Keenan Research Centre - Students & Trainees

Research Training Centre - International Trainees

Please review the following important information for international trainees. Additional useful information (e.g. living in Toronto) can be found on the New Trainees page

Information on immigration issues

Social Insurance Number

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used for administration by the Canadian government. You require a SIN to work and to receive government benefits in Canada. To apply, visit an office of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), complete a form and provide proof of your identity and status in Canada. This will require a passport with employment authorization or student visa; a letter from your employer is useful.

HRSDC offices in Toronto

All HRSDC offices are open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Toronto Centre Human Resources Centre Canada
25 St. Clair Avenue East, 1st Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4T 1M2, Canada
Phone: 416-973-7655

Toronto Lakeside Human Resources Centre Canada
Dufferin Mall
900 Dufferin Street, Suite 0001
Toronto, Ontario
M6H 4B1, Canada
Phone: 416-583-4700

Toronto Lawrence Square Human Resources Centre Canada
Lawrence Square Mall
700 Lawrence Avenue West (at Allen Rd)
Toronto, Ontario
M6B 4L4, Canada
Phone: 416-780-4100

Forms and information can be found at Human Resources and Social Development Canada.

Bank Accounts

You must open a bank account that will be used by payroll to deposit your pay. You will need your SIN and/or passport with work permit and proof of address.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada Information on Banks and Financial Institutions

Major banks with branches near the Hospital

Scotiabank
79 Queen Street East (at Church)
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 1R8, Canada
Phone: 416-866-6571

Bank of Montreal
2 Queen Street East
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 3G7, Canada
Phone: 416-867-5596
Fax: 416-867-7769

CIBC
1 Queen Street East
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 2W5, Canada
Phone: 416-980-3085
Fax: 416-980-5765

Royal Bank
200 Bay Street, Main Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2J5, Canada
Phone: 416-974-3940

Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Bank)
394 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 2Y3, Canada
Phone: 416-982-4007

Health Insurance

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers all your essential diagnostic and treatment services. Landed immigrants or holders of a work permit are eligible for OHIP after a three month waiting period.

  • International postdoctoral research fellows beginning research/teaching activities for 12 months or more are eligible for OHIP coverage.
  • If you have a work visa, your family is not covered by OHIP unless you have a letter from your employer stating that you will be staying for three years.
  • OHIP replacement plan: University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) (For the three month waiting period and for families not eligible for OHIP)

Apply for an OHIP card in person at your nearest Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office. The closest office to the Hospital is located at College Park:

777 Bay Street, Suite M212
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2C8, Canada

Complete a Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form (get it at the office or download it from the internet), and show three original documents to:

  • Prove your immigration status (passport with work permit)
  • Prove that you live in Ontario (e.g. valid Ontario Driver's License or Ontario motor vehicle permit; utility bill with your name and address, mortgage, rental or lease agreement)
  • Prove your ID (e.g. passport; Canadian Immigration Identification card; Social Insurance Number card; credit card; current employee ID; student ID card; certified Statement of Marriage; valid Ontario Driver's License)

Health Care

Find a doctor in Toronto

Driving in Ontario /Registering your Vehicle

Your foreign driver's license is valid for three months after your arrival. In order to obtain an Ontario driver's license, you have to pass a knowledge test, a vision examination and a road test (holders of licenses obtained in some countries are exempt). A driver's license also serves as a picture ID card. Visit the Ministry of Transportation for more information.

Taxes

Tax information can be found on the Canada Revenue Agency.

Work Permit

If you are an International Student/Fellow/Visitor, please ensure that you obtain a work permit. This will allow you to work in Canada. Please do not arrive in Canada with a Visiting Visa.

  • Ensure that you apply for a Work Visa before arriving in Canada. To work in Canada, a Work Permit has to be applied for in the country of origin.
  • You can apply to get a Work Permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), phone 1 800 622-6232
  • Work Permit Contact Information: if a person already has a work permit and wants to extend the date phone1 888 242-2100

SIN (Social Insurance Number)

Once you have a valid Work Permit, you may apply for a Social Insurance Card. This will allow you to get paid in Canada.

  • You can apply for a SIN Card on line - contact Government of Canada
  • Please take the applications and necessary paperwork to:
    Toronto Service Canada Centre
    25 St. Clair Avenue East
    Toronto, ON M4T 3A4
    Phone: 416 973-6915
    Hours of Service: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

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