You are landing in Nova Scotia and ready to start your new life. It’s an exciting yet extremely busy time. I seem to remember our first month felt we were never ever home. We always had a list of chores to do and with two young children in tow, it was a tough balancing act trying to get the formalities out of the way and make time for fun too!
We’ve made a list of the top 6 things you should aim to get crossed off your to-do list as quickly as possible, so you too can enjoy some quality time together, exploring all the beauty that Nova Scotia has to offer.
- Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) – Equivalent to your UK National Insurance number, your SIN is a nine digit number that is essential for working in Nova Scotia and throughout Canada. You can apply at any Service Canada office and if you time it right, you could be in and out in less than half an hour. Don’t forget your documents. Here’s what you will need to bring with you.
- Open a Bank Account – banking has come a long way since we opened our first Canadian bank account over 10 years ago. It’s still fairly antiquated compared to what we are used to in the UK and it seems you pay for everything here. Bear this in mind when you open your first bank account. Look for no-fee accounts and shop around.
- Get a Cell Phone Plan– when we first came here, we already had our UK phones unlocked and walked into a Rogers store, bought the lowest package possible, and put the sim cards in the old phones. Nowadays, there is pay as you go and very low cost packages (two year minimum contract) with decent phones. Note:Â that caller ID, and even receiving local calls, can incur charges. Compare plans and prices with this handy guide.Â
- Swap Your Driver’s Licence – thankfully, the UK now has a reciprocal agreement with Nova Scotia to exchange driver’s licence without the need for a test (this agreement wasn’t in place when we came here and sitting the drivers test was probably MY biggest worry, haha – but I passed ;). Take yourself off to an Access Nova Scotia office (it’s the same place where you will register your vehicle when you purchase one). You will need to take an eye test and hand over your UK licence (top tip: you may want to hold on to your paper copy for trips back to the UK). Your new Nova Scotia licence is valid for 5 years and can be renewed online.
- Apply for Medical Services Insurance (MSI) – as a mum of two little ones and being pregnant when we landed here (nothing like a little extra stress to add to your immigration plans), I was super keen to get our health cards as soon as possible. I was told the process could take a few weeks from applying but in reality, our cards came very quickly. It’s a straightforward process and can be done online or via the phone. Contact details are here. It’s then easy enough to register with doctors, dentists and the like.
- Get a Vehicle – Rich and I had a long conversation about where “Get a Vehicle” should be placed. He wanted it at #1 spot and I chose #6. Yes, I admit, it is pretty essential but I am assuming that you are landing here and renting a car (if you are not, then maybe you should think about it. It’s a lot of running around for the first week or so). (Worth knowing: we work closely with a select few car dealerships in Halifax to bring our Moving 2 Nova Scotia newbies the best service and price). Vehicle purchases are subject to HST and is paid upon registration of the vehicle.
Life is really good in Nova Scotia. And once you get all the formalities out of the way, you can start to enjoy your new, slower pace of life.
As always, feel free to contact us anytime, about anything 🙂
Jane & Richard
moving2novascotia.com
1-902-489-1804
Quibbles with your cons:
I’m guessing you came from England, because you spell “tyre” funny! You can at least get direct flights to London, as long as you don’t mind that for a good part of the year it’s only two flights a week. And if you do have to go West first, there’s probably nowhere that you can get to from Toronto that you can’t reach from Montreal, so it’s often better to fly through Montreal.
Shopping? I’m guessing your definition of shopping is different from mine as I can get anything I want, but I came to Halifax in 2000, and I haven’t really seen a change. I think you’ve just learned where to find things in 10 years.
But the taxes! I’ve made the opposite move: I’m living and working in Plymouth, UK, and I STILL got hit with a $6,000 tax bill by the Canadian/NS governments last year after paying my UK taxes.
Good points Derek. Thanks for the comments.
Hello Jane,
I appreciate your public welfare interest on gathering information for newbies.
I am Pravi, from India. We are almost at the closest to receive our PPR from Nova Scotia in a month or so. I have a toddler (just an year old) and it’s totally different how we bring up baby here. He doesn’t know to self feed and 99.9999 I chase him and force feed the mashed food.
Apart from that, my husband will quit his job and come over to find a new one where his job demand in NS is 0.01 . I am on my maternity leave still and would like to get back to work (scared to live baby in day care) as he was never parted from me since birth.
And u know we come from one of a hottest country and should get our winter wears *** on our budget***
And I truly believe in a French concept of eat to seasons and eat own land food. I would like to hear some great native healthy (I am a freak) food / fruits, veggies, cereals and pulses for baby and us.
I have a lot more ????s but I don’t wanna press you with tons of questions in one time.
Hi I am a retired Police Officer from Chicago Illinois, looking for a quiet and peaceful place to live out my life, I do like to go out and meet people and socialize. I scuba dive, do metal detecting and I am an active person, Do you think I can fit in there and how will the people respond to an American. Regardless of your answer I will be coming there for an extended vacation and we will see where it go’s from there, Thank you for any information that you could provide me. Dennis J. Walker
Hi Dennis.
I think you have the right idea coming to Nova Scotia for an extended vacation. The province is very diverse but one thing that remains constant throughout the province is the friendliness of its people. You will have absolutely no problem being welcomed.
Many communities, particularly within the Halifax area have a great selection of recreation activities. Have a look at http://www.Halifax.ca and in particular, the Recreation tab, as it will give you an idea of what is available here. There are plenty of opportunities for getting outside all season, with many guided hikes and walks. It’s a great province to live and enjoy but you will have to see it for yourself and find an area that you like and can see yourself living in.
All the best,
Jane
Hi there!
My wife and I live in Ontario and are considering moving somewhere in the Maritime provinces. A neighbour brought up house insurance, stating that it was more expensive and the difference in our mortgage would be lost to higher insurance rates. I can’t find any info online, so do you mind if I ask what it is you pay for the year out here? Thanks, and great blog!
Hi Nathan!
We pay roughly $900 per year on our home insurance which covers sewage backup and septic. Hope this helps.
Jane
Hi Richard
My wife and I and 3kids are looking to move to Nova Scotia from New Zealand (I moved from the U.K. 13yrs ago) I am a mechanic by trade have been for about 22yrs plus my wife is a youth worker in Salvation Army. We have been looking for about 2yrs and are keen to try because why not. What are the job opportunities like I would like to be by the coast being a surfer. But not a big deal.
Thanks for reading
Sam and sarah
Hi Sam and Sarah
Thanks for getting in touch. That will be quite the move! Our economy here for skilled trades people is very strong and just the other week I was contacted by 2 clients looking to move here as their husbands have got jobs here and they are moving from Winnipeg. I am fairly sure they are mechanics as well. By the coast will be tough as most jobs are in Halifax or Dartmouth and not close to the coast and therefore surfing. However, you can choose to be close to the ocean and live there and it will be an easy 30 minute commute.
If you want more information you can always email with specifics and we will reply back that way 🙂
Hi there – I grew up on the South Shore, but left after University and have been on the West Coast for over 20 years. We’re considering moving back – the West has become too busy, too expensive and we’re looking for a slower pace of life. We have children who will be entering junior high / high school in the coming years. We’re looking for rankings of schools in the HRM. Do you know where we can find them?
Hi Jane,
Apologies for the delay in replying to your request. I just came across your message in my spam folder. Sorry.
Halifax Centre for Education does not publish a school ranking list. You can look at individual neighbourhoods and read the reports on each school but its usually a “word of mouth” recommendation that people tend to use.
Hope this helps!
Jane
PS. You can have a look at Richard’s website http://www.richardpayne.ca as he has a neighbourhood guide featuring all the communities as well as the schools. Hopefully it will provide you with some solid information. Cheers!
Hi Richard,
we currently live in Mississauga, Ontario and are thinking about moving to NS. Can you please tell me which neighbourhoods, countires areas etc are good safe areas please? Also please can you tell me about the quality of well water and the septic tank situation? Last 2 questions for now:: how about the mozzies and black fly problems? How bad is winter really?
Sorry one more question: do you sell real estate all over NS?
Many thanks
Celeste
Hi Celeste,
Thanks for your message. On my website, I have a list of all the neighbourhoods in the Halifax area that may be of some use to you. You can check it out at http://www.richardpayne.ca There are plenty of neighbourhoods that are very safe, it’s really more about what type of neighbourhood will suit you and your needs. T
The well water varies from community to community. Ours is excellent, with a high flow rate, we’ve never had a problem. Septic tank is usual in the more rural areas, again it is determined by the community you choose but any issues will be picked up on inspection prior to purchase. As far as mozzies and black fly – we do have them but they are manageable. Black fly season is not my favourite as they really love me, but I know it’s only a 6 week period that I have to put up with them.
My team and I do cover all of NS.
Hope this helps answer your questions!
Best of luck!
I have gotten a job in Halifax and will leave my family behind in Ontario until I find a house. I am so nervous but want to do this to be closer to my son, his wife and new grandbaby. Any words of comfort?
Hi Kim. Jane here. It is so hard leaving family behind but it can also be such an exciting time, especially being closer to family here…and a new grandbaby! Starting a new job will keep you busy and the people of Halifax are so very welcoming and kind. I think you will love it. Just be patient with yourself and know that everyone who moves away has nervous jitters but once you get settled they disappear. Best of luck with everything! Give us a shout when you are in a position to bring your family here and Rich can chat with you about neighbourhoods and types of housing that would work for you all! Kind regards. Jane
Jolana September 24, 2019
I am Canadian but have been living in the US for 20 years, I am widowed now and ready to return to Canada. Lived in Vancouver and the west coast most of my life but it is too expensive now. My sister and brother still live there. I am hoping to move to Truro area in April 2020 and have my 2 dogs and my son and wife and grandchildren are considering following me up once I am established. My son is Canadian but his wife is a US citizen. I know it will take a few months to get settled and have never lived in the maritimes but love the ocean so that’s why I chose the area! I see really cheap multi family houses that need work. Is that even feasible for us?
Hello Jolana,
Firstly huge apologies for the delay in getting back to you. We have had big problems receiving emails hence the delay. The West Coast of Canada is really beautiful but so overpriced. As a Canadian citizen, you will have no problem moving to the East Coast. It is a wonderful place to live and the people are just incredible, with a real sense of community. It is a completely feasible move for you and Truro is a good central location, just under an hour from Halifax. If you are still considering a move, please keep in touch and nearer the time, Richard can set you up on a list to view properties that may be a good fit for you.
Again, apologies for the delay.
Thanks for reaching out.
Best wishes,
Jane
Hi Richard, We are living in Lahore, Pakistan. My Canadian immigration application is in process through Express Entry System and I have been invited to apply for Nomination and these days my application of Nomination is in process. During this process, I received an email with the instructions to provide my efforts to establish my connections with the community of Nova Scotia. I have collected many useful information and got registered with different websites like ISANS, Resources Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Center for Education. In the same context, I want your guidance for the future education of my kids, I have four daughters and their ages are between 9 to 3 years.
I will remain thankful for your guidance.
Hello Ghulam
Thank you for your message. It looks like you have already been very active in obtaining all the information you will be needing for landing here. With regards to the education system for your children, you can choose the public schools (HRCE) or private schools. The public school system, in my opinion, is very good here. We have had great success putting our children through it. It will all boil down to where you choose to move to as unfortunately, some schools are “better” than others. Children attend Elementary School up until Grade 6 (usually 11 years of age) and then move onto Junior High School (usually for Grades 7,8 and 9 but in our area, for example it is just for grades 7 and 8 ) and then they move up to High School until graduation at Grade 12.
Do you have a time frame for your move? And have you started looking at neighbourhoods? If you head over to the Richard Payne website http://www.richardpayne.ca Richard has a detailed Neighbourhood Guide which has links to the schools and neighbourhoods. Hopefully this can help you.
I hope this has helped answer some of your questions. There’s so much information to take on during the move, I remember it well!
Best of luck.
Jane
Thanks Jane and Richard for this great blog please I would like to have more information on schooling as am an intending Immigrant that want to settle in Nova Scotia ,Halifax to be precise next year I have two kids both aged 3 and 1 year 5 months respectively pls what are the options for them
Hello Gbaski
Thank you for your comments and congratulations on your imminent move to Halifax, it’s a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family!
You can find a lot of information on the HRCE site (Halifax Regional Centre for Education). There is a pre-primary program for children, which is a fairly new initiative and is making its way into many communities. It may be a good starting point for your 3 year old (depending on when you move here).
In general, children start school at 5 years old. And depending on the neighbourhood you choose to live in, will determine what time school starts and ends. For example, where we live in Fall River, Elementary School starts at 8.10am and finishes at 2pm. Other school communities start later and finish later. You have options to choose the public school system (through the Halifax Regional Centre for Education http://www.hrce.ca) or choose to put your children into private school. There are a number of private, independent schools in and around Halifax each with a different fee structure.
Have you looked at neighbourhoods yet? If you head over to Richard’s website http://www.richardpayne.ca he has a really good neighbourhood guide which has links to the neighbourhood schools. Once you’ve narrowed down your favourite communities, you’ll be able to work out the attached schools and have a look at/check out the website.
Do you have a time frame for your move?
Hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Jane