Shifting to Canada? Prioritise These Steps To Settle In Faster
Canada has announced its much awaited 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan. Canada will be targeting the highest level of immigration in its history. If you are already one of the lucky ones to have been selected from the recent draw, the first question that would naturally come to you would be – how do I fit in now that I’ve been invited?
Immigrating to any new country can be a daunting process. Luckily, being a land of immigrants, Canada is one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries in the world. So what should ideally be your first plan of action as you enter Canada? Following these 5 steps should be your priority.
Your first SIN – Creating your Canadian Identity!
This is one SIN you are allowed to commit (pun intended). The Social Insurance Number or SIN, should be your first priority on landing in Canada. SIN is a 9 digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. Without this, you won’t be able to work or get government related benefits and should naturally be your most important consideration as soon as you land in Canada. You can apply for a SIN at any Service Canada office. Just don’t forget to bring your study or work permit with you.
We highly recommend visiting the official government website on SIN for further information.
Say Hello to Canada!
No matter which country you are from, having a mobile phone is absolutely crucial. Canada is no different. Do you want to find services nearby or connect with a friend or family relative settled in Canada or browse the it-spot for dinner in your city? All of these can be easier for you with an access to affordable, flexible Canadian phone plan.
You will be needing a mobile number not just for leisure or personal usage, but even for professional needs as potential employers would need your mobile number to contact you for employment opportunities. Fortunately, you can get a Canadian SIM-card even before landing in Canada. There is a great deal of value on offer if you are looking to get a Canadian SIM card before heading to Canada.
Get the ArriveCan App
Canada has taken strong steps to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, and the ArriveCan app is a crucial aspect of the same. Everyone coming to Canada is required to have this app on their phone, for which they require a working Canadian SIM card. Everyone traveling to Canada is required to share their travel history and provide the contact information on arriving in Canada. It is important to make sure that you have the ArriveCan app and a Canadian SIM card before you set off for the maple leaf country.
Finding Home Sweet Home
Usually, finding a home in Canada can be a difficult process. Landlords in Canada naturally prefer renting their flats to individual with a good credit history or who can provide local references, which is difficult for a newly arrived immigrant. Plus, getting your ideal home can be difficult as it may be out of your budget.
This is where getting in touch with your friends or relatives can be the key for you to get a home soon. By providing their local references, landlords could be given assurance about your credibility. However, if you don’t have local references, you can still check out online real estate listing sites like Craiglist, Realtor, Zoocasa and Remax etc. to find out willing landlords and at your preferred budget.
Something to Bank on
Once you start working in Canada and work towards building a good credit history, you will sooner or later need a bank account to manage your finances. Whether it is to save money, to get a credit card or to avail loans, having a bank account is important for anyone living in Canada.
There are a lot of things that can impact your banking needs based on factors such as annual fees, money transfer options, facilities, ATM policies etc. It is important that you do your research thoroughly before you embark on the process. The best part of getting a Canadian SIM card before heading to Canada is that it helps you build your credit history. The post-paid billing plan helps you in giving you the credit history you need to get loans.
Socialise Like Your Life Depends On It
We understand socialising during the time of Covid-19 can be tough. But whenever you get the chance, don’t hesitate to participate in community activities. Nothing beats loneliness and helps overcome the blues of settling in a foreign country like getting to know your new neighbours and like-minded people from the community.
If it’s difficult to meet people due to the current Covid-19 situation, then don’t forget there are a lot of vibrant online communities that are ready to interact and help you out. Social network sites like Facebook and Reddit have localised groups that can give you a glimpse of people around you and even share some helpful advice.
Explore Canada – It Will Charm You
Canada is a huge country. Sometimes you could be driving for more than 2 days and still be in the same province! Depending on the season, one can go hiking, canoeing, snowboarding, fishing, visit national parks, witness the Niagara Falls or even watch the Northern Lights. If you prefer urban areas, cities like, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton have a lot of attractions for you to explore.
The most important advice for anyone moving to Canada is that in order to integrate and settle sooner, treat Canada as your home. As the popular phrase goes – Home Is Where the Heart Is. Having a positive attitude, goes a long way in building up your confidence and eases your integration process.
What helps even more is having a Canadian SIM card and a solid phone plan before you land in Canada. As a part of post-landing services a number of immigration agents can help you with the same. If you are still confused about finding a reliable Canadian SIM card, write to us today.
