Moving to Saskatchewan: 6 Things to Do After You Arrive

Moving to Saskatchewan comes with plenty of excitement, but also a long list of tasks to help you get settled. Between unpacking boxes, learning your way around a new city and navigating provincial services, the first few months can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re moving to Saskatchewan from another province or arriving in Canada for the first time, understanding what needs early attention can make the transition much smoother.

One thing to note about moving to a new place is that ordinary businesses operate on the premise that you know how things work; even explanations often rely on some common knowledge about the region. In Saskatchewan, people are friendly and happy to help, but even then, it helps to have a reference point.

When we were moving to Saskatchewan, we quickly learned that many services and requirements differ from those in other provinces. From updating identification and registering for health coverage to finding local resources and understanding how things work in your new community, there is a lot to tackle in those first few months. While every newcomer’s experience is different, these are some of the most important things to do after moving to Saskatchewan to help you settle in and feel at home faster.

Visit SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance ) When You Move to Saskatchewan

When you get to Saskatchewan, you learn quickly that you need SGI, a provincial crown corporation, for several things. The concept of a crown corporation was new to me, and it took me a while to understand how this one specifically works. Once I did, though, I was quite appreciative of it. Particularly so after my motor vehicle accident a few months later. But, I digress.

SGI stands for Saskatchewan Government Insurance. You will have a few points of contact with them. The corporation accounts for four of the five things on this list. You will need to visit them to:

1. Establish Residency

One of the first things you must do when moving to Saskatchewan is establish residency. You do this by acquiring a Saskatchewan identification card and driver’s license. Very quickly, you will realize that they will ask for your’ Sask ID whenever you try to do business in Saskatchewan.’

To obtain a Saskatchewan ID, you must prove that you are entitled to live in Canada and (or intend to) live in Saskatchewan. You can use documents such as:

• proof of legal entitlement to be in Canada (Canadian passport, birth certificate, permanent residence card, work permit, study permit, etc.)
• a rental, lease agreement or home ownership documents (in your name)
• a utility bill (recent)
• a void cheque (or something else from your bank) with your local address, etc.)

You May Also Like: Moving to Saskatchewan from Ontario

2. Obtain a Driver’s License or Provincial ID

If you intend to drive in Saskatchewan, you will need to visit SGI. The process of obtaining a driver’s license depends on a few factors, such as your driving history (or lack thereof) and where you are moving from. Both will determine whether you must go through the system or where you start.

If you don’t drive or can’t get a license, you’ll be issued a provincial ID. Once you have a provincial license, you no longer need the ID.

3. Apply for Auto Insurance snd register the vehicle

If you have or plan to buy a car, Saskatchewan provides basic plate insurance for drivers. That insurance, you guessed it, comes from SGI. SGI also provides additional insurance, but it is available from other providers as well.

Vehicle registration is also done through SGI. This service isn’t available at every location ut there are quite a few SGI-accredited service providers.

P.S. You can get fun personalized plates! I enjoy seeing them so much. As soon as a Jamaican saw ours, they would get it!

4. Apply for Home or Tenant Insurance

SGI also provides insurance for homes, condos, mobile homes, tenants, etc., all of which you need if you plan to live… well, anywhere. Depending on whether you rent or purchase a home, you may need to get home or tenant insurance.

Once you have gotten through all the SGI steps, here are a few others you will need to focus on when you move to Saskatchewan.

5. Apply for a Provincial Health Card

Another thing to consider when moving to Saskatchewan is that, like most of Canada, Saskatchewan offers provincial healthcare. However, qualifying for a Saskatchewan health card depends on your status in Canada and residency in Saskatchewan. To do that, you connect with eHealth. Depending on your circumstances, there is a qualifying period. You want to make sure you qualify before applying, since processing your application and mailing the card to you can take several months. You don’t want to have to start over.

6. Enroll Children in School

If you have children, you’ll need to enroll them in school. The process varies by city or town. For example, in Saskatoon, you start with the Newcomer Student Centre, and in Regina, you start with the Newcomer Welcome Centre at the Regina Open Door Society. Other cities, such as Moose Jaw and Prince Albert, will follow a similar process.

In all instances, you will need documentation, including but not limited to;

• Proof of immigration status
• Indentification
• Proof of address
• Transcripts or reports and
• Immunization status.

From there, you will choose whether you want your child in private, public or catholic school; and whether they will be in an English or French Immersion (all classes delivered in French) program. Note: both the address and type of school determine the placement school.

Let’s move to Saskatchewan!

Of course, there are many more things to note; however, with the above-mentioned, you’ll have a significant head start. The overall process of moving to Saskatchewan and settling is fairly easy.

I hope you found this list helpful. If you have, think about sharing it.

XO, Shandean

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