Arrival checklist
New to Kitchener or Canada? These are some of the first things you may need to do.
Your first steps
Get important documents
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Apply for an Ontario health card (OHIP), if eligible
- Get your immigration, refugee and citizenship documents together
- Secure your Ontario Diverse Licence, permits and transportation documents
- Apply for an Ontario Photo Identification Card
Note: keep your immigration and identification documents safe
Find a place to live
- Look for temporary or long-term housing
- Learn about renting in Ontario and your rights as a tenant
Set up your finances
- Open a bank account
- Learn about credit in Canada
- Learn about taxes and benefits
Access health care
- Learn about healthcare and coverage options for health coverage if eligible
- Find a family doctor, clinic or other healthcare provider
- Find mental health and wellbeing supports
Register children for school or childcare
- Learn how to register for school
- Find licensed childcare
- Learn about childcare subsidies
Get connected
- Contact a settlement organization
- Learn about public transit
- Get a Kitchener Public Library card
- Find community programs, recreation and volunteer opportunities
Learn more: Government of Canada newcomer services | New to Waterloo Region | Immigration Waterloo Region Arrival Checklist
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.