Services to Help You Settle

As a newcomer, you may have many questions. Settlement services (free and often offered in many languages) can give you the help you need as you adjust to Ontario. The guide Building a New Life in Ontario will help you learn more about:

Finding services in your community
Looking for jobs and training
Improving your language skills
Getting many other kinds of help

You can download (PDF) of copy of this guide in the language of your choice.

Arabic عربي	Chinese (Traditional) 繁體中文	English	Farsi فارسى	Filipino Tagalog	French Français
Greek Ελληνικά	Hindi हिंदी	Italian Italiano	Korean 한국어	Polish Polski	Portuguese Português
Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ	Russian Русский	Spanish Español	Tamil தமிழ்	Urdu اردو

These documents are available in Acrobat PDF format (version 7 minimum). A FREE copy of the Adobe Acrobat software required to view PDF files is available for downloading.

Please note that the Adobe web site is created by an organization outside of the Ontario government which is solely responsible for the information contained therein.

Where to get help

Settlement Services

Newcomers often need help, especially during their first few months in Ontario. It is important to know that there are many services that can give you the help you need. These services, called ‘settlement services’, are located in many Ontario communities. They are free, and they can often give you help in many languages. Here are just a few of the ways settlement services can help you:

Answering questions about your new community
Helping you find a job or get more training
Finding a school or child care
Accessing health care services
Finding the government and community services you need
Translating documents or interpreting services
Helping you find English/French language classes
Helping you find a place to live
Helping you fill out forms.

How to find a settlement service near you

Most communities in Ontario have a settlement service for newcomers. To find a service in your community, visit the ‘After You Arrive’ section of OntarioImmigration.ca.

A Checklist: Settling in Ontario

Here are some of the most common steps newcomers take after arriving in Canada. Settlement services in your community can help with these and many other steps you may need to take:

Find a place to live

Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Apply for an Ontario health card (OHIP)

Open a bank account

Get information about working in Ontario

Find the services you need, close to home

Locate a doctor, dentist or other health services

Contact an employment centre to help you find a job

Find a public library and other community services

Get information about your rights as an employee or tenant

Find a school for your children

Apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)

Get a map of your community and learn about public transportation

Find language classes for you and your family

Learn about where to buy the things you need

Apply for a Driver’s Licence

Language training services

Canada has two official languages, English and French. It is important that you are able to communicate in the language of your community and the language used at work. Many newcomers have studied English before moving to Ontario. There are also many services in Ontario that can help you improve your language skills. To learn more, visit the ‘Learn English’ section of OntarioImmigration.ca.

Other services for newcomers

There are many other kinds of community services you may find helpful. These include:

Employment services
Education services
Public libraries
Community Information Centres
Community Health Centres
Community recreation centres.

Employment services

Ontario has many different types of job and career opportunities. Ask your nearest settlement service about:

Job search workshops: which can improve your job search skills
Mentoring programs: which can help you meet someone in your profession
Work placement / internship programs: which can help you get the Canadian experience you need
Bridge training programs: which can help you upgrade your skills and move more quickly into your profession.

Do you work in a profession?

You should learn as much as you can about how to work in your field before you arrive. If you are a professional, such as a doctor or teacher, you can get help from Global Experience Ontario (GEO): an Access and Resource Centre for the Internationally Trained. GEO helps internationally trained individuals find out how to qualify for professional practice in Ontario. To learn more about GEO and working in Ontario, visit the ‘Working’ section of OntarioImmigration.ca.

Education services

You may need to enrol your children in school. Or, you may want to upgrade your own education. Learn more by visiting the ‘Studying’ section of Ontario Immigration.

Public libraries

Public libraries are located in most Ontario communities. They provide many services for free. You can join your local library to borrow books, music, movies and other materials. Some libraries have materials in many languages. Most libraries can also give you free access to the internet. Many libraries have programs that help you get to know the community.

Community Information Centres

Community Information Centres can help you find services where you live. You can find your nearest Community Information Centre by:

Dialing 211 on your telephone (if you live in Toronto, or in the Niagara Region, or Simcoe County)
Visiting the ‘After You Arrive’ section of OntarioImmigration.ca.

Community Health Centres

Community Health Centres offer health care and health promotion services in your community. They have doctors, nurses, dieticians, counsellors and community workers who provide education and advice about your health. They also have youth support services, seniors’ outreach services, parent and child programs and community development programs.

Community recreation centres

Every city in Ontario has community programs and public recreation centres that you can use. Some centres have skating arenas, pools or gyms. Many of the programs and facilities are free or do not cost very much to use.

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

How do I find a job in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends. Employment Ontario funds a variety of services to help you in your job search. Jobs are also advertised in newspapers, on websites and through local employment agencies.
Where can I get job-specific training?

The Ontario government supports Bridge Training programs to help newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Find out more about these job-specific training.
Where can I find information about my new community?

Visit our Cities and Towns section for municipal information or use the Services Near Me directory to locate services and programs available in your community. You can also contact your municipality for information on recreational activities in your area.
How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required for temporary and permanent residents to work legally in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. You can apply for a SIN at a Service Canada office. Make sure you bring with you the required documents and a completed application form.
How can I find a doctor?

You can find a doctor by searching the directory of doctors in Ontario. You may also use you local telephone directory to find a doctor in your community.
Does the Ontario Government offer health insurance to immigrants?

Permanent residents, temporary workers, convention refugees and other specific groups may receive coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) three months after arriving in Ontario. Apply for public health insurance as soon as you arrive in order to ensure you are covered after your first three months. Find more information on OHIP eligibility and health care in Canada.
Where can I get a health card?

If you are eligible, you can obtain a health card from a Service Ontario centre. You will need to fill out an application form and take it with you along with additional documents when you apply for a health card.
Where can I learn about Ontario's education system?

Find information about the school system and academic programs in Ontario.
Where can I go to improve my English?

Basic English language assessment and instruction for adults is available in Ontario. School boards also deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for children and non-credit programs for adults. Use our language class wizard to find an English language training program near you.
How do I become a Canadian citizen?

The requirements and applications are available from the Government of Canada.