Initial Things To Do, as a PR in Canada!

Hi everyone,

Now that I have successfully completed my two months in Canada, I would like to give you all some insights about the initial paper works/documentations required to function as a resident of Canada.

• Landing paper:

One will get it signed and stamped from the airport itself. But remember it is a very important document, as long as you stay in Canada. It is also one of those documents asked by any agency, government or employmental, when you consult them for their services in the initial few days.

So, as soon as you get them, make a copy and keep the original in safe custody. 

• SIN ( Social Insurance Number):

The most valued number as long as you are a resident of Canada. It is asked usually by the banks, employers and for other revenue related activities. It is a secure number and has to be  shared only with reliable employers and government institutions.

Canada is now facing a lot of SCAM issues related to SIN. So be cautious!!!

For Getting SIN number, you have two options:

To get it done from the Service Canada Kiosk at the airport Or to visit a ‘Service Canada Centre’ nearby.

• Bank account:

If you have your passport, landing document and SIN, you can easily open a bank account on the next day of your landing itself.

Before choosing a bank, go through any newcomer offers they provide from their website and opt wisely. 

TD bank, Royal Bank Canada, Scotia Bank, CIBC, Bank of Montreal are the major ones in the field. 

Once you have narrowed down your option, you may book an appointment with them online or via phone. In most banks it is a bit difficult to get walk-in appointments.

Immediately after opening the account, you can transfer all the funds, you have brought, to your account (Remember!!! you might wanna keep some cash in hand for a rainy day).

In most cases the credit cards take about two weeks to reach the client.

• Phone SIM:

To ease your connectivity in Canada, a phone sim is obviously a must!!

Rogers, bell, virgin (carrier Rogers), chattr (carrier bell), Fido, freedom etc are some of the players in the telecommunications field.

You may go to any ‘mall’ and find their stalls, talk to the representatives and choose your connection and plan. They have both Bring your own phone as well as phone plus connection plans. Choose as you desire.

• G1 Licence:

It is not a must during the initial days of settling down, but, I would still urge one to go for it then, because:

It gives you a photo id, which you can use anywhere in Canada and also, you can get done with it before getting busy with a job and other chores. Just a wise suggestion!!

You can do the preparation from online or by buying a book issued by the government. It is a MCQ examination to test your knowledge in road signs and rules (20 questions each). And you need atleast 16 in each section to pass.

For licence purpose you will have to visit a ‘Drive Test Centre’. G1 usually has walk-in-appointments.

• Rental Agreement:

Finding accomodation is a whole other topic and I have reserved it to be my next one.

Once you find an accomodation. It is important to get a copy of your rent agreement from the owner. You may use it as an address proof for other documentation in future.

• OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Policy):

OHIP is for the province of Ontario. It is your ticket/legal document for free medical care in Ontario. It kick starts three months after the day of landing.

You need to apply for it before three months. But the fortunate thing is that, your OHIP will be initiated at the completion of your third month in Canada, irrespective of the date you applied. 

For applying for OHIP, you might need: 

ID proofs and address proofs.

For OHIP services you will have to visit a ‘Service Ontario Centre’.

That’s all about the initial few important things to do in Canada.

Thank you all for reading.

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PS: I have been getting excellent response for my blog posts and I must say I am grateful and cannot express my gratitude in words. From the beginning, my purpose was to share my experience with the process of ‘Immigration to Canada’ and thus, help my fellow aspiring immigrants in their journey. I am overwhelmed to know that the purpose is being served.

You may read my other blogs from the below link:

https://drneethi.wordpress.com

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