Coming to Canada is an exciting opportunity but also a great challenge. Find
out how to get the help you need and learn all about living in Canada.
Getting information on the following subjects:
Health care in Canada
income security programs, including how to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
language training in English or French
employment and finding work in Canada
employment rights and employment and labour standards
housing in Canada
education in Canada:
elementary and secondary schooling
college, university and professional (advanced) education
budgeting, banking and saving in Canada
your rights, freedoms and responsibilities in Canada
government in Canada
your permanent resident status and what you need to do to keep it
how to become a Canadian citizen
Programs for Newcomers
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) offers basic language
instruction to adult newcomers to Canada. Visit a Language Assessment Centre to
find out more.
Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program
You may need a lot of help during your first year in Canada. There are many
groups across Canada that can help.
Host Program
Are you a newcomer trying to adjust to a new language and culture? This program
can help you start your new life in Canada. You can be introduced to a Canadian
who lives near you and who can help you settle into Canadian life.
Finding Help in Your Community
Are you a newcomer who is looking for help in your community? There are many
organizations that provide help to newcomers.
Language Training Centres
Free language training is available across the country for adult permanent
residents. In most provinces, the name of the program is LINC, which stands for
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada.
Radio Canada International (RCI) RCI Viva is a Web service that addresses issues commonly faced
by people who have immigrated to Canada or are considering doing so. It includes
a multi-language Web radio service that covers such things as information to
help immigrants discover their new home, tools to improve language skills, and
discussion boards.
Settlement.org Ontario
This website has useful information about settling in Ontario.
Key Information Sources
Find Government Numbers in the Telephone Book
The main telephone numbers for federal, provincial, and municipal or regional
government departments are listed in the blue pages of your local telephone
book. Some are listed by department or by service. Frequently called numbers,
including a central information number, are often listed at the beginning of
each section.
If you need help to find a federal government program or service, call:
Information on the Government of Canada at 1 800 622-6232
TTY/TDD 1 800 465-7735
If you wish to use the Internet, the address is www.canada.gc.ca.
Key Federal Government Numbers
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
You may be looking for information on
sponsorship
citizenship applications
immigration in general
If you wish to use the Internet, the address is www.cic.gc.ca.
If you are anywhere in Canada, call toll-free: 1 888 242-2100.
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
You may be looking for information on:
applying for a Social Insurance Number
available jobs
You can find the nearest Human Resources Development Canada office in the
telephone book. Look in the "Government of Canada" listings in the
blue pages of your telephone book, under "Human Resources and Skills
Development Canada."
If you wish to use the Internet for information, the following addresses are
helpful:
If you wish to use the Internet, the address is: www.cra-arc.gc.ca
Health Canada
You may be looking for information on general health issues
Information line: (613) 957-2991
If you wish to use the Internet, the address is: www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Permanent Resident Card
The Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a
permanent resident in Canada.
This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of
Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train
or bus).
Since June 2002, all new permanent residents automatically receive their
first Permanent Resident Card as part of the immigration process.
If you came to Canada as a permanent resident before June 2002, the Permanent
Resident Card replaces your original landing papers. It is the only acceptable
proof of your status as a permanent resident of Canada. If you leave the
country, you must show this document when you return to Canada by commercial
carrier.
The Permanent Resident Card expires every five years.
Check the expiry date and apply for a new one well before you plan to travel
outside Canada.
