Immigration Road Map
Initial Essential Documents
Secure your foundational documents. Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is crucial for employment and accessing government services. Keep your address updated with immigration authorities.
Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Update address with Immigration Canada
Basic Financial Setup
Establish your financial footing. In Canada, a good credit score is vital for loans, mortgages, and even some rentals. Use credit cards responsibly and pay bills on time. Avoid closing old credit cards as history length impacts your score.
Apply for a credit card
Set up direct deposit for income
Understand Canadian tax system
Housing & Accommodation
Find a place to call home. Start with temporary options if needed, then explore long-term housing. Setting up utilities and getting tenant insurance are key steps for a comfortable living situation.
Find temporary accommodation
Search for permanent housing
Set up utilities (electricity, gas, internet)
Get tenant insurance
Healthcare & Wellness
Access Canada’s healthcare system. Registering for a provincial health card is your first step. Finding a family doctor and knowing local clinic/hospital locations ensures you’re prepared for health needs.
Register with a family doctor
Find local walk-in clinics
Locate nearest hospital
Get prescription medications transferred
Education & Language
Enhance your skills and integration. Language classes can greatly improve daily life and job prospects. Get foreign credentials assessed for Canadian equivalency. Explore local schools if you have children.
Enroll in English/French language classes
Get your credentials assessed
Research local schools for children
Join community integration programs
Community & Social Integration
Build your new life and connections. Joining community centers, cultural associations, and using library services can help you meet people and feel at home. Settlement agencies offer valuable support.
Join local community centers
Find cultural associations
Explore local libraries and services
Connect with settlement agencies
Provincial Health Cards
Your key to accessing healthcare services in your province. Each province has its own application process. This card is essential for doctor visits, hospital care, and other medical services.
Ontario (OHIP)
British Columbia (MSP)
Alberta (AHCIP)
Quebec (RAMQ)
Manitoba Health Card
Saskatchewan Health Card
Nova Scotia (MSI)
New Brunswick Medicare
PEI Health Card
Newfoundland & Labrador (MCP)
Provincial Services Registration
Access a wide range of government services specific to your province, such as driver’s licensing, business registration, and more. Each province has a central portal for these services.
Service Ontario
Service BC
Service Alberta
Services Québec
Service Manitoba
Service Saskatchewan
Open Canadian Bank Account
Choose from Canada’s major banks to open an account. This is essential for managing finances, receiving pay, and paying bills. Many banks offer special packages for newcomers.
RBC Royal Bank
TD Canada Trust
Scotiabank
BMO Bank of Montreal
CIBC
National Bank of Canada
Grants & Funding Opportunities
Explore various Canadian government grants and funding programs. These can support initiatives related to digital literacy, cultural exchange, anti-racism, and community development.
Digital Citizen Initiative
Exchanges Canada Program
Joint Initiative for Digital Citizen Research
Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
Community Program Development Grant (Nanaimo)
Additional Support & Services
Access various support services for newcomers. This includes rental assistance programs like Rent Banks, help finding a family doctor, and general guidance from settlement agencies.
BC Rent Bank
BC Benefits Connector (Rental Assistance)
Find a Family Doctor (BC – HealthLinkBC)
General Support for Newcomers (IRCC)
TALK TO US
Have any questions? Connect with settlement agencies and community resources to make your journey smoother