by Noura Yousef | Aug 21, 2023 | Immigration Tips
Upon arrival to Canada, keep in mind that you need to get a Social Insurance Number, or SIN number. You cannot legally work in the country without a SIN.
Children who are 12 years old or older have the opportunity to apply for their Social Insurance Number (SIN). However, for children under the age of majority in their province and for adults under someone’s care, it is the responsibility of parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives to apply on their behalf.
Permanent Residents can get their SIN after their immigration check at the airport; however, international students and foreign workers need to apply after entering the country.
To apply for a SIN, you don’t need to pay any fee. However, you can’t study or work without a number. A SIN number is a 9-digit number that helps the government identify you and, later on, upon working, can help you pay taxes.
Additionally, you require a SIN to apply for government programs and use the benefits the government provides you; for example, you can benefit from Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
To apply for a SIN number, you apply in person. However, usually, the office has long lines, and you would have to wait a while to apply. Therefore the government gave people multiple other options to apply for a SIN number.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number
- Applying by Mail
- Applying SIN Online
Applying by Mail
If you reside over 100 kilometres away from your nearest Service Canada office, you have the option to apply for a SIN by mail. To apply by mail, you need a completed SIN application form. You can get it from the office near you or order it by phone at 1-506-548-7961.
Once you have completed the form, it is necessary to send all original supporting documents along with the application form to the designated address of the Social Insurance Registration Office.
Documents you should provide should include
- A document verifying your identity like your passport, driver license, provincial ID
- Your proof of address.
- PR Card if you are a permanent resident
- Work Permit if you have one
- Study Permit for students
Applying Online
Once you have the abovementioned documents, you can apply online through the government’s SIN website. For online applications, you can apply using digital copies. However, they should be clear and legible.
If you submit a document that is neither in English nor French, you must also submit the following:
- An English or French translation of the document, and
- An attestation or affidavit written and signed by the translator.
If you submit a document in a language other than English or French, it is necessary to provide the following:
- A translation of the document into either English or French.
- An attestation or affidavit that confirms the translator’s qualifications and includes their written signature.
What do I do if my SIN is lost or stolen?
If you misplaced your SIN card or confirmation letter, Service Canada does not provide replacements for the Social Insurance Number. However, they can issue a new confirmation letter. In rare cases where your SIN has been stolen or used in identity theft, Service Canada may consider issuing a new number. To obtain a replacement for a lost SIN card or confirmation letter, you must visit the local Service Canada centre with the same documents. You’ll receive a SIN confirmation letter with the same number.
Don’t forget to report a missing card or letter right away. If someone comes across your card or letter, they could exploit the information to engage in fraudulent activities against you or others.
by Noura Yousef | Jan 27, 2023 | Immigration Tips
This year Canada has decided to increase its immigrant intake yet again! This means you have a good chance to apply for one of Canada’s immigration programs with Vglobal.
Canada is well-known for its welcoming nature, increasing economic growth and diverse culture, making it an ideal destination for immigrants worldwide. Many immigrants wish to finally get a Canadian PR card, not only because it has many benefits but also because it is the final step before applying for Citizenship in Canada. So, what are the benefits of Canada PR?
Top 6 Benefits of Canada PR
You can Live and Work in Canada.
Once you get a PR, you can go to any territory or province in Canada and live there or search for a job anywhere you like. Unlike a work visa, people with a PR can move jobs or provinces anytime.
You Need to Renew Your Visa Every 5 Years Only
Most PR cards are valid for five years, so there is no wasted time renewing visas and handling paperwork yearly with a PR card. Moreover, there is no limit to the times you can extend your visa as long as you complete the residency obligation ( 2 years within every 5 years) history and abilities are deemed necessary.
Free Education for children
The children of PR residents have the right to free Education from Grade 1 up to Grade 12. Additionally, university tuition fees are dramatically reduced for them, with numerous provincial subsidy programs that would reduce the tuition fees to Zero.
Universal Healthcare
Canada PR offers universal healthcare that covers X-rays, medical checks, analysis, etc. Prescription drugs are also covered up to the age of 25. You can also apply for public health insurance as a PR holder in Canada upon completing your first three months as a resident.
A Step Closer to Canadian Citizenship
When you get a PR card in Canada, you can live there for five years. If you prove that you have lived three full years out of 5 in Canada, you become eligible for Canadian Citizenship. Still, this applies to the last five years of your PR stay, so keep that in mind.
Freedom to Start a Business
PR residents in Canada can also legally start their own business, and you can invest in a franchise or start a new business with partners or alone as long as you have a PR card.
Now you know some of the top benefits of becoming a PR holder. Keep in mind that living in Canada gives you even more chances because of its stable economy. Additionally, the government supports sustainability, diversity and minority rights, so there is no need to worry about your safety.
by Noura Yousef | Sep 13, 2019 | Immigration Tips
As a person thinking about immigration or even just a regular traveller, you probably have your concerns regarding learning the native languages of the country you are visiting. French is one of the two main languages in Canada, and It is essential to have basic knowledge of it if you wish to live in the country. English is as necessary; however, if you are reading this, we will assume you are already good enough in English.
The language field is vast, and there are various approaches to learning a language. Regular classes do help; however, the best approach to learning a language is through practising using any of the following methods:
1- Get a Language Learning App
Learning apps are an ultimate guide to many people right now; they follow simple steps to help you learn essential words through repetition. Also, they help your mind retain the knowledge of the basic grammatical concepts of the language. Duolingo is an excellent example of these language apps. You can quickly learn French from scratch on the app or read and listen to stories and podcasts in the language to practice your pronunciation more.
2- Listen to Podcasts and Music
Get into the habit of introducing French to all the aspects of your life. Listen to French music while cooking, or open a Podcast or a french lesson and repeat after it while doing other work. This process is called “Passive Listening”. Although it can’t help you learn a language from scratch, it can help you increase your skills after a certain level.
3- Change Your Phone Settings
Although it is a simple change, changing your phone language to french can help you interact with the language more even through simple tasks like calling or sending an SMS. Also, you can change the interface of your social media websites and applications to french to help you more.
4- Read More French Books
Reading is probably a primary method of language training; however, how you read differs a lot depending on what stage you are in language learning. If you are still a beginner, try reading comic books, short stories or flash-fictions. They will surely be easier to study and translate. You can also buy translated books to help you while learning. A dictionary is also a must; however, don’t try to memorize all the words in it. Language needs some patience as well.
5- Participate in Group Conversations
Check out a conversation club near you, maybe the embassy in your country has one, perhaps there is a library with a french conversation club near you. Find out a group of people who are just as enthusiastic as you and start participating in the club activities with them. Add them online and only use French together to interact.
6- Write a Diary
Writing is as essential as reading when it comes to learning languages and to improve your spelling and punctuation you have to have a platform that can help you. Start writing a shared diary with your friends and exchange your diaries together to correct the entries. It doesn’t have to be a real diary, choose a daily situation and try to explain it in the language you are learning.
7- Use Flash Cards
The most popular studying method right now is using flashcards to memorize the essential words you wish to remember. Try to create a weekly list of flashcards and revise them by the end of the week. Examine yourself in the meanings of the words and try to write a couple of sentences using these words.
To find out what you need to Immigrate other than good language skills read our previous blog How Do I Qualify To Canadian Immigration.
