Your first 30 days in Ontario
Last checked 2026-10-10
A practical order of operations for your first month. Your exact list depends on your status — build a personalized checklist.
Day 1: at the border
- Goods to follow: settlers and returning residents give the CBSA a list of goods with them and goods arriving later; keep your stamped BSF186 for later shipments. (CBSA)
- PR card address: permanent residents can give their address at the port of entry, or online within 180 days. (IRCC)
Week 1
- Phone plan — most forms ask for a Canadian number.
- SIN from Service Canada — no fee; needed to work, get benefits and open most bank accounts. (Service Canada, CRA)
- Bank account — you have the right to open one even without a job or a deposit; bring two original IDs (a foreign passport counts). (FCAC)
- OHIP — if eligible, apply in person at ServiceOntario; there is no waiting period. (Ontario)
- School — children 6–18 must attend, regardless of immigration status. (Settlement.org)
Weeks 2–4
- Benefits — new residents apply for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit) with RC151, or the Canada Child Benefit with RC66 if you have children. You don’t need to file a tax return first. (CRA)
- Family doctor — register with Health Care Connect online or by calling 811 once you have a health card number (Ontario); also see GTA doctors accepting patients.
- Child care — join waitlists early: WaitlistWise.
- Settlement services & free LINC classes — see Settlement.org and IRCC language classes.
- Renting — know the Standard Lease and use the rent increase calculator.
Day 60: driver’s licence
You can drive on a valid foreign licence for 60 days after moving to Ontario. See our licence exchange guide.