Frequently Asked Canada Immigration After Landing Questions (FAQ)

After Landing

12.1  Must I stay in Canada following landing ?

Permanent residents may leave and re enter Canada as often as they wish as long as they spend in Canada at least 720 days in every five year period.

12.2  Can I be a Canadian Permanent Resident and hold a US Green Card at the same time?     

Yes, but not indefinitely. One cannot be a permanent resident in two countries at the same time, so sooner or later you'd have to choose one of the countries in question. Having a US Green Card, applying to the DV lotteries etc. does not effect your eligibility and ultimate acquisition of Canadian PR.

12.3  I have a car and I want to import it into Canada, can I do it?    

In general, the vehicles to be imported to Canada has to meet some uniquely Canadian standards. Not all cars manufactured in the USA, let alone other parts of the worlds, do or could be made to conform to these standards. So, before deciding to import your car into Canada, you should check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. You can reach the RIV at: +1 800 511 7755.

12.4  Can I change my Driver's Licence for a Canadian one?

Driver's licenses are under provincial jurisdiction, but generally speaking, you'd have to pass a driving test and surrender your out of province driving licence to get a Canadian one. Depending on the province, you can drive with your out of province DL for a period of 2 to 3 months.

12.5  What is the job market like in Canada?

The Canadian labour market has been quite strong in the past few years. For more information you may visit our Archive.

12.6  How do I obtain medical services?   

Medical services are available from hospitals, doctors and other health care providers. Persons without health insurance coverage are charged directly for these services. Insurance coverage for essential medical services is available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Each person carries a personal health card which must be shown at the reception desk of the doctor or hospital. Each province has its own particular requirements to obtain a health insurance card so it is important to contact a provincial ministry of health office in the province you reside.  

12.7  How do I get a health card?

You can apply for a health card at the provincial ministry of health office in your city. You will find the address in the provincial government listings in your telephone book. Take with you your birth certificate, Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing) and passport. Some provinces also request further documentation showing your name and address and your signature.  All members of your family must have their own coverage. Take their documents with you, and ask the government officer for information about registering them.

12.8  Who is eligible to receive a health card?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible in all provinces. Certain persons in Canada for a temporary period of time (e.g., temporary workers, holders of a Minister's permit, foreign students, and refugees whose status has been confirmed by the Immigration Refugee Board) are also eligible in some provinces. Essential health care services are available to refugee claimants through the Interim Federal Health Program at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

12.9  How soon am I eligible to receive a health card?

Permanent residents are eligible immediately, except in British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick where there is a three month waiting period. Persons in Canada temporarily and holding Immigration Canada documentation (e.g., temporary workers, holders of a Minister's permit and foreign students) have different waiting periods, depending on the province. For more information, contact the provincial ministry of health.

12.10 Is my health card accepted throughout Canada?

For permanent residents, your health card is primarily for use in the province you live in. If you move to another province, reapply as soon as possible. There are waiting periods before you can be covered, although you are covered by the health plan of the province you left for a certain amount of time. If you are visiting another province, your card can be used in an emergency. Residents residing in a province for a temporary period should contact the provincial health insurance plan office in the province of permanent residence for further clarification concerning their coverage throughout Canada. 

12.11  How are medical services paid for?

Most medical services are paid for by various tax measures. Basic hospital charges and doctors' fees are covered. Two provinces charge premiums (British Columbia and Alberta). In general, insured services are provided on a prepaid basis, i.e. provincial plans pay the hospital or doctor directly for services they provide to eligible residents.

12.12  What medical services are NOT covered?

Provinces do not pay for services that are medically unnecessary, such as cosmetic surgery. Some provinces provide coverage for non medical service coverage, such as prescription drugs and assertive devices. These may require a co payment by the patient.

12.13  What kinds of income security benefits are available?

Governments at the federal, provincial and municipal level help people who are unable to provide for themselves and their families.  Special programs help people in different circumstances, such as:

•  raising children (Child Tax Benefits),

• retirement (Canada Pension/Quebec Pension, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement),

• job related injuries (Workers' Compensation),

• the loss of a job (Employment Insurance),

• longer term unemployment (Social Assistance).  

12.14  Who can receive income security benefits?

Most benefits are for people in specific circumstances. You must qualify for each type of government assistance. For some benefits, you must pay into the plan to be eligible to receive them. Sometimes, a person or family may qualify for more than one kind of income security, but each has separate application or procedures and rules to ensure that benefits only go to those who need them.  To qualify for any benefits, you must have a Social Insurance Number.

12.15  What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is an identification number given to each person for the purposes of income tax, Employment Insurance, old age pension, etc.  Most newcomers receive an application form for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) when they first arrive in Canada. If you did not get one, you can apply at any Human Resource Centre of Canada (HRCC). You will need to show your birth certificate, Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing) and passport. There is a small administrative fee. Forms are also available at Canada Post offices and through many immigrant serving agencies.

12.16  What is child tax benefits and who is eligible for it?  

The federal government provides monthly payments to parents or guardians on behalf of children under the age of 18, through a program called the Child Tax Benefit. It is usually paid to the mother of the child if the child lives with her. The amount is different according to family income, number of children and their ages.  To be considered for the Child Tax Benefit you must be the parent or guardian of the child who lives with you. In addition, you or your spouse must be either a:

• Canadian citizen,

•  Permanent resident,

• Convention refugee in Canada whose refugee status has been confirmed by the Immigration Refugee Board, or

•  Visitor or holder of a Minister's Permit under the Immigration Act, who has lived at least 18 continuous months in Canada before applying for the Benefit.  

12.17  How do I apply for the child tax benefits?

Send an application form to Revenue Canada, Taxation and show documents such as Record of Landing or passport. Proof of birth must also be provided for each child. You may also contact a Client Service Centre, Income Security Program, Human Resources Development Canada. For further information, look in the government pages of your telephone book.

12.18  What is Canada and Quebec Pension Plan?

Canada and Quebec Pension Plans are a form of insurance to which people must contribute during their working years, to receive monthly payments starting at age 65. A reduced pension is available at age 60. These plans also include survivor's pensions for the spouses of deceased pensioners, disability pensions and children's and death benefits.

12.19  Who is eligible for the Canada and Quebec Pension Plan?

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, visitors and