Show your Saskatchewan health card each time you receive medical services
If you are moving to Saskatchewan, you must register for a health card to receive health benefits. It’s vital that you apply for your Saskatchewan health card soon after you arrive because you may have a waiting period of up to three months before you receive coverage. As well, you can only apply for a health card after you arrive in Canada. Learn more about the Saskatchewan health plan, who is eligible, and how to obtain your health care card. This is vital information for newcomers so you know how to benefit from Saskatchewan’s healthcare system and ensure your health and wellness.
Usually, your health coverage begins on, or before, the first day of the third month after you arrive in Saskatchewan. For example, if you arrive on September 27th, your coverage would begin on December 1. However, You may be eligible for benefits on your first day of arriving in the province if you belong to any of these special classes of newcomers:
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Permanent residents
Non-immigrants who are in Canada in connection with their trade or profession
International students.
To find out if you can skip the waiting period, it’s best to contact eHealth Saskatchewan or call toll-free: 1-800-667-7551.
About Health Care in Canada
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Access to one of the greatest health care systems in the world is a privilege that Canadians are quite proud of. Canada’s universal health care system is funded by tax dollars and any Canadian citizen or permanent resident can apply for public health insurance. Because health care is the responsibility of the provinces and territories in Canada, each province may have slightly different plans. So, it’s important to understand what the health plan covers in the province that you move to. Here’s what you need to know about health care in Saskatchewan and how to apply for a health card.
Is Health Care Free in Saskatchewan?
Many, (but not all) health care services are free if you have a Saskatchewan health card. For example, with your health card, any necessary medical services provided by a doctor are free (this includes both inpatient and outpatient services). Other services are covered in part, and some services are not covered.
Services that are fully covered include:
Physiotherapy or occupational therapy
Mammogram screening for women aged 50 -59
HIV testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
Immunization services, and
Mental health services.
However, not all health care services are free. Some services are only covered for a part of the cost and you are responsible to pay the rest of the cost.
Services that are covered in part include:
Air ambulance service
Home care
Long-term care.
Services that are not covered include:
Routine dental services
Prescription drugs
Psychologist
Eyeglasses
Air ambulance
Ground ambulance
Naturopaths, massage therapy, accupuncture, and other parmedical services.
But, many employers provide additional health insurance to their full-time employees to help cover some of the costs that the public health care plan doesn’t cover. So, be sure to find out if your employer offers health insurance, what the plan covers, and how much they cover.
Or, if your employer does not provide health insurance, you can purchase private health insurance to pay for health expenses for you and your family.
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What Do You Need to Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card?
To apply for a health card, you’ll need supporting documents for you and each family member under the age of 18:
1 Proof that you can legally live in Canada:
For Permanent Residents, proof can include a document such as:
Permanent Resident Card (front and back of card)
Confirmation of Permanent Residence
Canadian Immigration ID card
Notice of Decision – Convention Refugee.
For Foreign Nationals proof can include a:
Study permit (with confirmation of full-time enrolment)
Work permit
Foreign Passport with immigration stamp
Temporary Resident Permit.
2Proof that you reside in Saskatchewan such as a:
Mortgage, rental, or lease agreement that you have signed
Utility bill (home telephone {mobile phone bill are not accepted} cable TV, water, gas, or energy)
Insurance policy (home, tenant, or auto)
Motor vehicle registration
Pay stub or letter from employer
School, college, or university report card or transcript)
Saskatchewan driver’s license or temporary license
Student ID card
Employee ID card
Immunization record.
Also, if you need help to complete your health card application, many settlement agencies can help you with this, along with many other free services.
Your Saskatchewan health card is vital to ensure your receive the medical care you and your family need. So to apply for a health card, follow these three simple steps:
International students may be eligible for a Saskatchewan health card
Health Insurance for International Students
If you are an international student, you may be eligible for Saskatchewan health coverage. You will have to show proof of full-time enrolment at an accredited school and a valid Study Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
When Can I Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card?
You can only apply for your health card when you arrive in Saskatchewan. And, be sure to apply for it as soon as you arrive because you may have up to a three-month waiting period.
To qualify, you must be a resident of Saskatchewan and reside in the province for at least six months per year. Your health coverage will begin when your application is approved.
While you are waiting for access to public health care, you may want to purchase private health insurance to cover any health care costs or emergencies. Read more about private health insurance in Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada.
Can I Use my Saskatchewan Health Card in Other Provinces?
Yes, if you are travelling within Canada and need medical services but, you need to show your Saskatchewan health card. So, be sure to carry your health card with you at all times. Provinces (except Quebec) and territories have an agreement to cover the cost of necessary medical services. The province of Saskatchewan will reimburse the host province for any costs.
However, some services are not covered such as hospital transfer, ambulance, and return transportation to Saskatchewan. If you have private insurance, your insurance company may pay for these additional services. But, check with your insurance provider to find out what they will cover.
Travelling Outside of Canada
Medical services may be much higher outside of Canada. And, you are responsible to pay the amount above what the Saskatchewan health plan covers. When travelling outside of Canada, it’s best to buy additional travel insurance.
One of the greatest benefits for newcomers is access to world-class and publicly-funded healthcare. This information will ensure that you know how to apply for a Saskatchewan health card so you and your family can ensure your good health.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and located in the province of Ontario
Ontario is a popular choice for immigration to Canada. In fact, it is also known as one of the big three immigration provinces for permanent residents, followed by British Columbia, and Quebec. Together these three provinces represent the majority of arrivals in Canada. So if you’re thinking of making Ontario your new home, find out more about OINP pathways.
What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
The OINP is a Government of Ontario program that provides permanent residence to selected applicants. The goal of this program is to help Ontario employers meet labour market shortages that exist in the province. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) works in partnership with the Ontario government to run this vital program.
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The OINP nominates the people who meet the program requirements for permanent residence. However, IRCC makes the final decision to approve permanent residence applications.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
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Each province has a PNP (except for Quebec). These programs are for workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a province or territory, and who want to:
Live in the specific province
Become a permanent resident of Canada.
As well, each province has its own unique requirements. So provinces will target certain groups such as students, business people, skilled workers, or semi-skilled workers based on their needs. The OINP is the Provincial Nominee Program for Ontario.
Learn More About Ontario’s Economy
Ontario is Canada’s leading manufacturing province with a rapidly growing technology base. These are just a few of the innovative industries that drive economic growth:
Aerospace:over 200 firms employing more than 44,000 direct and indirect people
Automotive:300+ companies work in connected and autonomous development and smart technology
Cybersecurity: Ontario has cybersecurity hubs in Toronto, Waterloo Region, and Ottawa. And according to Invest Ontario, it also has the 2nd largest IT cluster in North America.
Cleantech: Interested in being at the forefront of environmental progress? Ontario has the largest cleantech sector in Canada and employs more than 134,000 employees.
With a fast-growing economy, attracting skilled talent from around the world is a priority. So, if you have skills in many of the in-demand jobs, the OINP may appeal to you.
If Ontario sounds interesting to you, there are three ways that you may qualify for the OINP.
1.OINPEmployer Job Offer Category:
This is for workers who have a permanent job offer from an Ontario employer. The category has three streams that have an expression of interest (EOI) system.
Foreign Worker stream: for skilled foreign workers with a job offer in Ontario. View job offer requirements here.
International Student stream: for international students with a job offer in Ontario. Find out if you are eligible to apply here. This stream is for recent graduates in Ontario.
In-Demand Skills Stream: for foreign workers in an in-demand occupation such as construction, trucking, agriculture, and personal support workers with a job offer in Ontario. Find out if you are eligible to apply for this OINP stream here.
2.Human Capital Category:
This category is for workers with valuable work experience, education, language skills, and a profile in Canada’s Express Entry system. Graduate students can also qualify for this category. Also, there are two sub-categories:
International Graduate Streams:
The international graduate streams include both the Master’s Graduate Stream and the Ph.D. Graduate Stream. These streams allow graduates with an Ontario master’s degree or Ph.D. to apply for an OINP nomination.
Ontario Express Entry Streams:
The following three streams operate through the federal government’s Express Entry System. To qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry streams, you must receive a notification of interest from Ontario and have a current profile.
French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream: for French-speaking skilled workers with work experience, education and language proficiency in French and English
Human Capital Priorities stream: for skilled workers with required work experience, education and language proficiency in French or English
Skilled Trades stream: for foreign nationals with Ontario work experience in an eligible trade occupation.
3.Business Category:
This is for entrepreneurs who want to start a new or buy an existing business in Ontario.
Once you set up your business, you and up to one foreign nation business partner, have the chance to be nominated by the OINP for permanent residency. Learn more about the OINP Entrepreneur Stream.
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An expression of interest informs the OINP that you would like to be invited to apply for permanent residency in Ontario. As mentioned above, you can only apply to some of these streams if the OINP invites you to apply. So, an important first step is to register an EOI. When you register an EOI, it allows the OINP to gather information about your:
Education level
Language
Skills and work experience
Attributes that match the province’s labour market needs, and
Other important information.
Ontario launched the EOI system in 2021 to manage the high demand for the OINP. And because Ontario is such a popular destination, the EOI system avoids the first-come-first-served model. Learn more about how to register an OINP expression of interest.
What Happens After I Register an EOI for the OINP?
Once you register your EOI, your profile goes into a selection pool and your answers are scored. The OINP will notify you if you are invited to apply for the provincial nomination. But, if you receive an invitation it does not mean you get the provincial nomination. You will still have to meet the eligibility requirements of the stream that you are applying to. So be sure to check the requirements of the steam that you’re interested in.
Ontario is a popular immigration choice. And with the OINP, there are many streams that could lead you to this vibrant and prosperous province.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
Contract employment can be a great option when you first arrive in Canada. Contract or temporary employment is very common in Canada. And, it can be beneficial for newcomers who are looking to:
gain Canadian experience
find a short-term job placement
understand the Canadian workplace.
What is contract employment?
Contract employment is a set term agreement between an employer and a candidate. In some cases, these contracts are managed directly by the employer. But, sometimes a third party will hold the contract with the candidate, and possibly manage the payroll on behalf of the employer.
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What to consider when looking for contract employment?
It is important to consider your qualifications for a contract role to ensure that you find a good match. When it comes to contract work, employers look for people who can jump right into the job with minimal training. So, it’s ideal if you have experience and qualifications that directly relate to the job.
Where and how to look for contract work?
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Contract work is generally advertised in the same places as permanent employment. Some companies hire contract staff directly but most will use a recruitment agency or non-profit organization. Also, you can also find contract positions on job boards. You can usually find contract positions in a separate section on job boards. As well, settlement agencies in Canada such as Next Stop Canada provide free job search assistance for newcomers. These agencies can also direct you to contract opportunities.
What are the benefits of contract employment for newcomers?
For newcomers specifically, contract work can be a great opportunity. Contract work may be easier to secure than a permanent role. For example, employers may feel like they are taking a lower hiring risk when they hire people for a short-term contract. And, they may be more willing to try someone without local experience.
Because experience is an asset in contract employment, it’s less likely that an employer will feel you are overqualified.
demonstrate skills, knowledge, and job performance
Does contract work lead to permanent or other work?
When you perform well in a contract role, it can increase your chances of securing a permanent role with the company. And, you can also use your contract experience to market yourself externally. At the same time, you are meeting new people and making important connections in your industry.
This depends on the person. Some people may be concerned about not feeling like part of a team as a contract employee. Another disadvantage is that contract employment usually doesn’t cover benefits such as dental and health coverage. So, you would have to arrange health coverage for yourself. Also, some people find it challenging to have to start job searching again at the end of the contract. But, some people actually prefer to work on set-term contracts because it allows them more freedom, choice, and a variety of projects that they work on. Overall, the professional advantages of contract employment, plus the flexibility that it provides may counter the downsides.
Contract employment can be a great way to gain Canadian experience quickly after you land in Canada. However, it’s important to find a permanent job so remember to keep applying for other positions. And most importantly, stay positive while you search for permanent employment!
For more information, tools, resources, and free webinars visit finding a job in Canada. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
Moving to Canada with young children? Then you’ll want to read this overview of schooling in Canada to help your children adapt to school smoothly. Canada has one of the best school systems in the world to help your children grow and prosper. This is important for newcomers who often want to provide their children with more opportunities and access to education in Canada. Learn more about schooling in Canada including the systems, education levels, and process to register your children in school.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
Schooling in Canada is Ranked in Top 5
According to a 2022 Best Countries for Education global survey, Canada ranks #4. The survey measured the following three country attributes:
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Is the public education system well-developed
Do people consider attending university
Does the country provide top-quality education.
Top Five Countries:
#1 United States
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#2 United Kingdom
#3 Germany
#4 Canada
#5 France.
As the report identifies “Today’s young people will, in the coming years, be governing the world. Their thoughts and actions will be shaped by what they know and experience, making education, in many ways, one of the best predictors of a nation’s future success.”
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An Overview of Schooling in Canada
Each province and territory in Canada develop school curriculum and policy. And, because of this, both may be slightly different across the country. Still, schooling in Canada has many common elements such as the school systems, levels of education and enrollment process.
In Canada, there are three school systems:
Public schools
2. Private schools
3. Homeschooling.
You can choose which school system your child will attend. To learn more about the provincial school systems follow the links in the Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Education section below.
1. Public Schools in Canada:
The government funds public schools in Canada, and most children attend public schools. So you don’t have to pay for your child to attend public school. However, you will have to pay for school supplies and extracurricular activities such as field trips.
District school boards manage how public schools operate and are responsible for activities such as hiring teachers and opening new schools.
Over 95% of Canadians choose public school education for their children.
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS – INTERNATIONAL
2. Private Schools in Canada:
If you choose to send your children to a private school you will have to pay tuition and other fees. And the government usually does not fund private schools, so these schools can be costly to attend. However, private schools may provide a focus that public schools don’t provide and that you are willing to pay for. For example, private schools in Canada may focus on a specific area such as:
a specialized or challenging academic program
faith-based learning
cultural-based learning, or
elite sports academies.
3. Homeschooling in Canada:
Homeschooling is acceptable in every province in Canada. If you want to teach your children at home, you will have to meet certain legal requirements. Each province has its own requirements, so you have to research laws to ensure you meet the regulations.
There are four levels within the school system that follow this structure:
Pre-school (or nursery school)
Kindergarten
Elementary school (or primary school)
High school (or secondary school)
Pre-school:
Pre-school programs are like daycare programs for children aged two to four. You don’t have to send your children to preschool. However, preschool can help your child to build language skills if they don’t speak English or French (Canada’s official languages). As well, preschool can help young children develop social and emotional skills to help them adjust to schooling in Canada. Most preschools in Canada are private, so you will have to pay a cost.
Each school has a catchment area, (an area that defines which school your child will attend). Usually, children attend a school that is closest to their home and within the school’s catchment area.
Kindergarten:
Most children attend kindergarten at age five. Kindergarten is free and you can register your child at the school that is located closest to your home. Children must attend kindergarten in most provinces.
Elementary Schools in Canada: Grade One to Eight
Children attend elementary school (also known as primary school) in September in the year that they turn five years of age. But, if you arrive after September you must enroll your child as soon as you arrive. For example, if you arrive in Canada in October, you must register your child in October. You can contact the School Board (see links below for provincial ministries of education) when you arrive.
Children attend elementary school from grades one to eight. Some school districts may have a middle school for grades six to eight. But, that depends on the structure of the school district.
Generally, school curriculums cover these subjects:
Reading
Writing
Math
Geography
History
Science
French (may be required in some schools)
Art
Music
Physical education
High Schools in Canada: Grade Nine to Twelve
After children complete elementary school, they attend high school from grades nine to twelve. The high school system prepares students to attend either:
vocational school (typically two-year programs that focus on fields such as plumbing, welding, or esthetics. Vocational schools are also called trade schools)
Community College (typically two-year programs that combine academic and industry opportunities), or
University (typically four-year programs with a focus on academic or professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, law, and engineering).
The government does not fund post-secondary schooling in Canada. And, many parents save for years so that their children can attend post-secondary education. Investing in a Registered Education Savings Plan is a common way that parents save for higher education in Canada. In high school, students can meet with Guidance Counsellors who can help your child:
make career choices
achieve better grades, and
handle personal or social issues.
How to Register Your Child for Schooling in Canada:
You’ll need these documents to register your child in a school in Canada:
Your child’s birth certificate or passport to show proof of age
Proof of address: copy of a bank statement, phone or electric bill, or apartment lease with your name and address
Proof of guardianship: you need this if your child is under 18 years of age and does not live with a parent
Immunization record
Proof of student’s immigration status: with one of the following:
Permanent Resident Card
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292) or Record of Landing (IMM 1000).
When to Register Your Child in School
You have to enroll your children in school as soon as you arrive in Canada. The school year starts in September and ends in June. But, if you arrive in Canada after the school year begins, your child can still attend school.
Canada guarantees an education to all children, including those with disabilities. Depending on the child’s needs, children with disabilities will either attend:
regular classrooms and receive additional help, or
special classes or schools.
Assessing Math and English Language Skills
Newcomer students may have to complete a math and English language skills assessment. The assessment will identify:
what level your child is at, and
what support your child may need to achieve success in school.
The results will help teachers understand what your child already knows. And if you have questions about your child’s placement level, you can talk to their teacher about their results. It’s helpful if you can provide your child’s previous report card or other school information for the assessment.
English as a Second Language (ESL) in Schools
Children who don’t have strong language skills that match the grade level can access programs to help them learn English. ESL classes are often regularly scheduled courses, or in place of English taught to those who already speak the language.
Provincial and Territory Ministries of Education
For more information, check out the ministry of education for the province where you plan to settle.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
There are many exciting careers in the construction industry right across Canada. And available jobs will continue to increase with many current workers retiring in the years to come. So if you’re looking to make a career change, there are great possibilities, even if don’t have a construction background.
Linda Ryan is the Provincial Manager (Apprenticeship Services) with BCCA. When it comes to looking for a career, Ryan provides tips on how to successfully make your career change to the Canadian construction industry. BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, is a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN). The BCCA-IN team helps newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.
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Prepare for Canada: Can you tell us more about the shortage of workers in the construction industry? What types of professions are needed?
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Linda Ryan:
With an 80,000 shortfall predicted in workforce numbers over the next decade due to retirements and modest industry growth, it’s fair to say Canada’s construction industry is actively hiring. Like any industry, construction needs tradespeople and specialist professionals such as engineers, architects, estimators, etc. As well, the industry requires strategic professionals for functions such as:
Prepare for Canada:The employee shortfall is great news for job seekers with a construction background. But, what advice do you have for newcomers who want to make a career change? In other words, how can newcomers actually transition their non-construction skills and experience?
Ryan offered these tips to make a career change to the construction industry.
Six Insightful Career Change Tips
Tip 1: Commit to the Career Change Journey
Transitioning your career to a new industry is possible as long as you have a clear plan and are prepared to take lots of small, progressive steps to get there. Accepting that your career transition is a journey, not a destination, is key. It will prepare you for the action and accountability you must assume to make a successful career change.
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Tip 2: Know Your Career Change Goal
Answer this question: What’s my goal in moving into the construction industry?
In other words, what will it give you that you don’t currently have? The more honest you are about what and why the more focused you can be about the kind of roles and companies that will suit you. Answering this question will help you confirm what you’re prepared to do to get started because you will have to take a step back in the short term to build your reputation in a new industry.
Tip 3: Review Your Resume and Your Life Experiences
This is where people make a big mistake. Recruiters will ‘pigeonhole’ you when they read your resume and only consider you for roles that match your experience and industries. So, your old resume won’t cut it. You can overcome this barrier by investing time to look back on your life, hobbies, family influences, volunteer endeavours, and professional experience. Then rewrite a resume and cover letter that shows:
i. An exposure to and interest in construction
II. Key skills and past role achievements that will transfer well into your new target industry.
Start job hunting for roles you’re a realistic fit for in the construction industry. This may mean considering more junior roles. Although you may have transferable skills, employers know that you will have to learn the industry to add 100% of your value, and that takes time. So, know your value but be humble about where you will start your career.
Spend less time applying for jobs and more time tailoring your resume for specific ‘obvious fit’ roles.
Tip 5: Start Connecting
Business in Canada relies on a strong network, and even more so in the construction industry. If you’re not prepared to invest time to network and connect with peers online and offline, then you’re not really committed to a career transition.
LinkedIn is a helpful tool to build a professional network and connect with peers. However, don’t connect to ask for a job. Instead, connect because you share a common:
professional interest
role background, or
past experience.
Sometimes it’s as simple as sending a blank connection request on LinkedIn, other times, it’s about asking to connect because you’d value some ‘local industry insights’. Try different approaches. You’ve nothing to lose.
Tip 6: Check Out Your Local Construction Association
There are many construction associations across Canada. Most are formed as corporate, member-based, not-for-profit organizations. Their mission is to advocate for local construction stakeholders. The associations offer networking events, short in-person and online (inexpensive) courses and are great sources of local industry insights. To find your local Canadian Construction Association, start here: CCA Membership.
These are great tips for anyone looking to make a career change and enter the Canadian construction industry. And BCCA-IN can provide the support and guidance you need.
Learn More about BCCA-IN
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
