Where should I start?

Guides

A great place to start is Settlement.org, a helpful website that provides newcomers with information and resources for settling in Ontario, Canada. This website has a useful multi-lingual First Days Guide: A Newcomer's Guide to Their First Two Weeks in Ontario and a very helpful employment section. 

The Working in Canada Guide is a comprehensive guide created by the Government of Canada, providing answers to many questions you may initially have.

Specific to Peterborough, the Workforce Development Board has created the Newcomer's Guide to Services (City and County of Peterborough Directory).  There is also a section on Settlement.org specifically for the Peterborough area. 

It is also important to familiarize yourself with the Canadian working culture.

Legal Permission

In order to work in Canada you must have legal permission from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  There are many ways of obtaining it.  A newcomer may have temporary permission to work with a work permit, or permanent permission to work as a permanent resident.  For more information please visit the Immigrating section of this website.

Social Insurance Number

You must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).  You need the SIN to work in Canada and to have access to government programmes and benefits.  The nine-digit SIN is issued by Service Canada. Employers need your SIN to process your salary, benefits and tax deductions.  Settlement.org has outlined the steps you need to take to get a SIN number here.

Banking and Finances

A bank account is necessary in order to receive and process pay cheques.  Canadians use Interac and credit cards often, and a bank account is necessary to use these forms of payment.  To learn about bank accounts and how to open one, go to the Newcomer Finances Toolkit: Banking document from the Ottawa Community Loan Fund.  The following worksheets are available here:

• Banking (Choosing a bank, opening an account)
• Credit (Building a credit history, lines of credit, loans, and debt)
• Fraud (Identity theft and scams)
• Government Support Programs (GST/HST credit, housing programs, programs for children)
• Income Tax (Returns and filing a return)
• Insurance (Health, life, disability, travel, home, tenant’s, and car insurance)
• Investments (RRSP’s, RESP’s, TFSA’s, and RDSP’s... learn what these mean!)

For more information, visit the Personal Finance section of this website or read the section on banking at Settlement.Org. 

Driver’s Licence

Obtaining an Ontario drivers' licence is often an important part of being able to work in Canada. Here you can get more information on how to obtain an Ontario driver’s licence.

Health Insurance

Be sure to have your Ontario Health Insurance Plan (also referred to as OHIP or health card) coverage established before you start work.  It is a good idea to purchase private health insurance for your first three months in Canada as most immigrants are not eligible for OHIP (Health Card) coverage during this time.  However, if you are a refugee or refugee claimant you are eligible for the Interim Federal Health coverage during your first three months in Canada. You can find more information on health insurance here.

Resources

First Days Guide: A Newcomer's Guide to Their First Two Weeks in Ontario - Settlement.org