Important Canada Government Website Links
Key government Web sites
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Information on: sponsorship, citizenship applications, immigration in general.
Advice for newcomers (information about living in Canada, health services, housing, taxes, etc.)
Programs for newcomers (ex. Host program, Language instruction, etc.)
Organizations helping newcomers
List of key phone numbers and Internet addresses that may be helpful to you as a newcomer to Canada
General information about Canada
Information source for Non-Canadians
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Information on obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) - A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit identification number given to you for the purposes of income tax, Employment Insurance, old age pension or other government programs. You need a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada.
HRSDC's mission is to build a stronger and more competitive Canada, to support Canadians in making choices that help them live productive and rewarding lives, and to improve Canadians' quality of life.
Information on: Personal income tax;
Canada Child Tax Benefit - a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18;
GST/HST credit - a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay.
Note: The tax year in Canada is January to December. You are required to fill your tax return by the end of April. For your 1st tax return, make sure to send a copy to the international tax office.
Information on general health issues
Information on current conditions, local forecasts, previous meteorological events, and interesting weather facts or trivia.
The Service Canada Web site has been designed to provide you with easy access to the Government of Canada programs and services.
Working in Canada is a government website with resources to help Canadian and permanent residents prepare to work in Canada.
Provincial and territorial Web
Applying for a provincial health insurance card and a driver's license
Note: In the province of Ontario, the family of a foreign worker coming to work for less than three years are not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan and by NRC. Therefore, a private health insurance is necessary.
Housing in Canada
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Advice on: Buying or renting a home, building, renovating & maintaining, mortgage insurance & investments, etc.
Search for a home online
Search for a home online
Very detailed maps for Canada and USA (search by address, by name, etc.)