Greetings from the PGRKCA Family!!
A warm welcome to the Great White North! We're thrilled to have you embark on this exciting journey as a new immigrant to Canada. To help you smoothly transition and make the most of your new life here, we've prepared a comprehensive checklist tailored just for you.
Before You Arrive
1> Know more about Prince George and British Columbia.
Useful links
2> Search for your accommodation.
Useful links
3> Research the Labour Market for both full time and part time jobs based on your skillset.
4> Make sure to bring your official documents (birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, educational certificates, vaccination records, medical records, driver’s licence, etc.)
5> Have your official documents translated into English or French if they are in any other language.
6> Bring photocopies of all important documents.
7> Convert your funds to Canadian/US dollars from your home country to be used during transit.
8> Travel Insurance:
A travel medical insurance plan provides emergency health and medical coverage in the event of an accident, injury, or sickness beyond your control.
For Students:
All international students are required by law to have medical insurance while studying in BC. If you are planning to study in British Columbia for at least six months, you are eligible for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). You must apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC. However, it takes about 3 months to process your MSP applications.
Other immigrants (Permanent Residents and Work Permit Holders): Consider buying a private travel insurance for a longer term to cover yourself until you become eligible for the provincial health-care system.
9> Items permissible and restricted while entering Canada.
10> Airport pick up: Check the travel options well in advance.
Upon Arrival
11> Canadian SIM/ Cell Phone/ Internet connection.
12> Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN).
You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada and get access to government benefits. All family members (even children and infants) should apply for one on arrival.
13> Apply for MSP - Provincial Health Insurance card.
All permanent residents / temporary workers are eligible for free medical care. For International students, you’re required to pay the plan’s health-care coverage fee. You should apply for a health card as soon as you arrive in Canada. All members of the family, including children, must have their own health card.
14> Open a Bank Account
All major banks in Canada provide Newcomer offers to new immigrants. Few links are listed below.
15> Familiarize yourself with your new neighbourhood.
16> Memorize the emergency telephone numbers:
17> For School Admissions:
Public education (up until grade 12) is free and available to every child in Canada. You will need to pre-register your children (ages 5-17) as soon as you arrive at the school or school board office in your area.
18> Employment services by Work BC.
Access employment services including job search resources, skills assessment, training, work experience placement and online services.
19> Other Employment Services
20> Call or Visit an Immigrant-Serving Organization in Prince George
a. Immigrant and Multicultural Services society of Prince George
Address: 1270 – 2nd Avenue, Prince George, British Columbia, V2L 3B3, Canada
Telephone: 250-562-2900
[email protected]
b. To reach out to the local Kerala/ South Indian community, please contact:
Prince George Regional Kerala Cultural Association (PGRKCA)
Contact: [email protected], [email protected]
Following information might be helpful while you are settling in Canada.
21> Improve your English or French by enrolling in government funded language classes.
22> Apply for Canada Child Tax Benefit (if you have a dependent under 18 years old).
23> Get your Canadian Driver’s Licence.
24> Learn about Canadian laws and your rights and responsibilities.
25> Learn your rights as a tenant.
26> Search and apply for job opportunities.
27> Learn your rights as an employee.
28> Public Library: Prince George Public Library.
29> Find a family doctor.
Please note: You are not alone in this journey. Our vibrant community and support networks are here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or further assistance.
Wishing you a seamless transition and a wonderful beginning in your new home!!
Best wishes,
Team PGRKCA
Prince George Regional Kerala Cultural Association (PGRKCA)
Non-profit society under BC Societies.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.pgrkca.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pgrkca.princegeorgebc
A warm welcome to the Great White North! We're thrilled to have you embark on this exciting journey as a new immigrant to Canada. To help you smoothly transition and make the most of your new life here, we've prepared a comprehensive checklist tailored just for you.
Before You Arrive
1> Know more about Prince George and British Columbia.
Useful links
- https://moveupprincegeorge.ca/move/new-canadians/
- https://newtobc.ca/settlement-information-for-newcomers/
2> Search for your accommodation.
Useful links
- https://www.kijiji.ca/b-apartments-condos/prince-george/c37l1700143
- https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/103700146335304/houses-for-rent/
- Shared/Room rentals
3> Research the Labour Market for both full time and part time jobs based on your skillset.
4> Make sure to bring your official documents (birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, educational certificates, vaccination records, medical records, driver’s licence, etc.)
5> Have your official documents translated into English or French if they are in any other language.
6> Bring photocopies of all important documents.
7> Convert your funds to Canadian/US dollars from your home country to be used during transit.
8> Travel Insurance:
A travel medical insurance plan provides emergency health and medical coverage in the event of an accident, injury, or sickness beyond your control.
For Students:
All international students are required by law to have medical insurance while studying in BC. If you are planning to study in British Columbia for at least six months, you are eligible for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). You must apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC. However, it takes about 3 months to process your MSP applications.
- College of New Caledonia (CNC): Your first three months are covered by MyCanadaPlan by Gallivan Health and Wellness. This plan provides emergency medical coverage for the first 3 months of study at CNC. This insurance is mandatory, and your enrollment is automatic.
- University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC): Mandatory private health insurance is required for new students that do not have BC MSP. Depending on the date of arrival new students typically need coverage for 2-3 months. Private health insurance charge of $190 CAD will be applied directly to your student account. It provides comprehensive coverage for medically necessary care for the duration of the semester.
Other immigrants (Permanent Residents and Work Permit Holders): Consider buying a private travel insurance for a longer term to cover yourself until you become eligible for the provincial health-care system.
- Visitors (parents/ family members who are on a visitor visa): Visitors are not eligible to enroll in the BC Medical Service Plan. Therefore, it is imperative for all visitors to obtain travel insurance that covers them from the date of arrival, throughout their stay in Canada, and until their return to their home country.
9> Items permissible and restricted while entering Canada.
10> Airport pick up: Check the travel options well in advance.
- Airport Taxi from Prince George Airport
Upon Arrival
11> Canadian SIM/ Cell Phone/ Internet connection.
12> Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN).
You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada and get access to government benefits. All family members (even children and infants) should apply for one on arrival.
- Apply Online
- Apply in person at Service Canada.
13> Apply for MSP - Provincial Health Insurance card.
All permanent residents / temporary workers are eligible for free medical care. For International students, you’re required to pay the plan’s health-care coverage fee. You should apply for a health card as soon as you arrive in Canada. All members of the family, including children, must have their own health card.
- Apply Online
- Apply in person at Service BC, 1044 5 Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 5G4.
14> Open a Bank Account
All major banks in Canada provide Newcomer offers to new immigrants. Few links are listed below.
15> Familiarize yourself with your new neighbourhood.
- Neighbourhoods
- Familiarize transportation option in your neighbourhood.
16> Memorize the emergency telephone numbers:
- 911 for police, fire, emergency.
- 811 for non-urgent healthcare issues.
- 211 for helpful and vital resources within the community.
17> For School Admissions:
Public education (up until grade 12) is free and available to every child in Canada. You will need to pre-register your children (ages 5-17) as soon as you arrive at the school or school board office in your area.
18> Employment services by Work BC.
Access employment services including job search resources, skills assessment, training, work experience placement and online services.
- Services by government agency – Work BC
- Visit Work BC in person at: 1600 15th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3X3
19> Other Employment Services
20> Call or Visit an Immigrant-Serving Organization in Prince George
a. Immigrant and Multicultural Services society of Prince George
Address: 1270 – 2nd Avenue, Prince George, British Columbia, V2L 3B3, Canada
Telephone: 250-562-2900
[email protected]
b. To reach out to the local Kerala/ South Indian community, please contact:
Prince George Regional Kerala Cultural Association (PGRKCA)
Contact: [email protected], [email protected]
Following information might be helpful while you are settling in Canada.
21> Improve your English or French by enrolling in government funded language classes.
22> Apply for Canada Child Tax Benefit (if you have a dependent under 18 years old).
23> Get your Canadian Driver’s Licence.
24> Learn about Canadian laws and your rights and responsibilities.
25> Learn your rights as a tenant.
26> Search and apply for job opportunities.
27> Learn your rights as an employee.
28> Public Library: Prince George Public Library.
29> Find a family doctor.
Please note: You are not alone in this journey. Our vibrant community and support networks are here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or further assistance.
Wishing you a seamless transition and a wonderful beginning in your new home!!
Best wishes,
Team PGRKCA
Prince George Regional Kerala Cultural Association (PGRKCA)
Non-profit society under BC Societies.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.pgrkca.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pgrkca.princegeorgebc
