Immigration Matters and Refugee Status
The process of arriving in Canada as a refugee, sponsoring family members or getting permanent residency status can be challenging. Learn about Canada’s immigration system and what newcomers can expect when they first arrive in Ontario.
Get Started
- How can I sponsor a refugee?
- What are the differences between the types of sponsorship categories?
- What are the responsibilities of a sponsoring group?
- What does refugee resettlement process look like?
- How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child living outside of Canada?
- What is the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa?
- Living in Canada Tool
- Prepare for life in Canada
- Your First Two Weeks in Canada - English [Video]
- Your First Two Weeks in Canada - Arabic [Video]
Important Organizations to Know About
Housing
It can be difficult for newcomers to find appropriate and affordable housing in Ontario. Some of the things to consider when renting a house or an apartment include location, size, amenities and price. It is also important that refugees understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
Get Started
- How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Ontario?
- I am a government sponsored refugee. Can I get help with housing when I arrive?
- What are my rights as a tenant?
- What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
Important Organizations to Know About
Employment
It can be challenging for newcomers to find work, especially if they have language barriers and are not familiar with the Ontario labour market. Find information about the supports available to job seekers, how to get one's credentials assessed and workplace rights.
Get Started
- How do I look for a job in Canada?
- How do I create a Canadian-style resume?
- What is labour market information? Do I need it?
- How do I get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
Important Organizations to Know About
Health
Moving to a new country can be a stressful experience for newcomers. Taking care of one’s health during this transition is important. Refugees may need information about health insurance, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), how to find a doctor and what health services are available in Ontario.
Get Started
- I came to Canada as a refugee. Am I eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- How do I get a Social Insurance Number?
- How can I find a family doctor?
- What are community health centres?
- What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?
- What financial assistance can I get if I have a disability?
- What kinds of services can I get if I have a disability?
- I came to Canada as a refugee. What mental health services can I get?
Important Organizations to Know About
Education
Newcomers may need information about how to improve their English, register their children in school or pursue post-secondary education. Refugees may be eligible for free ESL programs and extra supports within the public school system.
Get Started
- How do I enroll my child in school?
- Newcomers' Guides to Education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Post-Secondary Education
- Your Child's Education [Video]
- Adult Education [Video]
Important Organizations to Know About
Legal Matters
Newcomers may not be familiar with the Canadian legal system and may find themselves in situations where they need legal information or affordable legal help. Find information about Ontario’s legal system, human rights in Ontario and how to access legal aid.
Get Started
- Legal Aid and Community Clinics
- How do I find a lawyer?
- What human rights protection does Canada offer?
- What human rights protection does Ontario offer?
- What can I do if I feel harassed or discriminated against?
- What do the police do?
- What are my religious rights?
Important Organizations to Know About
Daily Life
Settling into a new life in Ontario can be both exciting and challenging for newcomers. Learning how to get around a new city, finding a place of worship and making new social connections are all part of the settlement experience.
Get Started
- Welcome to Canada. An overview of the function and mandate of policing in Canada - Arabic [Video]
- How can I get help in an emergency?
- I have a driver's licence from another country. How do I get an Ontario driver's licence?
- What is the taxation system in Canada?
- What services can I get if I call 211, 311 or 411? Is it free to call?
- Where can I find information about places of worship?
- Where can I find important application forms?
- Getting Help [Video]
- Community Resources [Video]
- New to Canada? Join the library. It's free! [Arabic]
