Health Care
One must register for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) as soon as possible. For instructions, call the following numbers:
Vancouver: 604 683-7151
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-663-7100
The wait period is three months after registration for healthcare coverage to begin. The beneficiaries receive a CareCard which is to be produced while visiting a doctor or a hospital.
One can obtain temporary health insurance through a private insurance company during the wait period of MSP.
Employment in British Columbia
To work in British Columbia:
- Apply for Social Insurance number (SIN), visit: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/sc/sin/
- Ensure your credentials are assessed by
Canadian Centre for International Credentials: www.cicic.ca
or, International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). These services costs between $115 and $200. To contact ICES, call 1-800-663-1663. - For trade certifications, contact Red Seal, a trade certification organization at: www.red-seal.ca
- Register with appropriate local Industry Training Authority:
Note- The B.C. Business Service Centre will provides with information and advice Call 1-800-667-2272. Website: www.smallbusinessbc.ca.
– Register for language classes to improve your English or French language skills.
For people living in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and West Vancouver, call ESL Services at 604 876-5756.
Surrey and the Fraser Valley, call at 604 507-4150.
Finances in British Columbia
Popular banks in British Columbia include:
- HSBC,
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC),
- Bank of Montreal (BMO),
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).
Canadian Money is made of cents and dollars. There are 100 cents in 1 Canadian dollar. Bills, or paper currency, are found as that of five dollars, ten dollars, twenty dollars, fifty dollars and one hundred dollars.
To find out what your home currency is worth , use this popular currency exchange website: www.xe.com
Transactions are typically made in cash, debit or credit cards.
Note: Those with low income and children below 18 years of age are eligible to receive tax benefits. Call 1.800.387.1193 for information.
Education in British Columbia
Public schooling for all children under 16 is free and generally begins at age five. Most children stay in school until they finish high school.
The Canadian system is generally divided into: Elementary, Secondary, College or University.
The academic year for all begins in September and runs through June for elementary students, and to April for university students.
The holidays include Christmas and New Year’s holidays and a spring break. In addition, students may seek religious holidays.
Vancouver School Board: Telephone: (604) 713-5000
For the citizens speaking French as a first language, French schools are available.
Obtaining a Driver’s Licence in British Columbia
If you are planning on renting or buying a car, an official British Columbia driver’s licence is must.
All insurance is managed by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). www.icbc.com.
Note: Every vehicle and driver must have insurance and become properly insured before you drive.
Housing in British Columbia
You can work with a real estate agent by doing an internet search.
There are different housing options like:
- Apartment buildings are large, multi-unit buildings and each inhabitant rents a unit.
- Studio or bachelor apartments are one room with a kitchen and bathroom.
- Larger apartments accommodate families as they have bedrooms with living spaces.
- A large multi-unit building is called a condo.
- Houses, connected in a row, called as townhouses or row houses.
The housing is more expensive in cities like Victoria and Vancouver. Many families choose smaller cities like Kelowna or Prince George. Housing in the country can be even less expensive and requires a vehicle in order to travel for basic needs including groceries, school and healthcare.
Note: There are explicit rules about immigrating with a pet to Canada.
What can you bring into Canada?
Canada has strict rules concerning regarding food, nicotine products, plants, cars and other products. To avoid problems, check out procedures to be followed to bring certain items into the country.
Weather in British Columbia
British Columbia enjoys warm summers where temperatures go above 30 degrees Celsius. Vancouver and Victoria are popular destinations for Canadians and newcomers because of their temperate climates.
However, it can get very cold and the temperatures can go below -20. It is very important to ensure that you are prepared for such harsh weather. The car must have special winter tires in order to safely, drive in the winter.
Emergency Services in British Columbia
In emergency situations dial 911.
In non-emergency situations, if you only require the police, contact
Vancouver Police: (604) 717-3535
Canadian Human Rights Commission: 1-800-999-6899