This web page is devoted to helping new Canadian immigrants integrate into the new Canadian way of life.
As a newcomer to Canada, adjusting to a new country, culture, people, weather and a new way of life, brings about various challenges. However, when you are aware of what to expect, it becomes a little easier to begin the transition process.I immigrated to Canada over a decade ago, so I know first-hand what it takes to adapt and adjust to a new country and way of life. I thought it was important for me to share this experience and help others attempting to do same.
On this web page, you will find valuable information, tips, online resources and much more on learning about Canada, how to obtain your SIN card, PR card, health card, driver's license, enrolling your kids in school, job searching, etc. and ultimately becoming a Canadian citizen.
If you are already here in Canada, congratulations and welcome! If you are contemplating immigrating to Canada, I wish you the best in your decision-making process. Let's get started...
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Checklist: AFTER Arriving to Canada
Below is a quick Newcomer's Checklist of important things you need to do after you arrive in Canada. We will cover each of these in detail in separate sections below:
Note: You may want to check, in your community, if free services are available to help new immigrants: CLICK HERE to find out.
Culture Shock (Four Phases): What to Expect
Well, before we proceed with the nitty-gritty checklist of Things-to-Do, I think it's imperative to address one important aspect of this transition process from one culture to another. It's called Culture Shock.
First of all, let me acknowledge that you've taken a courageous step in moving to a new country. With this new change, you will experience a lot of opportunities, but also challenges. Given that this change will bring about many challenges, you have to keep in mind that it is a process and takes time...so be patient!
Culture Shock is the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown culture such as one may encounter in a foreign country. Though not all people will have the same experience, most people will go through 4 main phases:
Honeymoon Phase: In this phase (usually during the first few weeks), you may feel excited and fascinated by the new culture. You may tend to identify with the similarities of Canadian culture and the one you come from and have high expectations.
Negotiation Phase: In this phase (usually within the first 6 months), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. You may feel very positive one day and very negative the next. This is where excitement turns to disappointment and more and more differences start to occur.
Adjustment Phase: In this phase (usually between 6 to 12 months), you grow accustomed to the new culture and develop routines. You know what to expect in most situations and Canada no longer feels all that new. The culture begins to make sense and negative aspects of the culture are reduced. Reaching this stage requires a constructive response.
Mastery Phase: In this phase, you will feel more in control of your situations as you become more comfortable with the Canadian lifestyle and generally feel content about your move to Canada. Though, you may not fully adapt to the Canadian culture, rather adapt to some of the Canadian culture and hold on to some of your old culture.
It's normal to experience fear of the unknown and anxiousness about all that needs to be accomplished. Therefore, it's important to take the time to familiarize yourself with what you can expect and how to go about it. Look at it as an opportunity to learn and try to enjoy the ride. And remember it's okay to make some mistakes along the way...we all do!
Info on Culture Shock Phases: Wikipedia
Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Card
The Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada. This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada (including children) seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).If you leave the country, you will need this card to return to Canada. If you do not plan to leave the country, you do not need the card.
To apply for the Permanent Resident card, do the following:
Complete the Application for a Permanent Resident Card.
Refer to the Document Checklist to ensure you submit all required documentation.
Pay the processing fee of $50 per person. The payment can be made ONLINE or through a financial institution in Canada.
Mail the application along with the required documents to the address below:
Case Processing Centre - PR Card 210,
George Street P.O. Box 10020
Sydney, NS B1P 7C1,
CANADA
Once the application is received, it usually takes 8 to 12 weeks for the government to process your application and send you your Permanent Resident card.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Complete the application in BOLD letters and in black or blue ink.
- If any section is not applicable to you, write "N/A" ("Not applicable").
- Double check the Document Checklist to ensure you include required documents.
Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) Card
If you are a Canadian citizen, a newcomer to Canada or a temporary resident, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs.
Children who are 12 years of age or older may apply for their own SIN. Each SIN is issued to one person only. It cannot legally be used by anyone else. DON'T carry your SIN card on you (unless required for a specific purpose).
To apply for the Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, do the following:
Complete the Application for a Social Insurance Number Card.
Gather all required documents, CLICK HERE to see Document Checklist.
You can either apply in person or by mail:
To apply in PERSON, CLICK HERE to find the nearest Service Canada Centre. If your application and documents are in order, you will get a Social Insurance Number in one visit and receive your card within 10 business days.
To apply by MAIL, send your application and required documents to:
Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1, CANADA
If your SIN application meets the requirements, you will receive your SIN card by mail within 20 business days from the date we receive the application.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Complete the application in BOLD letters and in black or blue ink.
- There is NO application fee for new applications or renewals.
- Ensure you have all the required documentation.
Canadian Healthcare Card
Health Care in Canada is available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It is publicly-funded health care system which means it is funded through taxes and administered by the provinces and territories. The health care insurance coverage varies in each of the provinces and territories.The health care insurance covers essential basic care including maternity care. Some plans may cover dental and vision care. The cost of prescription medication is not covered under these plans, except for the elderly.
You may want to check what your coverage is depending on your province and territory and accordingly purchase private insurance for specific care that is not covered under the publicly-funded health care plans.
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. Therefore, after you arrive in Canada, it's important that you apply for the provincial or territorial health insurance as soon as possible.
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 below.
Depending in which province you belong to, click the link below to visit the respective website and review the application process, complete the application form and submit it for processing along with the necessary documents.
Below is a list of website links to provincial and territorial Ministries of Health:
Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Northwest Territories | Nova Scotia | Nunavut | Ontario | Prince Edward Island | Quebec | Saskatchewan | Yukon
Opening a Canadian Bank Account
Another important step to take, once you arrive in Canada is to open a Canadian bank account. Opening a bank account helps build your financial credibility and establish a good credit history.
Building a good credit rating will help you secure loans, mortgages and line-of-credit, when you need to. Establishing a good credit score can take a year or so, therefore, you should start this process sooner rather than later. I have provided website links to the top Canadian banks below.
So how does a new immigrant go about building a good credit history? There are many ways to start building a good credit history:
• Start using your Chequing bank account by issuing cheques that don't bounce;
• Use overdraft within limits and ensure you pay it off in a reasonable time frame;
• Apply for a secured credit card, start using it and make payments by the due date;
• Apply for a retail department store credit card and do the same as above;
• Open a Savings account and start saving money on a regular basis;
• Make sure you don't end up with too many credit cards and loans.
The "Big Five" Canadian Banks are listed below:
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Toronto-Dominion Bank
• Bank of Nova Scotia
• Bank of Montreal
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Apart from the Big Five banks, there are notable second tier banks namely National Bank of Canada, HSBC Bank and ING Direct Bank of Canada.
CLICK HERE for more information on the Big Five Banks.
Canadian Driver's Licence
In order to drive a vehicle in Canada you need a valid Canadian Driver's Licence. Each province and territory issues driver's licences through motor vehicle licensing agencies. You need to carry your licence with you whenever you drive a vehicle. As well, you can use your Driver's Licence as a photo identity for various purposes. Licence regulations vary from province to province and same for territories, however, overall they are similar. Canadian licences are valid in the United State of America and some international countries.Listed below are some of the licence regulations for the province of Ontario:
• Minimum age for eligibility is 16 years;
• Required to pass a knowledge test (road rules & traffic signs) and vision test;
• First level is G1 (learner's) allows the driver to drive with a fully-licenced driver;
• Second level is G2 (probationary) eligible after holding G1 for 12 months;
• Full-licence is G level eligible after holding G2 for 12 months;
• Driver must have a full G level licence within 5 years of obtaining a G1 licence.
To apply for a Canadian Driver's Licence, visit the respective website links below, depending on which provincial or territory you belong to:
Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Northwest Territories | Nova Scotia | Nunavut | Ontario | Prince Edward Island | Quebec | Saskatchewan | Yukon
Enrolling Children in School
The Canadian government provides free public education for every 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 education system is funded, through taxes, by federal, provincial and local governments.
The Canadian education system is categorized into elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels, however there are some differences between provinces and territories. CLICK HERE to see the Grade Structure, by province. Many Canadian parents home-school their children rather than using the public education system. CLICK HERE to learn more on Home-Schooling in Canada.
It is the responsibility of the parents to register children in school by visiting the local school or school board office. There are various options to consider when choosing the type school, for your children, in Canada (see links provided below). In some cases, a child may have to go through an assessment test (language and mathematics) in order to ensure that the child is placed in the right class.
Transportation to school may be provided to children depending on how far they live from the school at a reasonable cost or no cost. Some parents may decide to drive their children to school and back.
You will require the following documents when registering you children in school:
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (PR card);
• Your child's birth certificate;
• Your child's vaccination certificate;
• Your child's old school records.
In order to learn more on how to go about enrolling your children in the public education system, visit the website links below for the respective province or territory:
Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Northwest Territories | Nova Scotia | Nunavut | Ontario | Prince Edward Island | Quebec | Saskatchewan | Yukon
Validating Professional Credentials
In Canada, jobs fall under two major categories: Regulated Occupations and Non-Regulated Occupations.Jobs that require a licence for you to work are called Regulated Occupations like doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, accountants, lawyers, etc. Approximately 20 percent of jobs in Canada fall in this category.
On the other hand, Non-Regulated Occupations do not require a licence for you to work like administrative assistants, office clerks, human resources managers, librarian, etc. Approximately 80 percent of jobs in Canada fall in this category. For Non-Regulated jobs, employers will be interested in learning about your educational background and work experience. They also may be interested in the Canadian equivalency of your educational credentials.
In most cases, for Regulated jobs, an assessment and recognition of credential is required before you can work in the job. Each Regulated Occupation sets its own requirements for assessment which is generally conducted through the provincial or territorial professional association or regulatory body.
As a first step, you can contact The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC). The CICIC assists individuals who want to know how to obtain an assessment of their educational, professional and occupational credentials by referring them to the appropriate bodies.
CICIC does not itself grant equivalencies or assess credentials, nor does it intervene on behalf of individuals or in appeals. Alternatively, you can contact the credential-assessment agencies for each province and territory directly. Below is a list of links to websites to government-recognized credential-assessment agencies in each province and territory:
Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Northwest Territories | Nova Scotia | Nunavut | Ontario | Prince Edward Island | Quebec | Saskatchewan | Yukon
~ Information Research Sources ~
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Service Canada Centre
Materials on this web page were produced and/or compiled by the author for the purpose of providing Canadians with direct access to information about the programs and services offered by the Government of Canada.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Service Canada Centre
Materials on this web page were produced and/or compiled by the author for the purpose of providing Canadians with direct access to information about the programs and services offered by the Government of Canada.
~ Photo Credits ~
Images on this web page (unless otherwise mentioned) have been used in accordance with the Amazon Associate and AllPosters Affiliate Agreements.
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