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Navigating Your New Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Settling in Canada
Navigating Your New Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Settling in Canada
Arriving in Canada
Embarking on the journey to settle in Canada is a dream cherished by many immigrants worldwide. While the prospect of starting anew in this diverse and welcoming country is exciting, the process of arriving comes with its own set of challenges. To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, there are crucial steps to take upon arrival.
Arriving in Canada, whether by air, land, or boat, requires careful attention to specific procedures.
Arriving in Canada By Air:
For those arriving by air, streamlining the customs and immigration declaration process is possible by submitting an Advance Declaration online 72 hours before arrival. Alternatively, you can complete it at designated eGates or airport kiosks. If these options are unavailable, a Declaration Card must be presented to a Canadian border official upon arrival. This card, received on the plane, informs authorities about you, your family, your belongings, and your travel details.
Note: First-time newcomers may need additional identification and travel documents, such as a work or study permit.
Arriving in Canada By Land:
Travelling by land involves going through the primary inspection checkpoint, where a Canadian border services officer verifies identification, and travel documents, and receives your verbal declaration.
Arriving in Canada By Boat:
Boat Travellers should head to the marine telephone reporting site upon arrival. Clearance can be obtained by calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC). Private boat owners can use their cell phones in international waters for reporting, following the specified requirements.
Important: Submit all required immigration documents to arriveCan, an online platform mandatory for all Travellers entering Canada.
First Two Weeks in Canada:
The initial two weeks after arriving are pivotal for settling in and attending to essential tasks.
Submit Your Canadian Address to IRCC:
Obtain a Canadian address and submit it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This address is crucial for official correspondence, including the delivery of your permanent resident card.
Apply for a Canada Social Insurance Number (SIN):
A SIN is indispensable for working and accessing government benefits. Apply online or at a Service Canada office to enjoy benefits like employment, credit checks, tax-related activities, banking, and government benefits.
Open a Canadian Bank Account:
Managing finances in Canada necessitates opening a local bank account. Research different banks and choose one that aligns with your needs.
Apply for a Canada Health Insurance Card:
Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system requires obtaining a health insurance card. Be aware of province-specific plans and consider private medical insurance if settling in a region with extended waiting periods.
| Canadian Provincial and Territorial Healthcare Insurance Plans/Cards | |
|---|---|
| Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan | British Columbia (BC) Services Card |
| Manitoba Health Card and Coverage | New Brunswick Medicare Card |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan | Northwest Territories (NWT) Healthcare Plan |
| Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) | Nunavut Health Care Plan |
| Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) | Prince Edward Island (PEI) Health Card |
| Québec Health Insurance Plan | Saskatchewan Health Card |
| Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan | |
Get a Canadian Phone Number
Securing a Canadian phone number is a crucial step for staying connected with loved ones and potential employers. Explore various cellphone providers, choose a suitable plan, and visit a store with your identification documents to obtain a SIM card and activate your number. Leading providers in Canada include Bell Mobility, Eastlink Wireless, Québecor, Rogers Wireless, and Telus Mobility
First Two Months in Canada Checklist:
Find and Secure Your Home:
Research the housing market in your desired location and explore rental or purchase options. Consider factors such as amenities, transportation, safety, access to community services, and municipal government. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website offers housing information in multiple languages for newcomers, and their real estate agents can assist in finding a home.
Register Your Children in School:
If you have school-age children, promptly register them for basic education, mandatory for ages 5 to 16 or 18, depending on the province. Research local school boards, understand the registration process, and gather necessary documents such as birth certificates and proof of address.
Find Your Healthcare Professionals:
Prioritise your family’s health by finding a trusted dentist and doctor. Seek recommendations from friends, colleagues, neighbours, and local healthcare providers. Schedule regular check-ups to establish a relationship with your healthcare professionals.
Get a Canadian Driver’s License or International Driving Permit:
If driving in Canada, obtain a valid driver’s licence. Depending on your country of origin, you may exchange your existing licence or need to take tests. Alternatively, acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP) for driving with a foreign license.
Improve Language Skills:
Enroll in a language training center to enhance your English or French proficiency, vital for integration into society and the job market. Prominent centers include BLI Canada, EC English, BLI Bouchereau Lingua International, Clic Montreal, and Language International. Consider taking language proficiency tests like IELTS or TEF Canada.
Connect with Settlement Service Providers:
Access support and resources from over 1,200 settlement service providers in Canada. They assist with job searches, language assessments, school registrations, community exploration, and home finding. Notable providers include Acces Employment, Brampton Multicultural Community Centre, Carizon Family and Community Services, DIVERSEcity, and the Economic and Social Council of Ottawa-Carleton.
With these steps, you can efficiently prepare for your exciting journey to Canada.
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