Social Insurance Number

A 9-digit number assigned by the Government of Canada that you need to work, pay taxes, or access government benefits. Apply at Service Canada — it's free.

Medical Services Plan (BC)

British Columbia's provincial health insurance program. All BC residents must enrol. There is a 3-month wait period for new residents — private insurance covers you in the meantime.

Permanent Resident

A person who has been given permanent resident status in Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen. PRs have most of the same rights as citizens, but cannot vote or hold certain jobs.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

The federal government department responsible for immigration, refugee resettlement, and Canadian citizenship. This is who processes your visa, work permit, or PR application.

Canada Revenue Agency

The federal agency responsible for tax collection and administering tax laws. You'll interact with the CRA to file your taxes, claim the GST/HST credit, and receive the Canada Child Benefit.

Employment Insurance

A federal program that provides temporary income support to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. You must have worked a minimum number of hours to qualify.

Canada Pension Plan

A monthly retirement benefit funded by contributions from employees and employers. If you work in Canada and are over 18, you automatically contribute to CPP.

Old Age Security

A monthly pension available to Canadians and permanent residents who are 65 or older and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18.

Goods and Services Tax

A 5% federal tax on most goods and services in Canada. Low-income individuals can receive a GST/HST credit from the CRA after filing their taxes.

Harmonized Sales Tax

A combined federal (GST) and provincial sales tax used in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

Labour Market Impact Assessment

A document that Canadian employers may need before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that there is a need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.

National Occupational Classification

Canada's system for describing and categorizing occupations. Your NOC code determines which immigration pathways and work permit categories you qualify for.

English as a Second Language

Programs that teach English to people whose first language is not English. Many ESL programs are free for newcomers through government-funded settlement agencies.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada

A free federal government program that provides English language instruction to eligible adult newcomers. Classes are offered at schools, community centres, and online.

Registered Retirement Savings Plan

A tax-advantaged savings account designed to help Canadians save for retirement. Contributions are tax-deductible and investments grow tax-free until withdrawal.

Tax-Free Savings Account

A Canadian savings account where your money grows tax-free and withdrawals are not taxed. Available to Canadian residents 18 and older with a valid SIN.

Canada Child Benefit

A tax-free monthly payment from the CRA to eligible families with children under 18. The amount depends on your income and number of children — apply as soon as possible after your SIN is active.

Interim Federal Health Program

A federal program that provides temporary basic healthcare coverage for specific groups of newcomers (primarily refugees and refugee claimants) who do not yet have provincial health coverage.

Professional Engineer

A licensed engineering designation in Canada. To use the P.Eng title, you must be registered with the provincial engineering regulatory body (e.g., Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Professional Engineers Ontario).

National Nursing Assessment Service

The organization that assesses internationally educated nurses who want to practise nursing in Canada. NNAS reviews your education, registration, and practice documents before you apply to a provincial nursing college.

Medical Council of Canada

The national organization responsible for evaluating the qualifications of internationally educated physicians who want to practise medicine in Canada. You will need to pass MCC exams as part of the licensing process.

Immigrant Services Society of BC

One of BC's largest settlement agencies, providing free services including language training, employment help, housing advice, and legal guidance to newcomers in British Columbia.

Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities

A settlement agency based in Vancouver, BC that provides free services to immigrants and refugees including language classes, employment services, and community programs.

United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society

A major settlement agency in BC providing services to immigrants and newcomers regardless of background — employment counselling, language classes, legal aid, and more.

COSTI Immigrant Services

A Toronto-based settlement agency providing a wide range of services to newcomers including employment training, language instruction, school settlement, and counselling.