Allow me today to give you a brief overview of the benefits and usage of three Canadian documents, essential to each newcomer to Canada and their family members.
Once their permanent residency has been approved, all of my clients must, one day or another, obtain these documents. I would like to share with you the important aspects of each document which often raise questions.
Permanent Resident Card
- This card proves your Canadian Permanent Resident status, especially when you travel outside the country;
- Thanks to your Permanent Resident status, you can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada!
- This card allows you to request other governmental documents such as the Health Insurance Card (below) and Social Insurance Number (below);
- Your Permanent Resident status also gives you the right to present a request to obtain Canadian citizenship;
- Finally, as a Canadian Permanent Resident you can benefit from the protection of the Canadian laws and the Canadian Charter of rights and freedoms.
Click here for more information about the Permanent Resident Card
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- The SIN allows you to benefit from certain governmental programs;
- It also allows you and your family members to apply for employment anywhere in Canada;
- It is an essential number for tax declaration purposes and for operations with Canadian financial institutions;
- This number is extremely confidential to each person and should not serve as a piece of identification
Click here for more information about the Social Insurance Number
Quebec Health Insurance Card
- This card allows each member of the family to receive health care services in the public system, free of charge;
- It covers health care services, certain dental care services and other services listed:
- It also gives access to certain medication for little or no fees if the latter are covered by the Quebec Public Prescription Drug Insurance;
- While they are waiting to receive their Health Insurance Card, Citizenship and Immigration Canada recommends that newcomers obtain private insurance to cover for health care costs.
There are many more benefits to these three essential documents and I invite you to visit the websites listed above to discover more and to share with your family.
