Common questions

• Do I have to wait three months for health coverage

  No. Ontario removed the three month waiting period for new residents who qualify, so apply for OHIP as soon as you have an address and your documents.

  How to apply for OHIP

• Can I get healthcare without OHIP

  Yes, but you may have to use another coverage program or pay a fee. Refugee claimants may have federal coverage, students often have school plans, and some community health centres and uninsured clinics can help.

  Options while waiting for coverage

• Do I need a referral to see a specialist

  A referral is commonly required for publicly funded specialist care. Start with a family doctor, nurse practitioner or another service that can assess your concern.

  How referrals work

• Are prescriptions or dental care free

  OHIP does not usually cover prescriptions used at home or routine dental care. Public programs may help depending on age, income, insurance and eligibility.

  Programs that may help

• What can I do if I cannot find a family doctor

  Register with Health Care Connect, ask a community health centre whether they are taking patients, and use walk in clinics or Health811 while you wait.

  Finding a family doctor

• Do I need Canadian credit to rent

  No law says every tenant must have Canadian credit. A landlord may ask for financial information, and a newcomer can offer other reasonable proof of ability to pay.

  Prepare a rental application

• Can a landlord evict me immediately

  A notice does not always mean you must leave immediately. The landlord must follow the legal process, and only the Landlord and Tenant Board can issue an eviction order.

  Understand the eviction process

• How much money do I need to rent an apartment

  Usually first month rent plus a last month rent deposit. A landlord in Ontario cannot ask for a damage deposit or several months in advance.

  What renting really costs

• Can an employment agency charge me

  Ontario rules generally prohibit temporary help agencies and recruiters from charging workers a fee for finding work. Report suspicious requests and keep records.

  Know your rights at work

• What if my employer does not pay me

  Keep your contract, hours, schedules, messages and pay records. Contact the Ministry of Labour or a community legal clinic promptly because time limits can apply.

  Where to get help

• Can my landlord raise the rent whenever they want

  For most units, no. A landlord can raise rent once every twelve months with ninety days written notice, and usually not above the provincial guideline. Buildings first occupied after November 2018 are an exception.

  Your rights as a tenant

• What is wind chill

  Wind chill describes how cold the air feels on exposed skin when wind is included. It helps you decide how quickly frostbite could become a risk.

  Understand a winter forecast

• What is the Air Quality Health Index

  It is a scale that shows the short term health risk from outdoor air pollution. Check it when smoke or poor air quality is expected.

  Summer air and heat safety

• What belongs in an emergency kit

  Keep water, food, a flashlight, a radio, medication, first aid supplies, copies of documents, cash and supplies for children or pets for at least three days.

  Build an emergency kit

• Do I have rights at work if I am new to Canada

  Yes. Employment standards apply to you as long as you are allowed to work here. That includes minimum wage, overtime, holidays, vacation and a safe workplace.

  Your rights at work

• Will my degree be recognized here

  It depends on the field. A credential evaluation shows employers the Canadian equivalent of your degree, and regulated professions have their own licensing path with bridge programs to help.

  Credentials and bridging

• How do I enrol my children in school

  Contact the local school board with proof of address, your child immigration document and vaccination records. Children can attend public school whatever your status is.

  Your first weeks in Ontario

• What should I buy before my first winter

  An insulated winter coat, waterproof boots with grip, warm socks, gloves, a hat and a scarf. Buy in autumn while stock is full and prices are lower.

  Getting through winter

• Where can I sleep tonight if I have nowhere to go

  Call 211 at any hour and say you need emergency shelter. Shelters are free and staff can refer you to health care, legal help and housing workers.

  If you have nowhere to stay

• Is it safe to ask for mental health help

  Yes. Asking for support does not affect your immigration status. Crisis lines answer at any hour and many counselling services are free and available in other languages.

  Mental health support

Last reviewed: August 5, 2026