Your First Weeks Checklist
- Find or check into your temporary accommodation.
- Let your friends and family at home know that you have arrived safely.
- Set up a pre-paid cell phone account.
- Find Settlement or Newcomers Services close to your home that can help you get settled in Northwestern Ontario.
- Get a map and hire a car to explore your local area.
- Purchase the newspapers and acquaint yourself with the local and regional area. Here, you will also find job and property vacancies, and cars for sale.
- Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Open a bank account.
- Register yourself and your family for a Health Card if you are eligible or arrange for private health insurance.
- Look for permanent accommodations.
- Contact potential employers and recruitment agencies to set up job interviews.
- Register your children for school.
When you move into your new home
- Set up utilities including phone, hydro, internet etc.
- Contact your children’s new schools or child care provider
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbours.
- Look into social and recreational activities in your local area.
- Purchase a car if required and organize license registration and insurance.
Download a copy of the First Days Guide –
A Newcomer's Guide to their First Two Weeks in Ontario here.
