Landing

Landing officially as a Permanent Resident will be stressful; there will be many things to set up in your first few days and weeks in Nova Scotia. UK 2 Nova Scotia will be there with information, contacts and advice to make this transition as easy as possible.

On Arrival

You will be issued with your PR documentation upon landing (your PR card is sent to you and will arrive usually within 4-5 weeks). You will have to produce documentation at your point of entry including your list of goods to follow, passport with visa, evidence of sufficient funds and immigration paperwork. This whole process normally will only take 30-60 minutes.

Accommodation

Generally families will have already purchased a home ready for their arrival; other alternatives may be to rent for the medium term (generally I yr lease is standard) or shorter term (suites/ Hotels). The home buying process is shorter than in the UK, with a sale normally only taking 2-4 weeks.

Car hire

Our corporate rate car hire rates with Enterprise ensure that your initial car rental bill will not be excessive.

Car purchase

Most families will look to buy a vehicle within the first 2-3 weeks. UK 2 Nova Scotia in partnership with O'Regans ensure you get the best choice of vehicles and also the best after sales service available.

SIN cards

The sooner you get your SIN (Social Insurance Number) and Card the better. Appointments will need to be booked with Service Canada.

Your SIN card number will be issued to you immediately and your card usually within 4-6 weeks. A SIN card is required for employment in Canada; it is also required when applying for government programs or benefits.

Health Cards

Medical Services Insurance covers you as soon as you become eligible as a Permanent Resident and you can apply for your health card immediately upon arrival (902 496-7008). Temporary workers will have to apply separately for coverage, some restrictions will apply.
For more information click here.

Contact information

UK 2 Nova Scotia can supply contact information on recommended services to you, ranging from Lawyers to Electricians, oil companies to employers. We also can put you in contact with other UK 2 Nova Scotia clients who have made the move to Nova Scotia and live nearby.

Advice

Our advice is free to you, if there is something you are not sure about, where to get it or how to do it, give us a call and we will be happy to help.

Customs and goods to follow.

Your goods to follow will usually arrive within 3-5 weeks of leaving the UK. You will normally go down to the customs office with a representative from your shipping company (or partnered company) to clear your goods. You will need your 'goods to follow' list and all your shipping documentation. Once cleared, your goods should be delivered to you within a few days.