Getting Vital Documents
Photo Identification
Some banking and business transactions may require that you have an identification card with your photo on it. Airlines will not let you board an airplane without Photo ID. Service New Brunswick Centres provide a Photo ID service for personal identification as well as Driver's Licence photos. In Saint John, Service New Brunswick is located at 15 King Street North.
Passport Office: 1 Agar Place, Main Floor, Saint John, 1800-622-6232
Driver's License
The Registry of Motor Vehicles, under the authority of the Motor Vehicle Act issues, renews and suspends driver's licenses. The minimum age to receive a graduated, or instructional, license is 16 years.
Every person who operates a motor vehicle in New Brunswick must demonstrate that they have the qualifications necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle and applicants may be required to pass an examination. A valid driver's license, for the class of vehicle being operated, is a requirement of the law. A driver's license must always be carried when operating a vehicle and must be produced for inspection on the request of any peace officer.
To Apply:
Service New Brunswick office
Address: 15 King Street North, Saint John, NB
Phone: (506) 658-2500
Website: http://www.snb.ca/
Driver’s License - Service NB, 5 King Square N, Saint John
Bank Accounts
Upon arrival, it is important to open an account at a financial institute. Talk to a representative to determine the appropriate services whether it’s savings accounts, checking accounts, lines of credit, credit cards and debit cards. These services are available at all banks, trust companies and credit unions.
Banks Available in Saint John: TD Canada Trust, Royal Bank, Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Credit Unions, National Bank.
Banks – www.td.com , www.cibc.com , www.rbc.com , www.bmo.com , www.scotiabank.com
Two pieces of identification are normally required to open accounts at Canadian banks. At least one piece of identification should have your picture on it, such as your passport.
Social Insurance Number (SIN number)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used in the administration of various Canadian government programs. A SIN is required to work in Canada or to receive government benefits. To apply for a Social Insurance Number, you must complete an application form, available from your local Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC) office.
You must also provide a primary document that proves your identity and status in Canada. It is important that documents are originals and that they are written in English or French. Any documents that are in a foreign language should be translated and certified.
We encourage you to apply for your Social Insurance Number in person at the HRDC office located at 1 Agar Place in Saint John (1 800 206-7218). This process is faster and more convenient, as most of the times if you qualify for SIN number, you can leave with your number at the same day.
To Apply:
Service Canada (HRDC office):
Address: 1 Agar Place in Saint John
Phone: 1-800 206-7218
website: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-dsp.jsp?lang=eng&rc=1617#pa
HEALTH CARE CARD-Medicare Card
All New Brunswick permanent residents receive essential medical services free of charge. Each person carries a personal health card which must be shown at the reception desk of the doctor or hospital. In New Brunswick, this is called a Medicare card.
There is a 3-month residency requirement in New Brunswick before your health card is active and you are covered without being charged for services.
Please Note:
More info
If arriving from another country you have the option of paying for medical services on an as needed basis or you may purchase personal health insurance to cover your three-month residency period.
Health Insurance – NB Medicare, 1888-762-8600 or www.gnb.ca
To Apply:
Service New Brunswick office
Address: 15 King Street North, Saint John, NB
Phone: (506) 658-2500
Website: http://www.snb.ca/
Family Physicians
Most Canadians choose to find a Family Physician they can go to when they require health care and consultation. Your Family Physician 'will refer you to a medical specialist if necessary. Physicians must be licensed by the Canadian College of Family Physicians. It is your responsibility to contact individual physician's offices to see if they can take you on as a patient.
For residents who do not have a family physician, an after-hours clinic is located at 110 Crown Street in Saint John. Phone 506-635-2273.
Kennebecasis Valley After Hours Medical Clinic in Quispamsis Phone 506-849-2273.
Insurance for your Car, House & Family
Insurance is required for your car and home and you have the option to buy insurance for your family. To learn more about the brokers and companies that can help you, go here.
Some banking and business transactions may require that you have an identification card with your photo on it. Airlines will not let you board an airplane without Photo ID. Service New Brunswick Centres provide a Photo ID service for personal identification as well as Driver's Licence photos. In Saint John, Service New Brunswick is located at 15 King Street North.
Passport Office: 1 Agar Place, Main Floor, Saint John, 1800-622-6232
Driver's License
The Registry of Motor Vehicles, under the authority of the Motor Vehicle Act issues, renews and suspends driver's licenses. The minimum age to receive a graduated, or instructional, license is 16 years.
Every person who operates a motor vehicle in New Brunswick must demonstrate that they have the qualifications necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle and applicants may be required to pass an examination. A valid driver's license, for the class of vehicle being operated, is a requirement of the law. A driver's license must always be carried when operating a vehicle and must be produced for inspection on the request of any peace officer.
To Apply:
Service New Brunswick office
Address: 15 King Street North, Saint John, NB
Phone: (506) 658-2500
Website: http://www.snb.ca/
Driver’s License - Service NB, 5 King Square N, Saint John
Bank Accounts
Upon arrival, it is important to open an account at a financial institute. Talk to a representative to determine the appropriate services whether it’s savings accounts, checking accounts, lines of credit, credit cards and debit cards. These services are available at all banks, trust companies and credit unions.
Banks Available in Saint John: TD Canada Trust, Royal Bank, Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Credit Unions, National Bank.
Banks – www.td.com , www.cibc.com , www.rbc.com , www.bmo.com , www.scotiabank.com
Two pieces of identification are normally required to open accounts at Canadian banks. At least one piece of identification should have your picture on it, such as your passport.
Social Insurance Number (SIN number)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used in the administration of various Canadian government programs. A SIN is required to work in Canada or to receive government benefits. To apply for a Social Insurance Number, you must complete an application form, available from your local Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC) office.
You must also provide a primary document that proves your identity and status in Canada. It is important that documents are originals and that they are written in English or French. Any documents that are in a foreign language should be translated and certified.
We encourage you to apply for your Social Insurance Number in person at the HRDC office located at 1 Agar Place in Saint John (1 800 206-7218). This process is faster and more convenient, as most of the times if you qualify for SIN number, you can leave with your number at the same day.
To Apply:
Service Canada (HRDC office):
Address: 1 Agar Place in Saint John
Phone: 1-800 206-7218
website: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-dsp.jsp?lang=eng&rc=1617#pa
HEALTH CARE CARD-Medicare Card
All New Brunswick permanent residents receive essential medical services free of charge. Each person carries a personal health card which must be shown at the reception desk of the doctor or hospital. In New Brunswick, this is called a Medicare card.
There is a 3-month residency requirement in New Brunswick before your health card is active and you are covered without being charged for services.
- All members of your family must have their own coverage.
- You can apply for a health card at any Service New Brunswick office.
- Some of the documents you need to register for a card
Please Note:
- This is not a comprehensive list
- The same document may not be used to satisfy more than one requirement.
- Do not send original documents as we cannot guarantee their return.
- Birth Certificate
- Citizenship Card
- Passport
- Indian Status Card
- Baptismal certificate (if place of birth is identified)
- Canadian Immigration Identification Records and Entry Stamp on their Passport
- Proof of enrollment from an approved learning institution
- Birth Certificate
- Valid New Brunswick Driver’s License
- Valid Passport (Canadian or foreign)
- Baptismal Certificate (if place and date of birth indicated)
- Valid Permanent Resident Card (front & back) or Record of Landing Document example: (Form # IMM 1000)
- Active Temporary Resident Permit issued by Citizenship and
- Immigration Canada
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
- Canadian Indian Status Card (front & back)
- Legal Name Change Document
- Student or Employee ID Card
- Previous Provincial Health Card
- Mortgage Document
- Rental or Lease Agreement (must be signed by landlord & tenant)
- Utility Bill - not older than 2 months (phone, energy, cable/satellite, water/sewer)
- Employment Confirmation - current (pay stub or letter from employer on company letterhead)
- Insurance Policy (home, tenant, auto)
- Valid NB Motor Vehicle Registration
- Valid NB Driver's License
- Child Tax Benefit Statement
- Property Tax Bill (current year)
More info
If arriving from another country you have the option of paying for medical services on an as needed basis or you may purchase personal health insurance to cover your three-month residency period.
Health Insurance – NB Medicare, 1888-762-8600 or www.gnb.ca
To Apply:
Service New Brunswick office
Address: 15 King Street North, Saint John, NB
Phone: (506) 658-2500
Website: http://www.snb.ca/
Family Physicians
Most Canadians choose to find a Family Physician they can go to when they require health care and consultation. Your Family Physician 'will refer you to a medical specialist if necessary. Physicians must be licensed by the Canadian College of Family Physicians. It is your responsibility to contact individual physician's offices to see if they can take you on as a patient.
For residents who do not have a family physician, an after-hours clinic is located at 110 Crown Street in Saint John. Phone 506-635-2273.
Kennebecasis Valley After Hours Medical Clinic in Quispamsis Phone 506-849-2273.
Insurance for your Car, House & Family
Insurance is required for your car and home and you have the option to buy insurance for your family. To learn more about the brokers and companies that can help you, go here.
