Christina Kaniewski, Program Coordinator for Build ON
Starting a new life in Canada can be stressful. Since you may not know where to begin the process and likely have many questions, let’s talk about the most important things you must do within the first few weeks of landing, which will help to ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible.
Confirmation of Permanent Residence and Permanent Resident Card
First, let’s discuss your Confirmation of Permanent Residence document, also known as your COPR. You must present this document to the border official when you arrive at your port of entry for processing. You will also be asked at that time to provide a mailing address to where your Permanent Resident (PR) card can be mailed. If you do not have a mailing address when you land, you can provide an address online at a later date. You can visit the Government of Canada’s website to check processing times to get an idea of when you will receive your PR card. Finally, be sure to check the spelling of your name on your PR card when you receive it. You have 60 days to report any mistakes; otherwise you may be charged a fee for any changes if the 60 days have passed.
Social Insurance Number
The next thing on your list is to get your Social Insurance Number, also known as your SIN. Your SIN is a unique nine-digit number that you need in order to work in Canada and to have access to government programs and benefits. There is no fee payable to obtain your SIN. To get your SIN, you must visit a Service Canada Centre to apply. You are required to bring certain documents with you to submit with your SIN application. If you are a permanent resident, there are special documents required. Although you do not have to get your SIN immediately after arriving, it is advisable to get it as soon as possible. When you get your SIN, make sure you protect it and keep it in a safe place!
Driver’s Licence or Photo Card
You may also be wondering how you will get around in Canada. In Ontario, for example, if you want to drive a car, you’ll need to apply for a driver’s license. The specific requirements for each applicant will vary, principally depending on whether you have an existing driver’s license and, if so, in which jurisdiction it has been issued. You may be able to simply exchange your existing driver’s license for an Ontario-issued license. Please note the type of license you get will depend on how much driving experience you have and whether Ontario has a relevant reciprocal agreement in place with your home country. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license, check out the Settlement.org website. Keep in mind that there will be a fee, or fees, when applying for a driver’s license. Another option for getting around in your new city is to use the public transportation system. Most big cities across Canada have public transportation systems. The most common systems in Ontario are subway, bus and light rail systems. The user fees vary from city to city and depend on which system you are using.
If you choose not to obtain a driver’s license, you might want to think about getting an Ontario Photo Card that serves as a form of identification. The wallet-sized card will make things easier for you to do, such as opening a bank account, or performing any other activities that require official identification. To get this card, you must visit a Service Ontario Centre to apply.
Housing
One of the most important decisions that you will have to make when moving to Canada is where you will live. You should make an informed decision about the city in which you want to settle. Once you make that decision, you’ll then have to find appropriate housing accommodations. There is a number of housing accommodation options depending on your family circumstances and whether you would like to rent or buy. Visit the Settlement.org or Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation for more information.
Further Support
The last piece of information I want to leave you with is where you can find further support after your arrival. There are employment and settlement agencies here to help you once you land in Canada. These services can help you find work or prepare to apply for jobs, fill out any forms or paperwork, register for language classes and provide you many more useful services! For a list of the services best suited for you, check out the IRCC website. Lastly, don’t forget to register with Build ON today to be connected with your employment consultant!