Orientation and Integration
Is there help to settle in?
Moving can be very stressful. Moving to a new country – even temporarily – can be even more so. Before you come to Canada, check out Welcome to Canada to help you get started. As well, you can connect with organizations and people trained to help you by connecting with some of the organizations listed below.
Embassies and consulates – Connecting with your home country embassy or consulate is one way to get information or assistance. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade can help you find an embassy or consulate near you.
Immigrant-serving organizations – It is the job of immigrant-serving organizations to help newcomers to Canada with immediate settlement tasks, such as finding a place to live, and with longer term activities, such as finding a job and developing your career. The people working in these organizations are trained to answer your questions and connect you with other services that you might need to get settled. Be aware that these immigrant-serving organizations are often not funded to assist TFWs specifically, so in some cases there could be a fee for some of their services. If you are not sure, ask. A list of available organizations can be found on the Welcome to Canada website.
Media organizations
Radio Canada International (RCI) – The Link is a two-hour daily radio show aimed at connecting new immigrants to Canada, and Canada to the world. The website also offers other types of information and discusses issues useful to immigrants. To check out the website, or listen to this service over the internet, visit Radio Canada International: The Link.
Ethnic press – There are a number of ethnic newspapers published across Canada listed on the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada website. See what might be available in your community. As an alternative, check out CanadianImmigrant.ca for a whole lot of immigrant-related information.
Can I bring my family?
Your spouse or common-law partner and children can come with you to Canada or visit you in Canada, but they must meet all the requirements for temporary residents to Canada: They must satisfy an officer that they will only stay in Canada temporarily, and they may have to prove that they have no criminal record. If your spouse or common-law partner and children need temporary resident visas, they must also meet all the conditions for obtaining those visas. For more information on bringing your spouse/common-law partner or children with you, please go to the TFW Frequently Asked Questions website.
How do I find accommodation in Canada?
Finding a place to live – Some TFWs work on remote worksites and live on sites provided by the employer. Others work near or in cities, and therefore need to find a place to live. If you are in an occupation that requires less formal training, your employer will help you find suitable and affordable accommodations. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada website has a number of useful tools in their Welcome to Canada: What You Should Know section, including tools to help you find a place to live. This section gives you information on the following topics: renting, your rights as a tenant, buying, heat and hydro, getting a telephone, furnishings, and more information.
As well, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation helps people who are looking to rent or buy a home. Check out these links for helpful tips.
How much will it cost me to live while in Canada?
The cost to live in Canada will depend on what province you are living in. As a TFW, it will also depend on whether you are living on the work site or in a community. Some costs that you may not be used to paying in your home country include the following:
- Taxes on goods and services – Depending on the province you are in, when you buy an item there will be tax added onto the cost of the item. Keep that in mind when you are planning your spending.
- Winter clothing can be expensive, but essential. If you work outdoors, you will need special work clothing as well.
- Depending on where you are living, it may not be possible for you to walk everywhere you want to go. It costs on average between $2 to $2.25 for a one-way bus fare in Canada, but the exact cost is different in every Canadian city. Depending on how much you travel, you may save money by buying a transit pass. For more information on public transit, check the Explore Canada or Welcome to Canada websites.
Checklist of things I need to do before coming to Canada
There are a lot of preparations before coming to Canada. It is extremely important that you make sure you have employment-related documents and any proof of education and training. The Newcomer’s Guide publishes a pre-migration checklist that can help you to make sure you are as prepared as possible before coming to Canada.
Checklist of things I need to do after I arrive in Canada
The Welcome to Canada website lists a number of things you should do once you get to Canada. For example, in your first few weeks, you need to find temporary shelter or housing, connect with an immigrants-serving agency and get a map of where you are living to get oriented. In your first few months, you should open a bank account. While in Canada you might want to get a driver’s license and get connected to community organizations. For the detailed checklist, click the Living in Canada checklist. You can also check out The Canadian Newcomer Magazine, which provides free and easily accessible information, advice, entertainment, education and encouragement to newcomers. It offers information about community services and programs to help you adjust to your new home and a lifestyle entertainment magazine to help newcomers get settled in.
This page last updated December 2009
