1 Day Itinerary: Getting Important Canadian Documents

One of the essential tasks upon arriving in Canada for study or work is to take care of paperwork. This includes mandatory documents such as the Social Insurance Number (SIN), Health Care Card, and Bank Account.

Below is a sample schedule and some tips to efficiently complete all the paperwork in a day. This schedule is based on the real experiences of TTN Immigration’s clients in Winnipeg. Those preparing for or newly arriving in Canada can refer to it to ensure a smooth and time-saving process. (The article will be a bit long but will be very detailed and hopefully useful for you.)

After landing in Canada, take a few days to rest while also preparing a few important tasks:

1. Prepare the necessary documents: Trao đổi với chủ nhà thuê để lấy hợp đồng thuê nhà (Tenancy Agreement) có thời hạn ít nhất 6 tháng.  Hợp đồng này thường chủ nhà sẽ có sẵn hoặc sẽ lấy trên mạng về. Hợp đồng có thể điền vào form bằng cách viết tay nên có thể thực hiện ngay mà không mất quá nhiều thời gian. Một lưu ý nhỏ, các thông tin trên Hợp đồng thuê nhà phải chính xác, đầy đủ; đặc biệt địa chỉ chủ nhà và địa chỉ thuê để tránh bị bắt lỗi khi làm các giấy tờ. Sau đó, bạn hãy thu thập đầy đủ các giấy tờ cần thiết để chuẩn bị cho ngày đi làm giấy tờ. Bao gồm: Hộ chiếu (đã có visa Canada), Giấy phép làm việc/ học tập (Work Permit/Study Permit), Thư mời làm việc (Offer Letter) cùng Hợp đồng thuê nhà đã ký.
2. Schedule an appointment with the bank: Opening a bank account in Canada usually requires you to book an appointment in advance. It's best to schedule your bank appointment for the afternoon, between 1 PM and 2 PM, so you have enough time to complete other paperwork in the morning. Booking too early may leave you rushed, while booking too late might not give the bank enough time to address any issues that may arise. If you're not confident in conducting transactions in English, you can contact TTN Immigration for assistance from a Vietnamese-speaking bank representative.
3. Purchase a bus card (public transportation systems vary by province, so check based on where you live): In Winnipeg, you can buy a Peggo card at 7-Eleven or other nearby convenience stores and load it with funds as needed. Each time you use the bus, simply tap your card on the reader near the driver, with a fare of $2.90, which is cheaper than the regular cash fare of $3.25. Within 1.5 hours of your first tap, you can transfer buses multiple times without additional charges. Use Google Maps to find the right bus stop, and you can easily explore or take care of your paperwork.
4. Register for a SIM card: Simply visit any nearby phone store (like Bell, Rogers, Lucky Mobile, Public Mobile, or Freedom Mobile) and present your identification to register for a SIM. You can choose a prepaid SIM and pay in cash if you don’t have a payment card yet, or opt for a postpaid SIM to get a phone number immediately without upfront payment. Once you have a bank account, you can pay your SIM bills using your debit or credit card through a mobile app.

Completing paperwork usually takes a full day, but it can also feel like a city tour while you’re at it! Start your paperwork day at 8 AM. The main documents you’ll need to secure are your SIN, Health Card, and bank account. If you have time in the afternoon, consider stopping by the MPI insurance center or a nearby agent (like Auto Pac) to register for the driving theory test if you plan to get your driver’s license soon for driving a car.

1. SIN (Social Insurance Number): Social Insurance Number is essential for anyone studying or working in Canada. You can apply for your SIN at any Service Canada location near you. A convenient option is the Service Canada office next to the Manitoba Health building (300 Carlton St), which you’ll visit next. Aim to arrive early (around 8:30 AM) to be in the first line. When your number is called, simply provide your identification documents, and the staff will verify them before printing your SIN document. Keep this number secure, and only share it with authorized parties as specified.
2. Health Card: Next, head to the Manitoba Health building to apply for your Health Card, similar to Vietnam's health insurance. Expect to wait in line, but the process moves fairly quickly. You'll interact with staff twice: first to check your documents (passport, work permit, etc.) and receive a number to sit and wait. This initial stage may take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the crowd. When it's your turn, a second staff member will thoroughly review your paperwork, including your tenancy agreement to confirm your address and length of stay, work-related documents, and any marriage or birth certificates if you're applying with family. It's crucial to have all necessary documents ready to avoid disappointment after a long wait. If you need to print additional documents, a nearby Canada Service offers free printing. Once your paperwork is accepted, ask when to expect your Health Card, which typically arrives in 4 to 7 weeks. Some may choose to apply online for convenience, but be aware that this option can take several months to process. Weigh your options to find what suits you best.
3. Lunch and rest: It's the perfect time to stroll around the nearby shopping mall, where you can find a food court or restaurants. Expect to spend around $15 for a meal, which usually includes a generous portion and a drink—enough to recharge you for the afternoon ahead!"
4. Opening a bank account: In the afternoon, you'll head to your appointment to set up a bank account. While waiting, use this time to ask the bank staff for help downloading the banking app, logging in, and making e-transfers, as they might not offer this assistance proactively. Request to have a debit card issued immediately; if not, it will be mailed to you in 10 days to 2 weeks, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, ask about getting a credit card, as this will allow you to spend now and pay later. Regular spending and timely payments can help build your credit score, which will be beneficial for future plans like buying a house or car. Confirm whether your credit card will be mailed or if you'll need to pick it up, and understand how to activate it.
5. Registering for the driving theory test: While this isn't a requirement for the same day, if you have the time, you can get it done. Head to MPI (Manitoba Public Insurance) or an insurance agent (like Autopac) to present your documents and schedule your theory test. It's a good idea to choose a Saturday for your test, allowing you more flexibility if you have work or school commitments. 

Speaking of driving tests in Canada, that's a whole story filled with interesting tips! But this post has gotten long, so TTN Immigration will save that for another day. For now, you've completed a day of essential paperwork. Get ready to work, study, and embrace life in Canada!

English: https://ttnimmigration.ca/vi/en/1-ngay-lam-giay-to-canada-thiet-yeu/