Every one of those individuals who fall within the category of COPR holders (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) need not worry further about waiting more than 15 months due to the closure of Canadian borders owing to the pandemic situation and can now peacefully and unworriedly file for applications for a potential PR (permanent residency) status within the nation.

Even though the globe has experienced an entire saga of changes, modifications, rules, and impending regulations owing to the COVID-19 scenario, the Maple country is still wary and reserves certain pandemic-associated guidelines for every fresh incoming person to become familiarized with. A classic example would be the displaying of proof indicating a traveler aged five years and older has undergone a COVID-19 test and is declared negative of the virus.

You could follow the aforementioned tips and tricks in order to smoothly facilitate your personal journey from a visitor to a permanent resident within the country:

Notes Needed for the ‘Before Arrival’ Period

For those of you who have received both the shots of the vaccine, you shall be free from undergoing the previously compulsory quarantine period for a total of 14 days at a government-approved hotel as Canada has now opened its borders for international travel purposes. In case someone faces the dilemma of coming in contact with certain coronavirus-related symptoms, it’s best to postpone your arrival date so as not to be the victim of tiresome and lengthened procedures upon arrival.

Another key pointer is to get all your questions, queries, and doubts clarified beforehand by authorities from the CBSA (Canada Border Services) or the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). It’s also really essential to verify the validity of your COPR documentation and ensure that it hasn’t expired yet. If that’s the case, the IRCC is always bound with a series of useful resources that could aid you in the reinstating process which will permit you to enter the Maple country soundly.

Dealing with Establishment of Housing

This is certainly important for those of you un-vaccinated or half-vaccinated immigrants who will be required to undergo a necessary quarantine of 14 days to make sure about your housing situation well in advance. Normally, landlords are conscious about one’s credit score before they sign any official documents and agreements, however, that may not be the case for new arrivals like yourself since you lack one. In special cases, some of them may agree to consider your country’s credit score for this purpose. In order to display hardcore proof of your legitimacy and validity as a potential tenant, it’s best to keep handy certain official personal paperwork like your CV, educational credential proof, a birth certificate as well as your driver’s permit.

Another pro-tip would be staying updated about rental listings which can usually be found in many of the local newspapers as well as certain real-estate offices. Another pointer to keep in mind is that the first choice of location isn’t compulsorily meant to be your eternal one, you will use this as your personal launch pad to avail yourself better opportunities in the future. This is applicable even to those individuals who claim to know Canada pretty well as they would avoid spending harshly to purchase a new home just upon entering and would much rather consider a short-term lease on an apartment or studio home or long-stay hotel reservation.

Finances for Fresh Entrants

It’s important to first take advice from a trustworthy source like a banking professional you personally can depend on, so book an appointment with such an individual. Apart from aiding you with setting up a personal bank account, he/she can assist with teaching you some basics in personal finance, wealth management, building quick credit history, or becoming eligible to take a vehicle loan or a student loan.

Once you have a personal bank account, it’d be helpful to set up a realistic and customized budget, try using a budget calculator for this purpose, and draw a rough comparison in dollars of your needs versus your wants. The majority of the immigrants often jot down their immediate and primary needs to be grocery costs, expenditure on utilities, transport as well as rent/mortgage. Unnecessary wants that don’t require attention right upon arrival would include TV bills or getting a new gym membership.

Since the cost of living might either keep you happy or surprised, it’s best to not go into sudden shock and always keep aside some lump sum for that purpose every month. Your budget won’t get affected in case rates for living vary with different ranges across different locations within the country.

The primary concern should be getting a hand of your personal credit card as Canadian lenders, landowners, employers and the like tend to preferably keep an eye on one’s credit history and subsequent credit score to detect one’s financial stability.

Highly Important Documentation to be Carried

It’s essential to start arranging all your documents in the following order right upon arrival without further delay:

• PR card: You will avail of this right before your departure to the country through your immigration process. This will aid you during traveling within the country, to receive your banking details and other official government documents.

• Provincial Health card: This is needed when you need to check out the doctor, visit a hospital or cater to any other health-related issues. If you don’t use this, you will be required to cover all your medical bills yourself. Though many provinces start covering health costs immediately, some of them require a 3-month long waiting period before they start that service. For the provinces listed below, it’s necessary that you acquire temporary private insurance:

           Saskatchewan

           British Columbia

           Quebec

           Nunavut

           Northwest Territories

           Yukon

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) card: You need to use your PR card to apply for a SIN card either online or via mail. Your SIN card can assist with tax payments, procuring employment, and also for interest-earning bank accounts plus investments.

Bonus Resources and Advice

This covers almost every aspect of your PR process and journey to completely settling within the nation. For those curious to know more or require additional assurance, kindly check out the ebook titled ‘Welcome to Canada’ that’s freely available on the official Canadian Government webpage. In this, you will find useful information right from housing or human rights to civil protection and guidelines to employment.