Guide for New Canadian Immigrant

So you decided to migrate to Canada. After passing immigration and leaving the airport, here are a few things you should do to get yourself ready for your new life.

1. Apply for a SIN number.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) allows you to work in Canada. You can apply for one at the nearest Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) office.

This takes about two weeks to get. Maybe less.

2. Apply for Medical Insurance.
Depending on what Province you live in, they call it by different names. But they all take 3 months to get so apply for it immediately.

Canada has public health care so if you don't have Medical Insurance, you will have to pay for all your medical expenses.

3. Apply for a Provincial ID or a Driver's license.
Once you get your Permanent Resident(PR) Card. Apply for one of these so you don't have to carry your passport or PR Card all the time for identification.

4. Set up your bank account.
Go to your local bank and open an account. You will need this to deposit your paycheque.

5. Apply for a credit card.
Go to your bank where you opened your account and apply for a credit card right away. You need to establish your credit history to be able to apply for a mortgage, an auto loan or just about anything that needs to be paid on credit.

You may have to put in a security deposit to apply for one so be prepared to put in $1,000 to $2,000 with the bank. You money will be placed in a term deposit that will be locked in for one year.

For more information about Canada and other resources and services you can get. Please visit my blog at http://welcomecanuck.blogspot.com