Congratulations, you’ve made it to Canada!
After arriving in Canada, there are a few essential identification documents that you will need. It is important to have your Permanent Resident (PR) card, Social Insurance Number (SIN), provincial health care, driver’s license and potentially car insurance – all these documents will make life easier to navigate in Canada. Don’t worry, we will give you a breakdown of each process so you have one less thing to worry about!
- Your Permanent Resident (PR) Card
The first step you should take when arriving in Canada is ensuring you have your PR card. This step is almost immediate, once you land here. When you arrive in Canada, you are asked to provide a Canadian address so that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can mail your PR card to you. If you do not have an address at that time, you are able to provide it online, securely on the IRCC Secure Account.
It is important that you secure your PR card as this is the main form of identification that you will have during your first months in Canada. So, if you do not receive your PR card within six weeks of submitting your Canadian address, you should follow up by calling IRCC at 1(888)-242-2100; otherwise, you will have to reapply and pay a fee of $50.
You must prioritize getting your PR card first, as this is proof of your immigration status and you may need this if you ever leave the country and need to re-enter!
- Getting your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is another important document that will be used to get a job, to access government programs and services, and will be required for filing taxes. So, remember you need to apply for this SIN, even if you are a permanent resident. There is no fee to apply for a SIN, but now instead of a physical card, it is a confirmation letter with a 9-digit number that should be stored in a safe place, kept confidential, and only shared when necessary, such as for taxes or for employment. So, here are the three ways you can apply for your SIN:
- Online – Go to ca/sin to fill out the form. Before filling this form, ensure you have digital copies of your PR card/Confirmation of Permanent Residence, passport and proof of address. It is common to receive your SIN by mail in about ten business days.
- In person – Go to your closest Service Canada Centreand an associate will walk you through the process and assist in submitting your application.
- Mail – You can submit your application form by mail, including copies of the documents and paperwork for your application.
- Applying for Your Health Card
Canadian healthcare is publicly funded; however, you need a valid health card to access medical services. Each province has their designated health card, so, for example, in Ontario, you will apply for the Ontario Provincial Health Card.
While newcomers can be covered immediately, it is important to apply for your health insurance card as soon as you can. When applying for your Health Card, you will need to provide ID (PR or Confirmation of Permanent Residence), your passport, and proof of address (ex. a utility bill). You can apply in person at your closest Service Ontario or submit your application online.
Please remember that not everything is covered under your Provincial Health Card. Health cards can cover visits to your family doctor, hospital stays, X-rays or blood tests, and immunizations. But it cannot cover most prescription medications, dental or eye care, and ambulance services! You can also reach out to your employer to see if you qualify for extended healthcare benefits, which can minimize these costs.
- Getting Your Driver’s Licence
Depending on your province, you can use your foreign licence for up to 60-90 days upon your arrival. But, after this period, you must apply for a provincial driver’s licence.
To begin this process, you should contact your local Ministry of Transportation (ex. Ontario’s DriveTest. Depending on your country of origin, you may be eligible to exchange your licence without redoing the tests, but in most cases, you’ll need to take a written test (G1) and a road test (G2) as part of a graduated licencing system, to gain your full license (G).
- Car Insurance
You are required to have car insurance across Canada. Car insurance prices can vary depending on certain things, like your age or driving history. If you have a good driving record from your country of origin, this can help reduce your insurance rates, so keep hold of these documents if you have them.
Final Words: We Are Here To help!
While this can feel overwhelming, it is important to remember that settlement agencies are there to help you. They will guide you step-by-step, assist in filling out applications, and connect you to your services and people in your area. You got this!
