There are several extremely important tasks that need to be completed first after arriving in Canada.
If you have not completed a full course of COVID-19 vaccination, you may have to go into quarantine immediately upon arrival in Canada.
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So, here is a list of what needs to be done first, in order of importance.
1. Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
2. Take care of your finances.
3. Find out how to access health care:
• health insurance for temporary residents
• private health insurance
4. Get a work permit.
• Job search.
5. Register your children for school.
Get a Social Insurance Number
The first thing you will need is a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It is required to work in Canada and receive payments and services under government programs.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number.
Take care of your finances
Living expenses can vary depending on exactly where you plan to live. Research this in advance (as much as possible).
• Banking services in Canada.
• Money in Canada.
• Cost of living, general expenses and taxes.
Find out how to access health care
In Canada, health care is administered by the provinces and territories. To access health care, you need to apply for a health card in your province or territory.
In some provinces and territories, temporary residents do not have access to the public health-care system. In that case, you may consider private health insurance.
Health insurance for temporary residents
In some cases, you may qualify for public health insurance if you have an open work permit. To do so, you need to meet the requirements of the province or territory where you work. If you do not yet have a permit, you can apply for one upon arrival in Canada.
Useful links if you need help with health-care matters:
• Find out how the Canadian health-care system works (general information in Russian and more detailed information - in English)
• Find out how to apply for a health card in each province
In addition, there are certain provincial, territorial and local providers that can help temporary residents access health care.
Find more information about the province or territory you are heading to on the Ministry of Health website.
Private health insurance
If you do not meet the criteria for public health insurance in the province or territory you are moving to, you can pay for private insurance. Such insurance often covers some health services that are not included in public insurance coverage.
Obtain a work permit
When you arrive in Canada, you will need to find work to support yourself and your family. In some provinces, a work permit may also help you access public health insurance.
If you do not yet have a work permit, you can apply for one here or upon arrival.
Apply for a work permit.
Look for work
There are many resources where you can get all kinds of help, including:
• obtaining an assessment of the equivalency of foreign educational credentials
• looking for work
• understanding how your industry works, such as information about fair wages and available types of work.
The Job Bank of Canada is also preparing additional support measures for Ukrainians looking for work. Fill out their contact form, and they will contact you as soon as more information about this matter becomes available in your province or territory.
Arrange for your children to enrol in school
In Canada, the education system is also administered by the provinces and territories. Education for children is compulsory by law. A parent or legal guardian is responsible for enrolling a child in school and ensuring that they attend classes.
Each province and territory has its own school system.
Depending on your situation, your child may need a study permit to enrol in school.
Learn more about the education system in Canada, including enrolment instructions.
