Your first months in Canada, one step at a time
Plain-language guides for newcomers and immigrants. Free, independent, and linked to official sources.
Your first weekCA · 10
- Day 1Keep your immigration papers safe
- Days 1–3Apply for your SIN
- Week 1Apply for your health card
- Week 1Open a bank account
Guides
Start with the checklist, then read what you need now.
First stepsA checklist for your first weeks, in the right order.
HousingWhere to look, what landlords ask for, and how to avoid scams.JobsJob search, Canadian-style résumés and licensed professions.HealthGet your health card, find a doctor and know what is covered.MoneyBanking, building credit, taxes and benefits.
Latest articles
Step-by-step answers to the questions newcomers ask most.
How to get your provincial health cardWho qualifies, which provinces make you wait, what to bring, and how to stay covered in the meantime.Read articleOpening your first Canadian bank accountYour rights, the ID you need, what newcomer packages offer, and how your money is protected.Read articleGetting your driver's licence in CanadaExchanging your foreign licence, getting credit for experience, and why you need to act within weeks.Read articleYour first Canadian winterHow to dress for the cold, what's worth buying, what you can skip, and how to stay safe and well.Read article
City guides
Getting around, places to see and local tips for eight of Canada's biggest cities.
OntarioTorontoCanada's largest city, with the TTC subway, streetcars and the GO regional network.QuebecMontrealA French-speaking city with the STM métro, the REM light rail and historic Old Montreal.British ColumbiaVancouverA west coast city between mountains and ocean, served by SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses.AlbertaCalgaryA sunny prairie city near the Rocky Mountains, home of the Calgary Stampede.OntarioOttawaCanada's bilingual capital, with the O-Train, national museums and the Rideau Canal.AlbertaEdmontonAlberta's capital, with LRT lines, a huge river valley park and West Edmonton Mall.ManitobaWinnipegA welcoming prairie city with The Forks, the Human Rights museum and lower housing costs.Nova ScotiaHalifaxAn Atlantic harbour city with ferries to Dartmouth and the Pier 21 immigration museum.
Numbers to save
911EmergencyPolice, fire or ambulance. Free from any phone.
211Community helpFood, housing, settlement and other local services.
811Health adviceTalk to a nurse in most provinces. Not for emergencies.
Free settlement help is near you
Government-funded organizations across Canada help newcomers find housing, jobs, language classes and schools. Many have staff who speak your language, and most services are free for permanent residents and refugees.