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First Things to Do After Landing in Canada

First Things to Do After Landing in Canada

People standing in a Canadian airport and reading a digital Canada Arrivals Board. Taking proactive steps after landing in Canada can help you to settle smoothly.

In all of your excitement when you get your confirmation of permanent residence, it’s important to consider the first things to do after landing in Canada. Because it’s now time for the next step along your immigration journey. Your Canadian journey will begin when you have completed all the paperwork, including medicals, packed your belongings, and said your goodbyes. And, after your arrival in Canada, you can take these proactive steps to build your life in Canada!

What to Expect When You Land in Canada

Knowing what to expect when you land will contribute to a smooth experience.


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One of the first people you will meet at your point of arrival in Canada will be a friendly Canada customs agent. You will deal with the goods you’re carrying, goods to follow, and landing certificates here. You’ll also meet other officials from Immigration Services. They will ask you to show your passport and visa papers.


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Immigration agents will give you application forms to apply for documents such as your:

  • Permanent Resident (PR) Card
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) card
  • Health care card
  • Driver’s license.

You will need these documents to help you find a job, and get provincial healthcare coverage in place. It’s important to start the application process for these documents soon after your arrival in Canada.

When Will I Receive My Permanent Resident (PR) Card?

The immigration officer will tell you when you can expect to receive your PR Card. It may take up to two months to get your PR card from the date that you completed your application. You can check processing times here.

You will receive your wallet-sized plastic PR Card in the mail. If you do not receive your PR card within the time-frame indicated by the immigration officer, you can check the status of your application here.

Your PR card is proof of your Canadian permanent resident status. You will need this card whenever you leave Canada and want to re-enter.


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Important First Steps After Landing in Canada

Once you’ve made your decision to immigrate, it’s time to look ahead confidently. You’ve already done so much to prepare for Canada, so trust yourself, enjoy the journey, and plan to take the following steps when you land in Canada.

1. Find Housing Accommodation

A big first step is to find accommodation in Canada. While you will have arranged temporary accommodation from your country of origin, now it’s time to find a suitable and convenient place to rent long term.

Ideally, you want to find a place that meets your needs and is relatively close to your employer. If you’re moving to a large city like Toronto, pay attention to how dispersed the city is. It can take up to 90 minutes to travel within the Greater Toronto Area by car or public transit, so factor travel time into your location decisions.

Rentals for Newcomers is a great place to easily begin your search for the perfect rental in cities right across Canada. While it’s good to research the housing market in Canada before you arrive, the best time to search for housing is after your arrival in Canada! This will allow you to visit properties, meet the landlord, and avoid rental scams.

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2. Apply for Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Apply for your SIN within the first week after your arrival in Canada. Without this number, you cannot get a job, apply for any government programs and benefits, or access credit. In fact, without it, you are virtually a person without an identity in Canada. There is no cost for you to get your SIN.

 3. Apply for your Health Care Card When You Land in Canada

You will need to apply for a health care card when you land in Canada to receive free medical coverage in the province or territory where you plan to live. It’s important to apply for your health care card as soon as you land because there may be a waiting period before you are eligible for provincial health care coverage. For example, if you plan to live in British Columbia, your coverage begins three months after your arrival date.

If you are landing in a province that has a waiting period, you can buy private insurance to cover you and your family from unexpected healthcare costs during this time. Currently, a waiting period applies to permanent residents in British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Only in some provinces, such as Ontario, will your healthcare coverage begins as soon as you arrive.

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Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease

4. Get Support from Settlement Services Before and After You Land in Canada

There are many immigrant service agencies across Canada to help newcomers settle. Settlement agencies provide information and many free services to help you adjust to life in Canada. Some settlement agencies even offer pre-arrival services before you land in Canada.

Learn About Free Pre-Arrival Services

If you’re still in your home country, learn more about free pre-arrival services:

Already in Canada? Discover Free Post-Arrival Services

If you have already arrived in Canada, you can search for free post-arrival services in cities across Canada here.

These are a few examples of the types of services that you can take advantage of:

Free Language Training:

It’s a great idea to improve or enhance your English or French language skills because it’s critical to newcomer success. Language training may focus on basic English skills only, and may not be enough to help you succeed in the work environment. However, many colleges and industry associations offer higher-level English training to help you with:

  • Business English courses
  • Job-specific or occupation-specific language training to help you with jargon and other work-related phrases.

Host Programs:

Some organizations may offer a host program. This is a volunteer-based program that matches immigrants with a host who can guide them through their first few months in Canada. Your “host” can help you with questions you may have such as:

  • Where to shop
  • How to find housing
  • How to enroll your children in school.

Settlement Counselling:

Immigrating to a new country can be an emotional time. You may feel frustration, regret, and homesickness. Immigrant settlement agencies are there to support you with counselling for you and your family.

Job Search Services Before and After You Land in Canada:

Immigrant settlement agencies are also a great first step to help you with your job search. For example, they can help you to:

And, many settlement agencies offer programs to assist your job search before and after you land in Canada.

For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!

Mentorship Programs:

You can also ask the settlement agency if they offer a mentorship program. Mentoring programs can connect you with someone who works in your occupation and can give you information and tips about how the industry works in Canada. Mentoring can be a great way to find a job and help you succeed in the workplace.

5. Set up a Bank Account

Another priority in your first few days will be dealing with your finances. Select a bank or a credit union near your home or work and open a bank account right away. To open an account, you will need your landed immigrant papers and any other identification you have to prove your place of residence. You can even open a bank account before you arrive in Canada.

Banks provide different types of bank accounts including basic savings and chequing accounts. You may need a chequing account in particular because many employers will pay you by making a direct deposit right into your bank account.

Slowly, you can build a good relationship with your bank, and start building your credit history. One way to build credit is to apply for a secured credit card and then a traditional credit card. With a secured credit card, you provide a cash deposit in case you are unable to pay your bills. To build a strong  Canadian credit history, it’s important to pay your bills and loans in a timely manner. Your credit history will help you when you want to get a mortgage to rent or buy a home, or get a loan to start a business.

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6. Enroll Your Children in School When You Land in Canada

Of course, one of the main reasons you are planning to immigrate is no doubt to give your children a better future. That starts with education. The Canadian education system guarantees education to everyone. In Canada, every child between the ages of five and 18 is entitled to attend school. You are required to enroll your child in school as soon as possible after your arrival in Canada.

There are progressive levels in the Canadian education system for children:

Kindergarten: At age five, children enter the school system in Kindergarten

Primary or Elementary School: After they complete Kindergarten, they attend primary or elementary school for grades 1 to grade 7 or 8, depending on the school district.

Secondary or High School: From grade 8 or 9 through to grade 12, children attend secondary or high school. Some school districts have a junior high school level between elementary school and high school.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll be off to a great start in building your life in Canada.

For more information about living and working in Canada, check out our free webinars! We’ll provide you with the essential information you need!

Documents to Carry to Canada

Documents to Carry to Canada

Certificates and professional documents

When you prepare to come to Canada, it’s a good idea to make a checklist of the important documents you’ll need to bring with you. Learn more about what documents you will require and why you need them. To help you prepare, we’ve outlined a comprehensive list of the documents required for Canada permanent residence (PR) from Canada.

1. Passports and birth certificates for each family member

Passports show your biographical information for you, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Passport photos must comply with Canadian passport photo specifications.


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You’ll need a birth certificate or an equivalent document from your birth country. If no birth certificate is available in your country, you’ll need a letter of explanation. 

2. Adoption papers if applicable


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Adoption papers must come from a recognized national authority and show the legal, approved adoption of adopted, dependent children.

 

3. Marriage certificate (and/or divorce, separation papers)

The marriage must be valid under the law of the country where it took place and under Canadian law. The marriage certificate must be issued by a government authority.

 

4. School records for all your children

When you enroll your children in a Canadian school, it will be helpful to bring their school records. These records will help the school to place your children into the right grade at school. Read more in Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System.

 

5. Children’s immunization records

When your register your children in school, you will need to show your child’s immunization record.

 

6. Copies of all post-secondary diplomas, degrees, and even academic transcripts for all adults

You may need to show proof of your education credentials and have them assessed by an evaluation service, academic institution, or professional association. Such evaluations can help you to find work more easily. And you may require them if you plan to work in a regulated occupation or attend post-secondary schools in Canada.


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Many professional associations, universities, colleges, and assessment agencies require your academic records to come directly from the institution you attended. They will not accept the original or copied academic documents that you may bring with you.

It’s a good idea to find out what documents the professional association, academic institution, or credential assessment agency requires before you come to Canada. This will also save you time and money.

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 7. Reference letters with contact details from former employers

You will need reference letters and contact information when you apply for work in Canada. An official reference must be printed letter on company letterhead and include:

  • Your name
  • Company contact information (address, telephone number, email)
  • Name, title and signature of the immediate supervisor/manager at the company
  • All positions held with job title, duties, and dates worked.

 

8. Samples of your professional work or achievements

It’s helpful if you can bring samples of your professional work to showcase when you attend job interviews in Canada. Bring your resumé or curriculum vitae, too, but note that you will likely only use it as a foundation to write a new Canadian-style resume.

 

9. International Driver’s Licence

You should be able to drive immediately in Canada with an international driver’s license. You can use the international license until you get your Canadian driver’s license.

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10. Copies of international automobile insurance

If you have a good driving record in your country of origin, this may help you get a better auto insurance rate in Canada.

 

11. Medical records

This can include dental files, optical prescriptions, and prescriptions.

 

12. Travel health insurance to cover you in case of a medical emergency in your first few weeks in Canada

Some provinces, including Ontario, have a waiting period before you can apply for health care coverage when you land in Canada. You are responsible for private health insurance in the interim. Otherwise, you could be faced with a large bill if you need medical treatment or emergency surgery.


13. Certificates of valuation and authenticity (including photos) for jewelry and other valuables and belongings you’re bringing with you

You’ll need a list of effects when you land at the airport. Read more in Goods to Follow | Bringing Your Goods to Canada.

14. Copies of financial records that show credit history/rating

Traditionally, it has been difficult for newcomers to access loans and credit because they do not have a Canadian credit history. A record of your international credit rating may help.

15. Record of any current foreign income, properties, or investments

Foreign income is taxable in Canada.

 3 more things you need when you land

And don’t forget you need the following at the airport when you first land in Canada:

  • Your passport and/or travel documents
  • Your permanent resident visa and your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
  • Proof that you have sufficient funds to support you and your family after you arrive in Canada

The immigration officer at the airport will make sure you are entering Canada before or on the expiry date shown on your permanent resident visa; it cannot be extended. If there are no problems, the officer will authorize you to enter Canada as a permanent resident. The officer will also confirm your Canadian mailing address. Your permanent resident card will be mailed to the address you provide.

With this comprehensive list of the documents required for Canada PR, you can begin to gather and organize them for your added convenience.

For more information about settling in Canada, check out our settling in Canada resource page and upcoming free webinars.

Household Items to Bring to Canada

Household Items to Bring to Canada

Couple unpacking household items

Personal and Household Items That You Can Bring

As a landed immigrant, you are entitled to bring with you, free of duty and taxes, any personal and household items that you owned before your arrival in Canada.

These may include any of the following. But think about whether it is cheaper to ship or to buy new items once in Canada.


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How to Immigrate to Canada

How to Immigrate to Canada

How to immigrate to Canada

Canada leads the way globally as a preferred destination to immigrate to, so you may be wondering how to immigrate to Canada. Every year, hundreds of thousands of hopeful people apply to immigrate to Canada. At Prepare for Canada, we help you along your immigration journey by providing critical information related to:


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  • Settling in Canada
  • Working in Canada
  • Banking in Canada.

So if you’re thinking about immigrating to Canada, here are two ways that you can apply.

 

1. Apply directly


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The primary way for skilled immigrants to live permanently in Canada is through the Canadian Government’s Express Entry program. There are three immigration programs under Express Entry, and each has different requirements.

You can visit the Government of Canada site and answer a few questions to see if you’re eligible for Express Entry to Canada. It will take you about 10 – 15 minutes to complete the eligibility questions.

The form includes questions about your:

  • nationality
  • age
  • language ability
  • family members
  • education
  • work experience
  • details on any job offer

 

What happens after you complete the eligibility questions?

 


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After you respond to the questions, you will:

  • Be advised if you meet the eligibility requirements to immigrate to Canada
  • Receive a personal reference code
  • Be provided with the next steps you need to follow.

When you have completed all of the steps, you will receive a confirmation that your profile is complete.

Every month the Canadian government determines how many Express Entry applicants will be admitted to Canada.

 

2. Apply with an Immigration Consultant

 

You can also hire an Immigration Consultant to help you apply to immigrate to Canada.

Prepare for Canada, has partnered with Bright Immigration. Click here to complete your free Canadian Express Eligibility Assessment.

 

Are you thinking of immigrating to Canada?

Join our free webinar to learn more about the process!

 

 

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About Bright Immigration:

Prepare for Canada’s Preferred Partner

 

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Our Focus is Success
At Bright Immigration, our immigration consultants aim to help clients with immigration-related objectives. We are #1 immigration consultants and are far ahead from any competition when it comes to offering solutions to complex Canadian immigration problems.

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We are one of the most respected Immigration firms in Canada with over 10+ years of experience in personalized immigration service and support. We have a team of highly experienced immigration consultants who understand Immigration issues and how they affect your immigration dreams. For over a decade, we have been helping people to realize their Canada immigration dreams.

Canada offers a wide array of immigration streams and programs that are available to individuals and families who are looking to visit or immigrate to Canada. Currently, there are more than 60 Canadian immigration programs available for individuals who are seeking to immigrate. Choosing a program that’s right for you can be the most challenging part of the immigration process, especially considering Canada’s immigration law is one of the fastest-changing laws.

At Bright Immigration, we take the time to get to know you and ensure that our clients understand all the options that are available. Before we take on your case, we ensure that you qualify for a program and that we are able to help you.

We offer our clients with quality legal care and the most affordable legal services. We have represented thousands of families, individuals, and businesses in their immigration-related matters. Our Canada immigration consultants will carefully review your assessment, determine your eligibility, and present you with options.

 


 

What to know if you hire someone to help you immigrate to Canada

 

The Government of Canada has important tips if you decide to hire a representative to help you with your immigration process:

To find a paid or unpaid representative:

  • Ask people you trust to recommend someone. Be sure to get advice from several people before you choose.
  • Ask questions. Be careful of someone who won’t answer your questions

If you’re hiring a paid representative:

  1. Find out if the representative is authorized .
  • This means they have a license to practice and give advice.
  • If you choose a paid representative who’s not authorized, the Canadian government may return your application or refuse it.
  • If you give a representative money or compensate them in any other way in exchange for their services, they’re considered paid and must be authorized.

2. Ask the representative about their training and experience.

3. Ask for references and find out how long they’ve been in business.

4. Discuss the services they provide and their fee.

5. Make sure to get a written contract and read it carefully before you sign it. Ensure that the contract lists all the services they will give you and that it clearly states the fee you discussed.

Also, if you use a representative who works in Canada, you can contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can tell you if they have received complaints about a citizenship or immigration consultant, lawyer, or other representatives.

 

Related Posts:

 

Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease

Plan for accommodation before you arrive

First things to do after landing in Canada

PR Process in Canada: Common Ways to Immigrate

 

 

 

Protect yourself from immigration fraud

 

  • Be careful of anything that sounds too good to be true. The Canadian government advises that using a paid representative will not draw special attention to your application or guarantee that they will approve it.
  • Beware of representatives who encourage you to give false information in your application. Providing false information is against the law, and you could be denied entry into Canada or deported after you arrive.
  • Don’t leave original documents or photos with your representative.
  • Don’t sign blank application forms.
  • Carefully read any forms or documents before you sign them. If you don’t understand them ask someone to translate.
  • Get copies of any documents your representative makes for you.
  • Get a signed receipt for any services that you pay the representative for.
  • Make sure your representative updates you often about your application.
  • Protect your money and remember that the Canadian government will:
    • never call you and ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account
    • never ask you to transfer money through a private money transfer company.
    • only ask for processing fees in Canadian dollars and the fees are the same around the world.

Learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud.

If you’re having problems with your representative, see:

How to file a complaint

How to report fraud

 

Source: Government of Canada

 

To learn more about living and working in Canada, be sure to check out our free webinars!