You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you can legally work or be entitled to any benefits. You can apply online, or at one of the Local Offices. You will receive the card through the post but will have a receipt in the mean time to prove you have applied.

Once you have your SIN you can apply for the Child tax credit - if you have kids!

Each Provincial page on the website contains information on housing, vehicle and driver licensing, education, healthcare, welfare and loads of other great information to assist you in your settlement.

Rights And Obligations

The rights of a Canadian are found in the Human Rights Code and also the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a Permanent Resident you will enjoy most of the rights a Canadian Citizen does though you cannot vote in Federal elections or run for Political Office.

You will be entitled to the basic freedoms of association, expression, peaceful assembly, religion and thought. Additionally, you will have some democratic rights, equality, language, legal, mobility and minority language education rights. All of these are covered in greater detail in the Government Newcomers Guide.

You also have several obligations to fulfill in order to maintain your status as a Permanent Resident.

You MUST accumulate 2 years presence in Canada in every 5 year period and be able to provide evidence of this if requested.

Committing a serious criminal offence may also be considered enough to end the residency and for deportation.

If it comes to light that false information was submitted during the application process can be cause for cancellation.

There is an appeals process to follow in the unlikely event of a mistake or in mitigating circumstances. The Immigration Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board will handle these.