After You Arrive

Important first steps

• Apply for a Social Insurance Number. The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9 digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.
• To be eligible for Manitoba Health coverage, you are required to have a work permit of one year or more. Individuals and families will need a copy of their identity documents, their visa (both work or visitor visas are accepted) and a Manitoba address. If you are not eligible for Manitoba Health coverage, it is recommended you purchase private health insurance, if you have not done so already. Apply for Manitoba Health Care Coverage (a Manitoba Health Card) for you and all members of your family.
• Visit the bank or credit union where you plan to do your banking. If you have already transferred money to your new bank/credit union, drop by to introduce yourself and, if necessary, to get advice on managing your money.
• There are resources for newcomers to learn about what renting in Manitoba is all about. Topics include: rights and responsibility of the tenant and landlord, lease agreements, security deposits and more. See below under “Housing” for useful links.
• Housing and Benefit Advisors at New Journey Housing can meet with newcomers to help them apply for financial benefits they are eligible for, help them with filing tax returns year-round, and advocate on their behalf when conflicts arise. They also offer many workshops and other resources to help newcomers with managing their money. See link under “Housing” below.
• There are many resources available to families living in Manitoba on a permanent or temporary basis to access licensed child-care services. See the section below on “Childcare and Early Childhood Education” for more information.
• For information on Kindergarten to Grade 12 education, please see the “Education: K-12 Schools” link under “Schools and Education” section below.
• See the Quick Links below to find a variety of services that you will need as you settle
• If your destination is Winnipeg, Manitoba Start is a one-stop organization that connects newcomers to settlement, orientation, language and employment services. Manitoba Start will conduct a needs and assets assessment and refer individuals to a settlement worker and relevant services, including settlement services, health care, child care, education, housing and employment services.
• The Immigrant Centre also provides free settlement and employment services, along with many other programs for newcomers.
• For general information on services available in Manitoba, visit 211, or call 211 from any landline or mobile device.
• If your destination is outside Winnipeg, visit a settlement agency near you. For names and locations of agencies both in Winnipeg and across Manitoba, visit our Directory of Services page.

Quick Links