Welcome to Canada: What you should know

Living in Canada: Your checklist

With so much to remember, we decided to create a checklist to help you to get the important things done first. We hope you find it useful.

In your first few weeks

You will need to:

• exchange your money for Canadian currency;
• find temporary accommodation;
• have some identification (ID) with you;
• apply for private health insurance;
• get a map of the area and find out about transportation in your area;
• get your own telephone book;
• contact an immigrant-serving organization in your community; and
• fill out the forms for a Social Insurance Number card and a health insurance card.

In your first few months

You will likely need to:

• find permanent housing;
• get a telephone installed;
• register your children in school;
• get a family doctor;
• have your children immunized;
• open a bank account;
• look for a job;
• carry your address and telephone number with you;
• try to make friends;
• know where the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) assessment centre is in your community and register for language classes;
• apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (call 1‑800‑387‑1193); and
• apply for the GST/HST Credit; use Form RC151, Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit Application found in the back pocket of this guide, or call 1‑800‑959‑1953 for more information.

In your first year

You may wish to:

• get a valid driver’s licence;
• practise and improve your language skills;
• register for adult continuing education classes;
• take time to relax and participate in community activities;
• understand your rights and responsibilities under Canadian law; and
• know that you can apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for three years.

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