Real offices, advice centres and organisations in Toronto that help newcomers — with languages, costs and official sources.
22 results
Mental health
A national helpline for anyone thinking about suicide or worried about someone else. Call or text 988 any time, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If someone's life is in immediate danger, call 911.
Tax offices
Collects federal and Ontario income tax and pays benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (which replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026). Newcomers file their first…
Other services
The City of Toronto's 24/7 line for non-emergency City services, such as waste collection, noise and property complaints, roads, trees and animal issues, and building conditions in apartment buildings registered with…
Emergency and crisis help
The City of Toronto's line for people who need emergency shelter. Central Intake connects callers to shelter beds and related support; you can also call 311 for help.
Employment agencies
The Government of Ontario's network of free employment and training services, with over 700 locations. Counsellors help with resumes, interview preparation, job search strategy and skills training, and can point you to…
Answers questions about Ontario's Employment Standards Act: minimum wage, hours, overtime, vacation, public holidays, leaves and termination. The Ministry also takes claims from employees who believe their employer has…
Health services
Ontario's free 24/7 health line. Call 811 to speak to a registered nurse about minor health issues, and register with Health Care Connect (online or through 811) to be matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner…
Immigration authorities
The federal department that decides on eTAs, visitor visas, work and study permits, permanent residence (including Express Entry), PR cards and citizenship. Most applications are made online through an IRCC account;…
Other services
The Ontario tribunal that resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants and decides every eviction. Tenants file applications such as T2 (tenant rights) and T6 (maintenance) online through the Tribunals…
Legal advice
Pays for lawyers for eligible low-income Ontarians in covered areas such as criminal, family, immigration and refugee matters, and funds independent community legal clinics that help with housing and eviction,…
You can drive on a valid foreign licence for 60 days after moving to Ontario. Licences from other provinces, US states and listed countries can be exchanged in person at a DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario Bay and…
Emergency and crisis help
Free telephone advice, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, if you think someone has been exposed to a poisonous substance. If the person's life is in danger, call 911 first.
Registration offices
Service Canada issues the Social Insurance Number (SIN) that you need to work and receive benefits. You can apply online (recommended), at a Service Canada Centre in Toronto, where you usually receive the number during…
Health services
ServiceOntario centres register eligible residents for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. You apply in person with the registration form and three original documents: proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status,…
Education
Toronto's English-language public school board, for kindergarten to Grade 12. Registration is online; the TDSB supports newcomer families with English as a Second Language programs, settlement workers and…
Emergency and crisis help
For police matters that are not emergencies, such as a crime that is over, dangerous driving or disruptive behaviour that is not an immediate threat, or following up on an earlier report. Available 24/7; from a mobile…
Libraries
Staff at any branch can register you for a free library card and answer questions, and can refer newcomers to Library Settlement Partnership workers from local settlement agencies, who offer one-on-one help with jobs,…
Transport
Runs Toronto's subway, streetcars and buses. The adult fare is $3.30 with PRESTO, debit or credit (2026) and includes a two-hour transfer; since September 1, 2026, trips are free for the rest of the calendar month after…
Other services
A helpline that connects people with social services, programs and community supports across Ontario, such as housing help, food banks, newcomer services, mental health and income support. Dial 2-1-1 or text 2-1-1 at…
Employment agencies
A registered charity that helps job seekers facing barriers, including internationally trained newcomers, with employment services, sector-specific and bridging programs, mentoring and pre-arrival programs. Most…