Your first week on a work permit

Your first week in Canada involves several steps in a certain order. This article covers the main ones for people arriving on a work permit such as C16.

At the border

• If you applied from outside Canada, approval gives you a port of entry letter of introduction. This is not your work permit.
• The work permit is only issued at the port of entry on the day you arrive in Canada, when you show this letter and the required documents.
• Check the details on your work permit (name, employer, occupation, location, expiry date) before you leave the counter. Mistakes should be fixed right away.
• Declare it if you bring more than CAD 10,000 in cash or monetary instruments.
• Keep your passport, letter of introduction, job offer and important documents with you, not in checked luggage.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• You need a 9-digit SIN to work and access government programs. Apply as soon as you arrive.
• For temporary residents, the SIN starts with 9 and expires with your immigration documents.
• Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards; you receive a confirmation letter.
• Your SIN is private; don't let anyone else use it.

Next steps

• Open a bank account to receive your pay.
• Register for provincial health insurance; some provinces have a waiting period, so consider private insurance for that time.
• Get a phone plan, and find long-term housing if you are staying somewhere temporary.
• Contact a Francophone community organization or the province's newcomer program. Note: IRCC-funded free services are mainly for permanent residents and certain programs such as the AIP; C16 work permit holders usually rely on provincial programs or local organizations.

Everyday ID

IRCC advises carrying 2 pieces of ID at all times, at least 1 with a photo. Don't carry your birth certificate, SIN or passport unless you need them for something specific; keep originals somewhere safe.

Note If you applied from inside Canada and are approved, you get a notice in your online account and can start working under the new permit, without a port of entry letter.