New to Canada?? Things to Do
First things first… here is a step-by-step process we have put in place to help you settle in after your big move to Canada
1. Social Insurance Number (SIN): You can apply for this online or can go to the nearest “Service Canada” location. Please see the link below to apply for a SIN card online. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html
What is a SIN- SIN is a unique account number that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses to track your income and taxes. This is similar to a PAN (India) or an SSN (USA). A SIN is a 9 digit number that starts with 4 or 5 or 9. If your number starts with a 9, please take note that it is a temporary number and comes with an expiry date.
Do I need to apply for a SIN Number? Yes, if you plan to work in Canada, you are required to have a valid SIN. The above link also provides the details of the documents required to submit during application.
Do I need to apply for SIN for my child(ren)? Not necessarily, if they are not earning. However, at some point they will need to apply for their SIN. Besides, if you plan to open an RESP account (see item 9 for more information) for your child(ren), a SIN number is a requirement.
2. Phone Number: Please see below the list of the main mobile phone service providers:
Rogers, Bell, Fido, Telus, Chatr etc. There are many more and most of these are well connected within the Greater Toronto Area.
3. Bank Account: Please see below the list of the prominent Banks in Canada. Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Bank of Montreal, CIBC, TD Bank A representative from the Bank of your choice will be able to help you set up bank accounts and credit card(s) as required. Once you settle down, it would be a good idea to schedule a meeting with your Bank to discuss further saving options such as RRSP and RESP (see 9 & 10) for further details. Whether you like it or not, banks form a very integral part of your life in Canada.
4. Travel Card: All the cities in Canada have their own transit system and most of them operate a Travel Card system. In the GTA, a PRESTO Card will help you move around without difficulty. While it is possible to pay cash on a bus, the buses may not be equipped to return the balance owed on the bill you pay. A Presto Card can be purchased using a card or by cash for $6.00 from a Transit Station, Community Center or Shoppers Drugmart. You can register your card online so that your balance is protected if it is lost or damaged. Another plus is that the PRESTO Card can be used all across the GTA. Apps such as Google Maps, GO Transit can help you plan your travel including wait times.
5. Looking for a Rental: Booking a place temporarily on AIR BNB or similar places would be the best option to begin with. You could also speak to a realtor who can help you find a place. There are notice boards in shopping malls where private rentals are advertised. The general norm here is to pay 2 months equivalent of rent (first month and last month) upfront at the time or making the agreement. Rents are usually paid upfront at the beginning of the month. Other places to look out for places are Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace etc.
6. Job Banks: No resources can prepare you enough for looking for a job; unless you move to Canada on a transfer or secondment with your existing employer. While some have it easy, others tend to wait longer. In either case, it is a matter of time. Make sure you network with your professional connections. A few places to look out for jobs are: – LinkedIn, Indeed.ca, Eluta, Monster.ca etc.
If you connect with a job developer in places like ACCESS, YMCA etc. a counsellor will be assigned to you who can help you at no cost.
7. Child Care Benefit / GST/ HST/ Ontario Trillium Benefit: The Government of Canada
provides a reasonable amount of child support for every child. In the case of a Permanent resident, the Child Care Benefit (CCB) is applied from the day the child lands in Canada. A portion of the GST and HST levied on your spending gets credited back to you approximately once every quarter in a calendar year. If it doesn’t happen, those will come back to you at the time you file your taxes. You can apply for all these together. Please see below for more information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gsthstc-apply.html .
8. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Card: For a new resident in Canada, there is a waiting period of 90 days to obtain your OHIP card; however you can apply for your OHIP card as soon as you have a valid address proof. Please make sure you download the OHIP form from the link below https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card for each member of your family and take it to the nearest Service Ontario.
9. Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP): The Government of Canada has introduced this program to help families save towards the education of their child(ren). The Government makes a reasonable contribution over time up to a lifetime maximum of $7,200 towards each child. You can individually enroll each child on an RESP or choose to have a Family RESP plan depending on your need. There are many providers who can speak to you about this. Alternatively, you could set this up from your Bank itself. Please read further about this at
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/resp.html
10. Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): This is a program introduced by the Government available through various service providers including your bank. A lot of employers offer a reasonable RRSP match as an extended benefit to their employees as well. Besides its very prepared by Master's Grace Church, Canada Reviewed on Nov 3 rd, 2020 purpose, a few of the benefits of having an RRSP are income tax rebate on your RRSP investment up to the contribution margin set for you and a potential loan from your RRSP account if you are a first-time homebuyer. Read further at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/rrsps-related-plans.html
11. Driver’s License: In Ontario, obtaining a full driver’s license is a 3-step procedure. The class of the license that is required to drive in Ontario is G or above. In order to get a full G license, you need to clear G1 (the online traffic rules test), a G2 (basic road test) and a G road test after 1 year of obtaining your G2. However, if you manage to obtain a driver’s abstract from your home country, the Road Traffic Officer may take into consideration your previous driving experience and let you take a G after your G1. Please read further at https://www.ontario.ca/page/driving-and-roads. You can walk into the nearest DriveTest location with your documents and take the test. Find your nearest DriveTest location at https://www.g1.ca/g1-test-locations/ .
12. Furniture Bank: Below are the list of a few furniture banks that you can reach out to get mildly used furniture at a small price or free:
– www.furniturebank.org , www.mississaugafurniturebank.org, http://www.mifb.ca/
There are many more. You could even check out Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace for furniture
13. Food Bank: In the case you are running out of food or feel too proud to ask for help to your friend, we understand; don’t worry. You could directly reach out to one of the Food Banks to help you get through your needs. This is a temporary provision that you can make use of. A few links are: www.themississaugafoodbank.org, www.thecentralwesthealthline.ca, The Salvation Army
14. Family Doctor: Once you receive your OHIP Card (see 8), you can visit the nearest clinic and request an appointment with a Family Physician. If the clinic is not receiving new patients, they will definitely refer you to a Family Physician who is accepting new patients.
15. Ontario Works: If you or your family has trouble meeting your basic living expenses, food clothing and shelter, you may qualify for Ontario Works (only if you are residing in Ontario).
Please read on at https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/ow/
All these are just a few tips that we have drafted out of the experience. We understand that everyone wants to stand back on their feet as quickly as possible. The people of Master's Grace Church understand that and God has given us the heart to serve you. All these said; please do not hesitate to shout out for help; Master's Grace Church wants to help you grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and pass it on.
Welcome and May the Lord Jesus Christ establish you in this beautiful land we now call home.
Team Master's Grace Church