After You Arrive Checklist
Upon arrival in Canada you should:
- Contact settlement services in your community. They can help you find the information and services you need to start your new life
- Apply for Canadian identification, such as a driver’s license and Ontario health card
- Open a bank account and begin to establish your credit
- Apply for private health insurance
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Look for a job
In your first few weeks you will likely need to:
- Exchange your money for Canadian currency
- Explore your housing options
- Get a map of your area and find out about public transportation
- Do some shopping for you and your family
- Get a telephone book from the local telephone company
- Learn more about travelling in Canada
- Register your children in school
In your first few months you will likely need to:
- Practice and improve your language skills
- Find a place to live
- Explore your options for communications services
- Get a family doctor
- Have your children immunized
- Find out more about what services are available in your new community
- Find out where the Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) assessment centre is in your community and register for language classes
- Apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit
- Apply for the GST/HST Credit
In your first year you may wish to:
- Get a driver's license
- Register for adult continuing education classes
Contact(s)
