Registering After You Arrive in Canada
After you land, you set up a few records. You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work and a health plan from your province. You also give your address to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada's immigration office.
What You Register in Canada
Your study permit is your main document. You also need a SIN, a health plan and a bank account.
Tell IRCC your new address and phone number when they change. Use IRCC's web form.
Apply for a SIN before you start work, and update your records whenever your permit or address changes.
Your school
Gives the letters you need, such as proof of full-time study for a health plan.
Service Canada
Gives your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
IRCC
Holds your study permit file.
- Your bank: Give your new address when you move.
- Your health plan: Make sure your health card is still valid before your permit ends.
Your First Registration Steps
Do these steps in your first weeks.
Find your home address
You need an address in Canada for your SIN letter, your health card and your bank.
Check your study permit
Look at your study permit. It must say you are allowed to work. You need this to apply for a SIN.
Apply for your SIN
Apply online for the fastest answer. Bring your study permit and passport.
Join your health plan
Ask your school which plan to join. In Alberta, you apply to the Alberta plan with a letter from your school that says you study full time.
Open a bank account
You need one to get paid. See our banking page.
Keep IRCC updated
If you move, use IRCC's web form to tell IRCC your new address.
| Institution | Deadline | Method | Consequences of Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Canada (SIN) | Before you start work | Online, by mail or in person | You need a SIN to work in Canada. |
| Service Canada (SIN) | When you get a new permit | Online, by mail or in person | Your SIN expires on the same date as your permit. |
| IRCC | When your contact details change | IRCC web form | IRCC must have your new details. |
Qogent Advisor Tip
Papers to Bring
Bring these papers when you set up your records.
- Your study permit that allows you to work
- Your passport, as your identity paper
- Your study permit for Alberta, with at least 6 months left
- A letter from your Alberta school that confirms full-time study
Rules by Province
Canada is split into provinces, like states. Each province runs its own health insurance and sets its own rules for study permit holders. You may get a health card from it. We call this your health plan.
When you get a new permit with a new end date, update your SIN record.
While you wait for the answer on your extension (more time on your study permit), you cannot renew your health card or get a SIN card.
Keep IRCC updated
Renew before your permit ends
Questions About Registering After You Land
Answers about your SIN, your health plan and address updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Myth: I must wait for my SIN number before I start a job.
Reality: You can start working as soon as you apply for a SIN.
Myth: My SIN lasts for ever.
Reality: The SIN of a study permit holder ends on the same date as the study permit.
Myth: An IRCC email is enough to apply for a SIN.
Reality: Service Canada needs your actual study permit.
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