Thousands of people move to Quebec every year. With its different immigration pathways, which include the Canada express entry visa and Canada Provincial Nominee program, immigrants from all parts of the world arrive in this province on a daily basis.
If you and your family will also be migrating to Quebec soon or have recently moved here, there are some important things you have to do first once you arrive here. By prioritizing these tasks or steps, you will complete your relocation more efficiently. You and your family will experience a less stressful and smoother transition as well when you complete these tasks.
Below are the five things you have to do after your successful move to Quebec:
1. Arrange for your accommodation
Unless you were able to get help with finding a place where you and your family can stay for at least six months after arriving in Quebec, your first task is to find a more permanent accommodation.
Fortunately, Quebec has many options in terms of home rentals. In addition, rental costs here are low, even lower than in Toronto and Vancouver. As such, you won’t have a hard time finding a home that you and your family will love and can afford.
When looking for a permanent home, browse through the different neighborhoods in your city. Next, check their proximity to your workplace, school, public transport, and other key places such as a church, supermarkets, hospitals, and dental clinics.
Once you have found an area that suits you, go online to check various rental property listings. You can also get help from a real estate company to find the perfect home to rent.
2. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Before you can start working in Quebec, you need to have a SIN.
You will be given a SIN application form by a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officer upon your arrival. You need to complete and submit this form before leaving the airport.
However, if you were not able to fill out the form when you arrived, you can download a form from the Government of Canada website, complete it, and submit it at the nearest Human Resource Canada center. You can also get a form, fill it up, and submit it directly in the same office.
If your SIN application meets all the requirements, you will then be issued a number and a card within several weeks.
3. Get a health insurance card
To receive medical services for free in public clinics and hospitals in Quebec, you need a health insurance card.
To get this card, visit the local Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) office. However, make sure you have the documents required when applying for health insurance. One of the main requirements you should have is the original employment authorization given to you by the Canadian immigration authorities allowing you to work in Quebec.
Once you have submitted your application, photo, and other requirements, the RAMQ office will process your application. If you meet the requirements, you will receive a letter specifying the date upon which you will become eligible for the Quebec Health Insurance Plan.
After receiving this letter, you can expect to receive your health insurance card in the next 14 days.
Please note that each member of your family needs a card so each one has to make individual applications.
4. Open a bank account
To start saving money and to have access to other important banking services and facilities, you need to open a bank account.
When choosing a bank, look for one that has a branch near your home or office. It should have multiple ATM facilities across the city as well. Also, look for a bank that offers special services for newcomers and mobile or Internet banking capabilities.
You will need to submit various requirements as well when you open your first bank account. Visit your preferred bank’s website to read up on these requirements, and prepare them beforehand.
5. Explore
Lastly, don’t forget about the most exciting and fun thing about moving to a new place: exploring.
Take the time to get to know your new neighborhood. You can do this and help your family do the same by visiting nearby places of interests such as parks, museums, churches, and malls.
Make sure you visit the popular tourist attractions as well. If you live in Montreal, visit the Pointe a Callière museum, the Botanical Gardens, Mount Royal, and Marché Jean-Talon.
In case you are staying in Quebec City, the Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, La Citadelle, and the Musée de la Civilisation de Quebec are worth visiting first.
You may think that all your hard work is done after you have completed packing for an international move. However, your work isn’t done yet after you arrive in Quebec.
But no matter how time-consuming these tasks are, try to complete them as soon as possible so that you and your family will experience a smooth, problem-free transition. And don’t forget to squeeze in some time for exploring your new city since this a great and fun way to familiarize yourself with, and adjust to your new home.
AUTHOR BIO
Bevan Berning is an Immigration professional and owner of Pathway Visas, an Immigration Agency dealing mostly with skilled immigration to Canada and Australia. Bevan’s enthusiasm for the industry has kept in the Immigration field for the past seven years. Bevan is South African by birth and has been residing in Dubai for the past eight years.
