Your first 30 days in Toronto - a step-by-step checklist

Documents you need

• Passport

  required

• Port of entry letter (work or study permit holders)

  optional

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (new permanent residents)

  optional

• Proof of your Toronto address

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Day 1 - at the border

   • Work or study permit holders: show your passport, port of entry letter and supporting documents to the border officer, who issues your permit. Check your name, conditions and expiry date before you leave the counter. See Visas, work permits and study permits in Canada.
   • New permanent residents: your permanent residence is confirmed at the border or online; give IRCC your Canadian mailing address and photo within 180 days so that your first PR card is mailed to you. See Permanent residence in Canada.
2. 2

   Step 2: Day 1 - save the numbers you need

   Save 911 (emergencies), 416-808-2222 (Toronto Police non-emergency), 311 (City services), 811 (Health811, a registered nurse 24/7), 211 (community and social services) and 988 (suicide crisis helpline). See Emergency and helpline numbers.

3. 3

   Step 3: Days 1 to 3 - get around

   Tap a contactless debit or credit card, or get a PRESTO card ($4), to ride the TTC. An adult fare is $3.30 (2026) and includes two hours of transfers; since September 1, 2026, trips are free for the rest of the month after 47 paid trips on the same card. See Public transport in Toronto.

4. 4

   Step 4: Days 1 to 5 - apply for your SIN

   Apply online or at a Service Canada Centre with your permit, PR card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence and a second ID. It is free, and in person you usually receive your number the same day. You need it to work and to receive benefits. See Getting a Social Insurance Number.

5. 5

   Step 5: First week - open a bank account

   Bring original ID and your immigration document, and ask for a no-cost account: participating banks must offer newcomers one with no monthly fee in their first year in Canada. See Opening a bank account in Canada.

6. 6

   Step 6: First weeks - apply for OHIP

   Apply in person at ServiceOntario with three original documents: proof of your status, proof of Ontario residency (such as your lease) and proof of identity. There is no waiting period for OHIP: if you are eligible, coverage starts immediately. If you are not eligible, make sure your private or student insurance is active. See OHIP and health care in Ontario.

7. 7

   Step 7: First weeks - find a home

   View homes in person before paying anything, ask for the Ontario Standard Lease, and pay no more than a rent deposit of one month's rent and a key deposit. Check whether the unit was first occupied after November 15, 2018, because those units are exempt from the rent increase guideline. See Finding a home in Toronto and Tenant rights in Ontario.

8. 8

   Step 8: After you have an address - family and health

   • Register children at school: the Toronto District School Board registers online and asks for proof of age, two proofs of address, immunization information and your date of arrival. See Family, childcare and schools in Ontario.
   • Apply for the Canada Child Benefit with the CRA if you have children.
   • Register with Health Care Connect (online or 811) to be matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner once you have your health card number.
9. 9

   Step 9: First month - work and money

   Give your SIN and bank details to your employer, check your first pay statement against Ontario's employment standards (minimum wage $17.95 from October 1, 2026), and keep your records for your first tax return, which is due by April 30 of the following year. See Your rights at work in Ontario and Income tax in Canada.

10. 10

    Step 10: First month - settlement services and language classes

    Many newcomers can use free settlement services funded by the Government of Canada: settlement workers help with housing, employment, credential recognition, and referrals to English or French classes. Ask about eligibility, which depends on your immigration status.

11. 11

    Step 11: Within 60 days - your driver's licence

    You can drive in Ontario with a valid foreign licence for 60 days after becoming a resident. After that you need an Ontario licence: exchange your licence at a DriveTest centre if your country has an exchange agreement with Ontario, or take the vision, knowledge and road tests if it does not. Bring your original licence, a certified translation if it is not in English or French, and proof of your driving experience.

Keep a document folder

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Leaving the border counter without checking the details printed on your work or study permit.
• Waiting for a waiting period that no longer exists before applying for OHIP.
• Paying for a monthly fee bank account instead of asking for the no-cost newcomer account.

Tips

• Ask your temporary accommodation for a written confirmation of your address; it helps with banks and mail before you have a lease.
• Use one PRESTO card, bank card or phone consistently on the TTC so your trips count towards the monthly fare cap.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Exchange your driver's licence within 60 daysAdd to plan
• Connect with free settlement services and language classesAdd to plan
• Get your permit issued at the border and check itAdd to plan
• Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)Add to plan
• Apply for OHIP at ServiceOntarioAdd to plan
• Open a Canadian bank accountAdd to plan
• Find and rent a long-term homeAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Jan 2027.