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