A complete Checklist for Newcomers in Canada
Stay Prepared with These Essentials
Ensure you carry all essential official documents, including your birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, educational credentials, vaccination and medical records, driver’s license, and any other necessary paperwork.
If your documents are in a language other than English or French, have them professionally translated.
Keep photocopies of all critical documents for backup.
Exchange your home currency for Canadian or US dollars to cover expenses during your journey.
Know More about British Columbia
Research the Labour Market for both full time and part time jobs based on your skillset
Search for your accommodation
Items permissible and restricted while entering Canada
Facilities in British Columbia for newcomers
Airport pick up: Check the travel options well in advance
Enhance your English or French skills by enrolling in government-funded language courses
Apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit if you have a dependent under the age of 18
Get your Canadian Driver’s Licence
Learn about Canadian laws and your rights and responsibilities
Learn your rights as a tenant
Learn your rights as an employee
Find a family doctor
Insurance
- For Students: All international students are required by law to have medical insurance while studying in BC. If you are planning to study in British Columbia for at least six months, you are eligible for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). You must apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC. However, it takes about 3 months to process your MSP applications.
- Other immigrants (Permanent Residents and Work Permit Holders): Consider buying a private travel insurance for a longer term to cover yourself until you become eligible for the provincial health-care system.
- Visitors (parents/ family members who are on a visitor visa): Visitors are not eligible to enroll in the BC Medical Service Plan. Therefore, it is imperative for all visitors to obtain travel insurance that covers them from the date of arrival, throughout their stay in Canada, and until their return to their home country.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work in Canada and access government benefits. All family members, including children and infants, should apply upon arrival.
Apply, update or obtain a SIN confirmation
Apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP)
All permanent residents and temporary workers are eligible for free medical care. International students must pay a health-care coverage fee under the plan. It is essential to apply for a health card immediately upon arrival in Canada. Each family member, including children, must have their own health card.
Apply for B.C. health coverage
Employment services by Work BC
Access a comprehensive range of employment services, including job search resources, skills assessments, training programs, work experience placements, and online support.
Work BC – Services
School Admissions
Public education (up until grade 12) is free and available to every child in Canada. You will need to pre-register your children (ages 5-17) as soon as you arrive at the school or school board office in your area
School District 35 Langley
School District 36 Surrey
School District 37 Delta
School District 38 Richmond
School District 39 Vancouver
School District 40 New Westminster
School District 41 Burnaby
School District 42 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows
School District 43 Coquitlam
School District 44 North Vancouver
School District 45 West Vancouver
Kerala Community
For inquiries regarding outreach to the local Kerala/South Indian community, please contact:
Malayalee Association For Community Service BC
Visit macsbc.org or info@macsbc.org