Newcomer Resources
Everything you need to settle in, in plain language.
Short, friendly guides for the questions every newcomer to Northern Ontario asks. Each one ends with a link to the official source so you can take the next step.
Start here
The first six things to take care of
- Apply for OHIP Get your Ontario health card.
- Get a SIN Your Social Insurance Number.
- Find housing Renting and buying in Northern Ontario.
- Register kids in school Public schools, ESL, and registration.
- Open a bank account Banking basics for newcomers.
- Find a family doctor Walk-ins, family practice, and Health Care Connect.
Browse by need
Where do you want to start?
Get Settled
Housing, healthcare, ID, and the everyday details.
- Apply for OHIP
- Get a SIN
- Find housing
- Open a bank account
- Find a family doctor
- Free settlement services
- Mental health support
- Affordable phone & internet
- Get an Ontario driver's licence
- Free tax help (CVITP)
- Money management & building credit
- Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
- Free legal help
- Domestic violence support
- Document translation & certification
Get Working
Find a job, get credentials recognised, start a business.
Raise a Family
Schools, childcare, and youth programs.
Find Community
Belonging, French-language services, anti-racism support, and surviving Northern winters.
- Services en français
- Newcomer mentorship & Canada Connects
- Anti-racism resources
- Volunteering near you
- Sports & recreation
- Surviving your first Northern Ontario winter
- Settling in a smaller Northern Ontario town
- Festivals & community events in Northern Ontario
- Free things to do in Thunder Bay
- Free things to do in Sudbury
- Free things to do in Sault Ste. Marie
- Free things to do in North Bay
- Free things to do in Timmins
- Free things to do in Kenora
- Cultural & faith communities in the North (coming soon)
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