Congratulations! You, and perhaps your family, have safely arrived at Canada’s many port of entries. Prior to your journey, you have prepared all necessary documentations and have procured a place to live, or at least temporarily. Arriving in a new country can be scary and intimidating. A list of questions may surface, answers of which are necessary for you to utilize as a guideline to reestablish yourself in this new environment. PERMAI BC is here to help:
Question:
So I am now cozy in my new residence; what should I do next?
Answer:
Get cozy with your new neighborhood! Visit your closest community center where you can take classes in your favorite hobbies or to further hone up your trade skills, where you can use the gym and swimming pools, and also, a medium to meet new friends. Search for nearby grocery and drug stores, clinics, parks, religious organizations, and other locations necessary to further cement yourself as a positive member of the local society.
If you are in a large urban center such as in the Lower Mainland or Victoria, you should travel to a local and study how the local mass transit system work. You can do so by visiting the website of transit organizations such as Translink, where there are a wealth of resources to glance over. Find your closest bus stops and train stations.
Question:
How do I open a Bank Account?
Answer:
Opening a Bank Account can be very easy. Visit your local banking branch to open one. Make sure that you bring necessary documents such as a Passport and your Work Permit or other government-issued means of identification. The biggest major banks in Canada are colloquially known as the “Big Five”, which includes the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Bank of Nova Scotia (ScotiaBank), and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank).
Question:
What is a SIN and how do I get one?
Answer:
SIN stands for Social Insurance Number and it is a very important piece of information that is necessary for residents to conduct many aspects of life, including registering for work and for taxes. This link (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/proof.shtml) mentions documents that are required to
apply. You can apply for a SIN number at your closest Service Canada Office. This office is your one-stop location for many Canadian government services and programs.
Question:
How do I register for a Health Care Card?
Answer:
Enrollment to BC’s provincial healthcare program is mandatory. Once you register for the service, you will receive a Care Card. You need this card to be able to receive health services when you go to the doctor. Visit this link (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp) to learn in further detail about the system.
Question:
How do I get a driver license?
Answer:
Your driver’s license is only valid for 90 days. After that period, you must apply for a BC driver’s license. You will find more detailed information in this link (http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/Pages/default.aspx).
If you have questions or suggestions about the article above please contact us or write a comment below. We will always be adding more questions and answers in the future.
