Week 1
Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits you need a 9-digit Social Insurance Number. The official page asks you to choose your current status in Canada and then shows how to apply. For temporary residents, the SIN starts with "9" and expires with your immigration documents.
Social Insurance Number (Government of Canada)
Week 1
Apply for your Ontario health card (OHIP)
OHIP pays for many medically necessary health care services and is available to eligible residents of Ontario at no cost. Ontario states that there is no longer a waiting period: if you are eligible, you have immediate coverage. The minimum rules are 153 days in Ontario in any 12-month period, at least 153 of the first 183 days after you began living in the province, and Ontario as your primary residence, plus at least one additional requirement listed on the page. You apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with the registration form and 3 separate documents from the official list of qualifying identification (photocopies are not accepted).
Apply for OHIP and get a health card · Health cards, eligibility and coverage
Week 1
Get a free Toronto Public Library card
You qualify for a free card if you live, work or go to school in the City of Toronto, or own property there. Bring valid and current name and address identification to a branch: a driver's licence or an Ontario Photo ID card is enough on its own; otherwise show one name document (an Ontario health card, passport or permanent resident card, for example) and one address document such as a bill or lease issued in the last two months. Cards expire once a year and can be renewed online if eligible or in a branch. Toronto residents aged 13 and over can also sign up online for a Digital Access Card for digital resources only.
Your library card (Toronto Public Library) · Identification requirements (Toronto Public Library)
Weeks 1–2
Pay for the TTC: PRESTO, tap-to-pay and fare capping
You can pay a TTC fare with a PRESTO card (physical or in a mobile wallet), a PRESTO Ticket, an Interac Debit or credit card (including in a mobile wallet) or cash. Children 12 and under ride free. With monthly fare capping, once you reach 47 eligible TTC fares in a calendar month the rest of your trips that month are free: you must tap the same payment method every time, cash fares and PRESTO Tickets do not count, and the count resets on the first day of each month.
TTC fares and passes · New to PRESTO · PRESTO customer service outlets
Weeks 2–3
Open a bank account
You have the right to open a bank account in Canada, and the bank must be able to confirm your identity. The financial regulator (FCAC) explains the two ways to meet the ID requirements: one is two original documents from reliable sources, one showing your name and address and the other your name and date of birth. It also has a section for people who are not Canadian citizens, and warns that online-only institutions may ask you to already have an account elsewhere.
Opening a bank account (FCAC) · Banking basics (FCAC)
Weeks 2–4
Language classes in English or French
Before you start a language class you must be tested to find out your current language skills: visit a language assessment centre in your city and say you are interested in classes. The federal page explains the options, and Ontario's settling-in page links a free online test to get an idea of your English or French level.
Improving your English and French (Government of Canada) · Get settled in Ontario
Weeks 1–4
Find a settlement agency
Ontario's settlement agencies help newcomers and refugees get settled in their community, find housing, a job or childcare, register children in school and access programs such as English or French classes. The services are free and available in multiple languages across Ontario. The Government of Canada also offers free in-person and online pre-arrival services and a tool to find newcomer services.
Get settled in Ontario (settlement agencies) · Settling in Canada (Government of Canada)
Month 1
Use the library's New to Canada services
Toronto Public Library's New to Canada pages bring together library services for newcomers: meet a settlement worker (Settling in Toronto), find books and movies in your language, read library information in over 40 languages, practise for the citizenship test and find English learning resources including ESL classes.
New to Canada (Toronto Public Library)
Rules change: always confirm on the official page before you go.
Public libraries and government services, each with its official page. Services change: check the page before you go.
