​Preparing you to live and work in Canada

Before you arrive

Once you have received your Permanent Resident Visa or Work Permit or even while they are being processed, the links given resources below will guide you on what you need to know before you arrive:

• Prepare to Move - before your move and what to expect when you arrive
• Get to Know Canada – introduction to important features of this country
• Foreign Credentials Referral Office – information, path-finding and referral services
• Housing – options available to you
• Schools – choosing a school and registering your children
• Health Care and Private Health Insurance – you will not be eligible immediately for public health insurance coverage during the 3-month eligibility waiting period
• Working in Canada Tool - find out about your occupation and get detailed labour market information on a city where you would like to work
• Becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada – you receive certain rights and privileges, even though you remain a citizen of your home country

The day you arrive

When you arrive in Canada, you will be greeted by an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency. The officer will ask to see your passport and other travel documents. Make sure they are not packed in your luggage, and you have them with you. This will help speed up your entry to Canada.

You must present the following documents upon your arrival:

• Your valid passport and/or travel documents
• Your valid permanent resident visa, and your confirmation of permanent residence, if you are immigrating to Canada
• Your valid letter of work permit approval, if you will be working in Canada
• If you do not have arranged employment in Canada, you have to show proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada

The following resources will assist you to establish yourself when you first arrive:

• Living in Canada – Your checklist to help you get the important things done first
• Basic Services – newcomer services in your area, settlement and government services
• Finding a Place to Live – renting, your rights as a tenant and utilities
• Canadian Currency – how to get Canadian money
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) –  you need a SIN in order to work in Canada
• Health Insurance Card – allows access to insured health care services
• Apply for Canadian Identification – such as a driver’s licence and a health insurance card
• Permanent Resident Card – official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada
• Immigrant-Serving Organizations – they can help you find the information and services you need to start your new life
• Shopping – stores in Canada and purchases for you and your family
• Transportation – options for renting or owning cars and public transportation

The helpful resources below show what else there is to do as you settle down and learn all about living in Canada.

• Sources of Information – using the telephone, emergency 911, public library, and more
• Housing – additional information on buying your own home and home ownership
• Telephones and Communications Options – how to set up Internet and telephone services
• Schools – finding schools and enrolling your children
• Child Care or Day Care – how to find someone to look after your children while you work
• Employment Opportunities for Your Spouse or Partner – prepare for employment in Canada before departure and after arrival
• Driver’s Licence – how to apply for one
• Family Doctor – finding a doctor or dentist for your overall health
• Immunization – what vaccinations are available to you and your family
• Banking and Protecting Your Money - open a bank account, apply for credit and more
• Programs and Services – learn more about services available in your new community
• Continuing Education Classes – adult education options for lifelong learning
• Child Tax Benefit – to help you with some of the costs of raising your children
• GST/HST Credit – financially helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes
• Canada’s Postal System – learn about what services are available to you
• Canadian Law – understand your rights and responsibilities
• Taxation – income tax and other taxes, and why you have to pay
• Becoming a Canadian Citizen – who can become a citizen and what it means