Words (Core Vocabulary)
- government ID: driver’s licence, photo ID card, passport, PR card (permanent resident)
- SIN (Social Insurance Number) / Service Canada
- provincial health coverage (e.g., MSP in BC, OHIP in ON) / health card
- application / renewal / replacement / appointment / walk-in
- eligibility / residency requirement / wait period
- proof of identity / proof of status / proof of address
- supporting documents / original / certified copy
- consent / privacy / information release
- update address / name change
- processing time / pickup / mailed card
Phrases (Ask, submit, confirm)
- I’d like to apply for a photo ID / health card / SIN—what documents do I need?
- Do I need an appointment, or do you accept walk-ins?
- Could you confirm the processing time and how I’ll receive the card?
- Here are my supporting documents—are originals required, or are certified copies okay?
- I’ve moved—how do I update my address on my licence/health card?
- Is there a waiting period for provincial health coverage, and when does it start?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Counter: **Hi—**I’m new to BC and need to apply for MSP. What documents should I bring and is there a wait period?
- Phone: I lost my health card—what’s the process to replace it and is there a fee?
- Form email: Attached are my lease and bank statement as proof of address—please confirm if acceptable.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Applications
- book an appointment
- complete an application form
- submit supporting documents
- verify identity/status
- pay an application fee
Updates
- update your address/name
- replace a lost card
- renew your ID/coverage
- receive a new card by mail
Coverage
- confirm eligibility
- understand the wait period
- add dependants
- set your family doctor/clinic (where applicable)
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Offices appreciate organized documents and short, clear questions.
- Provincial health plans differ; ask the clerk which proofs they accept (e.g., lease, utility bill, bank statement).
- For SIN, Service Canada prioritizes privacy—never share your SIN unless legally required (tax forms, payroll, banking).
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Appointment ask: “Do I need an appointment for a SIN application, and what documents are required?”
- Move update: “I’ve changed address—how do I update my driver’s licence and health card?”
- Coverage start: “Is there a waiting period before my health coverage begins?”