Living in Canada
Take a few minutes to answer these questions. When you are done, we will give you important information about resources and services that can help you to adjust to life in Canada.
Living in Canada Checklists
What to Do Before You Travel to Canada
Check this list before you leave
As you prepare to leave your home country, you may wish to use this checklist as a reminder of what you need to do before you arrive in Canada.
- Gather all of your essential and important documents. Have them translated into English or French.
- Look into taking English or French lessons.
- Prepare yourself to find work in Canada. Research Canada´s labour market and learn about how to go about finding work here.
- Research the immigrant-serving organizations available where you plan to settle in Canada so that you can contact them soon after you arrive.
- Consider buying health insurance for the time you are traveling and for the short period before you become eligible for Canada´s medicare system.
- Make sure you know what you can and cannot bring into Canada.
- Consider living in one of Canada´s smaller or medium-sized cities, or in a rural community.
- Consider the season and weather you will find when you arrive–and the clothing that you will need.
Preparing as much as possible before you arrive in Canada will help you adjust to your new home and get involved in your new community.
What to Do When You Arrive in Canada
Upon arrival in Canada you should:
- Contact immigrant-serving organizations in your community. They can help you find the information and services you need to start your new life, including language training and help finding work.
- Apply for Canadian identification, such as a driver´s licence and a health insurance card, which you should carry with you at all times.
- Open a bank account and begin to establish your credit.
- Apply for private health insurance if you are not eligible for immediate public health insurance coverage in your province or territory.
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a health insurance card.
- Look for a job.
What to Do During Your First Few Weeks in Canada
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. You can find out how to contact your local telephone company by dialing 411 from any phone.
- Learn more about traveling in Canada.
- Register your children in school.
What to Do During Your First Few Months in Canada
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. In French, LINC is called CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada).
- Apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit.
- Apply for the GST/HST Credit.
What to Do During Your First Year in Canada
In your first year you may wish to:
- Get a driver´s licence.
- Register for adult continuing education classes.
- Understand your rights and responsibilities under Canadian law.
- If you intend to travel, the Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.