Newcomer Starter Guide: 10 Steps as a New Immigrant in Ontario, Canada

Moving to a new country can be very overwhelming. At Kababayan Multicultural Centre, we are happy to support you throughout this process. Whether as a permanent resident or an international student, if you are moving to Canada soon, here are some 10 essential steps that will help you get settled in Canada and make sure you’re benefiting from everything this beautiful country has to offer.

1. Find a place to live

2. Apply for a Health Card (OHIP)

3. Apply for a Social Insurance Number

4. Open a bank account

5. Apply for a driver’s license or Photo Card

6. Find a job

7. Access education for you and your family

8. Apply for the Canada Child Benefit, if applicable

9. Find a doctor

10. Get help and connect with your community

✅ Find a place to live

• Tourism Ontario (1-800-668-2746) can help you find and reserve a hotel room.

• Settlement.org has many resources to help you rent or buy an apartment or house to live in long-term.

• The City of Toronto website also has information about housing in Toronto. If you need emergency housing, there are free shelters in Toronto. You can call the central line at 1-877-338-3398 to access them.

✅ Apply for a Health Card (OHIP)

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for most basic and emergency medical services for residents of Ontario. There is no waiting period, and you should apply as soon as you arrive. To apply, go to a ServiceOntario location and bring proof of your identity, immigration status, and proof that you live in Ontario. You can find more information about applying for a Health Card on the Ontario website.

✅ New immigrants in Canada should apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to receive services from the government, and to be paid by your job. You can apply online or in person at a Service Canada centre. You will need proof of your identity and your immigration status in Canada.

✅ Open a bank account

Banks and credit unions are both safe places to keep your money. Having a bank account will also help you build a credit history, which is important when you borrow money or apply for a credit card. You can open an account by walking into a bank or credit union and asking about their services. You will need 1 or 2 pieces of identification, and usually one will need to have your photo on it.

✅ Apply for a driver’s license or Photo Card

• If you want to drive a car in Ontario, you need an Ontario driver’s license. Settlement.org has a guide on how to get your license. The process depends on whether you have a license from somewhere else or if you are driving for the first time.

• If you don’t want to drive, an Ontario Photo Card is an alternate form of government-issued photo identification. You can apply for a Photo Card at a ServiceOntario centre. More information is available on the Ontario website.

✅ Find a job

It may be difficult to quickly find a job as a new immigrant in Canada. Many community organizations, including Kababayan Multicultural Centre, will help you find a job. These services are free. You can make an appointment to meet with an employment counsellor on our website.

Settlement.org also has many resources to answer your questions about finding employment. The job search can be stressful, but you are not alone.

✅ Access education for you and your family

In Ontario, all children from ages 6 to 18 must go to school. Many children begin school when they are 4 or 5 years old. All children can attend Ontario public schools for free, regardless of immigration status. The Toronto District School Board has many resources for newcomers and can help you register your child for school.

As an adult, you may be able to take free classes in English or French to improve your language skills. The Ontario website has information about how to access these classes. Settlement.org also has information about how to assess your knowledge of English and sign up for lessons.

✅ Apply for the Canada Child Benefit, if applicable

The Government of Canada gives money every month to parents of children under the age of 18. This is to help with the cost of raising children. You can apply as soon as you arrive in Canada through the Canadian government website or by mail.

✅ Find a doctor

A family doctor, also known as a family physician or general practitioner (GP), will provide most of your medical care and is the first person you should see if you require care and are not having an emergency. In case of an emergency, you should go to a hospital or call 911. You can find a family doctor through the government’s free Health Care Connect program, online or by phone at 1-800-445-1822.

✅ After moving to Ontario, get help and connect with your community

There are many free and low-cost resources available in your community to help make your new life in Canada easier. There are also many other organizations in Toronto and Ontario that offer support for newcomers. The Toronto Public Library website shows all of the services they offer to new Canadians, including language learning resources, settlement counselling, and much more. You can also find tons of information about adapting to life in Canada on the government’s online hub for new immigrants.

Here at Kababayan, we offer training in English and computer skills, help with employment and education, and counselling. We have services specifically for youth, women, and seniors. Visit our website to learn more and register for our services.