FAQ

You must do it at Service Canada. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. It is free, and you need it to work or receive government benefits.

👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/service-canada.html

The family doctor is the one who provides your regular care, keeps your medical history, and refers you to specialists when needed. Having one makes it easier to access tests, prescriptions, and continuous care in the public system.

In New Brunswick, you must register on the provincial waitlist to be assigned one. Registration is done online through the official portal:

👉 https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/accessing-healthcare/be-matched.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

While waiting, you can go to walk-in clinics or urgent care services if you need temporary medical attention.

Here are some walk-in / after-hours clinics in Saint John, New Brunswick:

University Avenue After Hours Medical Clinic — +1 (506) 657-9355
St. Joseph's Hospital Urgent Care Centre — +1 (506) 632-5555
KV After Hours Medical Clinic (Rothesay) — +1 (506) 849-2273
Millidgeville Medical Clinic — +1 (506) 642-3627
West Side Medical Clinic (Lawtons Drugs) — +1 (506) 693-2273
Saint John After Hours Medical Clinic (Crown Street) — +1 (506) 635-2273

In New Brunswick, the public healthcare system is called Medicare. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency services, but it does not cover dental, vision, or medications.

When you arrive, you must fill out the Medicare application at Service New Brunswick and present your passport, work or study permit, and proof of residence.
There is a waiting period of up to 3 months from your arrival.

Once that time has passed, you will receive your Medicare card by mail, which allows you to get free care at public clinics and hospitals. From then on, you must show your card at each appointment or medical service for it to be covered.

👉 Official source: Government of New Brunswick – Medicare Eligibility

To rent in New Brunswick, you are usually asked for:

• Identification (passport or work permit).

• Proof of income or a letter from your employer.

• Personal or previous landlord references.

• Security deposit (typically equivalent to one-half to one month's rent).

You can look for options on trusted websites such as:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Kijiji (https://www.kijiji.ca)

• Rentals.ca (https://rentals.ca)

• PadMapper (https://www.padmapper.com)

• Zumper (https://www.zumper.com)

• Realtor.ca (https://www.realtor.ca)

Before renting, always make sure the listing is legitimate (do not send money without seeing the property).

If you come from Mexico or another Latin American country, you can drive with your foreign license for up to 90 days after arriving in New Brunswick. Then you must exchange it at Service New Brunswick.

The process consists of surrendering your foreign license and taking a practical driving test. It is not necessary to start from scratch or go through the one-year waiting period of the beginner's license.

By making the exchange, you comply with the law, the province recognizes your driving experience, you obtain your Canadian Class 5 license, and it makes it easier to get car insurance.

👉 Official source: Government of New Brunswick – Driver's Licences for New Residents
👉 https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en.html

You can open one by presenting your passport, work or study permit, and local address.
Common banks are RBC, Scotiabank, TD, CIBC, and BMO. Some offer no-fee accounts for newcomers.

There are also digital options with no fees such as Simplii Financial, Tangerine, EQ Bank, or Neo Financial, ideal for managing money online and saving costs.

Apply for a beginner's credit card (e.g., secured credit card). Use it and pay on time. It also helps to pay for services (internet, phone, electricity) in your name. 

Start with websites such as Indeed, Job Bank, LinkedIn, and local employment agencies.
Job Fairs and Newcomer Employment Services programs are also very helpful.

In addition, Work NB offers free support to help you find a job, adapt your résumé, and connect with employment opportunities.

👉 https://www.workingnb.ca