How to Get Settled

Apply for a Permanent Resident (PR) Card 

The Permanent Resident (PR) Card replaces your paper Record of Landing (IMM1000) document you received for travelling. A PR card becomes the proof of status document needed when re-entering Canada by airplane, boat, train, or bus.

Application forms for a PR card are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If you cannot find the information you are looking for you can contact IRCC through their website.

Apply for a Health Card - Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance (MSI) 

You will need a Nova Scotia Health Card to get free medical and hospital services in Nova Scotia. You must show your health card whenever you see a doctor or go to the hospital. To apply for a health card visit the Government of Nova Scotia website.

Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) 

To apply for a job in Nova Scotia or receive government benefits you will need a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). Everyone who works in Canada, including Canadian citizens, must have a SIN.

To apply for a SIN, you must provide the true/original document proving your identity and status in Canada. All documents must be in either English or French.

You can pick up an application form at your local Service Canada office, or download one from the Service Canada website.

NOTE: When you submit your application, ask for a receipt. With this you can apply for jobs while you wait for your official SIN. You will receive a letter with your SIN by mail within 20 business days from the date the application is received.

Money & Taxes

In Nova Scotia, most people use bank cards (also called debit cards) and credit cards to pay for goods and services. Cash is used for some smaller items and can be used to pay for large items if needed.

Opening a Bank Account

You should open a banking account soon after arriving in Nova Scotia. It is not safe to carry large amounts of money (cash) with you.

You will be able to deposit or transfer monies from your account in your country of origin, but there are some restrictions on the amounts. Your bank will have information on these restrictions.

To open a bank account, you will need at least two pieces of identification such as your passport, social insurance number (SIN), or personal identification card from Access Nova Scotia. Your passport and landing documents are good documents to bring with you.

To find a bank branch near you, search online or look under banking in a phone directory.

Taxes

Canadians pay many different taxes to the government.

In Canada, taxes contribute to social programs and benefits such as health care, social assistance, and old age pensions.

Income Taxes 

All residents must submit annual Income Tax Returns to the Canada Revenue Agency. This tells the government how much income you have earned in the year and how much you have paid in taxes. Taxes are automatically deducted from your pay cheque. If too much has been taken off, you receive a refund. If too little was deducted, you have to pay the remaining balance.

Filing an income tax form also makes you eligible for such tax credit programs as the Child Tax Credit and Goods and Services Tax Credits.

You can find out more information on the Nova Scotia Department of Finance website or from the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Sales Taxes

In Nova Scotia, a sales tax called the HST is charged on most goods and services. The HST is a combination of the federal Goods and Service Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). It is 15% of the total cost of the item or service being purchased. 

This tax is not shown on the price tag of an item. It is added to the cost when you pay for it at the cashier. Some people qualify for a Goods and Services Tax refund, depending on their income and the number of dependents in their household.

Property Taxes 

All property owners pay residential taxes to their local municipality. What you pay is relative to the size, type, and location of your property. Properties are assessed by the Property Valuation Services Corporation, but it is the municipal government that sets the tax rate and collects taxes. The taxes help pay for services such as:

• Snow removal
• Road repairs and upkeep
• Street lighting
• Fire protection
• Garbage collection

Language Learning

There are many programs in Nova Scotia that support newcomers in learning English or French, the two official languages in Canada. The language learning programs described below receive funding from the Province of Nova Scotia.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes are available for adults who want to learn or improve their English language skills. Depending on your needs, goals, and the eligibility requirements of specific programs, you may attend general language classes (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, LINC), professional and communication classes, less formal conversation groups, or tutoring sessions.

A first step for most language learners is to do a language assessment to find their language level through Learn English Nova Scotia (LENS). After the assessment, LENS will help choose a language school or nearest program. LENS provides language assessments and language counselling to newcomers across the province.

Phone: (902) 431-8675
Web: https://www.learnenglishns.org/

EAL and FAL Classes

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada helps newcomers pursue English (or French – CLIC) as a second language. It is a free program for eligible adult newcomers. You can ask your language assessor for more information on the LINC classes.

Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia

The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) provides general and labour-market-specific language training in different formats (classes, online, tutoring, etc.). 

Phone: (902) 423-3607 
Web: isans.ca

Valley Community Learning Association

The Valley Community Learning Association (VCLA) provides English as an additional language classes and tutoring in the Valley region (Kentville, Wolfville, and Middleton). 

Phone: (902) 679-5252 
Web: vcla.ca

Eurocentres Atlantic Canada

Eurocentres Atlantic Canada, through its South Shore English as an Additional Language Program, provides English language training for newcomers in the South Shore region (Lunenburg and Queens counties). 

Phone: (902) 634-6111 
Web: eurocentres-atlanticanada.com

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, through its YREACH Language Services Program, provides English language training for newcomers in communities across the province outside of Halifax Regional Municipality. 

Phone: (902) 457-9622 
Web: http://ymcahfx.ca/ymca-programs/programs/locations-2/ymca-immigrant-centreeurocentres-atlanticanada.com

EAL Tutoring

There are also different tutoring programs available for newcomers who want to improve their English language skills.

Halifax Public Libraries English Language Learning for Adults

A volunteer-based, one-on-one tutoring program for adults learning English as an additional language. Programs are delivered at the various libraries in Halifax and Dartmouth. 

Phone: (902) 490-5990 
Web: halifaxpubliclibraries.ca

English for Academic Purposes 

Nova Scotia Community College  

The Nova Scotia Community College, through its English for Academic Purposes Program, provides instruction for newcomers who need to improve their English language skills required to enter post-secondary programs (college or university). This program is also an option for newcomers who need to improve their English language skills to a level required to become licensed in their regulated profession. 

Phone: (902) 471-4650 
Web: nscc.ca

French Language Learning

Université Sainte-Anne 

Université Sainte-Anne, as part of its Training to Employment Program, offers French language training for the workplace for francophone newcomers.

Phone: (902) 424-8979
Web: usasainteanne.ca

Federation Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Ecosse (FANE) 

The Federation Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Ecosse, as part of its Immigration Francophone Nouvelle-Ecosse Program, provides informal French language instruction through French Conversation Circles for French speaking newcomers.

Phone: (902) 4433-2099
Web: immigrationfrancophonene.ca

Housing

There are choices of communities to call home, and there are many different types of housing in Nova Scotia for you to choose from too.

Privately Owned Rental Housing 

This is the most common type of housing. Here, you pay rent every month to a landlord or company who owns and takes care of the house or apartment.

NOTE: It may be hard to find a house or apartment if you have a large family. Most Canadian families have 1-3 children and two parents. This is why most apartments are no larger than two or three bedrooms. If you have a larger or extended family, you might consider looking for a house to rent instead of an apartment.

Private Home Ownership 

You can choose to buy your own home instead of renting. Houses in Nova Scotia are some of the most affordable in Canada. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), in 2023, the average price of a Nova Scotia home was $399,900 compared to the national average of $709,218.

There are many real estate agents in Nova Scotia who can help you find a home (for a fee). They can also help you with mortgage and legal requirements. For a complete list of licensed real estate agents, contact the Nova Scotia Realtors Association.

For more information on buying and renting a home in Nova Scotia visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Residential Tenancies section of the Access Nova Scotia website.

Co-operative Housing 

This is a type of subsidized housing. Here, some residents pay rent based on their income and others pay rent that is closer to market prices. Together, they take care of the housing co-op by sharing duties and responsibilities. There is usually a waiting list for subsidized housing. More information can be found on The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada website.

Public Housing 

This is similar to co-operative housing because rent is based on income. Public housing is funded by the government for families with lower incomes. More information can be found on the Housing Nova Scotia website.

Tips For Finding an Apartment or a House 

• If you have a problem with language, bring an English-speaking companion with you to view the apartment or the house.
• If you can, schedule viewings during the day so it’s easier to see any damage.
• Ask about any repairs that need to be made. Make a list of the damages before you sign or agree to anything. Make sure the landlord signs the list and attaches it to the lease so you will not be held responsible when your lease is over.
• Ask if utilities (water, electricity, heat, etc.) are included in the rent.
• There could be a limit on how many people are allowed to live there, or if pets are allowed. Make sure you ask about these rules.
• Have things ready for the landlord such as: income/pay stubs, resume and references. There may also be an application process.

Renter/Tenant Responsibilities 

When renting an apartment or home, you are responsible for any damage caused by your presence. Day to day upkeep and repairs, and fixing past damage, is the responsibility of the landlord.

Once you have signed a lease, you are legally responsible to follow its terms and conditions for as long as it says on the lease. If you need to move before the end of the lease, you may need to sublet. Subletting is finding someone to take over for the rest of your lease. A sublet must be approved by your landlord.

More information on tenant rules and responsibilities in Nova Scotia can be found on the Residential Tenancies section of the Access Nova Scotia website.

Home Insurance 

If your property is damaged or destroyed by unforeseen and uncontrollable events, the cost of repairing or replacing it may be paid through insurance. There are many different types of property insurance coverage plans and many different insurance companies. You can also hire an insurance broker to help you find the best type of insurance for your needs. Property insurance is recommended for homeowners and renters. It covers your actual home and many of your personal belongings. 

Banks will not approve mortgages unless you show them proof that you have insurance. For more information on home insurance visit Insurance Canada’s website.

Household Utilities 

Whether you live in your own house or rent an apartment, you will probably have other expenses besides your mortgage or rent. These expenses are called “utilities” or household expenses. Make sure to ask about water, electricity, heating and other services such as telephone or internet costs that you may have to factor into your budget.

Healthcare

Canada has been rated one of the best places to live because of its healthcare program. All residents of Canada have access to medical care. This is based on their need and regardless of their ability to pay.

In Canada, healthcare is publicly funded by both the federal and provincial governments. Nova Scotia’s Medical Services Insurance (MSI) is the provincial plan. It pays for the cost of:

• Medically required doctors’ services
• Some dental and optometric services
• Doctor referred specialist visits
• Certain hospital in-patient and out-patient services

Many employers offer their employees additional healthcare coverage to help cover the costs of prescriptions and other health services (e.g., physiotherapy). 

You can also apply for private healthcare insurance on your own.

NOTE: You should apply for your Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) as soon as you arrive to Canada. To apply visit the Government of Nova Scotia website.

Hospitals and Clinics in Nova Scotia 

No matter where you choose to live, you will have access to medical services including a hospital or clinic. To see all hospitals and clinics in Nova Scotia listed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority, visit their website. 

Emergency Services 

911 is an emergency only contact number that can be dialed anywhere in Nova Scotia. Wherever the call is made, you will be connected to the nearest emergency service provider. If you call it for anything other than an emergency, you could be fined. 

Ambulance services are available throughout Nova Scotia, for both emergencies and patient transfers. Both types require a fee.

Medications and Prescriptions 

A doctor or nurse practitioner may choose to prescribe a medication to treat your condition. You can take a prescription to one of many pharmacies in drug stores, large grocery stores and some hospitals. A pharmacist will take the prescription and issue medications. It is important that you share any health problems and allergies with your doctor or nurse practitioner and pharmacist and tell them what other medication you are currently taking.

Your pharmacist will tell you about any possible complications that can arise from using the prescribed medication. They can also answer questions and address your health concerns.

Prescription medications are not covered by MSI. Private or complementary health insurance may help with the cost of prescription drugs.

Mental Health 

In Canada, seeking help or counselling with your mental health is not looked upon as a sign of weakness. It is accepted as a way to improve our emotional well being.

When immigrating and settling, your mental health can sometimes be affected. There are many factors that could be a source of distress such as unemployment, being away from family and friends, financial instability and language or cultural differences.

The Nova Scotia Health offers a broad range of mental health programs. Resources such as the Nova Scotia division of the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Public Health Agency of Canada can help you with information on mental health, and direct you to other resources.

811 Non-Emergency Health Information 

When you dial 811 on your phone, a registered nurse can answer your health questions, and give you advice and information you need. 811 can support callers in more than 120 languages. More information can be found on the 811 website.

211 Community and Social Services 

211 is a service offered in Nova Scotia to help residents find community and social services. By dialing 211 on your phone or visiting the 211 website, users will easily and quickly be connected to the community and social services they need, wherever they are in the province. 211 offers interpretation services for over 100 languages.

Child Care

There are different options for parents who cannot always be home to care for their children. Child care can be offered during the day or after school.

Child Care Centres 

Licensed facilities that operate during the day and early evening. All employees of child care centres must meet qualification requirements as outlined by the government. A list of child care centres can be found here.

Other-home Care 

Care given by an adult in a home other than the child’s, usually the home of the caregiver. Sometimes more convenient because it can be closer to the home or school of the child. Other-home caregivers do not require a license, they must be hired and monitored by the parents.

Own-home Care 

Given by an adult in the home of the child. Many parents find this the most convenient form of child care because they do not have to take their children to a caregiver before work, and pick them up after work.

Babysitter 

A person who takes care of children while the parents are out. It is usually for just one evening or a few hours during the day. In many neighborhoods and communities, there are older children (aged 14 +) who baby-sit. If you are having trouble finding a babysitter, ask parents in your neighborhood if they know someone interested in babysitting.

Subsidized Child Care 

Subsidized child care is financial assistance to help low income families pay for child centre costs while they are working, attending school, or have special child care needs.

To be eligible for the child care subsidy program, you must meet certain income and employment standards. Here are some examples of who is eligible:

• Single parents, so they can work or attend school
• Two parent families, so they can work or attend school
• Legal and non-legal guardians who need help to provide care – often grandparents who find caring for a child challenging
• Referrals from community resources on behalf of families who need financial help

Child Care Tax Benefits 

If you have children, you may qualify for certain benefits from provincial and federal governments. You can obtain the application forms and further information at the Canada Revenue Agency website. Enrolment for these benefits are processed through the Canada Child Tax Benefit application.

The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18. The CCTB may include the National Child Benefit and Child Disability Benefit.

Education

All children in Nova Scotia are legally required to attend school until age 16. Parents also have the option of performing home-schooling, but they must still follow specific guidelines and courses.

Public Schools

Public education is run by the government and paid for through taxes. In Nova Scotia, most residents attend public school, starting at age 5 with grade primary in elementary school. Primary is followed by grades 1 to 6. After elementary school, youth attend grades 7 to 9 at a junior high school, and high school for grades 10 through 12.

Public schools operate for about 5 hours a day. Times vary at different schools and at different levels. Language instruction can either be in French or English, but most schools in Nova Scotia are primarily English. French immersion is also available.

In Nova Scotia, French is taught to all students from grades 4 to 9 and is an optional credit in high school.

In all public schools in Nova Scotia, all genders are taught in the same classroom. This means that boys and girls learn together. They are taught by a qualified teacher who has at least one university degree and advanced training in education.

After completing high school, students may choose to continue with post-secondary education at university, community college or through an apprenticeship. For more information on post-secondary education visit Study in Nova Scotia.

Enrolling Your Child in Public School

You can register your child at the local school they will be attending or at the regional school board office. It is important to provide as much documentation as possible about your child’s education outside of Canada. This will help place them in a level of learning that is right for them. 

The Directory of Public Schools can help you find a school in your area. Information and links to each Regional School Board are on the Department of Education website.

The Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) is Nova Scotia’s only Francophone school board, with over 20 schools offering quality French-language education for students from kindergarten to grade 12.

Information is available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to determine if your child needs a study permit.

Home Schooling

Parents may legally provide an education program for their children in the home, rather than a public school. They must follow government approved courses and programs. Visit the Nova Scotia Department of Education website for more information on home schooling.

Adult Education

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) supports adult education programs from basic literacy to high school completion. It provides funding to community-based organizations, regional school boards, Nova Scotia Community College and Collège de l’Acadie. These organizations deliver programs so adults can improve their literacy skills or earn credits toward the Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults.

Transportation

There are many different transportation methods available for travelling to, from and around Nova Scotia. Halifax is also the closest North American mainland port to Europe – a full day’s sailing closer to major northern European markets than any other North American port.

Air

Nova Scotia has one international airport, the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. There are also two other airports connecting key Atlantic Canada destinations – Sydney Airport and Yarmouth Airport.

An award-winning full-service international airport with access to markets across the globe.

The Halifax Stanfield International Airport is the busiest airport in Atlantic Canada. It is a connection to anywhere in the world, including Atlantic Canada and the Eastern United States.

Automobiles

In Nova Scotia, most people find it necessary to own a car. If you need a car but do not own one, you can rent any kind of car.

If you own a car, you must register the car and have the necessary permits required in Nova Scotia.

Automotive Insurance

In Nova Scotia, it is illegal to drive a car without being insured. Insurance protects you in the event of an accident, if your car is stolen, or if your car is damaged.

Driver’s License and Car Registration

You must have a valid driver’s license to drive a motor vehicle. Licenses from some countries are recognized in Nova Scotia, but some are not. You may need to take a written test and a road test to be issued with a valid Nova Scotia driver’s license.

If you own a car, truck, or motorcycle, you must register your motor vehicle and get a license plate. Registry of Motor Vehicles Service Centres can be found throughout Nova Scotia. For more information visit the Service Nova Scotia website.

Vehicle Safety

Nova Scotia law requires that all licensed and registered vehicles in the province undergo a thorough safety inspection every two years. You can be fined if your car does not have a valid inspection sticker on its windshield

Driver and Public Safety

To protect drivers from serious injury, seatbelts are mandatory in Nova Scotia. You could be fined if any passengers are not wearing their seatbelts.

Nova Scotia also requires, by law, infant car seats, child seats and booster seats for all children who are BOTH under the age of 9 years and under 145 cm (4’9”) tall. If you do not follow these laws, you could be fined.

Car Rental

Cars, vans, and trucks can be rented from many different companies in Nova Scotia. There are some general rules when renting. You must be 21 years of age, your driving record will be checked by the rental company, and you must provide a valid drivers license and credit card. Each rental company also has individual policies.

Taxis/Uber

Taxi cabs or Ubers are available in most cities and towns in Nova Scotia. The fees are different depending on where you are. The easiest way to get a taxi is to order one to come to your address by calling or using an app. In Halifax, you can also find taxis at designated taxi stands located throughout the city.

Bus

Maritime Bus provides passenger and parcel service between New Brunswick, PEI and Nova Scotia, with connections to Quebec and further west in Canada. Their website includes information on route maps, schedules and an online ticketing system.

Public Transit

For local public transportation, major cities and towns provide bus services. In Halifax, Halifax Transit is the public transportation service. Halifax Transit has routes running throughout Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax, Sackville, Timberlea, and Cole Harbour.

Halifax Transit provides a service for people with disabilities called Access-A-Bus. It is for people who do not have the cognitive or physical ability required to use the regular Halifax Transit bus service.

Information on public transit outside of Halifax can be found on the Community Transit Nova Scotia website.

Rail

VIA Rail, Canada’s main passenger train carrier, runs The Ocean which departs from Halifax and runs through Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec, ending in Montreal.

Ferry

There are a number of ferry services that offer travel between Nova Scotia and other locations in Atlantic Canada. Services vary for each and some only operate during warmer seasons.

• Port-Aux-Basques, Newfoundland – North Sydney (year round)
• Argentia, Newfoundland – North Sydney (summer season)
• Wood Island, PEI – Caribou (May – December)
• Saint John, New Brunswick – Digby (year round)
• Bay Ferries offers ferry services between Yarmouth, NS, and Maine. Scheduling information can be found online.
  
  There are also Provincial Ferry Services between smaller waterways in Nova Scotia. Four of the provincial ferries are cable ferries, while three are ocean-going ferries.

Legal Services

If you need legal information or services in Nova Scotia, there are many options available. The Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) provides legal information and resources about the law. For information on lawyers practicing in Nova Scotia, you can check with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.

Legal Aid

If you can not afford to hire a lawyer, you may be eligible for assistance through Legal Aid. There are community-based law offices across Nova Scotia that deal with legal aid cases. Legal Aid is not available for refugee claimants.

Halifax Refugee Clinic

The Halifax Refugee Clinic provides legal assistance to eligible refugees seeking asylum in Canada.

Rights

When you become a permanent resident of Nova Scotia, you are entitled to the same rights as everyone else living here except you can’t vote or run for political office and hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance. Your legal rights, human rights, and privileges of living here are automatically given to you when you arrive.

To become a Canadian citizen (and qualify for a Canadian passport), you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a permanent resident of Canada
• Have lived in Canada for at least three of the four years before applying
• Be able to communicate in either English or French (and have proof of it)
• Know about Canada
• Know about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
• There are many steps and requirements involved with the Citizenship process. See the Government of Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for complete details.

Voting

In Canada, political leaders are chosen by the citizens through an electoral system. In federal, provincial and municipal elections, the public votes for political leaders by secret balloting. Secret balloting means you vote in private and no one can find out who you voted for.

To vote in a federal election you must be:

• A Canadian Citizen
• Age 18 or older
• Registered on the voters list

Visit Elections Canada for more information.

To vote in a Nova Scotia provincial or municipal election, you must be:

• A Canadian Citizen (provincial election only)
• Age 18 or older
• Registered voter in the electoral district
• A resident of Nova Scotia for at least 6 months prior to election date (provincial election only)

Visit Elections Nova Scotia for more information.

Servicing People with Disabilities

Nova Scotia has many resources for people with disabilities. The government also provides financial assistance to people with a recognized disability. In all government buildings there should be wheelchair access. In most public places such as malls and schools, there is access for people with disabilities. For more information, go to the Accessibility Directorate or visit the Governments of Canada’s Person with Disabilities Online.

Religion

Every resident of Nova Scotia has the right to practice their religion or creed. It is a right of all Canadians as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. An employee cannot be fired because of his or her religious beliefs.

Nova Scotia has become a home to many different religious groups from around the globe including Anglican, Baptist, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Roman Catholic.

You may find a place of worship easily by looking in the phone directory or doing an online search.

Nova Scotia Human Rights

As stated by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, “Nova Scotia’s Human Rights Act is a provincial law that states that every person is free and equal in dignity and rights without regard to age, race, colour, religion, creed, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ethnicity, national or aboriginal origin, family or marital status, source of income or political belief, affiliation, or activity. The Act also prohibits sexual harassment in all areas of public life.” 

This means that it is against the law to be judged, or refused employment or equal pay for any of the reasons listed here. If you feel your human rights, as defined above, have been violated, you can ask for legal advice or action. More on this can be found by reading the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.