Landing in a new country is exciting — and overwhelming. Between jet lag, a new city, and a long list of unfamiliar systems, it’s hard to know where to start. This guide walks you through the first ten practical steps most newcomers need to take in your first few weeks in Toronto, and exactly who to contact for each one.
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1. Get a Canadian phone number
A local phone number makes everything else on this list easier — banks, health registration, and job applications all typically expect one. Prepaid SIM cards from providers like Public Mobile, Fido, or Lucky Mobile are widely available at malls, with no long-term contract required.
Where to go: Any mobile provider kiosk at a shopping mall (Eaton Centre, Yorkdale), or their websites.
2. Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your SIN is a 9-digit number required to work in Canada or access government benefits — it’s free, and applying is your responsibility as a newcomer. You’ll need to show an original identity document (like your PR card, work permit, or study permit) plus a secondary ID such as your passport.
How to apply: Online through the eSIN portal at canada.ca, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. Applying in person is fastest if you need your SIN urgently.
Service Canada Centre — Toronto (College St)
559 College Street, Suite 100, Toronto, ON M6G 1A9
Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:00pm · Near Bathurst St and College St · SIN applications, EI, CPP, and more
3. Apply for your OHIP health card
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and most medically necessary care at no cost. New residents must wait 3 months (the arrival month plus two more) before coverage begins.
Important: You cannot apply for OHIP online as a new resident — you must go in person to a ServiceOntario location with your identity documents and proof of Ontario residency. Get temporary private health insurance to cover the waiting period.
ServiceOntario — Midtown Service Counter
2700 Dufferin Street, Unit 54, Toronto, ON M6B 4J3
Near Dufferin St and Briar Hill Ave · Health cards, driver’s licences, and ID · Toronto has many ServiceOntario locations — check ontario.ca/locations/serviceontario for the closest one
4. Open a Canadian bank account
A local bank account is needed to receive pay from a job, pay rent, and build credit history in Canada. Most major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) offer newcomer banking packages with no monthly fees for the first year and no Canadian credit history required.
What to bring: Your passport, PR card or immigration document, and proof of address if you have one yet.
5. Register for a family doctor
Finding a family doctor can take time in Ontario. Health Care Connect adds you to a registry shared with doctors and nurse practitioners accepting new patients in your area.
How to register: Online at ontario.ca/page/health-care-connect, or by calling 1-800-445-1822. In the meantime, walk-in clinics can see you for non-emergency needs.
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6. Get your Ontario driver’s licence or ID
Ontario’s rules depend on where your existing licence is from — some countries have a licence exchange agreement, while others require a knowledge and/or road test. This is also handled at ServiceOntario (see the card above) — one visit can often cover both your health card and driver’s licence application.
7. Register your kids for school (if applicable)
Public education in Canada is free for children of permanent residents, refugee claimants, and most temporary residents.
Where to go: Search “Toronto District School Board newcomer registration” (or “Toronto Catholic” for the Catholic system) for their welcome centre, which can help assess your child’s grade level and English language support needs.
8. Set up transit access
The TTC, along with GO Transit and surrounding regional systems, uses the reloadable PRESTO card.
Where to go: PRESTO cards are available at subway stations, many stores, or online at prestocard.ca.
9. Learn about tax filing and benefits
Even with little or no income, filing a tax return is how you become eligible for benefits like the GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) if you have children.
Where to go: Community organizations often run free tax clinics for newcomers, typically February–April.
10. Connect with a settlement agency
You don’t have to figure any of this out by yourself. Toronto has many established settlement organizations — such as COSTI Immigrant Services — offering free settlement, employment, and language support in many languages.
N.E.S.T — Newcomer Employment Services and Training
N.E.S.T currently serves Surrey & the Lower Mainland, BC. If you’re settling in Toronto, your local settlement agency is the best first stop — but if you ever relocate to BC, we’re here for you too.
This guide is intended as general orientation information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements and wait times can change — always confirm current details on official government websites (canada.ca, ontario.ca) before your appointment.