General information about life in Canada

General information about life in Canada

1- Healthcare: One of the most important issues for newcomers, once they arrive to Canada is to apply for a health insurance card. Each family member must have their own card. We help newcomers fill out the application forms and direct them where and how to apply for the health card. Be advised before coming to Canada that in some provinces there is three months waiting period before one becomes eligible for medicare coverage. For information about health-care services covered by health insurance, please visit: www.cic.gc.ca.

2- Education: We provide newcomers with information about: a) School system in order to help them enroll their children in schools in close proximity to their place of residence. b) English language assessment centers and procedures c) Information about agencies for credential assessment of their academic and professional certificates. d) Any other specific Canadian education programs offered in colleges and universities. e) Ontario Student Assistant Program (OSAP) which provides financial assistance for residential students

3- Employment: In order to be legally employed in Canada one must apply for a social insurance number (SIN). We provide newcomers with application forms and assist them in filling and preparing all the needed documents, as well as finding the closest Service Canada Centre. Settlement workers can provide interpretation services for newcomers who have difficulties communicating in the English language during the application process. Settlement workers advise clients on the importance of protecting SIN numbers from fraud. We provide initial employment assessment and referrals to relevant community organizations providing job search workshops and other employment programs.

4- Transportation: We provide newcomers with information about: a) Canadian rules and regulations to obtain a driver license and locate the nearest driving school. b) How to use the public transportation system, maps, bus routes and fares and to search the internet for their destinations.

5- Housing: Through one-on-one consultation or in group sessions, ISAP’s settlement workers provide clients with information about housing in Canada. Through our center new comers learn about different types of housing in Canada; furnished or unfurnished, Bachelor or studio apartment, duplex, Townhouse, Condominium. We guide our clients to the easiest ways to find housing including searches of the classified advertisements in the local newspaper, monthly housing magazines and the internet. We advise new comers to plan carefully how much income to spend on housing and utilities. Some areas are more expensive than others either to rent or purchase…so take your time and consult with friends and families or the community organizations in your area. To find out more about housing in Canada and your rights, visit the web site www.cic.gc.ca or www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

6- Social Assistance: We provide our clients with information about Ontario Works; eligibility criteria, office locations and all information required to apply. We provide support in filling out applications and interpretation services as needed.