TaxGov Services » Canada

Start your new life in Canada with clarity and confidence

Get simple, reliable guidance on the documents and requirements you need before moving so you can arrive prepared for work, study, or a fresh new beginning

  • Licensed Immigration Advisers (Registered Consultants)
  • Verified administrative support – TaxGov Services®

How to get started

Getting your paperwork organised before arriving in Canada makes everything much easier from starting your job to accessing essential services. Here’s what to focus on first:

1

Check your visa options

Make sure you apply for the correct visa based on your purpose, whether you’re travelling, studying, or working in Canada

2

Apply for your SIN

Your Social Insurance Number is essential for working, paying taxes, and accessing many public services. We’ll help you understand the requirements and how to apply

3

Prepare your key documents

Gather the identification documents required for both your visa and SIN applications, so nothing slows you down when you arrive

Find the right visa for your stay

Whether you’re travelling, studying, or planning to work in Canada, having the right visa is essential.
We help you understand which option fits your situation and what you’ll need to apply

Visitor Visa

For short trips, tourism, or visiting friends and family. Requirements and allowed stay length vary depending on your nationality

Study Permit

For full-time study at a recognised Canadian institution. You’ll need an acceptance letter and proof of financial support

Working Holiday Visa (IEC)

For young travellers who want to work while exploring Canada. Eligibility depends on your age and country of citizenship

Work Permit

For those with a job offer in Canada. In many cases, your employer may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Family Sponsorship

For joining a spouse, partner, parent, or child who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

For recent graduates who want to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies

How to apply for your SIN

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is essential for working in Canada, paying taxes, and accessing many government services. Applying early helps you avoid delays once you arrive.

Why you need a SIN

You’ll need your SIN to:

  • Start a job
  • Receive salary and pay taxes
  • Access certain public services and benefits
  • Open some financial accounts

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new federal programme designed to help eligible residents access affordable dental care. If you’re moving to Canada, it’s important to understand whether you qualify and how to apply once you arrive.

The CDCP provides financial support for essential dental services such as exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and other basic treatments. The goal is to make dental care more accessible for people with lower or modest incomes.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a resident of Canada
  • Have an adjusted family net income below the government’s threshold
  • Not have access to private dental insurance

Business Number (BN) for businesses and self-employed workers

If you plan to run a business in Canada even as a sole trader you may need a Business Number (BN). This is a federal identifier issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax and business-related activities.

You may require a BN if you:

  • Register a business
  • Hire employees
  • Import or export goods
  • Collect GST/HST
  • Open certain business bank accounts

The BN links you to business-related programmes such as:

  • GST/HST accounts
  • Payroll deductions
  • Corporate income tax
  • Import/export accounts
  • Avoid last-minute paperwork issues
  • Know exactly what you’ll need on arrival
  • Save time and avoid unnecessary stress

Common questions about moving to Canada

Here are some of the most frequent questions people ask when preparing to move to Canada.
If you’re unsure about anything, our team is always here to help

No. You can only apply for your SIN after you arrive in Canada. However, preparing your documents in advance helps you complete the application quickly once you’re there.

Most SIN applications are processed within a few days, especially if submitted online. In-person applications at a Service Canada Centre may be issued on the same day.

You can accept a job offer, but you cannot start working until you have your SIN. Employers are legally required to collect it for tax purposes.

It depends on your situation.

You may need a Work Permit, Working Holiday Visa (IEC), or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you studied in Canada. We help you understand the right option for your plans.

You’ll need valid ID that proves your identity and your legal status in Canada, such as your work permit, study permit, or visitor record.

Yes, but only if you plan to operate a business or work as self-employed. Most newcomers don’t need a BN unless they are starting a business.

Disclaimer: TaxGov Services is an independent administrative provider offering guidance through licensed immigration advisers and registered immigration consultants. We assist clients in managing applications for official documents from the relevant government authorities. TaxGov Services is a registered trademark.