hi all,

i got temp work permit approval - will go sept 5th

can i start work straight away and drive or do i need SIN NO. and Ontario Drivers license

what happens about medical cover as it's only me - am i covered or......

i will take my own medication ie. tablets with me from UK ( Enough to last me to Dec when i return to see wife, kids and family etc for XMAS, but what happens if there is an emergency with me ???? or something ??

please any replies would be great

Hi there.

For absolute-definitive-no-doubt-answers to these questions I'd suggest just popping a couple of those terms into a search on the immigration forum mate. As you're there on a temp visa things may be different and my hearsay knowledge is on those who are landing to become permanent residents.

For PR's, some people are told they cannot work without a SIN, but others say you can, you just won't be paid (until you have one.) Temporary SINS are available apparently and are ofc quicker to obtain, but sometimes if you ask nicely and explain the situation you can get a full SIN much more quickly than normal.

Your Driver's license I think is valid for your first three months of residency for PR's so I'd imagine depending on how temporary your work permit is you may not need to exchange for an Ontario license.

.. even more clueless about the rest I'm afraid. Someone on the immigration forums should be able to advise you if nobody can here....

cheers mate - thanks for trying - i think i will get min 1 yr permit

cheers mate - thanks for trying - i think i will get min 1 yr permit

I came here on a 6 month work permit,all you do is take it into a government office and they will give you your SIN card which you will need when you start employment (not b4 then) You can also exchange your UK drivers licence straight away at a drive centre.You just need to go in,take your eye test and they will give you a temp licence till your new one comes in the post.Its really all quite easy! Once you have your SIN card you can apply for your OHIP health card,although I'm not sure how much medication this entitles you to,you will need to check

Go apply for your SIN # first thing when you get here - I'm not sure if they will/can give you a # right away, but at least they will give you a piece of paper stating you have applied for your SIN. This is good enough for your employer.

You can drive on your English driver's license for 60 days. Since you're settling in the province, you have to have it exchanged before the 60 days run out. If you were merely visiting, you could drive 6 months (I think) on your national license, and a full year if you had an international license.

You won't be covered by the Ontario health plan for the first three months, so make sure you take out private insurance for that period.

Good luck, and welcome to Ontario!

Thanks for replies guys - is the no medical cover for first 3 months 100% fact -please let me know - thanks

Yes, it is.

yeh - thanks i missed that bit when i read that site before