New to Canada? A Step-by-Step Guide for Your First Weeks

Starting a new life in Canada can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Newcomers often need to arrange identification, healthcare, employment, language support and government benefits while also looking for housing and building a new community.

This Alpha Community Outreach guide explains six important steps to help you get started.

Apply for Your Social Insurance Number

A Social Insurance Number, commonly called a SIN, is a confidential nine-digit number used to work in Canada and access certain government programs and benefits.

You can apply for a SIN through Service Canada online, by mail or in person. There is no fee.

Depending on your status, you will need documents proving your identity and legal status in Canada. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards.

Protect your SIN. Do not place it on an ordinary résumé or share it with someone simply because they promise you employment.

Register for Provincial Healthcare Coverage

Canada’s healthcare system is administered by provincial and territorial governments. You must apply through the province or territory where you live.

Use the Government of Canada’s health-card directory to find the correct provincial application.

Review:

• Who is eligible
• Which documents are required
• When coverage begins
• How to add a spouse or child
• What services are covered

Keep proof that you submitted your application. Requirements can differ according to your province and immigration status.

Meet With a Settlement Worker

Eligible newcomers can receive free help from settlement organizations funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Use the official Newcomer Services Finder to locate support near you.

A settlement worker may help you:

• Develop a settlement plan
• Locate housing and community programs
• Understand school registration
• Find employment services
• Connect with language classes
• Complete certain government forms
• Learn about Canadian systems and services

Eligibility depends on your immigration status and the program. Contact the organization before visiting.

Improve Your English or French

Eligible permanent residents and protected persons may take federally funded language classes at no cost.

These programs are known as:

• LINC: Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
• CLIC: Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada

Visit the official Government-funded language classes page to learn how to obtain a language assessment and locate a class.

Ask about evening, online or part-time options when work or childcare makes daytime attendance difficult.

Begin Your Employment and Credential Plan

The Government of Canada’s Job Bank allows users to search employment opportunities, research wages and review job prospects across Canada.

Before applying, determine whether your occupation is regulated. Doctors, nurses, engineers, electricians and many other professionals may need provincial licensing or certification.

The federal Foreign Credential Recognition information explains how education, skills and experience obtained outside Canada may be assessed.

Start this process early. Credential recognition may require document translations, assessments, examinations, training or supervised experience.

File Taxes and Use Official Government Contacts

Newcomers may qualify for tax credits and benefit payments. Review the Canada Revenue Agency’s information for newcomers.

Keep records of your income, rent, childcare expenses and important government documents. Filing an income-tax return can be necessary to continue receiving income-tested benefits, even when your annual income is low.

Useful contacts include:

• IRCC: 1-888-242-2100
• General federal-government information: 1-800-622-6232
• Local community services: 211
• Emergency services: 911

Alpha Community Outreach encourages newcomers to use official government websites, ask settlement workers for help and avoid anyone who guarantees a job, visa or permanent residence. No legitimate person can guarantee those outcomes.