Welcome to Toronto — Canada’s largest and most diverse city!

Whether you’re arriving for work, school, or to start a new life with your family, your first 90 days in Toronto are crucial. From getting your documents to finding housing, healthcare, and schools, this guide breaks down every step you need to take to settle confidently and begin building your new Canadian story. Settling in Toronto can be a rewarding experience if you follow the right steps.

Toronto is more than just Canada’s financial capital — it’s a vibrant, multicultural metropolis where over half of the residents were born outside Canada. With more than 150 languages spoken daily and representation from over 250 countries, Toronto truly is the most diverse city in the world. This diversity creates a welcoming environment where newcomers can find their community while building new opportunities. However, settling in such a dynamic city requires planning, patience, and the correct information to navigate those critical first three months. Understanding the process of settling in Toronto is essential for a successful transition.

Step 1: The First 2 Weeks — Get Your Essentials in Place

Before you start exploring Toronto’s neighborhoods and opportunities, you need to handle the administrative basics that will make everyday life significantly easier.

Apply for Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your Social Insurance Number is the foundation of your financial life in Canada. You’ll need your SIN to work legally, file taxes, access government benefits, and open bank accounts. The good news is that applying is straightforward — you can visit any Service Canada Centre in person or apply online at the Service Canada website.

Nearest Office Example: Service Canada – 559 College Street, Toronto, ON

Pro Tip: Guard your SIN carefully. This nine-digit number is highly sensitive personal information. Only share it with employers, financial institutions, and government agencies when necessary. Legitimate organizations will never ask for your SIN via email or phone.

Open a Canadian Bank Account

All central Canadian banks — RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC — offer specialized newcomer packages designed to ease your transition. These packages typically include no monthly fees for up to 12 months, free transactions, and often include credit-building tools specifically designed for people without a Canadian credit history.

Documents you’ll need:

• Valid passport
• Immigration documents (work permit, study permit, or PR card)
• Proof of address (can be temporary accommodation initially)

When you visit the bank, please ask specifically about their credit-building programs for newcomers. Many banks offer secured credit cards that require a small deposit but help you establish the credit history you’ll need for larger purchases, rental applications, and future financial opportunities. Some banks now offer mobile-first banking solutions with extensive ATM networks, which is crucial given that Canada has transitioned mainly to digital banking. Look for YouTube tutorials or your bank’s website resources to learn the system quickly.

Get a Local SIM Card & Phone Plan

Staying connected is essential, especially during your first weeks as you navigate a new city, attend appointments, and search for housing and employment. Providers like Freedom Mobile, Fido, Koodo, and Rogers offer affordable newcomer plans with varying data packages, speeds, and coverage areas. Compare options based on where you’ll be spending most of your time — downtown coverage differs from suburban areas, and some providers offer better service along subway lines.

Step 2: Weeks 3–5 — Find a Place to Call Home

Toronto’s housing market is competitive and expensive, but understanding your options and the city’s diverse neighborhoods can help you find a place that fits both your lifestyle and budget.

Start with Short-Term Housing

If you haven’t secured permanent housing before arrival, begin with temporary accommodation for 2–4 weeks. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods in person and understand commute times to your workplace or school. Use trusted platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace.

Critical Safety Tip: Toronto’s rental market, while generally safe, does have scams targeting newcomers. You can always view properties in person or request a live video tour before you pay any deposits. Never send money via wire transfer to someone you haven’t met, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Explore Toronto’s Neighborhoods

Toronto is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own character, community, and price point. Here are some newcomer-friendly areas to consider:

Average Rent (2025):

• 1-bedroom apartment: $2,300–$2,700/month
• 2-bedroom apartment: $2,800–$3,500/month
• 3-bedroom apartment: $3,400–$4,200/month

Recent market trends show that Toronto’s condo rental market is giving renters more negotiating power due to increased supply. This means you may find better deals and landlords more willing to negotiate terms, especially if you’re prepared to sign a longer lease.

Understand Lease Agreements

Most residential leases in Toronto run for 12 months and require a first and last month’s rent deposit at signing. Read your lease carefully — it should clearly state the monthly rent, lease duration, notice period for moving out, included utilities (if any), subletting rules, and pet policies. Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act protects tenant rights, including limits on rent increases and requirements for proper notice of entry by landlords. Familiarize yourself with these protections through resources like the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Step 3: Weeks 6–8 — Register for Healthcare & Schools

Apply for OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)

Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded, but you need to register for provincial coverage. Apply for OHIP as soon as possible after arrival — processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, and there’s often a three-month waiting period before coverage begins, depending on your immigration status. You’ll need proof of immigration status, proof of Ontario residence, and government-issued identification.

Apply for OHIP here

Important Note: You may need private health insurance to cover the waiting period until your OHIP card arrives and becomes active. Many employers offer this, or you can purchase temporary coverage from private insurers.

Find a Family Doctor

Use Ontario’s Health Care Connect program to register and find doctors accepting new patients in your area. Having a family doctor is crucial for preventive care, prescriptions, and specialist referrals. Find a Doctor here.

For immediate non-emergency care, walk-in clinics are available throughout Toronto, and many accept OHIP cards once your coverage is active.

Enroll Your Children in School

Public education in Ontario is free for residents and newcomers, including permanent residents and those on work or study permits. Toronto has two main public school boards:

School Boards:

• Toronto District School Board (TDSB) — secular public schools
• Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) — Catholic public schools

You’ll need your child’s passport, immunization records, and proof of address to enroll. Contact schools directly or visit the board websites for enrollment procedures. Toronto’s schools reflect the city’s diversity, with many offering English as a Second Language (ESL) support programs and cultural organizations that help children integrate while maintaining their heritage.

Step 4: Weeks 9–12 — Build Your Financial & Professional Life

Rewrite Your Resume for Canadian Employers

Canadian resume conventions differ significantly from those in other countries. A Canadian-style résumé should be concise (typically 1-2 pages), focus on measurable achievements and relevant skills, and exclude personal information like photos, age, marital status, or religion. Emphasize results and use action verbs to describe your accomplishments.

Apply for Jobs and Networking Programs

Toronto’s job market is robust but competitive. The city serves as Canada’s business and financial capital, with approximately 40% of the country’s business headquarters located here. The economy is diversified across technology, finance, healthcare, green energy, film production, and professional services.

Use job portals like:

• Job Bank Canada
• Indeed
• LinkedIn

Visit local employment centres:

• Toronto Newcomer Office
• COSTI Immigrant Services
• YMCA Employment Centres
• TRIEC (Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council)
• Career Edge

Networking is crucial — Toronto’s job market operates significantly on personal connections. Attend industry meetups, join professional associations like the Canadian Marketing Association or sector-specific groups, and leverage networking platforms. Events like Obsidi’s BFUTR conference and groups like Monday Girl offer valuable networking opportunities specifically for newcomers.

Consider professional organizations relevant to your field. While membership fees may be an investment, they provide access to job postings, mentorship, and the professional connections that often lead to opportunities before they’re publicly advertised.

Build Your Credit and Budget

Open a secured credit card and use it responsibly to start building your Canadian credit score. Pay the full balance each month and keep utilization below 30% of your limit. This credit history becomes essential for everything from renting apartments to financing vehicles or eventually qualifying for a mortgage.

Average Monthly Costs in Toronto (Family of 4):

Toronto’s cost of living is high, requiring careful budgeting. However, there are programs to help lower-income residents. The Fair Pass Transit Discount Program provides 36% off single TTC fares and 21% off monthly passes for eligible low-income residents. Settlement agencies often offer free financial literacy workshops to help newcomers understand budgeting in the Canadian context.

Transportation Note: The TTC currently charges $156 for adult monthly passes, but is considering implementing fare capping, which would eliminate the upfront cost and automatically provide free rides after a certain number of trips each month. Single rides cost $3.35 with a PRESTO card, and the system offers two-hour transfers that allow unlimited travel within that window.

Step 5: Get Involved and Feel at Home

Toronto thrives on its diversity and offers countless opportunities to connect with communities, cultures, and causes that matter to you. Making these connections early helps you build a support network, learn about unwritten cultural norms, and truly feel at home.

Popular resources include:

• Toronto Public Library newcomer programs (free English classes, conversation circles, job search support)
• Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto
• Access Alliance Multicultural Health
• Settlement.Org — comprehensive information resource for Ontario newcomers
• Hundreds of ethnocultural community centers and organizations

Attend cultural festivals — Toronto hosts events year-round that celebrate communities from around the world. Volunteer with local organizations. Join sports leagues, hobby groups, or religious communities. These connections aren’t just about socializing; they’re often where you’ll hear about job opportunities, housing leads, and practical tips that aren’t found in guidebooks.

Toronto acknowledges that it sits on the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. Learning about this history and the ongoing presence of Indigenous communities enriches your understanding of your new home.

Final Thoughts

Toronto is fast-paced, expensive, and incredibly competitive, but it’s also full of opportunities, welcoming communities, and resources specifically designed to help newcomers succeed. The city’s diversity means you’ll find familiar foods, hear your language spoken, and meet people who understand the challenges and excitement of building a new life in Canada.

The key to thriving in Toronto is staying organized, patient, and proactive during your first 90 days. Each administrative step — from getting your SIN to opening bank accounts- lays the foundation for your new life. Each connection you make, whether through employment centers, community organizations, or neighborhood events, expands your network and opportunities.

Remember that virtually everyone in Toronto has a newcomer story, whether it’s their own or their parents’ or grandparents’. The city was built by waves of immigration and continues to be shaped by people like you who chose to make it home. Your skills, experiences, and perspectives are valuable contributions to Toronto’s continuing evolution.

Be patient with yourself as you navigate new systems, cultural differences, and the inevitable challenges of transition. Use the extensive settlement services available — they exist because Canada recognizes that supporting newcomers benefits everyone. Stay connected with your community, but also embrace opportunities to try new things and meet people from different backgrounds.

Welcome to Toronto. Welcome home. ❤️