LMIA FinderLiving in Canada
Your complete guide to settling in Canada — from healthcare and banking to housing, culture, and community.
First Steps After Arrival
Your essential to-do list for the first few weeks in Canada
Get SIN (Social Insurance Number)
Required for employment and government benefits. Apply at Service Canada or online.
Open bank account
Major banks offer newcomer packages with no fees for the first year.
Get health card (provincial)
Register for provincial health coverage as soon as possible.
Find housing
Start with temporary accommodation while you search for a permanent home.
Set up phone/internet
Essential for job searching and staying connected.
Register for language classes (if needed)
Free LINC classes available for permanent residents.
Healthcare
✓ What's Covered (Public Medicare)
- •Doctor visits and consultations
- •Hospital stays and surgeries
- •Emergency room visits
- •Diagnostic tests and lab work
- •Maternity and prenatal care
✗ NOT Covered (Need Private Insurance)
- •Dental care
- •Vision care (glasses, contacts)
- •Prescription medications
- •Physiotherapy & mental health
- •Cosmetic procedures
Important Notes:
- • Provincial coverage may have a 3-month waiting period (varies by province — BC and Ontario have eliminated the wait)
- • Get interim private health insurance to cover the waiting period
- • Many employers provide extended health benefits covering dental, vision, and prescriptions
- • Canada's healthcare system is publicly funded but provincially managed — coverage varies slightly by province
Housing
Average Monthly Rent by City (1-Bedroom)
Toronto
$2,500
/month
Vancouver
$2,800
/month
Calgary
$1,800
/month
Montreal
$1,600
/month
Ottawa
$2,000
/month
Renting vs Buying
Renting: More flexible, lower upfront costs, landlord handles maintenance. Ideal for newcomers in first 1-2 years.
Buying: Requires minimum 5% down payment, mortgage pre-approval, and established credit history. Consider after settling.
Tenant Rights
- • Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, origin, or family status
- • Rent increases are regulated (typically once per year, capped amount)
- • Proper notice required for eviction (60-90 days)
- • Security deposits are regulated by province
Tips for Newcomers:
- • Start with furnished or shared accommodation while job hunting
- • Be prepared to show proof of income or pay several months upfront
- • Check proximity to public transit when choosing location
Useful Websites:
Banking & Finance
Top Banks for Newcomers
All offer newcomer packages with no monthly fees for the first year
Building Credit
- • Start with a secured credit card
- • Pay bills on time, every time
- • Keep credit utilization below 30%
- • Credit score range: 300-900 (aim for 700+)
- • Takes 6-12 months to build initial score
Tax Basics
- • Tax year: January - December
- • Filing deadline: April 30
- • Benefits: GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit
- • File even if you have no income (to access benefits)
- • Free tax clinics available for low-income
Savings Accounts Explained
TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account)
Investment growth and withdrawals are tax-free. Contribution room accumulates from age 18 or year you became a resident. Great for short and long-term savings.
RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)
Contributions are tax-deductible (reduces taxable income). Taxed on withdrawal. Best for retirement savings or Home Buyers' Plan (up to $35K for first home).
Transportation
Public Transit by City
Driver's License Exchange
Many countries have reciprocal agreements allowing direct license exchange:
- • USA, UK, Australia, France, Germany — direct exchange
- • India, Philippines, Nigeria — must take full test
- • Rules vary by province — check local requirements
Car Insurance
Mandatory in all provinces. Costs vary hugely:
- • Ontario: $1,500-2,500/year (most expensive)
- • Alberta: $1,200-1,800/year
- • BC: $1,800-2,200/year (ICBC public insurer)
- • Manitoba: $1,200-1,600/year (MPI public insurer)
- • Saskatchewan: $1,100-1,500/year (SGI public insurer)
- • Quebec: $700-1,000/year (cheapest)
- • Atlantic provinces: $800-1,400/year
Bike-Friendly Cities
Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa have extensive cycling infrastructure with dedicated bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and cyclist-friendly policies. Great option for commuting in warmer months!
Cost of Living
Monthly breakdown for a single person (2-bedroom rent)
Tips for Reducing Costs
Culture & Community
Bilingual Nation
Canada is officially bilingual — English and French. French is predominant in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick. Services are available in both languages federally.
Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is enshrined in law. Canada celebrates diversity with over 200 ethnic origins reported. Cultural festivals, ethnic restaurants, and community organizations abound.
Settlement Services
Free government-funded settlement services help newcomers with language training, job search, community connections, and orientation. Available in most cities.
Getting Involved
- • Community centres offer recreation, social programs, and events
- • Libraries provide free programs, internet, language practice
- • Volunteering is a great way to build your network and Canadian experience
- • Join local sports leagues, cultural associations, or faith communities
- • Meetup.com and Facebook groups for newcomer connections
Key Canadian Holidays
- • New Year's Day — January 1
- • Family Day — February (most provinces)
- • Canada Day — July 1
- • Labour Day — First Monday in September
- • Thanksgiving — Second Monday in October
- • Christmas Day — December 25
Weather & Climate
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Temperatures range from -5 to -30°C depending on region. Snow is common. Dress in layers: thermal base, insulating mid, waterproof outer. Don't forget warm boots!
Summer (Jun-Aug)
18-35°C with long sunny days (light until 9-10 PM). Perfect for outdoor activities — parks, hiking, festivals, patios. Summer in Canada is truly amazing!
Regional Differences
Vancouver: Mild, rainy winters (rarely below 0). Prairies: Harsh winters (-30 to -40). Ontario/Quebec: Four distinct seasons. Maritimes: Moderate with ocean influence.
Winter Clothing Essentials
Tip: Wait to buy winter clothing in Canada — you'll find better options suited to the climate.
Rights & Responsibilities
Your Rights
- ✓Charter of Rights and Freedoms — Protects fundamental freedoms, equality, legal rights
- ✓Worker Protections — Minimum wage ($15-17/hr by province), overtime pay, vacation
- ✓Anti-Discrimination — Human rights laws protect against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation
- ✓Healthcare Access — Universal public healthcare for residents
Your Responsibilities
- ●Obey Canadian laws (federal, provincial, municipal)
- ●Pay taxes on worldwide income
- ●Serve on a jury if called (citizens)
- ●Respect the rights of others
- ●Maintain PR status (if applicable): live in Canada 2+ years out of every 5
Find Your Best Province to Live In
Use our Opportunity Navigator to discover which province matches your skills, budget, and lifestyle preferences.
Explore the Opportunity Navigator →