Blogs

NEWCOMERS TO CANADA

Immigration law

12 Feb

Arriving in Canada feels like stepping into a giant bear hug from the friendliest country on Earth. With its open arms and warm welcome, this land of politeness beckons with endless possibilities and thrilling adventures waiting just around the corner.

What happens after you arrive at a Canadian airport? Well, once you land, you’ll meet your new best friend, the border services officer. They’ll ask for your travel documents, so have your passport and visa ready. It’s like a first date, but instead of dinner and a movie, you’re just trying to prove you’re not a time traveler from the 1800s with a questionable sense of fashion. Just remember to smile, they’re there to help you start your Canadian adventure and if you’re lucky, you might even get a “welcome to Canada” from a moose.

Next up, get ready for biometrics screening—where they'll snap your digital mug and snag your fingerprints. Since 2018, Canada's been serious about guarding against identity theft, so this mandatory screening is all about keeping things legit and Canada secure.

Entry requirements will be based on your situation or status. Alright, here's the full scoop: Upon your arrival, get set for a thrilling adventure through bureaucratic paperwork, where you'll navigate the delightful world of document verification. And then comes the biometric screening, where your digital likeness and fingerprints will be captured—think of it as your high-tech portrait session! This might be done with a smile from a border officer or a swift interaction with a machine. Lastly, brace yourself for a series of screening questions aimed at ensuring you're ready to embark on your Canadian journey hassle-free. It's all part of Canada's plan to welcome you with open arms while keeping things safe and sound.

Canada really knows how to roll out the red carpet for newcomers. They've got services galore: from finding a cozy home and a cool job to mastering the local lingo and even tackling taxes. Whether you're enrolling kids in school or just exploring your new northern digs, there's a government-backed program somewhere with your name on it.

Life as a newcomer in Canada comes with its top 5 challenges: tackling the language barrier, hunting down affordable housing that doesn't break the bank (or your spirit), feeling like a lone wolf in a sea of unfamiliar faces, hustling to land that dream job, and, of course, learning to embrace the cold, snow, and ice like a true Canadian (or at least pretending to). English and French are the official languages here, and let's just say, mastering either can sometimes feel like cracking a secret code.

First things first-apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada kiosk. It's like getting your backstage pass to work legally in Canada—just remember to bring along your trusty work permit and passport. Then, head over to the nearest Service Canada office and they'll sort you out quicker than you can say "eh?"

Open a Bank Account - Having a bank account isn't just about stashing your spare change—it can also boost your chances of landing that dream pad. Landlords dig tenants who look financially savvy, so setting up an account shows you've got your rent game on point. Plus, it makes paying bills a breeze, which is pretty much adulting at its finest.

Don't be unreachable- Grab a Canadian mobile number so employers can dial you in. Being reachable is the first step to landing that job, plus, it shows you're serious about staying connected in Canada.

Get yourself a provincial photo ID card so you've got official photo ID without lugging around your passport everywhere you go.

Spruce up that resume with your Canadian address and phone numbers. Canadian employers might not reach out if they can't see those local digits. And Stay on the lookout for upcoming workshops and seminars.

Don't forget to apply for your provincial health card. Each province has its own quirks about when you can get this card. Check out our Primary Health Care guide for the lowdown. Having provincial healthcare means you're covered for doctor visits and hospital stays, because accidents and colds don't follow a schedule.

Public health insurance in Canada is like a VIP pass to the country’s healthcare system and it's available to everyone-from lifelong residents to fresh-off-the-plane newcomers. But here's the catch: in some provinces, you might not get your pass immediately. It’s like being invited to a party but having to wait a bit before you can join in on the cake and balloons. In the meantime, keep your health in check and maybe brush up on your interpretive dance skills because a little jig might come in handy if you need to explain to a confused receptionist why you're still waiting for your coverage.

If you're not on the health card VIP list, snagging private medical insurance is a smart move to keep you shielded from unexpected medical mishaps. Just make sure you decode the fine print on what's actually covered. Remember, there are some medical goodies that might not make the insurance cut, so be prepared to break out your wallet for those.

Get your kiddos signed up for school pronto to kick off their academic adventure smoothly. The school year runs from late August or early September to June, Monday through Friday, though, sadly, schools do shut their doors on public holidays.

The registration process can drag on a bit, so it’s best to jump in early to avoid any last-minute scrambles. Bring along your legal papers proving your child's age (passport, anyone?), your status as parent or guardian, your cozy home address, and those all-important immunization records. While you’re at it, poke around about how the little tykes can hitch a ride to school and back.

Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals that new immigrants with some qualifications face two major hurdles: a lack of Canadian work experience and a limited network of connections. In other words, it's a bit like trying to win a hockey game without knowing how to skate or even where the rink is.

Individuals employed in regulated professions such as nurses, teachers, plumbers, and engineers often find themselves hitting a roadblock. Despite years or even decades of experience, many discover that their careers are inaccessible in Canada. This isn't due to a lack of demand for their skills, but rather because they may need further education or training to practice their profession in the country.

It’s particularly discouraging that many programs meant to help immigrants seem to have the efficiency of a snail on vacation. With lengthy waitlists and connections that could rival a toddler's attempt at organizing a playdate, it's no wonder newcomers might feel like they're stuck in a never-ending game of "Wait, Who?"

Additionally, many immigrants still find themselves relegated to low-skilled or mismatched jobs due to discrimination, undervalued qualifications, limited experience, or a lack of access to influential networks and connections.

Make sure you brush up on the rules of the road in your province or territory before you gun it for that driver’s license or consider snagging an International Driving Permit if you're gearing up for international adventures. Understanding local driving laws and requirements will steer you right on the path to cruising legally.

Get out there and snoop around your hood- Hit up the local library or surf the web out your new turf and check out the transport scene. Swing by the community centre or hook up with the settlement squad for the full lowdown. Make some pals and start weaving your web in the community. Your new crew can be your ticket to settling in smoothly. Community centres, libraries, and even places of worship are perfect spots to mingle and make lifelong buddies.

Welcome to Canada! Whether you're navigating the registration process for schools, tackling provincial driving laws, or settling into your new community, remember to take things one step at a time. Embrace the resources and services available to you, from local libraries to settlement centers, they're all here to help you make Canada feel like home. So, explore, connect, and get ready for an exciting new chapter in this great country.