Prosperity, Advancement, Networking and Direction for Newcomers to Ottawa
To learn more about PAND’s Volunteer Program during COVID-19 and find out how you can get involved visit our Covid-19 page
Starting a new life in Canada is exciting experience yet challenging, there are many unknowns to adapting to a new life. At PAND, we help immigrants and newcomers to Ottawa find their way through their journey.
Networking is one of the most important new skills a newcomer needs to acquire. It is an effective way to open new doors to better opportunities, start a job search and meet professionals who can introduce you to new opportunities.
Moving to a new country is difficult and challenging, we are here to help immigrants, refugees and newcomers to Ottawa advance in their new environment by equipping them with necessary training and education programs.
At PAND, we believe that when immigrants and newcomers succeed, the whole community will prosper. We are here to help Newcomers, Immigrants and Refugees reach their full potential to find proper job in Ottawa.
If you are a resident of Ontario, you need an Ontario driver’s license in order to drive. The process to get a driver’s license depends on if you are a new driver, or if you have had a driver’s license before.
If you have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), you can use this when you first arrive in Canada. The IDP is a translation of your driver’s license from another country and is valid for 1 year.
You must apply for an IDP outside of Canada. IDPs issued in Canada are not valid in Canada.
The IDP is primarily used by visitors to Ontario. If you plan on living in Ontario, you need to get an Ontario driver’s license within 60 days of moving to Ontario.
To open a bank account, you need to book an appointment and go to the bank in person with complete acceptable identification.
You can apply for Ontario Health Card (OHIP) as soon as you have all the required documentation. However, there is a 3-month waiting period before you receive your card and your OHIP coverage begins.
To apply and get a Health Card (OHIP), you need to fill out an OHIP application and submit documents with your application.
Get an application form Ontario central form repository or get it from your local Service Ontario Office
Fill out the application.
Gather all the required documents, for a complete list of documents you may refer to Service Ontario website
You need to visit your local Service Ontario OHIP office and apply for OHIP in person
To apply for a Health Card; you need to present 1 document from each of the following 3 categories.
1- Proof of Citizenship
Canadian Citizens
Birth Certificate from a Canadian province or territory (issued under the Vital Statistics Act)
Canadian Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad
Certified Statement of Live Birth from a Canadian province or territory
Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (paper document or card, not commemorative issue)
Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)
Registered Indian Record (certified)
Valid Canadian Passport or a Canadian passport that has been expired for less than 5 years
Temporary Confirmation of Registration Document
Permanent Residents (Landed Immigrants)
Canadian Immigration Identification Card
Valid Permanent Resident Card or a Permanent Resident Card that has been expired for less than 5 years
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292 or IMM5688)
Record of Landing (IMM1000)
Other Temporary Residents
Letter from Immigration and Refugee Board confirming Convention Refugee or Protected Person status
Protected Person Status document
Temporary Resident Permit (only some cases)
Work Permit (only some cases)
Written confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that you are eligible to apply for permanent residence
Written confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship
Verification of status (IMM 5716 or IMM 5715)
2- Proof of Residency
Child Tax Benefit Statement
Employer record (pay stub or letter from employer on company letterhead)
Income tax assessment (most recent)
Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or life)
Monthly mailed bank account statements for savings or chequing accounts (does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts)
Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (plate or vehicle portions)
Property tax bill
School, college or university report card or transcript
Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works
Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program
Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)
Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)
Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence
Temporary Driver’s Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution
Valid Ontario Photo Card
3- Support of Identity
Canadian Immigration Identification Card
Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (plastic card)
Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292, only if signature is displayed)
Credit card
Current employee ID card or document
Current professional association licence
Old Age Security card
Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program
Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)
Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)
Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence
Temporary Driver’s Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution
Valid Ontario Photo Card
Some Notes on OHIP Coverage
OHIP pays for all or part of most basic medical and emergency services. However, it does not pay for some services such as cosmetic surgery (dental or physical), dental services or chiropractic services.
And it also pays for parts of the costs of the following services:
Some services from your doctor, and podiatrists
Physiotherapy treatments
Dental services in hospitals
Eye tests
Travel costs: if you live in northern Ontario and must travel long distances for specialty medical care, OHIP may pay some travel costs.
Although OHIP may cover some costs when you travel outside of Ontario or Canada; the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care recommends that you get private health insurance when you travel or to pay for services not covered by OHIP
Private health insurance is another option for those services that are not covered under OHIP, for newcomers and visitors to Canada and for those who are not eligible for OHIP
To find a private health insurance company, you can use “find insurance” tool from the OmbudService for life and Insurance website.
Insurance brokers are also an alternative to insurance companies. Brokers represent several different insurance companies and can tell you about your choices.
Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest news