PRI Pre-arrival Guide : simplebooklet.com

Preparing foryour move toCanadaCanada is a large and diverse country. You can expect Canada to bedifferent from your home country in a number of ways. Our climate andweather vary by province and territories, as do the most commonlyspoken languages. Canada is an extremely multicultural country, with apopulation of over 36 million people with cultural, ethnic, and linguisticbackgrounds from around the globe.Learning more about Canada’s history and the origins of the people whonow call this country home is easy! The Government of Canada websiteincludes many resources that will help you learn about your new home.Visit Get to know Canada - Canada.ca to get started on this journey.Page 3

Page 5

Additional information on living and working in Canada is available through Canada.ca:Welcome to Canada guide: Important things to do before and after you arrive inCanada. Every newcomer’s situation is different, so the lists provide only anindication of what you may need to do at different stages. Not every item may berelevant to you, but it is best to be as prepared as possible. Read more…Prepare financially: Find out how much it costs to live where you’re planning tosettle in Canada. The cost of living will vary depending on where you decide tosettle. Some costs will be similar for items and services across Canada. Readmore…Taxation: You must pay income tax on your income. If you have a salary, taxes aretaken off automatically. Each year, you must submit your income tax forms to tellthe government how much money you made and how much tax you paid. If youpaid too much tax, you will get a refund. If you paid too little, you will have to paymore. Read more…Human rights: Learn about the Charter that protects your rights and what yourrights and duties in Canada are. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ispart of Canada’s Constitution. It protects you from the moment you arrive inCanada. The Charter sets out the values that Canadians live by and describes thekinds of personal human rights and freedoms we can expect in Canada. Readmore…Understand your rights as a foreign worker: As a foreign worker, you areprotected by Canada’s labour laws. Each province and territory has an employmentor labour standards office that deals with labour and employment laws. They cantalk to you about fair pay, hours of work, rest periods and working conditions, andprovide other services as well. Read more…The Welcome to Canada! app is also a valuable resource, available for free downloadon Google Play (link) or the Apple App store (link). You are encouraged to downloadthis resource to your personal device.Page 4

Page 6

Before youdepartThere are several essential documents that you will require to enter Canada. Reviewthe following information and use the checklist to ensure you have all the informationyou need before you get on the plane.Prepare your documents with care. Take note of the documents that you must keepwith you. Do not place these items in your checked bags. It is also a good idea to havecopies of your important documents and to keep the copies separate from theoriginals.Also take note of any documents that may need to be available in English.To enter Canada, you will need the following:Port of Entry Letter of Introduction (this is your work permit approval letter) foryourself and accompanying family membersValid passport or other travel document containing valid Canadian visa for eachfamily member traveling with youDetailed list of all the personal or household items you’re bringing with you (2copies)List of items that are arriving later and their monetary value (2 copies)There are documents you must have to cross the border into Canada. Without thesedocuments, you won’t be allowed into the country.Important additional documents you may need:Marriage certificatesDriver’s license, including international driver’s permit and a reference from yourauto insurance company Adoption, separation or divorce papersBirth certificates and/or baptismal certificates Letters of reference from former employers Trade or professional certificates andlicensesSchool records, diplomas or degrees for each family member traveling with you(i.e., documents that will help Canadian teachers learn about your child’seducation level, such as report cards)Resume including a list of your educational and professional qualifications and jobexperiences Learn more about crossing the border and documents you need (link).Page 5

Page 7

Health documentationWhen you travel to Canada, bring official documents that state what vaccinations youand your family have already had. If you or your child hasn’t been vaccinated, call yourdoctor or local public health clinic right away.Children in Canada are vaccinated (immunized) starting when they are newborns.Vaccinations help to prevent serious infections or diseases.In Canada, your children need immunization or vaccination records to enroll in school.Learn about health care in Canada (link).CurrencyBefore you come to Canada, it’s a good idea to change some money from your homecountry into Canadian dollars. You can also exchange money after you arrive. Mostairports have foreign exchange offices. You can also use a foreign debit or credit cardto get cash from automated banking machines (ABMs), also known as automatedtellers.Page 6Canada’s official currency is the Canadian dollar ($).There are 100 cents (¢) in a dollar. Coins have differentsizes, shapes and colours. The bank of Canada prints allpaper money. Each bill is the same size but a differentcolour. The current ten-dollar bill features a Winnipeg landmark,the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This is the firstmuseum in the world solely dedicated to the evolution,celebration, and future of human rights. To learn more about Canadian money and currency here.

Page 8

Page 9

Pre-arrival checklistBirth certificate and naturalization / immigrationcertification Passport and identity documents (current and expired)Marriage certificate (if applicable)Divorce certificate or death certificate (of deceasedspouse)Adoption records for adopted childrenDegree, diploma certificates, and transcriptsHealth or medical records including immunizationrecords Repeat medication prescriptionsPolice / criminal record checksValid driver’s license and driving records Pet documents (if applicable)Cash / credit card for initial expenses and proof offunds (Canadian currency) Offer of employment letterInventory of items you are bringing with you (checkedluggage or carry-on bags) Inventory of household items shipped to CanadaPrinted copy of travel itineraryContact list of emails and phone numbers for yourService Delivery Organization (SDO), Human ResourcesLead, and Direct TravelPack these important documents for you and family members in yourcarry-on bag. Don’t pack these documents in your luggage. Keep them with you at all times!Page 7

Page 10

Canadian BorderSecurity Agency(CBSA)RequirementsDeciding what to bring with you and what to send separately can be difficult. Visit theCanada Border Services Agency’s website (link) to ensure anything you decide to bringwith you (either as a carry on or in a checked bag) is allowed. There are several restrictions on what you can bring (e.g., food, plants, animals andrelated products).When travelling, you must declare all food products you bring with you into Canada.Be prepared, your product may need to be inspected by the CBSA at the point of entryor airport. If you bring food into Canada for personal use, be aware of federal importrequirements. They apply whether you are a traveller or are buying food online. So besure to pack and shop wisely. There may be restrictions on the items you bring intoCanada for your own personal use. These restrictions vary depending on the item, thecountry it originates from and the Canadian province you're bringing it to. Learn more about brining bringing food into Canada for personal use before yourdeparture (link). Prescription medication:If you have a prescription for medicine you need to takeregularly, it is a good idea to bring at least a six-monthsupply as you might have to wait a while before youreceive your Manitoba Health card.If you do bring medicine with you, you must also bring the prescription (ideally a translated version incase the agent does not speak your language.Once you have your Manitoba Health card, bring yourprescription to a Canadian doctor to discuss getting anew prescription.Page 9

Page 11

Airline itinerary and requirementsReminder:In-flight charges will not be covered during yourtravel (in-flight entertainment, additionalmeals/snacks/beverages, wi-fi).Additional baggage charges will be a personalexpense (in addition to maximum luggage limits).Refer to airline ticket information provided by Direct Travel.Ensure you check the airline checked baggage weight limits, and dimension specifications. Carry-on luggage and personal item restrictions should be confirmed prior to arrival at the airport toavoid any additional charges or delays.Ensure you know the contents of each of yours and family members luggage. You will be asked byCanada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents when entering Canada. This is a good idea to havea list of all contents within your carry-on and checked luggage, as well as an itemized list of allpre-shipped luggage sent to Canada.Page 8

Page 12

Entering CanadaWhen you arrive at one of Canada's international airports, you will need to verify youridentity and make an on-screen declaration at a primary inspection kiosk or eGate.Kiosks are available at the following locations:Vancouver International Airport (YVR)Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (Terminal 1 and 3) eGates available atTerminal 1Your fingerprints will be checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk. Thesystem will check your identity against the information collected when yourapplication to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada was submitted.Apply for your Social Insurance Number (if available) A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique nine-digit number that identifies Canadiancitizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents when they apply for benefitsand services from government programs. There is no fee to apply for a SIN.A SIN is a confidential number. You will be required to share your SIN with youremployer and your financial institution when you open a bank account. Employers arerequired to request your SIN and record the number within three days of your startdate.There is a Service Canada booth at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) andVancouver International Airport (YVR) where you can apply for your Social InsuranceNumber (SIN) during regular business hours. If you’re offered this service, pleasetake advantage of it.Page 10

Page 13

Declaration formand declaration offundsYou will be asked to complete a declaration form during yourflight to Canada. Make sure you answer truthfully and declareeverything you are bringing with you. Please remember tolabel/mark all the items that you have sent or shippedseparately as personal, in addition to declaring them when youarrive.Have your prepared list of items you are bringing with you inyour checked baggage and carry-on bag ready for the customsagent.List of items shipped to Canada (arriving later) and their moneyvalue is also helpful to have a list/inventory in English with allthe items you have shipped to provide to the customs agentwhen you arrive in case they ask.You will then speak with a Canada Border Services Agency(CBSA) officer, state the reasons for your arrival in Canada andshow the documents you have brought with you and youraccompanying dependents.These include but are not limited to: Port of Entry Letter of Introduction(s)Employment letter of offer, including the offer ofemployment number (to be provided by TDS) Valid immigration medical exam resultsYou will not be allowed into Canada if you give false orincomplete information.The CBSA officer will print and issue your work permit, alongwith applicable permits for your accompanying dependents.Review ALL permits before your leave the area to ensure thereare no errors.

Page 14

Tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada if you’recarrying more than CAN $10,000. Each traveler is responsible for reporting currency and/ormonetary instruments totaling CAN$10,000 or greater thatare in their actual possession or baggage.These funds could be in the form of: CashCheques bankers’ draftsTravelers’ cheques or money orders securities that belongto you, such as stocks bonds debentures treasury billsUnder the law, failure to properly declare goods, currencyand/or monetary instruments brought into Canada may resultin seizure action, monetary penalties and/or criminalprosecution.There are no penalties or limits for monetary instrumentsover CAN$10,000, but be sure to declare the full amount toavoid penalties or seizing of your money.Find out more about your duty to disclose funds either beforeyou leave or once you arrive in Canada (link).Page 12

Page 15

Landing inManitobaAll flights into Manitoba will be arriving at the Winnipeg James Armstrong RichardsonInternational Airport. Familiarize yourself with the airport layout and services,including baggage claim (link).Winnipeg Richardson International Airport operates in the Central Time Zone. Ensureyour schedule aligns with this time zone upon arrival.Stay connected with free Wi-Fi, and be prepared for customs and immigrationprocedures by having essential documents, such as your passport, readily available forinspection. You will be provided with details on where you will be staying for the first couple ofdays in Winnipeg, prior to reaching your work site. Please take advantage of the supports and services offered by the hotel. The frontdesk staff are available 24/7 and are well trained to assist you throughout your stay.They are happy to recommend local dining establishments, introduce you to hotelfacilities and services, and address any other hospitality related questions you mayhave during your stay—day or night.Page 13

Page 16

First days inManitobaTravel per diem Following arrival, you will receive a reimbursementexpense report via email. You will have up to 30 days tosubmit report and receipts. Once approval process iscomplete, the Finance department will provide areimbursement through direct deposit.Remember:You qualify for up to $700 for the first 7 days,commencing on travel date.Keep all copies of receipts for eligible expensesincluding meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), preparedfoods (bottled water, coffee, tea, and snacks), andtransportation (taxis, bus, ride-share).Reimbursement will not be provided for non-eligibleexpenses such as clothing or small appliances(toaster, rice cooker, hair dryer, towels, bed linens,laundry soap, etc.)Page 14Cellular and internet serviceCanadian telecom providers offer a variety of phoneplans, including options for in-Canada calls and texts,unlimited data, and international calling. Customers canchoose plans that come with a new phone, financedthrough monthly bill payments, or opt for "bring yourown device" (BYOD) plans, which are generally more cost-effective as they don't include phone financing.New customers can decide between pre-paid plans,where they pay in advance and are billed based on usage,or post-paid plans, allowing monthly payments on acontractual schedule. Note that some post-paid plansmay require a credit check with a Canadian credit agency.Setting up home internet typically follows after yousecure long-term accommodation. Customers select apreferred plan from a carrier and then schedule anappointment for a technician to install the internetconnection and provide a Wi-Fi router. Many apartmentbuildings have a designated internet provider,streamlining the setup process for new residents.

Page 17

Cellular and internet service (cont’d)The largest service providers for both cellular andinternet service in Manitoba include:Bell Canada (link)Rogers (link)TELUS (link)Additional mid-tear cellular carriers include: Fido (link)Koodo Mobile (link)Virgin Mobile (link)BankingThere are five large banks in Canada, plus a number ofcredit unions and other smaller financial institutions:Bank of Montreal (BMO) (link)Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) (link)Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) (link)The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) (link)Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) (link)These banks offer reduced fees and additional financialsupport for newcomers, offering opportunities for acredit card to assist with building credit in Canada.Before choosing a bank in Canada, check if your financialinstitution at home has a partnership with any of them.For instance, HSBC has a subsidiary in Canada.Opening a bank account in Canada is a relativelystraightforward process. You can do it online or inperson. You will need to provide your passport (and yourwork permit stapled into it), your SIN and a mailingaddress. You will usually get a debit card (or aVisa/MasterCard debit card you can use to make onlinepurchases) and a few cheques provided free of charge. Ifyou need more cheques, you will have to order them fora fee through your bank or a third-party company.Review your banking package carefully. Some banks offerunlimited ATM withdrawals, others charge a high fee forout-of-network ATM withdrawals. You may also becharged a fee to make transactions (using debit, making atransfer, etc.) or to receive bank statements.With your debit card, you can withdraw money directlyfrom your checking account and pay for goods andservices through Interac, the Canadian debit card system.If you see a “no Interac” sign in a small business, it meansyou must pay cash. Be aware of surcharge fees in non-bank ATMs.Page 15

Page 18

Dressing for the weatherWhile the country is often noted for its cold weather andsnow, temperatures and climates can vary greatly basedon both season and location within Canada.Summer lasts from around June to September and theweather varies from warm to hot. Daytime temperaturesare between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius or Centigrade (68and 86 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. Fall and spring aretransition seasons. This means the weather starts gettingcolder or warmer, and there is a lot of rain. Winter is verycold in most places with temperatures often below zerodegrees Celsius. Snow covers the ground from lateOctober to March or April.You may be quite surprised by the cold and snow duringyour first Canadian winter. With the right clothing, you’llbe prepared to enjoy the unique beauty of Canada’scolder seasons. Be sure to have:Beanies, toques (warm wool hat) to cover your earsScarf large enough to pull over your face and earsMittens (keeping your fingers together will retain heatbetter than gloves). Look for materials that willprotect your hands from wind and cold (insulated)Overcoat, parka jacket, large coat that can be layered Sweaters, jackets, and/or jumpers for layering (wool isa popular choice)Large trousers, jeans that can be layered if so desiredLeggings, long-johnsThick, warm socks (ideally wool)Winter boots (water/snow proof, insulated)Items on this list are readily available in Canada at variousprice points, and designed for Canadian weather.Dressing in layers is recommended for better protectionfrom the cold. This involves wearing multiple clothingitems that you can adjust based on the temperature,weather, and your activity level:Base Layer: This layer is in direct contact with yourskin and keeps you dry by wicking away moisture.Common materials include moisture-wicking syntheticfabrics (like polyester or nylon) or merino wool.Insulating Layer: Provides warmth by trapping heatclose to your body. Common materials for insulationinclude fleece or down (e.g., sweater or zip-up)Outer Layer: Acts as a protective barrier against wind,rain, and snow (e.g., insulated jacket)Get information directly from Canada’s official weathersource (link) to forecast the temperature on your arrivalday. Dress for the weather (bring your warmest sweaterand coat).Page 16

Page 19

Where to shopWhen you arrive, you may need to purchase additionalitems as you settle into life in Manitoba. A wide varietyof retailers are within a short driving distance fromyour Winnipeg hotel.Page 17Canadian Tire750 St. James Street (5 min. drive) (link)Winter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Car seats and boosterseatsHousewares and smallappliancesFurniture items Real Canadian Superstore 1385 Sargent Avenue (4 min. drive) (link)GroceriesWinter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Car seats and boosterseatsHousehold items Housewares and smallappliancesFurniture items Walmart1001 Empress Street (6 min drive) (link)GroceriesWinter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Car seats and boosterseatsHousehold items Housewares and smallappliancesFurniture items Mark’s600 Empress Street (6 min.drive) (link)Adult and children’sclothing Winter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Workwear, scrubs, andfootwearWinner’s875 St. James Street (5 min.drive) (link)Adult and children’sclothing Winter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Household items Furniture items Marshall’s600 Empress Street (6 min. drive) (link)Adult and children’sclothing Winter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Household items Furniture items Winnipeg Outfitter’s250 McPhillips Street (10 min. drive) (link)Winter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Babies “R” Us1445 St. Matthews Avenue (6 min. drive) (link)Car seats and boosterseatsToysCF Polo Park1485 Portage Avenue (6 min drive) (link)Shopping mall withmultiple storesValue Village (second-hand items)1695 Ellice Avenue (4 min. drive) (link)Adult and children’sclothing Winter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Household items Furniture items

Page 20

Page 18Salvation Army (second-hand items)675 Empress Street (7 min. drive) (link)Adult and children’sclothing Winter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Household items Plato’s Closet (second-hand items)1190 St. James Street (3 min. drive) (link)Adult and children’sclothing Winter clothing and gear(winter boots, mitts,warm hats for adults andchildren)Once Upon a Child (second-hand items)1330 Ellice Avenue (7 min. drive) (link)Children’s clothing andequipmentFacebook groups within yourcommunity also offer privatesale items; or Buy-nothinggroups (link) where you canrequest or offer householditems, clothing, supplies, etc.at no cost.Travelling in cars with childrenIf you are travelling with children in a car, there areManitoba laws that parents should be familiar with.Understanding car seat regulations will help you to takethe necessary measures to protect your little one whendriving and avoid potential fines. In Manitoba, it ismandated by the Highway Traffic Act that any childunder 9 years old and weighing less than 36kg (80lb),and having a height less than 145cm (4’ 9”), must use acar seat or booster seat appropriate for their age,weight, and height. Read more about theserequirements here.

PRI Pre-arrival Guide

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4