Tips for the new Canadian immigrant!

DISCLAIMER: The following notes are based on my own experiences in British Columbia (BC) and Alberta (AB). None of the mentioned brands/companies are paid endorsements but rather personal preferences.

COVID-19 update: With the ever-evolving pandemic, several procedures and requirements have changed, but the overall thoughts and suggestions in this article are still the same. Stay safe, stay well!

Welcome to Canada!

My name is Abijah Gupta, a Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada. If you're looking for more details on the general process and procedures for getting Canadian PR, please read my article here.
My aim with the following guide is to provide a quick yet essential snapshot of life in Canada in general, based on my experiences here since 2011. I've lived in Kamloops (BC), Calgary (AB), Fort McMurray (AB) and Edmonton (AB).

The TL;DR version

1. In addition to some cash, bring a Forex card to use at the airport(s) and for your initial purchases here till you open/access your bank account.
2. Focus more on existing items and try to avoid buying new clothes to bring along here.
3. In utensils and cutlery, focus on your country's specific items (eg. the Indian Chakla-belan). Everything else is readily available and comparable in prices.
4. Bring your medication and at least two pairs of eyeglasses (if you wear them) as frame and making is quite expensive here.
5. Once here, apply for your ID card, SIN number and eventually, driver's license!

Important things to know before you arrive!

1. Have your documents handy! I recommend carrying them in your handbag for quick access. I know it sounds obvious, but do not put your paperwork in your checked-in bags!
2. Avoid carrying too much cash! Instead, get a Forex card. They typically work at most terminals and are easier to manage than trying to handle cash. Your own VISA/Debit card may work internationally but you may want to check for hidden costs and fluctuating conversion rates!
3. Prepare for the destination weather in advance! While being comfortable in your long travel is important, make sure you have the right footwear and jacket.
4. If you wear eyeglasses, bring at least two pairs with you since the frame and making can be quite expensive here! Same goes for medication!

Q: What do I need to do once I'm here?

• Apply for an ID card: This will be your local identification card, and you won't have to carry your Passport along! Also, in case 2 pieces of Government issued picture IDs are required, this will be the second one! In most areas, the ID card is replaced by the driver's license once you qualify and obtain it.
  • The institute's student ID card will help you with discounts etc. but is not considered a legal ID.
• Apply for your SIN: The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. A SIN is issued to one person only and it cannot legally be used by anyone else. You are responsible for protecting your SIN.
  • Store any document containing your SIN and personal information in a safe place - do not keep your SIN with you!
• Open a bank account: Most international students open a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificates) account before coming to Canada which not only opens a local account but also ensures they have access to some funds once they're here.
• Start working towards your Canadian driver's license! Everybody needs to start from a 'Class 7' license. To get that, you must give a computerized knowledge test that evaluates your understanding of traffic rules and symbols. If you have previous driving experience, you may be able to use that to qualify for the 'Class 5' license sooner and skip on the mandatory wait period.
  • Even if you don't plan on driving anytime soon, getting the license will help in building your driver's record/history in Canada.

Q: What should I bring along to Canada?

In terms of baggage limits, you are limited in what you can bring along. Try not to buy new stuff but instead focus on bringing your existing wardrobe and items.

• With experience, I've realized that a lot of your daily wear will change based on the province and city you eventually live in. Apart from the ever-changing fashion, your choice of shoes and jackets will vary based on the weather in your region.
  • Typically, in peak winter, some provinces are colder than the others (some provinces can go as low as -50ºC!).
• As far as utensils are concerned, the prices are very comparable here (I'm comparing Indian prices here). If you're planning on buying new utensils, only buy items that are very typical to your native country.
  • For example, the Indian chakla-belan combo would be a smart thing to bring along. Regular cutlery, plates, bowls, etc. are readily available here.
• If you're on medication, or wear prescription eyeglasses, make sure you bring it all along. Once you're enrolled in the medical plan here, you'll be able to visit a local doctor and get more insights on medicine equivalencies.
  • Glasses are typically more expensive here, so make sure you bring along at least two pairs.

Common stores (few typical and popular examples)

While there are a lot of stores that sell groceries, utensils, clothes, etc., you would probably end up going to Walmart, Superstore, Save-on-Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart or Costco. Many of these stores have their own loyalty programs wherein a membership/subscription can either earn you points or provide discounts. For example, Superstore has the 'PC Optimum' program where you 'earn' points on store purchases and they recently extended that to gas stations as well. Once you hit 10,000 points, you are eligible to redeem a discount of $10 on your next bill. Similarly, Walmart has its own MasterCard that helps you 'earn' rewards in the form of cashback. Although most programs are free to enroll, they do have their own merits and demerits. With experience, you will eventually favor one over the other.

FAQ: What about my country's spices/items?

Depending on where you're planning on living, a lot of local stores have an International section in one of their aisles that carry typical spices. Many bigger cities even have stores that carry a lot of stuff from your native country. For example, here in Edmonton, we have several Indian stores that sell spices along with a majority of other Indian items ranging from biscuits, instant noodles (yes, Maggi), utensils and religious items to Bollywood CDs and DVDs! In a sense, those stores have more variety than stores in India!

FAQ: How does the medical system work?

The medical system varies on the province you choose. While BC has a monthly payable Medical Service Plan (MSP) based on annual income and household occupants, AB has a 'free' healthcare system (paid by taxes). Generally, there is a waiting period of about three months before you can enroll in the healthcare system. In the meantime, if you visit the doctor, you would have to pay for the visit. Again, charges vary from area to area. If you're coming in as a student, your university probably has an interim healthcare service till the main one kicks in.

Canada is a land of opportunities, and the vast experiences that it offers are continually evolving. I hope this guide has helped in answering some of the many questions that you have!

I wish you the best as you find yourself here! Did you want me to elaborate on something? Let me know here! Top