Welcome to your New Life in Canada
Canada has many wonderful opportunities for newcomers. However, the first few weeks after you arrive can be overwhelming, with many forms to fill out and appointments to make. Here are 10 of the most important things to do in order to establish yourself in Canada.
Within your first week:
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
To work in Canada, open a savings account or access government programs and benefits, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). The fastest and easiest way to apply is to visit your nearest Service Canada Centre and fill out an application form. Make sure you bring the appropriate documents. For example, as a permanent resident, you need your Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence and visa attached to a foreign passport/travel document. For more information, visit Service Canada
Protect yourself with medical care
All Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for public health insurance that covers medical care. Each family member needs his or her own Health Card. Health Cards are issued by the government of your home province or territory. For details on how to apply, visit Service Canada
Some provinces and territories have a waiting period before newcomers are eligible for public health insurance. Until you become eligible, you may want to apply for temporary private health insurance. Visit the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association for more information.
Set up your finances
A bank account keeps your money safe and accessible, and makes it convenient for you to buy the things you need and pay bills. You may also want to rent a safety deposit box in your bank branch for valuable documents and personal items.
For easy access to your money, choose a bank with convenient locations and hours, a wide network of automated bank machines (ABMs), and products that meet your needs. Visit theCIBC website for an overview of banking in Canada and helpful tips.
Within your first month:
Learn your way around
Canada is proudly multicultural, and has many organizations dedicated to helping newcomers feel at home. You can find government-run services for newcomers in your community at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Public libraries are excellent places to find community and government resources, and often offer free access to the Internet. Community centres and ethnic associations are also great sources of information, activities and friendships.
Explore job opportunities
Government services for newcomers are a good place to start your job search. As well, look for job listings in newspapers and on the Internet, and ask friends and neighbours about jobs appropriate for your education and experience. Many Nonprofit organisations that aid newcomers also provide employment information.
For professionals: If you are a foreign-trained professional and need to get your credentials recognised, upgrade your skills, or become familiar with your industry in Canada, you can contact the Foreign Credentials Referral Office or the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
For small-business owners: CIBC has many resources to help small business owners. Make an appointment with an advisor at your branch or visit our online resource centre.
Register your children for school and/or child care
Every child in Canada can attend public elementary and high school free of charge. By law, “school age” children must stay in school. “School age” varies by province or territory. You can register your children at your local school or school board office. Bring your Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence, and your child’s birth certificate and vaccination certificate. If you plan to work full-time or go to school and need child care, newcomer service organisations can tell you how to find appropriate child care in your area.
Find a doctor and dentist
Family doctors are in demand in Canada, and it may take time to find one. Ask friends and neighbours to recommend someone, or visit the website of your provincial or territorial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Until you find a family doctor, you can visit a walk-in clinic or hospital if you need urgent medical care. Ask around about dentists in your area, too, or visit the Canadian Dental Association to find the website of your provincial or territorial Dental Regulatory Authority.
Find a permanent home
When you arrive in Canada, you may be staying with relatives or friends or in a hotel. You will probably want to find a home of your own as soon as you can. Listings for apartments, houses, and condominiums can be found on the Internet, in local newspapers, and at real estate agencies.
Within your first year:
Get a driver’s licence
To drive a car in Canada, you need a valid driver’s licence and car insurance. A driver’s licence from another country may be valid for a few months, but to stay licensed you will need to pass a practical test on the road and a written test of your knowledge of Canadian driving rules. For more information on requirements specific to where you live, look up the motor vehicle licensing agency in your province or territory.
Enhance your language skills
If English or French isn’t your first language, ask about Government of Canada programs for newcomers to help you improve your language skills.
