First Days

No matter where you plan to live, work or study in Ontario, you will probably arrive at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Basic information is available at this airport. Look for the Immigrant Reception and Information Services (IRIS) booth.

A public library may have information and services to help you settle, learn English or French, or find work. Visit Toronto's public library website for information about the many services offered. Find a library near you by using the Ontario Public Libraries directory.

The first days in a new country can be overwhelming, especially if you and your family are tired from a long trip. This section of OntarioImmigration.ca links you to information to help you during your first few days here.

It directs you to newcomer settlement agencies, and information on opening a bank account, getting a driver’s licence and using public transit. If you are looking for information on housing, click here.

Settling in Ontario

• Welcome Ontario is a guide to programs and services for newcomers to Ontario (available in 17 languages).
• Your First Days in Ontario: A Newcomers Guide gives useful information for when you first arrive. You can learn about where to find help, housing, using Canadian money, getting around, banking and shopping (available in 24 languages).
• Building a New Life in Ontario provides information about the many settlement services in your community to help you settle (available in 17 languages).
• In my language is a website that provides information about health, housing, work, education and other daily life topics in 11 languages.
• Ethno-Cultural Settlement Assistance Organizations and Finding an Agency both provide information about agencies that can help you settle in Ontario.
• Francophone organizations in Ontario

Cost of Living

• Monthly living expenses for a family of three
• Comparing the living cost and the salary between my country of origin and Canada

Finances

• Banking in Canada here you will find information about opening a bank account and protecting your money anywhere in Ontario.
• Budgeting, banking and savings information for newcomers
• Things to know about personal finances learn about cost of living, income tax, acquiring credit cards and saving money.
• Protecting your money in Canada

For information on getting a driver’s licence in Ontario or to find a public transportation system in your community, see our Getting Around section.

Do you have questions about where to find help during your first few days in Ontario? Ask OntarioImmigration.ca.