After arriving, try to know about your city. Many Canadian cities have their own websites. These website may provide you the information about population, type of communities living there, housing options, local transportation, services and programs etc. Try to get hold of a local transit map from the nearest transit terminal. It will help you to get familiar with the important city locations and road network.
Things to do after arriving in Canada
Below is a partial list of the things/tasks that you will be doing in first few days
- Knowing about public transport
- Open a Bank Account
- Apply for a Health Card (OHIP)
- Register your child in a school
- Get the local library membership
- Connect with your community / find a faith place
- Consider attending English classes
- Looking for a job
- Getting a driving license
- Find a family doctor
Contact Settlement Agency /Community Organization
It is a good idea to contact a settlement agency or community organization just after arriving in Canada closer to your residence. These organizations are involved in facilitating the settlement of newcomers and immigrants.
Find a place to live
Before or after coming to Canada, you can identify the city/neighbourhood where would like and afford to live in. You can search the Internet, asking your friends or relatives who are already settled here, looking into local newspapers, visiting the houses and apartments you have seen advertised.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card.
The SIN is a unique nine-digit number that is required to work Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. However, the card does not have the photo of card holder on it.
Get your Permanent resident card (PR)
PR card is the proof of your official status as a permanent resident of Canada. All new permanent residents automatically receive their first new card by mail after arriving in Canada. Therefore, it is necessary for new immigrants to keep track of their incoming mail. In case of change of mailing address they should inform the authorities. PR cards have an expiry date (normally valid for 5 years). Permanent Residents going out of Canada will need PR card to re-enter in Canada. They should check the expiry date of your PR card before they plan to go out of Canada and to make sure that it will not expire before they return.
Apply for Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
This is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families who have children under the age of 18. Newcomers have to apply for CCTB. Both parents have to sign the application but usually mother is considered as the main applicant as she is the one who takes care of children