Newcomer guides
Settling in
A step-by-step plan for your first weeks in Canada, plus the everyday things nobody tells you.
Checked October 2026 · Ontario
Your first steps, in order
Keep your documents safe
Your immigration papers are your most important documents. Make copies, take phone photos, and never give the originals to anyone except government officials.
Get health coverage
Apply for OHIP at ServiceOntario. There is no waiting period. Refugee claimants are covered by the Interim Federal Health Program.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number
Go to Service Canada with your immigration document. You need a SIN to work and get benefits. Keep it private and only give it to employers, banks and government.
Open a bank account
Big banks have newcomer accounts with no monthly fees for the first year. You do not need a job or credit history.
Get a phone plan
Prepaid plans need no credit check. A Canadian number makes it easier to apply for jobs and housing.
Connect with a settlement agency
Free government-funded help with forms, housing, jobs and more. We can refer you to one near you.
Register children for school
Contact your local school board.
File taxes every spring
Even with little or no income. It is how you get the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit and other payments. Free clinics can help.
Free English and French classes
Learning English or French is one of the fastest ways to better jobs and new friends.
- LINC (federal): free for permanent residents and protected persons
- Ontario adult ESL and FSL: free classes through school boards; many accept refugee claimants
- Classes are offered in the day, evening, weekend and online; some have free childcare
- You will take a short placement test first to find your level.
Children and school
- In Ontario, every child has the right to attend public school, whatever their or their parents' immigration status
- Public school is free from kindergarten (age 4) to grade 12; school is required from age 6 to 18
- Bring ID, proof of address and any vaccination records; if you are missing something, the school must still help you
- Schools offer English language support and newcomer welcome centres.
Getting around
Public transit
Get a transit card instead of paying cash each time. Many cities offer low-income or newcomer discount passes. Ask us which one applies to you.
Driving
You can drive in Ontario with a valid foreign licence for 60 days. After that you need an Ontario licence. Some countries' licences can be exchanged.
Winter
Winters can drop below −20°C. Wear layers, a hat, gloves and waterproof boots. Ask us about free winter coat drives.
Good to know
Things nobody tells you
Prices don't include tax
In Ontario, 13% HST is added at the checkout on most items. Basic groceries are usually tax-free.
Tipping is expected
In restaurants, taxis and hair salons, people usually tip 15 to 20% of the bill.
Health care is not everything
OHIP covers doctors and hospitals, but usually not dental care, eye glasses or most medicines for adults.
Being on time matters
For appointments and interviews, arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. If you will be late, call ahead.
Build credit early
A secured credit card, paid in full every month, builds your credit history for renting and loans later.
Police are there to help
You can report a crime or ask the police for help. You have rights, including the right to stay silent and speak to a lawyer if arrested.
Culture shock is normal
Almost every newcomer goes through it. Feeling lonely, tired or angry in your first months does not mean you made the wrong choice. What helps: keep a routine, stay in touch with home, meet people who share your culture and people who don't, and be patient with yourself.
Excitement
Everything is new and interesting.
Frustration
Language, weather and rules feel hard. Homesickness hits.
Adjustment
You learn how things work and build a routine.
Belonging
Canada starts to feel like home, while you keep your own culture.
Trusted information