A Newcomer's Guide to Your First Weeks in Canada

Welcome to Canada

Arriving in a new country is both exciting and overwhelming. There are dozens of tasks to complete, systems to learn, and decisions to make — and it can be hard to know where to start. This guide covers the essential steps you should take during your first few weeks in Canada, specifically in British Columbia.

Week 1: The Essentials

Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your Social Insurance Number is your most important identifier in Canada. You need it to work, file taxes, and access government benefits. Apply as soon as possible at a Service Canada centre. You will need your immigration documents (such as your permanent resident card, work permit, or study permit) and proof of identity.

Where to apply: Visit the nearest Service Canada centre or apply by mail. In Metro Vancouver, there are locations in downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond.

Cost: Free

Open a Bank Account

You will need a Canadian bank account to receive payments, pay rent, and manage your finances. Major banks in Canada include RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC. Many banks offer newcomer banking packages with reduced fees for the first year.

What you need: Two pieces of identification (your passport and immigration documents usually work), your SIN (if you have it already), and proof of address (even a temporary address is fine).

Tip: Ask about newcomer-specific banking packages. Many banks waive monthly fees and offer additional services for newcomers.

Get Your BC Services Card

Your BC Services Card is your identification and health insurance card in British Columbia. It is essential for accessing healthcare services.

How to apply: Visit an Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) driver licensing office with your immigration documents. Your MSP (Medical Services Plan) coverage begins after a three-month waiting period for new residents.

Important: During the three-month MSP waiting period, you may want to purchase temporary private health insurance.

Week 2: Building Your Foundation

Find Temporary and Permanent Housing

If you are in temporary housing, start looking for a permanent home. In BC, you can search for rental listings on websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and PadMapper. Be aware of your rights as a tenant under the BC Residential Tenancy Act.

Tips:

• Never pay rent before signing a lease and seeing the unit
• Your landlord can only ask for half a month's rent as a security deposit
• Learn about the BC Residential Tenancy Branch, which protects your rights as a renter

Register with a Family Doctor

Access to primary healthcare in BC has been challenging, with many residents unable to find a family doctor. Register with the BC Health Connect Registry, which matches patients with family doctors and nurse practitioners.

What to do: Call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) for health information and advice in over 130 languages, available 24/7.

Connect with a Settlement Agency

Settlement agencies offer free services including language assessment, job search support, community orientation, and help with paperwork. In BC, some major agencies include:

• Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC): Serves newcomers across Metro Vancouver
• MOSAIC: One of the largest settlement agencies in BC
• S.U.C.C.E.S.S.: Provides services in multiple languages with a focus on Asian language communities
• DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society: Based in Surrey, serving one of BC's most diverse communities

Week 3: Getting Settled

Enroll in Language Classes

If English is not your first language, consider enrolling in free language training through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program, funded by the federal government. Classes are available at various levels and schedules, including online options.

Understand Your Tax Obligations

All Canadian residents must file an income tax return every year, even if they earned no income. Filing your taxes is also how you access important benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit, and BC Climate Action Tax Credit. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has resources specifically for newcomers.

Get Connected

• Phone: You can get a prepaid or contract cell phone plan from providers like Telus, Rogers, Bell, Fido, or Koodo.
• Internet: Most homes in BC have access to high-speed internet through providers like Telus, Shaw (now Rogers), and others.
• Transportation: In Metro Vancouver, TransLink operates buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. Get a Compass Card for easy fare payment.

Week 4: Looking Ahead

Start Your Job Search

Begin exploring employment options. Your settlement agency can help with resume writing, interview preparation, and understanding the Canadian job market. Useful resources include:

• Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca): Canada's national employment service
• WorkBC: BC's provincial employment services
• Professional credential recognition: If you have professional credentials from your home country, research the requirements for having them recognized in BC

Enroll Children in School

If you have school-age children, contact your local school district to enroll them. Public education in BC is free for children of permanent residents and many categories of temporary residents. Schools can provide support for children who are learning English.

Explore Your Community

Take time to explore your neighbourhood. Visit your local community centre, library, and parks. Community centres in BC offer affordable programs including sports, arts, swimming, and social activities. Many have specific programs for newcomers.

Remember: You Are Not Alone

Settling in a new country takes time, patience, and support. Do not hesitate to reach out for help. WelcomeAide is building tools to make this journey easier, and there are many organizations across BC ready to support you. If you feel lost or overwhelmed, start by calling 211 — they can connect you with community and social services in your area, in your language.