Government · Newcomers

Your First Government Checklist

The essential government-related tasks to understand when establishing yourself in Canada.

By Naarks · 8 min read

Illustration of a government building, a checklist and an identity card

Government websites hold a huge amount of useful information, but finding the right page at the right time can feel overwhelming.

This checklist explains the main government-related tasks newcomers usually need to understand, roughly in the order they come up, and who is responsible for each one.

Naarks explains. Official sources decide.

Who Does What

Canada is a federation, so responsibilities are shared between three levels of government. Knowing which one handles a service helps you find the right office and the right website.

Federal governmentImmigration status, the Social Insurance Number, taxes and many benefits, and national programs.

Provincial or territorial governmentHealth coverage, driver's licences, education and housing rules.

Municipal governmentLocal services such as waste collection, public transit, parking and city permits.

The First Days

Keep your immigration documents safe

Your immigration status is decided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Keep your originals in a safe place and make digital copies. Note the expiry dates of permits, visas and cards, and any conditions attached to your status.

Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

The SIN is a nine-digit number used for work, taxes and many government benefits, and it is issued by Service Canada. If you are a temporary resident, your SIN may start with a 9 and expire with your permit.

Keep your SIN private. Share it only when it is truly required.

Start your health coverage application

Health insurance is run by each province, for example RAMQ in Quebec or OHIP in Ontario. Some provinces apply a waiting period, so apply as early as possible and consider private insurance for the gap.

The First Weeks

Get local photo identification or a driver's licence

Driver's licences and provincial photo ID cards are issued by the province. New residents often have a limited time, sometimes only a few months, to exchange a foreign licence, and you may need to take tests. Check the rules in your province early.

Update your address

Give your new address to the tax authority, your health plan, your licence office, your bank, your employer and any immigration office that needs it.

Use free newcomer services

Canada provides free pre-arrival and settlement services to eligible newcomers. Settlement agencies can help with language classes, job search, documents and community connections.

Taxes and Benefits

Immigration status and tax residency are separate ideas. You can have one without the other, so check what applies to you. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) explains both.

Most people file an income tax return every year, usually by April 30. Filing also helps you receive credits and benefits you may be entitled to.
Create a CRA My Account so you can manage your tax information online.
Families with children may be eligible for child and family benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit. You generally need to apply, and eligibility rules apply.
Your province may offer additional benefits.

Government agencies will not ask you to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency or a threatening phone call. If something feels wrong, hang up and check on the official website.

Work and Education

Looking for workJob Bank, provincial employment services and settlement agencies can help you find work and understand your options.

Regulated professionsSome professions, such as nursing, engineering and teaching, require recognition of your qualifications through a provincial regulator.

Children's schoolingSchool registration is handled by your school board. See our guide to starting school in Canada.

Language classesFree or low-cost language classes are available to eligible newcomers.

A Simple Timeline

First daysSecure your documents, apply for your SIN and start your health coverage application.

First weeksGet local ID or a licence, update your address and find newcomer services.

First monthsCreate your CRA My Account, apply for benefits you may be eligible for and organise your records.

Every yearFile your tax return, renew permits before they expire and keep your address up to date.

Keep one folder, paper and digital, with your immigration papers, SIN confirmation, health card, lease, tax documents and school records. You will use it more often than you expect.

One Step at a Time

You do not have to do everything in the first week. Start with your documents, your SIN and your health coverage, and take the rest in order.

Naarks explains. Official sources decide.

You're ready for what comes next.

Step by step.

Naarks. More than a service. A connection.

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