Important Things to Do When you Land in Vancouver from India.
Congratulations on picking the most beautiful province in Canada for your first settlement!
Vancouver offers a lot of potential in terms of living, work-life and travel. With gorgeous mountains on one side and beautiful coastal areas and islands, there is so much you can explore! But first things first – your first week in Vancouver will be full of new experiences. Here are 5 things you need to do when you land as a new immigrant:
1. Social Insurance number (SIN): SIN is the most important entity you will have in Canada – it is private and should be protected. Share it with your bank and employer when requested. You can go to your nearest Service Canada or apply it online: Find a Service Canada, Apply SIN Online
2. Bank Account: To open a bank account in Canada, the most important documents you need are your immigration documents (PR Card/Work Permit/Student Permit) and your government issued ID. Most banks have welcome offers for new immigrants.
Local bank names: Scotiabank. Toronto-Dominion (TD) Bank, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) etc.
3. Phone and local contact number: Weather you choose to buy your own phone upfront or do through some new offers for phones + phone plans, choose a network that finds in your budget and has good connectivity in your area.
Local Network Companies with both phone and phone plans: TELUS, Rogers, Fido, Koodo, Virgin Mobile, Freedom mobile etc.
4. Health: Health coverage in British Columbia is covered through Medial Services Plan (MSP). Once you apply, coverage starts after 90 days. Until then, consider private insurance coverage to protect you and your family in the first 90 days. You can apply online or at your nearest Service BC location
Apply for a Health Card. Service BC Locations
5. NETWORK, Join local Indian community groups: Local community groups are a great way for you to network and get introduced to the culture in Vancouver. There are many local groups and Facebook groups that offer potential to reach out for help, make friends, network and find local services.
Apart from following All Things Indian in Vancouver (ATI), Vancouver Indian Forum on Facebook, here are some group recommendations: Indian Community in Vancouver, Indians in Vancouver, Indians in Surrey, India in Metro Vancouver, Indians in Vancouver Area, Indians in Tricities BC – Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam & Port Moody. Canadian Desi Arts and Cultural Club
We hope you enjoy your time in this new country! Reach out to us with any questions or help.
