Nunavut

By Dana Hall

Posted on June 21, 2021

Official Languages: English and French
Age of Majority: 19
Legal Drinking Age: 19

Getting a Health Card

Applying for health coverage in Nunavut is straight forward. You will need to fill out the application form and submit your immigration documents. You will also need to submit two documents that prove your identity and a proof of address in Nunavut. Photocopies of your documents are OK as long as they are good quality.

• If you are a student, you can apply for health coverage if you will be in Nunavut for more than 12 months.
• If you have a work permit, you can apply for health coverage if you will be in Nunavut for more than 12 months.

You can mail your application to the address at the bottom of the application form.

Driving information

How to get a licence: The legal age to drive in Nunavut is 16. You will need to take a knowledge test at a DMV location in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, or Gjoa Haven. If you live far away from these locations, you can apply at a Government Liaison Officer (GLO) location. You should study the Nunavut driver’s manual to prepare. You can take a practice test here.

You will need to fill out the application form and bring two pieces of government-issued identification with you to your appointment. One of these pieces of identification should have your birthdate. You may also be required to show proof of address.

You need to have your permit for a minimum of four weeks before you can take a road test. When you feel confident, you can take a road test by booking a test at the DMV in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, or Gjoa Haven or by contacting your GLO. If you pass the driving test, you will be granted a full Class 5 licence.

Here is a list of fees involved with getting a licence.

How to transfer a licence: You will need to contact your nearest DMV or Government Liaison Officer for information on what documents to bring to exchange your licence.

Nunavut public school information

Children can start Kindergarten when they are five, but school is not mandatory until age six.

Schools in Nunavut are usually divided into two: elementary school and high school. Elementary school will usually go until Grade 5 or 6. Contact the school in your district for specific information on how to register.

Your child’s grade is determined by the year they are born. For instance, everyone born in the year 2015 will go into Grade 1 in 2021. That’s because they will turn six in 2021. The school year starts in early September and goes until the end of June. There is a short break at the end of December that lasts for about 3 weeks. School starts again in January. There is another break in April for two weeks.

For information on homeschooling your child, please click here.