Your Key Canadian Documents
Getting your official Canadian documents is a key step to setting up your new life and accessing important services.
Here are the most common documents to focus on. You can start applying for many of them as soon as you arrive. 📝
Permanent Resident (PR) Card
This card is your official proof of permanent resident status in Canada. Your first card is often mailed to you after you arrive.
- Who gets it: Permanent residents.
- What you can do with it: Use it to prove your status to employers or government agencies. You will show this card to re-enter Canada when you travel internationally.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your SIN is a unique nine-digit number. It is necessary for working in Canada and accessing government programs and benefits.
- Who gets it: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents with authorization to work.
- What you can do with it: Provide it to your employer when you start a new job. You also need it to file your annual income taxes.
Provincial Health Card 🏥
This card shows you are covered by your province or territory's public health insurance plan.
- Who gets it: Most residents are eligible, but some provinces have a short waiting period. It is important to check the rules where you live.
- What you can do with it: Present this card at a doctor's office or hospital to receive medical services.
Driver's Licence or Photo ID Card 🆔
Issued by your provincial government, this card is your main piece of photo identification.
- Who gets it: Any resident who meets the age requirements.
- What you can do with it: A driver's licence permits you to legally drive a vehicle. 🚗 Both the licence and the Photo ID Card are used to prove your identity when opening a bank account or for other official purposes.
Securing these documents is a foundational step. Keep them in a safe place once you have them.
This information is for guidance and not legal or medical advice. Always check official government sources for the most up-to-date information.