Living Here
Nova Scotia offers a quality of life that is disappearing in much of North America. Here, hard work is tempered with an appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds us. We are tied to the sea and its gentle rhythms.
Life moves at a pace which allows you to keep everything in perspective: work, family, relaxation, and responsibility. Of course, as part of North America, we have all the technology, all the communications, all the educational institutions and all the infrastructure you would expect.
In this section, you will find information you need to begin your new life in Nova Scotia.
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. You must show your card when you see a doctor or go to the hospital. To apply for a Nova Scotia Health Card visit the Government of Nova Scotia website.
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.
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.
Services for Temporary Residents
Temporary residents are temporary foreign workers and international graduates. Selected settlement services are offered to individuals in these groups who have applied or intend to apply for permanent resident status in Nova Scotia.
Useful Resources
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Living in Canada Tool
Immigration Francophone Nouvelle-Écosse
