Getting Started: A Guide To Settle In Your New Life
As settle into your new life, it's essential to navigate the local processes, such as obtaining your driving license and registering your children in school. Additionally, securing car insurance is a crucial step to ensure your safety and compliance with local regulations. Embrace this new chapter with confidence, knowing that each task completed brings you closer to feeling at home in Greater Moncton.
Medicare application
A Medicare card is essential for access to complimentary medical services within New Brunswick. However, it is important to note that individuals are responsible for the costs of medications and other services not covered by Medicare. If you possess a private health insurance plan through your academic institution or place of employment, that coverage may extend to additional services, including dental and optical care, contingent upon the benefits outlined in your chosen insurance package.
To apply for a Medicare card in New Brunswick, please adhere to the following procedures:
- Required Documentation:
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Completion of the application form.
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Identification document: Passport or driving license or permanent residence card.
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Proof of residential address: Utility bill, leasing contract, or any other document that verifies your address.
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Social Insurance Number (SIN): If applicable.
- Application Process:
You may wish to submit an application for a Medicare card through online or in-person methods as outlined below:
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Online registration is available via the application link.
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In-person registration can be conducted at the Service New Brunswick (SNB) office, situated at 770 Main St, Moncton, NB E1C 1E3.
Please note that the processing duration generally extends over several weeks, and your Medicare card will be sent to your designated address.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) application
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number that you need to work or access government programs and benefits in Canada.
If you are not a permanent resident, you will be issued a temporary SIN that includes an expiry date. It is your responsibility to initiate the renewal process when it becomes necessary. Upon obtaining permanent resident status, you are required to apply for a permanent SIN.
To apply for a SIN in New Brunswick, please adhere to the following procedures:
- Required Documentation:
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Completion of the application form.
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Identification document: Passport or driving license or permanent residence card.
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Proof of your status: work permit, study permit or permanent resident card
- Application Process:
You may wish to submit an application for a SIN through online or in-person methods as outlined below:
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Online registration is available via the application link.
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In-person registration can be conducted at the Service Canada office, situated at 95 Foundry St, Moncton, NB E1C 5H7.
Please note that the processing duration generally extends over several weeks, and your SIN will be sent to your designated address.
Photo ID
If you do not possess a provincial driver's license and do not plan to undergo a driving license examination at this time, it is imperative to obtain an identification card (photo ID) to establish a valid form of identification. To acquire an identification card, you must visit the Service New Brunswick (SNB) office in person.
Prior to applying for an identification card, it is necessary to prepare the following documents:
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A legal document: a passport, work permit, or study permit.
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Two proofs of your residential address: utility bills (electricity, water, or telephone) and a lease agreement or alternative documentation.
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Your Social Insurance Number (SIN), if applicable.
The fee for the identification card is $48, in addition to any applicable taxes. Please verify the fee at the time of your application submission.
For further detailed information, please refer to the following link.
Schooling registration
There are seven (7) school districts in New Brunswick, comprising four (4) Anglophone School Districts that provide education in English and offer a French Immersion program, as well as three (3) Francophone School Districts that provide education in French. Depending on your preferred language of instruction and your desire for your children to be educated in an English or French environment, you may wish to consider enrolling your children in one of the following school districts, which offer free education in the Greater Moncton area:
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Anglophone East School District (ASD-E): Please visit the ASD-E website and consider contacting the school district via email at asdeinfo@nbed.nb.ca to follow up on your children’s school registration after completing the pre-registration process online at their website.
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Francophone South School District (DSF-S): Please visit the DSF-S website and consider contacting the school district via email at DSF-SInfo@nbed.nb.ca to follow up on your children’s school registration after completing the pre-registration process online at their website.
Driving license
Individuals have the option to enroll in a driving training school to obtain a driving license or to register for the tests as independent candidates. There are two (2) types of examinations, referred to as the Learner's Permit Class 7.1 (theoretical test on signs and rules) and Class 7.2 or Class 5 (road test).
Below is the procedure to complete the tests and secure your New Brunswick driving license.
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It is advisable to thoroughly review all relevant rules and signs and to engage in as many practice tests and quizzes as possible prior to registering for the examination online. Resources are accessible on the Service New Brunswick website at this link. When you feel prepared for the test, you may register online via the following link. The registration fee is $25 plus applicable taxes, which may be subject to change at the time of registration.
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Upon successful completion of the signs and rules test, you are required to appear in person at Service New Brunswick (SNB) located at 770 Main St, Moncton, NB E1C1E7 to complete the necessary paperwork and obtain your driving license Class 7.1. This driving license will be mailed to your designated home address.
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If you possess a Vietnamese driving license, you are eligible to register for the road test at your convenience. Conversely, if you do not have a Vietnamese driving license and you either enroll in a driving training school or opt to test independently, you will have to wait either 8 or 12 months, respectively, before being permitted to take the road test.
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When you are ready to undertake the road test, please follow this link to schedule an appointment for the examination.
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After successfully completing the road test, you are required to return to Service New Brunswick (SNB) at the location where the test was administered to finalize all necessary paperwork and receive your driving license Class 7.2 or Class 5. This driving license will subsequently be mailed to your designated home address.
Car insurance
The fees associated with car insurance exhibit significant variations depending on whether one possesses a New Brunswick driving license or an international driving license (i.e. a Vietnamese driving license). Prior to obtaining a quotation for car insurance from any insurance provider, it is imperative to ensure that your vehicle registration is current and that the car inspection due date remains valid. Kindly consider the following insurance companies to obtain quotations at your convenience: