This article is dedicated to helping new Canadian immigrants by providing valuable information, Passports Online tips and resources that will assist in settling down in Canada.
It's been over a decade since I immigrated to Canada and have helped new immigrants over the years. So I thought it would be good put an article that newcomers could use as a checklist.
There are some important steps that a replacement immigrant must take as soon as they arrive in Canada. Now let's discuss the details of the Newcomer's Checklist:
NOTE: In this article, I cannot provide you links to various government websites that you will require to accomplish the steps on the newcomer's checklist. However, at the end of this article, I've listed a website which will provide you all the links you need for every province and territory in Canada.
Apply for your Permanent Resident (PR) Card
The Permanent Resident Card is that the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada. This PR card is required for all permanent residents of Canada (including children) seeking to re-enter Canada.
In order to apply for the PR card, you will have to complete an application form, enclose required documents, payment and mail the package to the PR Card Processing Centre (refer website at the end of this article).
Once the appliance is received, it always takes 8 to 12 weeks for the govt to process your application and send you your Permanent Resident card.
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) Card
If you're a Canadian citizen, a newcomer to Canada or a short lived resident, you would like a social welfare Number (SIN) to figure in Canada and to receive benefits and services from government programs.
In order to apply for the PR card, you will have to complete an application form, enclose required documents and either mail the package or visit the nearest Service Canada Centre (refer website at the end of this article). It can take between 10 to 20 days for your to receive your SIN card.
Apply for your Canadian Health Care Card
Basic Health Care in Canada is available free to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It is a publicly-funded health care system funded through taxes and administered by the provinces and territories.
In most cases, there is a waiting period for coverage to begin, for example, in the province of Ontario, there is a 3-month waiting period from the time you establish residency in the province.
In order to apply for provincial or territorial health care insurance in Canada, you need to complete an application form and submit it along with the required documentation. Application forms are available in most physician offices, pharmacies or hospitals. Also, they are available at the respective provincial or territorial health care websites which I have listed at the end of this article.
Open a Canadian Bank Account
Opening a bank account and securing a credit card will help you build financial credibility and establish a good credit history. Building a good credit will benefit you in the future in case you need loans, mortgages and lines-of-credit.
In order to open a bank account, contact one of the Canadian bank branches and schedule an appointment with a bank account manager.
Some of the notable Canadian Banks are listed below:
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Toronto-Dominion Bank
• Bank of Nova Scotia
• Bank of Montreal
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
• National Bank of Canada
• HSBC Bank
• ING Direct Bank of Canada
Apply for your Canadian Driver's Licence
Having a valid Canadian Driver's Licence will allow you to operate a vehicle in Canada. Each province and territory issues driver's licences through automobile licensing agencies.
You need to hold your licence with you whenever you drive a vehicle. Overall, licence regulations are similar across the provinces and territories, however, there are minor differences.
Canadian licences are valid within the United State of America and a few international countries. To apply for a Canadian Driver's Licence, visit the respective website links (refer website at the end of this article), depending on which provincial or territory you belong to.
Enroll Children in School (if applicable):
The Canadian government provides free public education for each Canadian child. Depending on the province or territory, public education begins at age 4 or 5 and continues up to the age of 15 or 16.
The Canadian education system is categorized into elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels, however there are some differences between provinces and territories. Many Canadian parents home-school their children instead of using the general public education system.
It is the responsibility of the oldsters to register children in class by visiting the local school or board of education office. There are various options to consider when choosing the type school, for your children, in Canada (see website link provided at the end of this article).
These are the basic and important steps that new Canadian immigrants need to take once they arrive in Canada. There are other important aspects of establishing your life in Canada that I am in the process of writing about.
Look for these articles on: how to go about finding jobs in Canada, helping your children integrate into the Canadian schooling system, how to prepare for a job interview, identity theft and fraud protection and many more.
rahul