ministry websites or doctor directories
- Visit walk-in clinics for non-urgent care
- Consider language needs and look for interpretation services if necessary
Finding a Dentist:
- Search online directories or ask for recommendations
- Check if your employer’s health plan covers dental care
- Be prepared to pay out-of-pocket as most public health plans don’t cover dental care
- Look for dentists accepting new patients
Key points:
- Register with a family doctor as soon as possible after arriving in Canada
- For emergencies, go to a hospital emergency department or call 911
- Dental care is generally not covered by public health insurance
- Consider factors like location, office hours, and specialties when choosing a provider
Useful resources:
- Provincial/territorial health ministry websites
- Canadian Dental Association website
- Settlement services providers
- Online doctor and dentist directories
Learn About Canadian Laws and Rights
Understanding Canadian laws and your rights as a resident is essential for a smooth transition. This includes knowing provincial or territorial laws regarding driving licenses and comprehending your civic responsibilities.
Key points:
- Canada’s legal system is based on English common law, except in Quebec which uses civil law
- Laws are made at federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal levels
- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects basic rights and freedoms
Important laws to know:
- Criminal laws (federal)
- Immigration laws (federal)
- Employment laws (federal and provincial)
- Tenancy laws (provincial)
- Family laws (federal and provincial)
- Traffic laws (provincial)
Steps to learn about Canadian laws:
- Familiarize yourself with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Research federal laws on the Government of Canada website
- Check your province/territory’s government website for local laws
- Attend newcomer orientation sessions offered by settlement agencies
- Consult community legal clinics for free legal information
- Use online resources like Steps to Justice or Settlement.org
Important notes:
- Ignorance of the law is not a defense
- Laws may differ between provinces/territories
- Seek professional legal advice for specific legal issues
