First Few Weeks

There a number of things you should do in the first few weeks of arriving in Nova Scotia as a permanent resident.

Apply for a Health Card - Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance (MSI)

This card allows you to receive free medical and hospital services in Nova Scotia. Your spouse and children may also be listed on your card, if they live with you. You must show your card when you see a doctor, go to the hospital, or buy prescription medicine at a pharmacy. To apply for a Nova Scotia Health Card visit the Government of Nova Scotia website.

MSI contact information:
Tel: (902) 496-7008 or toll free 1-800-563-8880 in Nova Scotia telephone hours: Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Mailing address: PO Box 500, Halifax NS B3J 2S1
Location address: 7 Spectacle Lake Drive, Dartmouth NS
email: msienquiry@medavie.bluecross.ca

Apply for a Permanent Resident (PR) Card

The Permanent Resident (PR) Card is a card that replaces the paper IMM1000 Record of Landing document for travel purposes. On December 31, 2003, the permanent resident card became the proof of status document needed by permanent residents seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).

Permanent residents who want to return to Canada and who do not have a Permanent Resident Card should contact the nearest Canadian visa office to get a limited use travel document to re-enter Canada. There are fees.

The PR card is meant to increase Canada’s border security by improving the integrity of the immigration process. It is also meant to provide cardholders with secure, convenient proof of their permanent resident status when re-entering Canada.

Learn more about the PR card, refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. For an application visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. If you do not find the information you are looking for and you are calling from Canada, contact the CIC Call Centre (1 888 242-2100 - in Canada only).

Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) Card

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) card allows you to apply for a job in Nova Scotia or receive government benefits. You can pick up an application form at your local Service Canada office, or you may download an application from the Service Canada website.

To locate your nearest Service Canada office, look at the back of the White Pages phone book under Government of Canada or refer to the Service Canada website. To apply for a Social Insurance Number, you must complete an application form and show your documents or permanent resident card. If the name on your landing documents or permanent resident card is different from the one you are currently using, you must also provide supporting documents. It is important that documents are originals and that they are written in English or French.

When you submit your application, ask for a receipt or temporary card - so you can apply for jobs while you wait for your card.You will receive your card 4-6 weeks after you apply. Your first SIN card is free.

If you are a parent or a guardian and you are applying on behalf of children under the age of 12, you will need to provide proof of identity. If a person submitting an application on behalf of another person, he/she – must provide a valid photo identity document and an original letter signed by the applicant giving authorization to submit the application on his/her behalf.

Visit the Child Care Tax Benefits section of this website for more information.