Did you just move to Canada? As a new immigrant, there are several things you should do and know when you get to Canada. And this article is here to guide you on what you should do when you arrive Canada as a foreigner. The process might look overwhelming, but with this guide, you’ll be able to get things done quickly.
What You Should Do When You Arrive Canada As A Foreigner
1. Housing
Your first priority when you want to go to a new place is to find a place to stay. So when you arrive in Canada, you’ll need to find a place to reside immediately. Make arrangements for temporary housing before you arrive. Hotels and hostels are excellent choices for short-term lodging, and most enable you to book a room online. You may start looking at a more permanent option once you know where you’re going to reside.
2. Obtain Your SIN
You’ll need your Social Insurance Number, which is a nine-digit number, to work in Canada. It is comparable to the PPS number in Ireland, the National Insurance Number in the United Kingdom, the Social Security Number in the United States, or the Tax File Number in Australia. Your SIN will begin with a ‘9’ if you are on a temporary work visa in Canada.
You may apply for a SIN at any Service Canada location, and assuming the lines are low, you should be done in an hour. Make sure you bring your employment or study permit. A SIN may also be obtained online or by mail. However, these methods take a little longer. Obtaining a SIN should be completed during your first week in Canada.
3. Health Coverage
Citizens and permanent residents of Canada are eligible to apply for public health insurance. Each province and territory has its health insurance plan, so after you’ve decided on a province, do some research on what the provincial plan covers.
In certain provinces, new residents must wait up to three months before receiving government health insurance. While you wait, you might get private insurance to cover your requirements. You may also get private insurance to cover any treatments not covered by your province’s public plan. Some Canadian firms additionally provide their workers with additional health insurance coverage. For more information on obtaining health insurance, contact your provincial ministry of health.
4. Canadian Bank Account
You should create a bank account in Canada as soon as possible. You may create a personal bank account in Canada even if you don’t have a job, don’t have a permanent residence, don’t have any money to deposit, have a bad credit rating, or have been bankrupt. You only need to visit a bank and provide proper personal identification. The bank teller will be able to help you through the procedure, and many banks offer services designed exclusively for immigrants to Canada.
5. Purchase A Cell Phone
It’s not fun to spend time researching and comparing phone plans. It’s much worse when you’re jet-lagged and eager to explore new surroundings. However, if you have a local data plan and can use Google Maps, this exploration will be significantly simpler. The sooner you buy a local phone, the less you’ll have to pay roaming fees from your home operator. And, if you’re on a two-year visa and seeking a two-year contract, you’ll want to align these as much as possible. Remember that caller ID and even accepting local calls might entail fees.
6. Get Involved In Your Community
Moving to a new neighborhood may be intimidating, particularly if you don’t know anybody. Making new friends will not only make you feel at home, but it will also help you expand your professional network and find employment in Canada. There are immigrant-serving groups that may assist newcomers in connecting with other immigrants or Canadians. You may also volunteer in community centers, schools, or philanthropic groups in your area. There are several ways to become engaged; look for events you may join to meet individuals who share your interests.
7. Take It Easy
When you get to Canada, you won’t know where to get your daily necessities. You’ll periodically battle with the realization that your whole support network is located across many time zones. And the tedium of apartment seeking will not compensate for the months of Utopian imagining you had while planning this whole experience.
That’s OK. Remember that it’s natural to feel irritable when you’re exhausted, and it’s normal to miss having your own bed after a few weeks in a hostel. Don’t beat yourself up over it, and keep in mind that other passengers are in the same situation.
What You Should Know Before Moving To Canada
Canada Is Large
Canada has a land area of approximately 10 million square kilometers; it is the world’s second-biggest. If it doesn’t make sense to you, consider this: the United Kingdom could fit into Canada more than 40 times.
Diversity
Multiculturalism is ingrained in the Canadian psyche and is important to national policy. Generations of immigrants have been welcomed in Canada. Over 40 serving Members of Parliament were born outside. There are several languages, faiths, and cultures to be found in any big metropolis, as well as many rural areas.
You don’t have to abandon your culture or values when migrating to Canada, but you do need to grow in order to transition and have the best chance of success properly. Maintaining an open mind can help both you and others around you.
The Education Is Excellent
Canadians take no chances when it comes to training their children. Canada ranked top in the OECD’s 2017 rating of adult education levels (based on the proportion of 25-64 year olds having a degree) with 56.27%.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in public locations such as restaurants, shops, offices, hospitals, and other places of business. Public or communal spaces of apartment buildings and rental complexes are also included. If you smoke, you can only do it in your home, car (unless you have a child with you), and in the great outdoors.
Healthcare
The healthcare system, known across the globe for its brilliance, is one of the cornerstones upon which immigrants to Canada are welcomed. It is offered via a publicly sponsored system that is generally free at the point of use and has the majority of services provided by private firms.
Healthcare is controlled by the provinces, despite the fact that certain federal money is used to pay for it. The Provincial Ministry of Health issues a health card to each person who enrolls in the program, and everyone gets the same level of treatment.
Permanent residents may get provincial coverage, although they must wait several months for coverage to begin in certain provinces. During that time, private comprehensive health insurance policies are accessible. Cigna Global is a market leader in these products, offering 12-month coverage to anybody relocating to Canada, regardless of country or age. Temporary residents (for example, holders of a working vacation visa in Canada) and tourists will need private insurance for the duration of their stay.
The Cities Are Of The Highest Caliber.
Canada’s urban life is fantastic. The Economist’s 2017 list of the world’s most liveable cities included three Canadian cities in the top 10. They were Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary. The five variables were healthcare, education, the environment, infrastructure, and stability. That’s correct; these cities virtually demand to be inhabited.
The Declaration Of Human Rights And Freedoms
When relocating to Canada, it is important to understand your rights upon arrival and during your stay. From the policies and actions of all departments and levels of government, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees certain political rights to Canadian citizens and civil rights to everyone in the nation. As a result, the Charter serves as the foundation of Canadian political, civil, and social society, and it describes the kind of welcome immigrants should anticipate in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Canadians Say Eh?
Canadians often use the words ‘aye’ or ‘eh.’ It mostly refers to a “verbal affirmation from a person who is listening to you” in linguistics. When Canadians say ‘eh,’ they may be verifying whether or not the other person is listening.
How Can I Prepare Myself For Canadian Immigration?
- Examine your qualifications
- Improve your English and French skills.
- Get assistance with your career search.
- Social Security Number
- Apply for the Federal Internship Program for Newcomers.
Which Place Is Best To Live In Canada?
Almost every ranking of the finest places to live in Canada has Ottawa at the top. The capital city of Canada combines a robust, stable economy with a high concentration of government personnel. Furthermore, Ottawa offers a low cost of living, an established cultural culture, and great healthcare.
How Long Can A Tourist Remain In Canada?
Most travelers may remain in Canada for up to six months. If you are permitted to enter Canada, the border services officer may permit you to remain for less than or more than six months. If that’s the case, they’ll stamp your passport with the departure date.
Is Living In Canada Worth It?
Well, if you want to live in a safer environment where the health and economic systems are always improving, then this is the place for you. Almost everyone can now live in the country since it has made it so simple.
How Can I Permanently Live In Canada?
People may pick from numerous options for becoming permanent residents. They may apply via their preferred province, a special entrepreneur route, with the assistance of a family member who resides in Canada, or through Quebec, which has particular immigration rules.
References
- https://www.movehub.com/uk/moving-abroad/canada/things-to-know/
- https://moving2canada.com/welcome-to-canada/
- https://www.canadim.com/blog/5-first-things-when-you-arrive-canada-newcomers/
- https://moving2canada.com/7-things-to-do-during-your-first-week-in-canada/
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