Living in Canada

Canada is a federal country with 10 provinces and 3 territories and two official languages, English and French. Responsibilities are split between the federal government, the provinces and territories, and municipalities, and newcomers deal with all three. HomiStart currently covers Toronto, Ontario; most federal information applies everywhere in Canada, while provincial rules (health insurance, tenancy, employment standards, driving) are written for Ontario.

Who handles what

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decides on visitor visas, eTAs, work and study permits, permanent residence (including Express Entry), PR cards and citizenship. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) admits you at the border, where your permit is issued or your permanent residence confirmed.
• Service Canada issues the Social Insurance Number (SIN) that you need to work and receive benefits.
• The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) collects federal and provincial income tax (outside Quebec) and pays benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit.
• Provinces run public health insurance (in Ontario, OHIP), driver's licences, schools, tenancy law (in Ontario, the Landlord and Tenant Board) and employment standards for most workplaces. In Ontario, ServiceOntario handles health cards, driver's licences and photo ID.
• Municipalities, such as the City of Toronto, run local transit, libraries, waste collection, building standards and services reached through 311.

What most newcomers deal with first

1. Status. Canadian citizens need no permit. Everyone else needs the right document to enter (an eTA or a visitor visa, unless you are a US citizen) and, to live here, a work or study permit or permanent residence. Visa-free entry is only for visits.
2. SIN to work and to receive benefits.
3. A bank account; newcomers can get a no-cost account in their first year at participating banks.
4. Health coverage. In Ontario there is no waiting period for OHIP if you are eligible; people who are not eligible need private insurance.
5. Housing, which in Toronto is usually the largest cost.

Getting help

• Emergencies: 911. In Ontario, 811 connects you with a nurse and 211 with community and social services.
• IRCC funds free settlement services for many newcomers, including help with housing, jobs and language classes.

HomiStart guides are general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Confirm details with the official sources linked in each guide.