What to do in your first two weeks in Canada

March 14, 2021

In your first two weeks in Canada

  1. Learn about the different resources and sources of information available to help you settle in Canada by reading the section on Sources of information.
  2. Call or visit an immigrant-serving organization in your city or town to learn about the services they provide, paid for by the generosity of Canadian taxpayers, to help you settle in Canada. For information about immigrant-serving organizations and how to find one near you, read the section on Sources of information.
  3. Apply for a government health insurance card. A government health insurance card allows you to receive taxpayer-funded medical care in Canada. You should apply as soon as possible after arriving in Canada. For more information, read the section on Important documents.
  4. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You cannot work in Canada without a SIN. You should apply as soon as possible after arriving in Canada. For more information, read the section on Important documents.
  5. Provide Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) with your Canadian address, so that you can receive your permanent resident card in the mail. You can provide your address online at www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/change-address.asp. For more information, read the section on Important documents.
  6. Open a Canadian bank account. For information on opening a bank account and other financial matters, read the section on Money and finances.
  7. Obtain a map and walk around to get to know your city or town and the local services available. Also, research the best way of getting from one place to another using public transportation. For an overview of transportation options in Canadian cities, read the section on Transportation.
  8. Learn a convenient way of making telephone calls and accessing the Internet. For more information, read the section on Communications and media.
  9. Memorize the national emergency telephone number: 911. If you experience a medical or other type of emergency, do not hesitate to call for help.

Source: Welcome to Canada: What you should know

www.cic.gc.ca, Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2013

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