Important Things to do before and after you come to Canada

Source:www.gic.gc.ca

If you are thinking about coming to Canada, it is best to be as prepared as possible.

Every newcomer's situation is different, so the lists we put here will  provide only an indication of what you may need to do at different stages.

Some of these documents may not be required immediately, but it is better to bring all your official documents with you in case you need them in the future. It is usually more difficult to obtain them after you have left your country.

BEFORE you arrive in Canada:

1. Collect and bring to Canada all official documents belonging to you and the family members who are immigrating with you.

Source: www.qc.cuny.edu

You should prepare:

• birth certificate
• passport
• marriage or divorce certificate, death certificate for a deceased spouse
• adoption records for adopted children
• educational diplomas and Certificates. Transcripts that list the courses you took to obtain a degree or certificate. 
• official vaccination records
• medical records (test results, x-rays, allergies, prescriptions... ) and dental records
• driver's licence and/or International Driving Permit 

If the original documents are not in English or Frech, (Canada's official languages) you will need to obtain Certified translations. Here in Atlantic Canada, even if it is a bilingual province, it is most useful to translate the documents into English.

When presenting your documents to Canadian Officials, always provide the original, the certified translation and the name and contact information of the translation agency.

2. Make an effort to improve your English or French. Communicaton skills may be the most important tool you can possess to setle successfully in Canada and find a good job .

3. Plan where you will stay during your first days in Canada. 

4. Prepare yourself to find employment in Canada. Obtain letters of reference from your past  employers, learn how to search and apply for jobs in Canada.

Find out if your occupation is regulated or unregulated. You may need to get your credentials recognized to find work: (http://credentials.gc.ca/recognition/why/licensing-requirements-regulated.asp)

5. Learn about the education system in Canada. Take note of the deadlines for applying and registering at schools, colleges and Universities.

6. Learn more about the province and the city where you will settle. Choose the city where you will live and understand how  much it cost to live there (http://www.cig.ca/english/newcomers/before-cost.asp)

7 .Find out if you need a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp)

8. Make sure you know what you can and cannot bring to Canada. (http//www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-goods-what,asp)

AFTER arriving:

Source: http://galleryhip.com

In your first few weeks you will need to:

• Learn the sources of information to help you meet your needs:You can find contact information for inmigrant-serving organizations across Canada at:  www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/map/services.asp                   

          (We  recommend you :Saint John Multicultural and Newcomers Resource Centre Inc.)

• Exchange your money for Canadian currency and  open a Canadian Bank Account.
• Find temporary accommodation
• Have some identification (ID) with you
• Apply for a government health insurance card 
• Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can not work in Canada without a SIN . And it is needed to receive goverment benefits.
• Register your children in school
• Get a telephone card or a contract with a phone company
• Get a map of the area and find out about transportation in your area
• Memorize the national emergency telephone number: 911. If you experience a medical or other type of emergency, do not hesitate to call for help. 

In your first few months:

• search for a home to rent or buy.
• get a family doctor or health centre where you can go for your medical needs. 
• have your children inmunized
• look for a job
• try to make friends
• know where the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) assessment centre is in your community and register for language classes
• apply for Canada Child Tax Benefits (call 1-800-387-1193)
• know if you can apply for the GST/HST Credit ( call 1-800-959-1953 for more information)

In your first year:

• get a valid driver's licence if you plan to drive in Canada
• if your first language is not English or French, practice and improve your language skills
• register for adult continuing education classes
• participate in community activities
• understand your rights and responsibilities under Canadian law
• know that you can apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada several years

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website can be found at www.cic.gc.ca and it provides general information about immigration and citizenship programs and services, information about your application, information kits easy to download and help with fee calculations.

You can also call them: 1-888-242-2100