My First Days: A Guide to Your First Two Weeks In Ontario
Ontario At A Glance
How much does it cost to settle in Canada?
It is important to research housing costs in Ontario as it might cost more than you think. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires that you to show “proof of funds” when you arrive in Canada. You have to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive.
Arriving in Ontario
Before you arrive in Canada, read what documents you should bring with you when landing in Canada as a new immigrant. This information can be found at www.settlement.org/FD/02
You can ask the Canadian immigration officer when going through Customs and Immigration, any questions you have about your immigration or visa status. If you wait until later, it might be harder to get the answers you need.
Getting to know your new city
When you first arrive, you need to spend part of your time learning about your new city. You can obtain tourist information about the city you plan to live so that you can spend a few days exploring the city as a tourist using either public transit or a car
About Ontario: Weather
Ontario is a large province and temperatures vary from region to region. The temperature can be different within the same region. January is usually the coldest month of the year and July the warmest. The northern part of the province has longer and colder winters than southern Ontario. The radio and TV news give temperatures in degrees Celsius. Sometimes they also give the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
Settlement Agencies
Settlement agencies can provide support to help start your life in Ontario. These agencies are community organizations that help new immigrants. As soon as you arrive in Ontario, find a settlement agency near you to help you settle into your new city. You may be staying in a hotel when you first arrive. Settlement agencies can help you find your first place to live. They can also help you learn about your new community
Newcomer Information Centres (NIC)
A number of cities and towns including Toronto, Peel Region (Brampton, Caledonia, Mississauga, Halton), Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Ottawa, have Newcomer Information Centres (NIC) when you first arrive. NICs refer you to the community agencies that can help you to settle in these areas. Visit Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade (MCIIT) website to find an agency in your area or check online to find a NIC in your area.
Community Information Centres
You can call your local Community Information Centre in your area to find information about community, social, health or government services. These centres can help you find free, confidential and low cost services in your area. You do not need to give any personal information to use this service.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
You can call Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada to get information about your immigration status after you arrive in Canada. The contact for the Call Centre is 1-888-242-2100 or visit the IRCC website. You can get information from the recorded message, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
