Housing
Make sure you arrange for a place to stay before you leave for Canada. If you do not have family or friends you can stay with, search online for hotels, motels or hostels in the city where you will be living.
A number of resources exist to help you learn more - before you arrive - about finding temporary accommodation, as well as how to rent or buy a home in Canada.
Resources
• Choose the city or town where you will live
• Understand how much it costs to live here
• Learn more about what francophone communities have to offer
• Decide whether you should rent or buy a home
Working
Getting a job that matches your qualifications and interests can be a challenge. You may need to learn new job search skills, create a new group of contacts and find out what Canadian employers want.
You may need to have your foreign credentials recognized so that you can be certified, licensed or registered to work in a regulated occupation.
You should begin this process before you arrive.
Resources
• How to apply for a Social Insurance Number so that you can work and get access to government services
• Planning to work in Canada? An essential workbook for newcomers
• Learn what you can do to prepare for working in Canada
• Consider looking for a job outside your occupation if you can’t find work
• Find out if your occupation is regulated or unregulated. You may need to get your credentials recognized to find work
• Use the Working in Canada Tool to get information on the Canadian job market
Language
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Strong skills in one or both of these languages are very important to your success in Canada.
English is the main language spoken in the majority of provinces and territories while French is the official language of the province of Quebec. New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province.
Consider getting your language skills assessed and improving your English or French before arriving in Canada. There are a number of ways that you can improve your language skills on your own (e.g., library or internet resources).
Resources
• Understand why learning English or French is so important
• Find language training in Canada
• Use this online self-assessment tool if you are interested in assessing your English language skills before you take a formal language test
Education
Adult education is common in Canada and there are many education programs available for adults who have not finished elementary or secondary school. There are also many forms of post-secondary education including colleges, universities and other institutes of learning.
Your education may not automatically be recognized in Canada. Demonstrating your education and academic credentials is important, especially if you plan to continue your studies in Canada or work in some professions.
There are important steps that you can take to begin the credential assessment process before you leave your country.
Resources
• Determine if you are eligible to study in Canada
• Adult education in Canada is common. Find out if it’s right for you
• Find out if education from another country will be recognized in Canada
Identification
Social Insurance Number: This is a nine-digit number that is needed to work in Canada or receive government benefits.
Provincial/territorial health insurance card: This card gives you access to Canada’s taxpayer-funded healthcare system.
You should apply for these documents as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada.
Resources
• Know what identification you should carry when you are traveling outside of Canada
• Find out how to apply for a Social Insurance Number so that you can work and get access to government services
• Learn more about health care in Canada and find out how to apply for a health insurance card from your province or territory
Health
Canada’s health insurance system is tax-payer funded and designed to ensure that all residents of Canada have access to health care. To access health care under this system you must have a health card issued by the government of the province or territory where you live.
Use these links to find more information on health coverage and services in Canada.
Resources
• Learn more about health care in Canada and find out how to apply for a health insurance card from your province or territory
• Understand why finding a doctor and a dentist is important to your overall health
• Find out how to get immunizations free of charge for children
Family
There are programs and services for children, adults and seniors to meet the needs and interests of all family members. Think about the different needs that your family might have.
All children and youth in Canada have access to taxpayer-funded elementary and secondary education at public schools. There are also private elementary and secondary schools that charge tuition fees.
If you are enrolling your children in a Canadian school for the first time, the school or school board may assess them to determine what level they should be placed at and whether they need more support.
Resources
• Help your children become educated by being aware of how education in Canada works
• Learn how to choose a school for your child
• Learn about getting married in Canada
• Learn about having a baby in Canada
• Learn about raising a family in Canada
• Understand the laws that may apply to your family
• Apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit, a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18
Money
The cost of living varies greatly in Canada, depending on the province or territory where you live. Cost also varies between big cities and rural areas. It is usually less expensive to live in a smaller city or town.
Opening a bank account should be done as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada.
Use these links to learn more about money and finances in Canada (e.g., credit and loans, taxation).
Resources
• Understand how much it costs to live here
• Learn what household expenses you can expect to have
• Learn more about money and banking
• Learn how to manage the debt you might have
Connecting
Connecting with others in your new community is an important step in the settlement process. Making new friends and contacts will help you feel at home in Canada and help you advance your professional goals by creating a network of people that can support you in your search for work. There are many different ways in which you can connect with others in your new city or town.
Resources
• Find out how volunteering in Canada can help you find a job or expand your social network
