First few days
Topics on this page
- Find help when you arrive
- Get your B.C. identification
- BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) & medical insurance
Find help when you arrive
Most newcomers arrive in British Columbia through the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). If you do, look for the Community Airport Newcomers Network (CANN) in the Immigration and Customs area. Friendly staff offer help in more than 20 languages. Please note that as of March 31, 2024, CANN is no longer funded to provide services to Ukrainian arrivals under a CUAET visa.
Settlement agencies offer a variety of services to help new immigrants settle in B.C. These services include assistance in finding a place to live, referral to language classes, and short-term crisis counselling. Settlement agencies may be able to help you understand what you need to do when you first arrive in B.C.
Get your B.C. identification
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Government of Canada.
You will need a SIN to work in Canada. You also need a SIN to use government programs and benefits. Contact the Government of Canada to learn how to apply for your SIN and what documents you will need to apply.
A BC Services Card is issued by the Province of British Columbia. You need it to get provincial services, including health care. See the B.C. Services card section below for more information.
A B.C. driver’s licence is issued by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. You must have a valid driver’s licence to drive in B.C. See the Driving in B.C. section for more information.
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B.C. Medical Services Plan (MSP) & medical insurance
Not all health costs are covered by MSP. For example, you have to pay for dentists, optometrists, and physiotherapists yourself.
MSP is for:
- B.C. residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- B.C. residents who are government-assisted refugees
- international students with study permits
- some people with work permits for 6 months or more
Registering for MSP
All residents of B.C. must be registered with MSP. You need to apply to register for MSP. On your application, make sure you write your name exactly as it appears on other official documents. You should register for MSP as soon as you arrive in B.C. You may have to wait for up to 3 months for your application to be processed.If you do not have MSP, you should buy private medical insurance. If you need medical care in B.C. and you do not have MSP or private medical insurance, you will have to pay all medical costs yourself. These costs can be very high.
Contact Health Insurance BC for more information and to register for MSP. Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100
Supplementary benefits
If your income is low, you may be eligible for Supplementary Benefits. MSP Supplementary Benefits will pay part of some medical services. See the MSP page for more information on what is covered, who is eligible, and how to apply.International student health fee
International students must pay a monthly health care fee. This fee is for:- international students in kindergarten to Grade 12
- international post-secondary students with study permits who are enrolled in MSP
Get your BC Services Card
You will need a BC Services Card to access health care services. Follow these steps to get your BC Services Card.1. Apply for MSP.
- Complete and send the BC MSP enrolment form.
- You can also apply online.
A BC Services Card with a photo is more secure. If your card is stolen, no one else can use it.
The Interim Federal Health Program – Refugees and Refugee claimants
The Interim Federal Health Program provides limited, temporary health coverage for resettled refugees, protected persons, and refugee claimants and their dependents.The program covers people who are not eligible for provincial or private health coverage. It includes basic health-care services such as visiting the doctor, going to the hospital, emergency medicine, and emergency dental (teeth) and eye care.
People qualified for the Interim Federal Health Program must visit registered health care providers. See a list of health care providers registered with the program.
Private insurance
MSP does not cover all medical costs. For example, MSP does not cover dental care. If you want coverage for more medical costs, you can buy insurance from a private company.Some of the services not covered by MSP will have to be paid for by you when you arrive for your visit. Ask for the receipt and send it to your insurance company. They will pay you back some or all of the money you paid. Other offices will send the bill directly to your insurance company. This is called “direct billing.” Ask questions and make sure you understand how the bill will be paid.