15 things to do as a new permanent resident in Canada
Congrats on the approval of your PR. Are you ready to travel?
Asides from having the ArriveCAN, PR Visa, COPR, all docs, and your quarantine plan, this is a list of things to do as a new permanent resident in Canada.
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1) Sign up for pre-arrival and newcomer services
Canada cares about you and wants you to succeed here.
There are resources both before leaving your country and upon arrival in Canada. See the links below:
You will need the S.I.N to legally work in Canada. You may be able to get one at the airport upon arrival (please ask when landing).
If not, check bit.ly/applyforSIN for how to locate a Service Canada near you, or to apply online.
5) Arrange accommodation
Given the current COVID situation, you may need to do this before arrival and have a place to quarantine (even if it's a temporary apartment)
You can use Kijiji or Air BnB to find a place to stay for 14 days if you do not know anyone to help in the city
5b) If you know people in the city you are heading to, they could be of help in looking for a place to stay temporarily or permanently
I personally don't advise you to sign a long lease before arrival, it's good to inspect first and be sure. Or at least have some do that for you
6) Open Bank Account
You may need to book an appointment with a financial advisor. Popular Banks in Canada are RBC, Scotia, BMO, CIBC & TD
I will advise you to find out which one offers the best incentive to newcomers. It is also best to exchange your foreign currency at a bank
7) Get a Phone (Number)
There are many phone service providers here. Find the one that offers the best incentive to newcomers. Some also have family packages.
If you have a good phone, you may consider getting a prepaid number or sign a phone contract without getting a phone.
8) Get your health insurance or health card
In some provinces, newcomers are not covered by government insurance until you've lived in the province for some time.
Your health is important, please find out what applies to you and sort out a government or private insurance.
9) Get a Driver’s License
Driving in Canada is regulated. The licensing procedure is also different in each province. Find out what applies to your province and follow the procedure.
This is also important because some jobs would require you to have a Canadian Driver’s license.
9b) Why is the licensing procedure different in each province? Oh well, because it's Canada😂
In some provinces like Saskatchewan, you are allowed to drive for up to 90 days with the license from your home country, so you may want to come with a valid one
It is a serious offense to drive a vehicle that is not insured or registered in Canada. If you’re caught driving without insurance, your car could be impounded and/or your driver's license suspended.
Insurance rates are also different in each province
11) Get a Provincial ID Card
Many places in Canada would require you to provide two pieces of Government-issued photo ID to access certain resources. As a newcomer, a Provincial ID comes handy for this purpose
Find out how to get one in your city/province, and you're good to go
12) School enrolment/childcare for kids
Your guess is right, each province manages its own system of education, so the policies are different. The cost of childcare also varies.
But generally, there is free public education for all Canadians from kindergarten to high school.
12b) The childcare waitlist is also very long in some places. Please make an inquiry about the cost and requirement as soon as possible (if you need daycare or school for your kids)
There are benefits provided by the government to assist you. Details here bit.ly/CanadaChildcar…
13) The Taxes
Asides the taxes you pay as an employee, you will also pay goods & services, harmonized sales, or provincial sales taxes on the things you buy.
However, after filing your tax, you may be eligible for the GST/HST credit payment. Details here bit.ly/CanadaTaxCredit
14) Build your network
You will need a lot of networking to get by. Either to meet new friends, know your way around, get a job or stay up to date about things happening around you
One of the cool ways to meet new people is to be a volunteer. Look for any opportunity around you
15) Be good to yourself
You are in a new country, it's a new experience & you may be starting a lot of things all over again
Things may also be slow in the beginning & you will miss things/people you left. Please take the time to enjoy & be good to yourself
Welcome to Canada!
This is not an exhaustive list of things to do upon arrival, I know there are things I possibly missed above.
Senior Canadians, if you come across this thread, please feel free to add the things I missed as a reply below.
Sending lots of love to everyone.
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Asides from having the ArriveCAN, Visa, all docs, and your quarantine plan, this is a list of things to do as a new student.
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1) Obtain your study permit
This is inevitable but many new students do not know. What most (if not all) foreign students have from their country is a temporary resident visa. Study permit is issued upon arrival
Put your documents in your hand luggage to avoid unnecessary delay
2) Obtain your Social Insurance Number
If the condition of your study permit allows you to work in Canada, you need to get your S.I.N. You may be able to get one at the airport upon arrival (ask there)
If you’re looking for affordable schools in Canada, check Atlantic Canada & the Prairies
This is a list of ALL Universities in both regions
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Memorial University
New Brunswick
- Mount Allison University
- St Thomas University
New Brunswick (Cont'd)
- Université de Moncton
- University of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
- Acadia University
- Cape Breton University
- Dalhousie University
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- NSCAD University
- Saint Mary’s University
- St. Francis Xavier University
Nova Scotia (Cont'd)
- Université Sainte-Anne
- University of King’s College
Prince Edward Island
- University of Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
- St. Thomas More College
- First Nations University of Canada
- University of Regina
- University of Saskatchewan