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Get Settled

The paperwork

First 30 days

The government steps people usually cannot postpone: a social insurance number, a health card, tax residency, and a permanent resident card if you are a PR. Health coverage is provincial, so use the listing for the province you live in.

Questions

Is applying for a Social Insurance Number free?

Applying is free. Service Canada no longer issues a plastic card.

Is there a waiting period for OHIP?

Ontario has no waiting period for OHIP if you qualify.

When does the CRA treat you as a newcomer?

The CRA treats you as a newcomer in the first year you are a resident for income tax.

Showing 7 of 7. Filters run in the browser. The full list is what we checked.

Comparison of First 30 days
ListingGovernment feeDo this ifWhat we could verifySource
Social Insurance NumberService CanadaFreeAnyone starting work or benefitsNo plastic card; in-person visits return your documents the same dayProvider page
OHIP and the Ontario health cardGovernment of OntarioNo fee stated for eligible residentsOntario residents who meet presence and status rulesNo waiting period if you qualifyProvider page
B.C. Medical Services PlanGovernment of British ColumbiaNo cost to applyEligible B.C. residents, enrolment mandatoryOne application also covers Fair PharmaCareProvider page
Alberta Health Care Insurance PlanGovernment of AlbertaNo charge at the registry agentApply within 3 months if you arrived from outside CanadaCoverage can date from when you became a residentProvider page
Quebec health insurance registrationRégie de l'assurance maladie du QuébecRegistration is through RAMQ; care is covered only once you are eligibleIn Quebec, with a Quebec mailing addressOnline registration for citizens and permanent residentsProvider page
Taxes and benefits for newcomersCanada Revenue AgencyFiling is free if you do it yourself; benefits depend on eligibilityFirst year you are a tax residentBenefits can start before the first returnProvider page
Permanent resident cardImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaFirst card is free inside 180 daysPermanent residentsRequired to fly back to CanadaProvider page
Step 1Service Canada

Social Insurance Number

The SIN is the nine-digit number you need to work and to receive many benefits. Applying is free. Service Canada no longer issues a plastic card.

Last checked October 19, 2026

Step 2Government of Ontario

OHIP and the Ontario health card

Ontario has no waiting period for OHIP if you qualify. You apply in person at ServiceOntario. Coverage is for medically necessary doctor and hospital care, not for every prescription or dental visit.

Last checked October 19, 2026

Step 3Government of British Columbia

B.C. Medical Services Plan

Eligible B.C. residents must enrol in MSP. There is no cost to apply. You need coverage in place before you rely on a doctor or a hospital.

Last checked October 19, 2026

Step 4Government of Alberta

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan

If you are moving to Alberta from outside Canada, apply for AHCIP within three months of becoming a resident. Do that and coverage can start from the day you established residency.

Last checked October 19, 2026

Step 5Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec

Quebec health insurance registration

Permanent residents and Canadian citizens settling in Quebec can usually register for health insurance online. You must be in Quebec and have a Quebec mailing address. Students and workers follow different rules.

Last checked October 19, 2026

Step 6Canada Revenue Agency

Taxes and benefits for newcomers

The CRA treats you as a newcomer in the first year you are a resident for income tax. For most people that starts the day you begin living in Canada. Benefits can start before your first tax return.

Last checked October 19, 2026

Step 7Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Permanent resident card

The PR card is the document that shows you are a permanent resident and that you need in order to fly back to Canada. The first card is free if you send your photo and address within 180 days of becoming a PR.

Last checked October 19, 2026

By province and territory