If immigrating to Canada has been on your card for a long time, this post is the perfect reading material for you. As a newcomer in Canada looking to settle, there are a couple of things that you must be aware of. The Canadian Government offers a range of programs and services to make it easier but can still be overwhelming. Here we have listed a couple of the most basic and essential things that will help you adjust to your new life in Canada. So let’s get started without further delay.
1. Housing
This goes without saying that you would need a place to live right after you land in Canada. You may have a friend or an acquaintance or a close person living in Canada already but it’s no problem even if you don’t. There are many options for temporary accommodation that you can choose from before you arrive; hotels or hostels are providing short-term housing accommodations that allow you to reserve a room online. Once you get used to your new life, you can start looking for more permanent living options that suit your taste and fit your budget.
2. Social Insurance Number
SIN is a nine-digit number that allows you to work in Canada post-immigration. Additionally, this also grants you access to government programs and benefits. So you can understand how crucial this is and can apply for one in person or by mail at a Service Canada office. All you have to do is provide an original primary document that proves your identity and status. Documents such as a permanent resident card or any proof of permanent residence will suffice.
3. Health Insurance
Both permanent residents and citizens of Canada can apply for public health insurance. The health insurance plan varies from province to province as well as based on territory. So before immigrating to Canada, know which province or region you will settle in and do some research about what is covered by the specific provincial health insurance plan.
There are some provinces where the wait for a government health insurance plan can go up to three months. But you can access private health insurance plans in the meanwhile. Additionally, there are private plans that you can buy for any services not included or covered by the provincial public health plans. Also, some Canadian employers provide extensive health insurance coverage to their employees.
A great idea, after you move to Canada, is to contact the respective provincial ministry of health for specific information about health insurance.
4. A Canadian Bank Account
It is best to open a Canadian bank account ASAP. The great thing is you do not need a lot of things to open a bank account in Canada; just carry a valid personal identification with you to the bank and an account will be created in your name. You may not have a job or money or a permanent address; you may even be a bankrupt person with a poor credit rating but that won’t stop you from getting a bank account in Canada. Also, several banks have provisions, especially for newcomers in Canada. Just do the basic research and rest the teller will walk you through the whole process.
5. Reach Out and Gel with Your Community
Moving to a new country can be a difficult and scary process. It becomes doubly so if you do not know anyone in the community. But making friends doesn’t just help you with feeling at home; it also broadens your network making it easier to find a job. Volunteering at local clubs or events goes a long way in fostering connections and finding like-minded people. There are immigrant-serving organizations as well that connect newcomers to other immigrants and Canadians.
Now that we have come to the end of our brief but hopefully helpful discussion about life post-immigrating to Canada, we hope that you are a little less anxious about the whole process. But if you need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will be more than happy to help you in whichever way we can!
Also, read: Immigration Tips For Beginners
