Useful links for newcomers to Canada

New to Canada or helping family settle in? Here are the official links you need: government benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, your SIN, health card, immigration and citizenship, jobs, taxes and free help for newcomers, all checked by our team.

Choose your city to add your province's and city's services:

Government benefits in Canada

Families, workers and people with low incomes can get regular payments from the Government of Canada. Most start once you file your first tax return.

Health care in Canada

Public health care is free at the doctor and hospital once you have a your province health card. Apply as soon as you arrive.

SIN, passport and ID documents

You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work, and photo ID for almost everything else.

Immigration, PR and citizenship

Check processing times, renew your PR card, apply for citizenship or bring family to Canada, from the official government pages.

Free help for newcomers to Canada

Government-funded settlement agencies help newcomers for free with jobs, language classes, housing and paperwork.

Jobs and work in Canada

Find work, get your foreign education and licences recognised, and know your rights on pay, hours and overtime.

Taxes and the CRA

File a tax return every year, even with little or no income: it is how you get the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit and other payments.

Renting and buying a home

Know your rights as a renter, and save tax-free for your first home.

Education and student aid

Loans, grants and education savings for college and university.

Children and family benefits

Help paying for child care, and payments while you are at home with a new baby.

CanadaMaternity and parental benefitsEI payments while you are away from work with a new baby or adopted child.canada.ca(opens in a new tab)

Pensions and benefits for seniors

Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Canada Pension Plan, and how to apply.

Safety, scams and emergencies

Call 911 in an emergency. Report scam calls pretending to be the CRA, immigration or the police.

Common questions from newcomers

What government benefits can newcomers get in Canada?

Federal benefits include the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit, the Canada Workers Benefit, Employment Insurance and the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The Government of Canada's Benefits Finder shows what you may qualify for.

Where can newcomers get free help?

Government-funded settlement agencies across Canada help newcomers for free with jobs, language classes, housing and paperwork. Find one near you through the Government of Canada.

How do I get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

Apply online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada office, with your permanent resident or work permit documents. You need a SIN to work in Canada and to get government benefits.

Do newcomers need to file taxes in their first year?

Yes. File a tax return for your first year in Canada, even with little or no income. It is how the CRA works out your Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit and other payments. Free tax clinics can file it for you if your income is modest.

Is Desi Network part of the government?

No. Desi Network is a community directory for the South Asian community. These links go to official government websites and well-known community organisations, so always check the official page before you apply.