Introduction
Table of Contents
- Neighbourhoods
- Parks, Recreation and Culture
- Things to Do
- Visitor Guide 2019
Government Guide
Arriving at Halifax Stanfield International Airport Transporting Pets
Health
- Private Health Insurance
- Medical Services Insurance (MSI)
- Family Doctor
Accommodation
- Short Term Accommodation
- Long Term Accommodation
Cost of Living
Public Transportation
Important Documents and Banks Transferring Money Overseas Schools
Taxes Other Info
Introduction
Halifax is a major economic centre in Atlantic Canada and it is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia. The atmosphere of the city receives constant influence of the sea, offering nature lovers exciting look outs. In the same way, those who prefer the concretes will find attractions and a nightlife to explore.
Government Guide
The following links give you access on how to settle life in Nova Scotia.
Temporary Foreign Worker Support Program
Arriving at Halifax Stanfield International Airport
The link below directs you to information regarding ground transportation outside the arrivals area.
Transporting Pets
Cats and dogs will need a rabies vaccination and you have to bring them with the vaccination certificate. How the certificate should look like is under the following links, as well as container guidelines.
Health
After arrival, when you have your permit handy, you will be able to apply for the Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance (MSI). The program is administered by Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of the Nova Scotia Government. To be eligible for the coverage, you must have a valid work permit for a minimum of one full year (from the date of your arrival).
Medical Services Insurance (MSI)
“People moving to Nova Scotia from outside the country, who hold a Work Permit that is valid for a minimum of 12 months are eligible to apply for MSI upon their arrival in Nova Scotia, provided they have signed a declaration. The worker cannot be absent from Nova Scotia for more than 31 days, except in the course of employment. Coverage will begin on the date of arrival in Nova Scotia or the date the Work Permit was issued, whichever is the later date. For continuous coverage, a copy of the renewed Work Permit must be submitted and a new declaration form must be signed each year…Dependent Children under the age of 19 are granted coverage on the same basis as their parents once the applicant has gained entitlement.”
Moving to Nova Scotia from Outside Canada
“Application forms are available by calling MSI toll-free within Nova Scotia at 1-800-563-8880. Once your application has been processed, you and your eligible family members will receive your Nova Scotia Health Cards.
Once you receive your Nova Scotia Health Card, please sign it and carry it with you at all times. You must present it to the physician and/or hospital each time you need insured hospital or physician services”. Health Care in Nova Scotia by Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia
Family Doctor
In Canada, there are walk-in clinics and hospitals in case of emergency. However, you and/or your family need to find a family doctor to be responsible for your care.
Accommodation
In Canada, apartments for rent are usually available to move in on the 1st day of the month. My suggestion is to start looking for advertisement based on the date you will arrive. If you arrive past the 15th of the month, book visits to see places upon arrival.
Short Term Accommodation
Long Term Accommodation
Popular websites to find places to rent (Always book visits to check the place in person – Attention to scams):
Note: Information board of schools and colleges advertise home rentals. Moreover, property management companies are another option.
Cost of Living
The following links give access to simulation of cost of living by city:
numbeo expatistan government of canada
Public Transportation
The options to make your way around in Halifax include Halifax Transit, walking, driving or cycling. Furthermore, there are two ferries available in the city. To find out more about winter operations, fares and schedules, please click here.
Important Documents and Banks
- SIN (Social Insurance Number) – The link SIN will help you to find the closest Service Canada Office. Required documents: passport and permit (original) + inform your address.
- The ID card is available for those who do not have a driver’s licence in Nova Scotia.
- The 5 biggest Banks are TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, and CIBC. They do offer packages for newcomers. (You can check the links below). Just keep in mind that you need to build a credit score in Canada if you want to buy a house or apply for a mortgage in the future, for example. The credit card is one way of building the score and the banks’ representatives will be able to explain it in detail.
- Visitors or Newcomers who have a valid driver’s licence from another part of Canada, or from another country, can drive in Nova Scotia for up to 90 days without getting a Nova Scotia Driver’s Licence. After that, you need a Nova Scotia licence. Please, check on the following link if your country has a reciprocal agreement or not and how to obtain the canadian licence on both cases. Link
Transferring Money Overseas
Tips: Transferwise WesternUnion
Schools
“The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) was created on April 1, 2018. As an entity, the HRCE operates English public schools throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality. Serving more than 50,000 students in 135 schools, the HRCE is the largest school system in Atlantic Canada. The HRCE’s vision is to provide a high quality education to every student every day.” (HRCE Website)
Nova Scotia – Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Taxes
Please, refer to the links below:
Other Info
Renting a home in Canada? Who is involved?
The following link explains general terms, how to find a place, moving in and signing a lease, paying the rent, rent increases and moving out.
My partner has work permit. Can he or she study English?
According to the CIC website, your spouse can study without a study permit if the program of study is 6 months or less. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=484&top=15
Suggestion: Explore halifaxpubliclibraries.ca and discover how you can benefit from their services. Learn English.
Are there places where I can find my country’s food?
11 of Halifax’s Hottest Ethnic Food Stores
International Restaurants in Halifax – TripAdvisor
My partner will look for jobs. Is there any support?
Your partner can get information from the Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia. The association offers support on employment counselling, one-on-one counselling, referrals to legal, health, financial, government, and access to translations services. Employment agencies are another option to seek for a job, and engaging in events or meetups helps to build networking as well as volunteering.
What are the emergency numbers in Halifax?
What are the biggest cell phone and internet providers in Canada?
National Internet Providers – Telus, Bell and Rogers
VOIP Phones & Internet Service Providers
Mobile companies – Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Virgin, Mobilicity/Chatr, Wind, Koodo and PC Mobile. The best, cheapest cell phone plans in Canada in Canada in 2018, according to Global News.
What are the Car Sharing Services in Canada?
In many canadian cities it is possible to find an alternative means of transportation, besides public transportation, bikes and taxis. They are the car sharing services, which require subscription fees and offer automobiles of different brands and sizes. You can find CarShare Atlantic in Halifax.