Monday mornings set up the vibe for your whole week, so let’s rise and shine! Happy Monday morning, Toronto!
Although, I am still quarantining at ILAC’s student residence in Toronto, Canada due to the coronavirus rules, I am excited for a new week, new experiences, new feelings and new adventures that might come along.
My already established morning routine has been completed and I open my laptop and get ready for work. My workday as usual is filled with many tasks such as social media posts preparation, virtual meetings, following by email communication and other administrative duties. I also started actively writing this ILAC Quarantine Chronicles blog, hoping that international students will some encouragement, inspiration and helpful information in it. Time passes by as I am enjoying the structure of the diverse duties at work.
While I was eating my late lunch, I was thinking about the topics worth mentioning for a smooth set up in Canada. One of the most crucial things international students need to know suddenly crossed my mind:
If you are staying in Canada for a longer period of time and you are planning to work, you must apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
If you are coming to Canada as a student, and your study permit allows you to work during your studies or you are attending co-op program, you must apply for your personal SIN. It is a 9-digit number that you need in order to be able to work and access Canadian benefits and government programs.
This number is yours only and you are responsible for protecting your SIN. Do not disclose it to anyone, except if it is legally required. You can share your SIN with your employer, when providing your income tax information or dealing with financial institutions such as banks.
There are several ways how to apply for a SIN but due to the pandemic situation, online application is preferred. The Government of Canada website has all the details for applying, and after it is all processed you should receive it by mail on the address you provided in your application.
Exciting moment! At the end of the day I received an email from Switch Health, the company responsible for PCR testing at the Toronto airport. I was naturally curious but not nervous about my result. They sent me an email after 4 days (probably due to the weekend) with a code I needed for opening my results. I was very joyful that I tested negative for COVID!
There is just one last PCR test I need to pass after my full mandatory quarantine and once confirmed negative, I will be able to fully enjoy Toronto in its full bliss! I am already dreaming about it! Good night!