Newcomer steps

In an emergency, or when you are stuck, one call makes the difference.

Where to go

From any phone in Canada. 211 is free and confidential, and in most areas runs 24/7 with interpretation in more than 150 languages, Arabic included, so you can speak your own language.

What to bring

• No documents needed
• Know your exact address so you can give it

What to do, step by step

1. 911: emergencies only — fire, accident, danger to life, or police.
2. 811: a health line to ask a nurse about non-urgent concerns, in most provinces. In Manitoba call Health Links: 1-888-315-9257.
3. 211: when you need food, housing, legal help or any service and don’t know where to go.
4. No English yet? Call 211 anyway: the agent answers in English or French; say “Arabic” and an interpreter joins the same call. Do not let language stop you from asking.
5. Save them in your phone and teach your children 911.

Note: in an emergency go to the nearest hospital even without a health card yet; fees or limits may apply depending on your status.

You need a Canadian number for the bank, appointments and every application.

Where to go

A telecom store or its official website. A prepaid line works well at first.

What to bring

• ID the provider accepts, often your passport
• Monthly plans may need a credit check or a deposit

What to do, step by step

1. Start with prepaid until you understand prices.
2. Compare the price after the promotion ends, and cancellation fees.
3. Check home internet: cheaper alone or bundled?
4. Add an account PIN and never share verification codes.
5. Carrier names, plans and contract cautions: see the “Phone SIM and internet” tip under Advice & experiences.

Note: read the contract before signing; some offers lock you in for a long term.

PR cards and official letters arrive by mail; a wrong address delays you.

Where to go

IRCC while you have an application in progress (such as a PR card on its way), then your bank, Service Canada and CRA.

What to bring

• Your full address with postal code
• Unit number if any

What to do, step by step

1. Staying temporarily with family or in a hotel? Check that mail in your name will arrive.
2. Put your name on the mailbox so letters reach you.
3. Waiting for your PR card or another IRCC application? Give them any new address. Card received and nothing in progress? You do not need to tell IRCC.
4. Every time you move, update your address with your bank, CRA and other offices.

Note: report any change of address to the office handling your file right away.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Helping you is their job.

Where to go

IRCC’s service finder by postal code. In Québec: Accompagnement Québec.

What to bring

• Your status document (COPR, PR card or other) so they can confirm eligibility
• A list of your questions and needs

What to do, step by step

1. Open the finder and enter your city or postal code.
2. Ask whether someone speaks Arabic.
3. Ask for help with health card, school, housing, language and jobs.
4. Book an appointment and ask about newcomer workshops.

Note: from April 2026, economic-class PRs can use IRCC-funded services for a limited time (6 years from their PR date). Resettled refugees, protected persons and family-class PRs have no limit. Most temporary residents are not eligible for IRCC-funded services — ask about other options.

Know your route and the weather before you leave, especially in winter.

Where to go

Your city’s official transit website or app, and official weather forecasts.

What to bring

• A ticket or card depending on your city’s system
• Discounts may require proof of age, study or income

What to do, step by step

1. Install your city’s transit app and try the trip before your appointment.
2. Ask about monthly passes and child or low-income discounts.
3. Before going out, check the temperature and wind chill.
4. In winter: coat, hat, gloves and non-slip boots — for you and the children.

Note: fares and discounts differ by city; don’t assume they’re the same everywhere.

You need it to work and for some benefits.

Where to go

Service Canada: in person you get your SIN during the visit if everything is in order. Online or by mail, the number comes after the application is processed, not at once.

What to bring

• Permanent residents: COPR or PR card
• Permit holders: a work or study permit that allows work
• Valid secondary ID such as a passport
• Originals if you go in person

What to do, step by step

1. Open the Service Canada page and choose your status to see the exact documents.
2. Want the number in hand the same day? Go to a Service Canada office with your originals; if everything is in order you get it during the visit. Can’t go in? Apply online for faster processing; the number comes once the application is complete.
3. Make sure your name matches on every document.
4. Keep the number safe and give it only to those who truly need it.

Note: a SIN starting with 9 (temporary status) expires and must match your permit — extend it when you renew your permit.

Your pay and benefits go here; it’s where your financial life starts.

Where to go

Any bank or credit union. The five best-known banks are RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO and CIBC, and each has a newcomer package.

What to bring

• Accepted original ID, often your passport and status document
• No proof of address? Ask about alternatives

What to do, step by step

1. Compare newcomer packages: how long the fee waiver lasts and the monthly fee after it ends.
2. Ask about international transfers and their fees, a nearby branch and an Arabic speaker.
3. What each of the five banks offers and the questions to compare them: see the “Bank account” tip under Advice & experiences.
4. Get your direct-deposit details for pay and benefits.
5. Turn on account alerts on your phone.

Note: not having a job does not by itself stop you opening an account at a federally regulated bank if you meet the requirements. A real bank never asks for your password by message.

A tax-free monthly payment if you qualify — don’t miss it.

Where to go

CRA: form RC66 with schedule RC66SCH for newcomers.

What to bring

• Proof of birth for the children
• Your and your spouse’s status documents
• Your date of entry to Canada
• Family income inside and outside Canada as the form asks

What to do, step by step

1. Check eligibility using the link below.
2. Complete form RC66 and form RC66SCH.
3. New to Canada and applying for the first time? Attach proof of birth for the children and your status documents. School or club letters are only asked for when you apply for a period that began more than 11 months ago.
4. Mail both forms to the tax centre address printed in form RC66 itself, to the CRA only.
5. Then file a tax return every year, both spouses, so payments continue.

Note: eligibility depends on status — choose your situation above to see details.

Coverage doesn’t start by itself and there may be a wait — the sooner the better.

Where to go

Your provincial health-insurance office. The link appears once you choose your province above.

What to bring

• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal status
• Proof you live in the province: a lease, bank statement, utility bill, a driver’s licence from the province even at the first level, or the provincial photo ID card if you have no licence
• Your province sets the final list

What to do, step by step

1. Choose your province above and open the registration link.
2. Prepare documents for each family member.
3. Apply and ask when coverage starts.
4. If you are given a receipt or temporary document, keep it until the card arrives. Not every province gives one; ask the clerk how you can show that you applied.

Note: in some provinces you may wait up to 3 months; others have no wait. Not all temporary permits qualify, and dental care and most prescriptions aren’t covered.

One illness without coverage can cost a lot.

Where to go

Refugees and asylum claimants: the federal IFHP. People approved under the family-based pathway for those affected by the conflict in Sudan: three months of free IFHP coverage. Others: private health insurance.

What to bring

• Your status document (for IFHP)
• For private insurance: passport and arrival date

What to do, step by step

1. Check whether your province has a waiting period (previous step).
2. Eligible for IFHP? Ask the clinic or pharmacy before care whether they accept IFHP.
3. Not eligible? Compare private plans: coverage and exclusions.
4. Buy coverage before you need it, not after.

Note: many private plans exclude conditions you had before buying — read the terms carefully.