Congratulations again on your work permit approval! I would like to share some tips to help you to be prepared for your arrival in Canada. Please find the topics below:
IMPORTANT: Do not book your flight tickets until you receive your visas.
Coming to Canada
1) Presenting documents at the Canadian Border: You will need to print the documents submitted for your work permit application online (the forms are not necessary):
- Introduction Letters for you and your family members (if applicable). You can download them from your portal. They should be the last Correspondence Letter in your account available after passport stamping is completed.
- Updated job offer or letter to show at the Canadian border that your job is still valid
- LMIA
- Reference letters from past employers, use this template.
- Medical Exams, find a doctor here.
- CV
- Diplomas (if applicable)
- Marriage license or common law proof (if applicable)
- Birth certificates of your children (if applicable)
- Translations (if applicable).
- Valid Immigration Medical Report/eMedical (if applicable)
Official Information – IRCC – Present Your documents > https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/prepare-arrival.html
IMPORTANT
COVID-19 border measures have ended!
From October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation requirements will end for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea.
Until then, find out if you can enter Canada and use ArriveCAN before you enter.
2) ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory. However, if your first stop in Canada will be Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal, you can still use it with the purpose of filling out the CBSA Declaration form and reducing time in the immigration queue. Click here to obtain more information.
ARRIVING IN CANADA
1) Have your documents printed out, including valid Proof of Upfront Medical Exam (if applicable). You can print out the pdf files used on the online visa application.
WE SUGGEST TO REVIEW CAREFULLY YOUR PERMITS TO CONFIRM THAT ALL THE INFORMATION IS CORRECT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE AGENT (Your full name, date of birth, Position, Name of the company, validity of 2 years and city/province). Please check as well your family member’s permits (if applicable).
AFTER YOU TRAVEL
1) SIN (Social Insurance Number): The SIN is a 9 digit number that you and your spouse/common-law partner (if applicable) will need to work in Canada and have access to government programs and benefits. You will need it to receive your pay stubs, open a bank account, file taxes, etc. We suggest applying in person to receive the number on the day of your appointment. Click here to get information on How to Apply. Once you receive your SIN, please share it with your Human Resources point of contact, so this person can include you in the company’s payroll system.
2) If you would like to have a temporary Canadian number you can get a free one here. If you would like to obtain a Canadian number from abroad you can also check Fongo.
3) Referral program:
We want to invite you to be part of this VanTastic program: the Referral Program at VanHack. You know other talented tech friends who may want to find a job abroad, correct? So when you refer your friend, you’re helping us to bring more talented people like you to companies in Canada, the US and Europe, and by the way, you earn CAD$500 (Five hundred Canadian dollars) for every friend of yours who gets hired by a VanHack partner.
Visit bit.ly/vhinviteafriend, grab your personalized link and start inviting today!
We’ll pay you CAD$500 per hire, and your hired friend will own you a pizza, for sure!
5) Photo for social media: VanHack team was there to help you through the whole process of getting hired, the immigration process and now the relocation. We will be very happy to receive from you a photo of yourself at the airport to share it on our social media. The objective of this is to motivate other VanHackers through your success case. We will really appreciate your help!
6) Medical Health Insurance per province. Enrollment in government health insurance is mandatory. To avoid any issue or costly health bills while your insurance gets effect, you are also encouraged to obtain private health insurance
Nova Scotia – Upon registration, Coverage will begin on the date of arrival in Nova Scotia or the date the Work Permit or employment contract was issued, whichever is the later date. It takes 10 days to receive health card after submission of application.
City Guides
Please, check your efolder to access our guides.
8) Whatsapp Group: We have created a whatsapp group for VanHackers that are living in Vancouver or that will be relocating there soon. To join the group please click the link for the city that applies to you.