Post-Arrival

Moving to a new country – even temporarily – can be a challenge. Before you come to BC, look at websites like Welcome to Canada and the Immigration Section of this website to help you get started.

Also, check the Canadian Immigration website for advice on what to do when you first get here.

After You Arrive in Canada

Following are a number of things you should do once you get to Canada. 

In your first few days:

• exchange your money for Canadian currency
• contact your employer and visit your workplace
• if you don’t have permanent housing yet, find long-term accommodation
• apply for a Social Insurance Number
• open a bank account
• learn about community services (garbage pick-up and recycling schedule)
• get a map of your area and find out about public transportation
• get a telephone book from the local telephone company. You can find out how to contact your local telephone company by dialing 411 from any phone
• Learn more about traveling in BC

In your first few months:

• get a library card
• buy a bus pass
• get a cell phone or landline
• develop a simple budget of income and expenses
• register with your country’s embassy or consulate in Canada
• apply for provincial health care coverage

While in Canada you might want to

• get a driver’s license
• connect with community and cultural organizations
• explore your surroundings
• learn English or look into English language classes
• communicate with other workers via the internet, chat groups, email

For a detailed checklist, click Living in Canada checklist. You can also check out The Canadian Newcomer Magazine, which provides free and easily accessible information, advice, entertainment, education and encouragement to newcomers. It offers information about community services and programs to help you adjust to your new home and lifestyle.

Finding a place to live

Some TFWs work on remote work sites and live on sites provided by the employer. Others work near or in cities, and therefore need to find a place to live. If you are in an occupation that requires less formal training, your employer will help you find suitable and affordable accommodations. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada website has a number of useful tools in their Welcome to Canada: What You Should Know section, including tools to help you find a place to live. This section gives you information on the following topics: renting, your rights as a tenant, buying, heat and hydro, getting a telephone, furnishings, and more information.

As well, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation helps people who are looking to rent or buy a home.

Embassies and Consulates

Connecting with your home country embassy or consulate is one way to get information or assistance. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade can help you find an embassy or consulate near you.

Radio, Television, Newspapers

Radio Canada International (RCI)

The Link is a two-hour daily radio show aimed at connecting new immigrants to Canada, and Canada to the world. The website also offers other types of information and discusses issues useful to immigrants. To check out the website, or listen to this service over the Internet, visit Radio Canada International: The Link.

Ethnic Radio Stations

A number of BC radio and internet stations geared to tourists, minorities and cultural programming are listed here:

http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-vital-information/vancouver-radio-stations.aspx

Ethnic Press

There are a number of ethnic newspapers published across Canada listed on the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada website. See what might be available in your community. As an alternative, check out CanadianImmigrant.ca for more immigrant-related information.

Can I bring my family?

Your spouse or common-law partner and children can come with you to Canada or visit you in Canada, but they must meet all the requirements for temporary residents to Canada. If your wife and/or children are citizens of a country that requires a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada, they will have to apply for a visa before entering Canada.  

Have a look at Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website for more information on bringing your spouse/common-law partner or children with you.

How much will it cost me to live?

Have a look at our Financial Considerations page for more information on cost of living and other expenses.

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