Table of Contents
Introduction
– Neighborhoods
– Recreation and Leisure
– Waterloo
– Recreation
– Kitchener
Government Guide
Arriving at Pearson Airport
Transporting Pets
Health
– Private Health Insurance
– OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
– Family Doctor
Accommodation
– Short Term Accommodation
– Long Term Accommodation
Cost of Living
Public Transportation
Important Documents and Banks
Transferring Money Overseas
Schools
Taxes
Other Info
Introduction
Considered the ‘Twin Cities’, Kitchener and Waterloo are in the province of Ontario. Both cities emerge as national leaders in technology, education, commerce and community living. Although, they have separate municipal governments.
Government Guide
The following link gives you access to the government guide on how to settle life in Ontario.
Newcomer’s Guide – Waterloo Region
Find information in your language
Arriving at Waterloo Region
Most international travelers arrive at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto. The airport is 1.5 hour away from Waterloo Region by car. You can take Uber Black, book a seat with Airways Transit or another shuttle service, taxi, limousine companies.
Ground Transportation Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Transporting Pets
Cats and dogs will need a rabies vaccination and you have to bring them with the vaccination certificate. How the certificate should look like is under the following links, as well as container guidelines. Dogs Cats Other Animals
Health
After arrival, when you have your permit handy, you will be able to apply for the government health card (OHIP). However, your coverage may start three months after your arrival date in Ontario. You should get private health care insurance while you wait.
Private Health Insurance
Option 1 – You can find an insurance company in your country and ask its representatives to quote the coverage for you.
Option 2 – You can get a quote from a company operating in Canada:
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
The application can be done online. You will have to upload documents according to your status in Canada.
Family Doctor
In Canada, there are walk-in clinics and hospitals in case of emergency. However, you and/or your family need to find a family doctor to be responsible for your care.
How to find a family doctor in Ontario
Accommodation
In Canada, apartments for rent are usually available to move in on the 1st day of the month. My suggestion is to start looking for advertisement based on the date you will arrive. If you arrive past the 15th of the month, book visits to see places upon arrival.
Short Term Accommodation
- airbnb
- vrbo
- canada stays
- homeaway
- premier suits
Long Term Accommodation
Popular websites to find places to rent (Always book visits to check the place in person – Attention to scams):
Cost of Living
The following links give access to simulation of cost of living by city:
numbeo expatistan government of canada
Important Documents and Banks
1) SIN (Social Insurance Number) – The link SIN will help you to find the closest Service Canada Office. Required documents: passport and permit (original) + inform your address.
2) The Ontario Photo Card (wallet photo card for those who do not have local driver’s licence. It is easier to open a bank account if you have it). Required documents: passport and permit (original) + inform your address + pay fee.
3) The 5 biggest Banks are TD, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Scotiabank, and CIBC. They do offer packages for newcomers. (You can check the links below). Just keep in mind that you need to build a credit score in Canada if you want to buy a house or apply for a mortgage in the future, for example. The credit card is one way of building the score and the banks’ representatives will be able to explain it in detail.
4) Driver’s Licence. “New residents to Ontario with a valid driver’s licence from another province, state or country can use it for 60 days after you move to Ontario.” Find out more about it.
Transferring Money Overseas
Tips: Transferwise WesternUnion
Schools
Settlement – Education Ontario
The Newcomer’s Guide to Elementary School in Ontario
The Newcomer’s Guide to Secondary School in Ontario
The price of the rent will be higher depending on the school of the neighborhood. If it is a good school, the probability is that the rents will be more expensive in the area.
In Ontario, children who are 6-18 years old must attend school, and at age 4 children can begin full day kindergarten program.
Waterloo Region District School Board (take google reviews based on the neighborhood you choose and go in person to visit them).
*Registrations in the Waterloo Region are done online by creating an account as a first step.
Waterloo Region District School Board
Schools will request the following documents’ copies for parent with Work Permit:
● Your Work Permit (and passport)
● Child’s passport
● Proof of residence in Waterloo Region ( a rental agreement or utility bill)
● Proof of baptism may be required at catholic schools
Tip: Collect copies of the documents and ask for authentication at any notary’s office in your country. You do not need to translate the documents.
If both parents are working, there is a service called ‘Before & After School’ available. Programs are offered from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday (except March Break and the non-statutory week at Christmas).
The province of Ontario also has EarlyON centres with drop-in programs for children from birth to 6 years old. It is a place to engage in activities, find information and connect with other families.
Tip: Public libraries have many activities for kids. You can use it as a weekend leisure activity for them.
Taxes
Please, refer to the links below:
Other Info
Renting a home in Canada? Who is involved?
The following link explains general terms, how to find a place, moving in and signing a lease, paying the rent, rent increases and moving out.
My partner has work permit. Can he or she study english?
According to the CIC website, she can study without a study permit if the program of study is 6 months or less – http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=484&top=15
Are there places where I can find my country’s food?
Yes, there are. The following links give you access to a list of grocery stores and how to find restaurants in the Waterloo Region.
Restaurants in Waterloo by TripAdvisor
Restaurants in Kitchener by TripAdvisor
My partner will look for jobs. Is there any support?
Your partner can find help at your local public library and on the immigration website (attention to services restricted to permanent residents and refugees). There are also employment agencies in the region, events or meetups to build networking, and the option of interacting with local people through volunteering (check Link 1 and Link 2).
What are the emergency numbers in the region?
What are the biggest cell phone and internet providers in Canada?
National Internet Providers – Telus, Bell and Rogers
VOIP Phones & Internet Service Providers
Mobile companies – Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Virgin, Mobilicity/Chatr, Wind, Koodo and PC Mobile. The best, cheapest cell phone plans in Canada in Canada in 2018, according to Global News.
What are the Car Sharing Services in Canada?
In many canadian cities it is possible to find an alternative means of transportation, besides public transportation, bikes and taxis. They are the car sharing services, which require subscription fees and offer automobiles of different brands and sizes. Region of Waterloo – Community Car Share