Landing in
Canada
Useful information
about landing in Canada as a Permanent
Resident
I don't have much personal
experience to share about what to do after landing.
Basically, just be happy and appreciate all the work LEGIT
has done--and continues to do--for same-sex couples!
For me, since I was already spending most of my time in
Canada with my partner, nothing really changed except my
legal status in Canada. I already had an apartment with my
partner, I had a Canadian bank account, Canadian credit card
(all joint with my partner), and I even had my own Canadian
prepaid cell phone. The best thing for me was that I
could finally return to school and work--or at least look
for work--and I didn't have to worry about my "iffy"
status in Canada as a visitor.
Driving in to
Canada
- I landed in Canada via a
car. You probably read about my landing on my
previous
page. It was a
very simply process and went along quickly. Here is a
simplified
diagram about landing by car.
It is extremely simplified, but gives a general idea of
where I went.
Flying in to
Canada
- For those who will be
flying to Canada from somewhere else, I do have a tip
that may save some money on airfare. In my own travels I
found that one-way tickets can be very expensive. At
times one-way tickets can cost significantly more than a
round-trip ticket. The best deals I got were
special round-trip weekender and one-week trips. I
usually ask my travel agent for (1) the best one way
fare, then (2) the best round trip fare, and (3) if there
are any travel specials (the weekender or one-week trips)
that have departure dates near my intended departure
date. If I can save a lot of money I usually don't mind
changing my departure date. The return date of the ticket
is, of course, irrelevant, since I "somehow" miss my
return flight. What I mean by that is, it is against FAA
regulations (illegal) for travel agents to knowingly sell
a round-trip ticket for one-way travel. This can be a big
money saver.
Bringing
Pets
- Call Canada Customs
at 1-613-993-0534 or 1-800-461-9999. Pet owners need to be
able to certify that their pet has had all necessary
shots. Upon arrival the pet will be examined by a vet. I
was told by customs that they usually have a vet at
Vancouver's airport and costs about $30. If the pet is
part of one's settler's effects no duty tax will be
issued. A quarantine will only apply if the vet deems it
necessary. Quarantine is not automatic. That's all I
know. Get details directly from Canada
Customs.
Customs - Settler's
Effects/Personal Goods
- Call Canada Customs
at 1-613-993-0534 or 1-800-461-9999. Customs requires
a list of all belongings being imported during landing
and those that will arrive later. There is no duty tax in
settler's effect. There is also a time limit of how new
things can be. That is, immigrants can't stop off and buy
a brand new refrigerator in the U.S. and claim that as
part of the settler's effects. I'm not sure how detailed
it needs to be. When my partner and I arrived in Canada
with his work authorization and a moving truck, we didn't
have a list of goods being brought in nor did they
inspect the contents of the truck. The responisble government agency is Revenue Canada.
Social Insurance
Number
- The first thing I did
after landing to establish myself in Canada was sign up
for a Social Insurance Number or S.I.N. For those who
don't know the difference, in Canada it is "Social
Insurance Number." In the United States it's
called "Social Security Number." The Human
Resources Development Canada (HRDC) web site (see my
links page) has a downloadable application form
available. The form can be filled out directly on the
computer using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader and printed
out, so all the applicant needs to do is sign the hard
copy. I headed over to an HRDC office, stood in line,
handed in my completed form along with my IMM1000 (Record
of Landing) and that was it. My card arrived later
in the mail, but I could still secure a job before
my card arrived. I would just have to
inform my employer when I received my card.
Ontario Health Insurance
Program (O.H.I.P.)
- My next thing was to
apply for OHIP, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. The
OHIP website (see links
page) has their
form available in PDF format which, like the S.I.N. form,
can be filled out on the computer and printed out already
completed and ready to sign. OHIP requires at 90 days of
residency in Ontario, but applicants can apply before the
90 days and also before applying for a S.I.N. When I
applied, I was required to show my Passport, Record of
Landing, and proof of residence in Ontario. They accepted
my (our) bank statement (with Ontario address) as proof
of residency. OHIP cards for new residents are not mailed
until the resident is qualified for OHIP.
That's all I did. Looking
for a job is an entirely different matter that I won't get
into. Although a S.I.N. is required for employment, it is
okay to start working before the S.I.N. card is received.
The employee must let the employer know that the S.I.N. was
applied for and give the number to the employer when it is
received.
Disclaimer: Not intended as legal advice. Please see
About this Website for more information.
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