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Important documents

SIN, permits, health card: the essential documents to organize upon arrival.

Upon arriving in Canada, several official documents must be obtained quickly. Here are the main ones, their priority order, and mistakes to avoid so you don't get stuck in your process.

First steps

  • Obtain your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — required to work legally.

  • Register for provincial health insurance as soon as possible (RAMQ in Quebec, OHIP in Ontario).

  • Get a library card or local access to have proof of address.

  • Prepare physical and digital copies of all important documents.

  • Never send copies of identity documents by unsecured email without understanding why they are requested.

Common mistakes

  • Sharing your SIN with an employer before signing a contract or verifying their identity.

  • Leaving original documents with someone (landlord, employer) — it is illegal for them to require this.

  • Forgetting to renew your residence permit or travel document before expiry.

  • Not keeping a secure digital copy of your documents in the cloud.

  • Responding to document requests by phone or unsolicited email without verification.

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Marhaban Canada provides general and informational support. This service does not replace a lawyer, a regulated immigration consultant, or a government body.

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