Checklist for newcomers to Canada
Before You Arrive
- Research your new province and city
- Arrange your accommodation
- Research the Labour Market
- Ensure your passport is valid
- Collect official documentation (birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, educational diplomas, vaccination records, medical records, driver’s licence, etc.)
- Have your official documents translated into English or French
- Photocopy all important documents
- Exchange your money for Canadian currency for immediate usage
- Consider buying health insurance to cover yourself until you become eligible for the provincial health-care system
- Research what you can bring or cannot bring to Canada
- Set the date of your arrival and book your travel ticket in advance
Immediately After You Arrive
- Call or Visit an Immigrant-Serving Organization
- Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada Centre
- Apply for a government health insurance card
- Open a bank account
- Learn the best way of making phone calls or accessing the internet.
- Familiarize yourself with your new neighbourhood
- Study your transportation option in your neighbourhood
- Memorize the emergency telephone number: 911 for police, ambulance, and fire
- Enroll your children in school
- Get your credential accredited (if necessary)
First Two Months in Canada
- Improve your English or French by enrolling in tax-payer funded language classes
- Apply for Canada Child Tax Benefit (if you have a dependent under 18 years old)
- Get your Canadian Driver’s Licence if you plan to drive in Canada
- Learn about Canadian laws and your rights and responsibilities
- Search for a home to rent or buy
- Learn your rights as a tenant
- Search and apply for job opportunities
- Learn your rights as an employee
- Find the closest public library from your home
- Find a family doctor
- Make sure you received your Permanent Resident Card from IRCC within two months from your date of arrival (if not, contact IRCC office)
Resource Links
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