Introduction
- Neighborhoods
- Tourism Winnipeg
- Online News
Important Guides
Arriving at James Armstrong Richardson Airport Transporting Pets
Health
- Private Health Insurance
- Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living
- 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
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of the province of Manitoba. It is known as the ‘Gateway to the West’. There are typically 193 days of temperature at 0°C or below (Frost starts in mid-September and ends in mid-May, on average). However, the city is multicultural and hosts a lot of festivals. You will not miss activities to do.
During the winter – Download the App ‘Know Your Zone’ App
Important Guides
The following link gives you access to important guides on how to settle life in Manitoba.
Arriving at James Armstrong Richardson Airport
The link below directs you to information regarding ground transportation service upon arrival. Ground Transportation
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. Dogs Cats Other Animals
Health
After arrival, when you have your permit handy, you will be able to apply for the government health care coverage. However, your coverage may start three months after your arrival date in Manitoba. You should get private health care insurance to cover the trip and the waiting time.
Private Health Insurance
You can find an insurance company in your country and ask its representatives to quote the coverage for you and/or your family.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living
To receive the coverage you must:
How to apply and where. Documents required: Passport + Permit (yours and dependents)
+ completed health registration form.
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.
Family Doctor Finder (Manitoba)
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):
kijiji padmapper rent faster zumper
Cost of Living
The following links give access to simulation of cost of living by city:
numbeo expatistan government of canada
Public Transportation
Winnipeg Transit – Regular Service, Fares, Peggo (reloadable electronic card – easy way to pay transit fares by taping it on farebox)
Via Rail Canada – Winnipeg Train Station when travelling to destinations in the Prairies (In this case, travel to Saskatchewan) and Northern Manitoba (region of the ‘Polar Bear Capital’ or Churchill and where you can see the Aurora Borealis)
Important Documents and Banks
Following the order below will help you to reduce the time when applying for the documents:
- 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 Manitoba Identification Card (wallet photo card for those who do not have local driver’s licence. It is not mandatory, but it is going to avoid carrying your passport around). Required documents: passport and permit (original) + Manitoba residency and permanent address (supporting documents required and they must be dated within 90 days of the date of application) + pay fee.
- The 5 biggest Banks are TD, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Bank of Montreal (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.
- Driver’s Licence. “To obtain your first driver’s licence, you must be at least 16 years old, or 15-1/2 if you are enrolled in the High School Driver Education program. If you are not in Driver Education you should:
-
- Visit an Autopac agent with your identity documents and register as a Manitoba Public Insurance customer. You must meet identity requirements.
- The agent will provide you with a document – called a change particulars document – you will need to take the knowledge test that you must pass before you get a Learner’s licence.
Later, you will also have to pass a road test. If you are successful in both, you will be on your way to earning full driving privileges.”
Transferring Money Overseas
Tips: Transferwise WesternUnion
Schools
Early Childhood Education – Children can start Kindergarten in September of the year they turn 5 years old. Registration usually begins in January or February for the following September.
Documents required to register children at school:
- Original Birth Certificate and Immigration Papers
- Immunization Records
- Proof of Residence Address
For details regarding registration information and determining your school division, please, contact School Divisions.
Tip: Collect copies of birth certificates and ask for authentication at any notary’s office in your country. You do not need to translate the documents.
Understanding Education and Training in Manitoba – Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools. “Each year, Manitoba welcomes many international students to the Manitoba public and funded independent school systems. The new Enrolment Cap Policy for International Students in Manitoba Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools is designed to help international students succeed in Manitoba. Enrolment of international students is limited to no more than 20% of total school enrolment in any one school in a given year”. Cap Policy for International Students
Manitoba School Divisions and Districts Contacts
There are four School Programs available in the Province:
- English Program
- French Immersion Program
- Français Program
- Senior Years Technology Education Program (available for the English, French Immersion, and Français Programs)
Curriculum/Subjects available here.
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. Renting a home in Canada
My partner has work permit. Can he or she study english?
According to the CIC website, she 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
Extra Info:
The Immigrant Centre serves permanent residents, temporary residents (including foreign workers), international students, visitors and canadian citizens. For more information on English Programs, please, check Access English Centre (AEC).
YMCA – YWCA of Winnipeg also offers English as a Second Language.
Are there places where I can find my country’s food?
Yes, there are. Please, check the locations here.
Extra Info: 10 Best Restaurants in Winnipeg, according to TripAdvisor Canada.
My partner will look for jobs. Is there any support?
Your partner can find guidance under the bottom ‘For Newcomers’ on this link. There are also employment agencies in the city, events or meetups to build networking, and the option of interacting with local people through volunteering.
What are the Emergency Services?
City of Winnipeg Emergency Services
Where can I find Furniture?
There is a new way to furnish your home. Please, get to know Pivot. You can get high quality furniture, pet coverage and return or buy out your items any time. Furthermore, delivery, assembly and returns are included with monthly fee.
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 will find PegCityCarCo-Op in Winnipeg.
