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All set to moving to Canada? Well, before you go, make sure to have a checklist of all that we’ve mentioned for you in this blog. This checklist is just to make sure your initial days in Canada are well-organized and hassle-free as a newcomer!
10 Things to Do in Your First Week in Canada
These are some of the things you need to do in your first week moving to Canada as a newbie in Canada!
1. Look for Residence
It’s pretty obvious that even before you could arrive in Canada, you must have booked temporary places to stay. But it’s better to get a place of your own that is budget-friendly as well. House hunting could be exhausting!
However, options for finding a residence are many. You can find property sales, rentals, and much more. Select the best option for your lifestyle and way of life while moving to Canada.
2. Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) Card
The SIN card has a unique nine-digit number for every individual. It is used as a person’s identifier for work and investments, paying taxes, and accessing government services. You must obtain a SIN card to work in Canada.
You can apply by mail or in person at a Service Canada office to get your SIN card, and don’t forget to take the necessary documents for your application with you.
3. Learn Money management
Managing money and budgeting can be baffling, especially if you’re new to Canada! It is important to learn how to manage money. It helps you budget your expenses, save money, and, most importantly, invest!
But first, learn how to use Canadian currency! Start with the basics by using 50% of your earnings for your needs, 30% for your wants, and 20% for your savings. For easy access, you can also open a bank account to manage your finances.
4. Open a Bank account
It is important to open a bank account in Canada. The best part is that you can open a bank account even if you don’t have funds, income, or a permanent address in Canada. All you have to do is go to a bank and present a valid personal identification.
Having a bank account helps you manage bills, and debit card payments keep your money safe and track your daily transactions.
5. Apply for Government Health insurance or a health card
One of the important things to consider is that you’re in good health. There could be difficulties adapting to the new climate and weather as a newbie in a country you’ve never been to before, especially in a country like Canada!
Apply for a health card if you are qualified in your province or territory. All citizens and permanent residents of Canada are eligible for public health insurance. The requirements to apply may vary according to each province. You can also apply for your health card online.
6. Find settlement services in Canada
The Canadian government provides free settlement services for newcomers in Canada. You can make the best use of the privileges of these free services that the government offers, from childcare to language immersion.
Some of the settlement services that Canada provides are Orientation Programs, Employment Assistance, Housing Assistance, Community Support, and Language Training. Some settlement agencies even offer pre-arrival services before you land in Canada.
7. Apply for a Driver’s License
The commute is one of the major things to think about whilst moving to Canada as a newcomer. If you’re going to drive a car in Canada, you will have to possess a driver’s license and car insurance.
A driver’s license from your home country may be valid only for a few months, but to get licensed in Canada, you must first pass a written test on your knowledge of Canadian roads and driving rules and pass a practical test on the road.
8. Be Open to Learning and Adapting to Cultural Differences
Settling into a new country could be like walking on thin ice. You could do some exploring by meeting new people and getting to know your neighbors and work colleagues. This could help you build a social circle, get to know people from different cultural backgrounds, and develop a professional network.
You could be a little hesitant to do this! However, you can engage in local community centers and befriend people of similar interests as yours.
9. Enhance Your Language Skills
Whether you’re moving to Canada or any other foreign country, language should never be a barrier that stops you from going to a new country. You should improve your language skills and have good language proficiency.
When it comes to Canada, There are two options, such as French and English. If you’re looking to improve your language skills, the Canadian government offers the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program free of charge. You can check with the local settlement agency and enroll in the free program.
10. Explore Job Opportunities
Canada is a country filled with plenty of opportunities, pulling people from all over the world and building a strong economy. As a beginner in the country, it is better to get help from a settlement agency or a career counselor rather than starting on your own.
Unlike other countries, finding a job in Canada is entirely different. Before you can do some job hunting, make sure you work on enhancing your skills and are ready to take up interviews.
Wrap-Up
Getting to start a life anew in a foreign place could be overwhelming! Besides undergoing a rollercoaster of emotions, the life you’re about to start will keep you on your toes! Canada being the best destination just makes it easy for you to settle right in!
If you’re looking for assistance, talk to our immigration experts at CanApprove. And let us know if you found this blog useful! We’d love to hear from you!
FAQs
1. Is Canada’s PR worth it?
Canada is a safe country to settle in. Immigrants with a PR in Canada are given all the rights, from healthcare services to a great quality of life in Canada.
2. What is the best age to move to Canada?
It depends on the pathway you are applying through. Express Entry is Canada’s main skilled worker pathway. Under the Express Entry system, the best age to immigrate to Canada is between 20 and 29 years old.
3. How long is Canada PR valid?
Canada PR is valid for 5 years. Immigrants with a Canada PR can live, work, and study freely and have the privilege of receiving social benefits that Canadian citizens are entitled to.
