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General Government Immigration Information
Where can I find basic information about immigration to Toronto, Ontario and Canada?
City of Toronto: Information for new immigrants / Immigration
Government of Ontario - Immigration
Government of Canada - Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Frequently Asked Questions about immigration from the Government of Canada
General Ontario Services for Immigration
Where can I get help settling in Ontario?
Settlement.Org - website for newcomers to Ontario supported by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Government of Ontario
General Toronto Services for Immigration
Where can I find immigration services in the Greater Toronto Area?
211 Toronto - Directory of 20,000+ community, social, health and government services in the Greater Toronto Area
COSTI Immigrant Services - non-profit funded by national, provincial and municipal governments offering wide range of programs and services to new Canadians
CultureLink - Toronto Settlement Agency funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, City of Toronto, The Trillium Foundation and the United Way of Greater Toronto
YMCA Toronto - charity offering resources to newcomers across the GTA
Citizenship, Immigration and Travel
Where can I locate general information about Canadian immigration and citizenship?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada:
How do I obtain a temporary resident visa?
Application and forms via Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Visa offices by country
How do I obtain a permanent resident card?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Permanent Resident Card: Overview (information on obtaining a permanent resident card from Citizenship and Immigration Canada)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Application for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
Where can I take courses to prepare me for the Canadian citizenship test?
Canadian Citizenship Classes at the Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library - Canadian Citizenship Practice Test
Toronto District School Board - Citizenship Preparation Programs
What information on Toronto is there for visitors and tourists?
City of Toronto - Visitor Information
Ontario Ministry of Tourism - Visitor Information
Citizen and Immigration Canada - Visitor Information
Orientation to the Greater Toronto Area
Is there anywhere that can help me adjust to my new community?
Toronto Public Library - Immigrant Settlement and Orientation Resources (Toronto Public Library’s introductory page to its services and resources for newcomers)
Toronto Public Library - Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto (SEPT) - Collaborative program bringing settlement workers from various agencies into Toronto Public Library branches to work with newcomers
Toronto Public Library - Ask a Librarian - Try the TPL’s Answerline for brief answers to questions and directions to more resources
City of Toronto - Access Toronto Publications - City Guide (Available in English, French, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil and Vietnamese) - City of Toronto produced booklet containing general information about services and programs
Is there information about specific areas in Toronto, including my community?
Check out these profiles of various Toronto neighbourhoods describing the cultural and economic makeup of the city:
City of Toronto - Toronto Neighbourhood Profiles
Tourism Toronto - Neighbourhoods
Where can I learn about the Canadian education system?
Government of Canada – Study in Canada page offers useful information about the Canadian education system, student visas, links to programs by province etc
What programs does the government have for learning English?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - LINC - Page with information about the Canadian government’s LINC (Language Instruction for newcomers to Canada) program that includes addresses and phone numbers for assessment offices across Canada
What educational programs are offered in Ontario?
Ontario Ministry of Education – Excellent website with information for parents, students and teachers about kindergarten, elementary, high school, post-secondary and special education programs
Settlement.org – Non-profit organization that gives links to many excellent websites about education and other services available to newcomers in Ontario
What educational programs are offered in Toronto?
Toronto District School Board - Provides information about local ESL classes for adults and children, as well as PDF’s of the annual and summer calendars
Literacy
Where can I get help learning to read and write?
Alphaplus - Provides literacy resources for learners and teachers
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities – Offers literacy, numeracy and other basic skills training
Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy – Allows you to search for a literacy program in your area
ESL and Adult Education
Where can I find out if I am eligible for the Canadian Government’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program?
LINC - Lists locations and addresses for LINC assessment centres by province
How can I get help finding English classes and other services for newcomers to Canada?
YMCA Newcomer Centres - Can help you find agencies where people speak your own language, English classes in your area, affordable housing and other services
What are Canadian standards for teaching and testing language in adult ESL programs?
Centre for Canadian Language and Literacy Benchmarks – Explains the benchmarks for Canadian language and literacy, offers locations of CCLB assessment centres, and provides downloadable brochures for learners
Where can I find ESL classes in Toronto?
Toronto School District Board - A guide to the TSDB adult education services Includes PDF versions of the 2006 ESL Brochure and 2006 ESL Summer Program
Toronto Public Library – Has excellent information about where to locate ESL education in Toronto, and also explains how to locate ESL resources in your public library
Postsecondary Education (University and College)
How can I get general information about post-secondary education in Canada?
Government of Canada - Webpage with information about studying in Ontario including undergraduate and international applications
Where can I find a list of Canadian universities and colleges?
Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities – Links and information about apprenticeships, colleges, universities and careers throughout Ontario
Canadian Information Center for International Credentials – Directory of recognized and authorized postsecondary institutions in Canada
How can I apply to study in Ontario?
Ontario Universities Application Centre – Offers downloadable application forms for study in Ontario
How can I find an exam centre for TOEFL, TOEIC and other language assessment tests?
ETS – Non-profit organization that provides locations of exam centres, resources for test-takers, and information about programs for English language learners of all ages
Academic Credential Assessment
Where can I get my educational credentials evaluated?
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials – Offers both academic and employment credential evaluation services
International Credential Services of Canada – Bilingual website offering credential evaluation in both English and French
ESL and Children/Youth Education
How do I enroll my children in public school?
Settlement.org: Newcomer’s Guides to Elementary School – PDF’s in more than twenty languages that explain the enrolment process
What services are available to help my children get settled in school?
Settlement Works in Schools (SWIS) – Information and Links about SWIS and SWIS funded agencies
What programs are there to help my children learn to read and write?
Toronto District School Board - Literacy and numeracy programs for elementary school students
What ESL programs are available for my children?
Toronto District School Board – Links and PDF’s to detailed information about elementary, secondary and ESL education in Toronto schools
Where can I find general information about working?
Ontario Immigration - Working - Comprehensive guide to working in Ontario for immigrants
211 Toronto - Employment, Education and Training - Listings of agencies and services dealing with issues of employment, education and training
Settlement.Org - Employment Resources - Settlement.Org’s guide to employment in Ontario
Ontario Network for Internationally Trained Professionals Online - Employment and career networking site for those with international training
Possibilities: Toronto's Online Employment Resource Centre
How can I have my previous career achievements recognized here?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker - Overview of information relevant for skilled workers wishing to immigrate to Canada
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Assessment of Credentials - Federal listing of services for the assessment of international credentials for skilled workers
Ontario - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition - Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration page on the assessment and recognition of work-related knowledge and practical or clinical skills
How can I get a permit to work temporarily in Toronto?
Ontario - Work Permits - how and when to obtain a work permit for those wishing to work temporarily in Ontario
Working Temporarily in Canada - Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s overview of information for individuals seeking to work temporarily in Canada
Application and forms for temporary work permits available online from Citizenship and Immigration Canada
How is my profession regulated, licensed, or certified? Are there any professional associations I could join?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Regulated and Non-Regulated Occupations - information on regulatory bodies and licensing agencies for professions from Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Ontario - Getting Licensed and Regulated Professions - Guide to licensing and regulated professions in Ontario for the internationally trained
211 Ontario - Guide to Working in the Professions and Trades - Guide for those with international training who are looking for work in a profession or trade in Ontario
Settlement.Org - How can I work in my trade again?
Poss.ca - Introduction to Associations - An overview of how to get involved with career-related associations, and the benefits of doing so
How can I obtain a Social Insurance Number?
Government of Ontario information on obtaining a Social Insurance Number
Government of Canada’s guide to obtaining a Social Insurance Number
How much of my income is affected by taxes and other deductions?
Government of Canada guide to employment-related deductions and taxable benefits
How do I find a job? - Opportunities, Searching, Listings, Training and Career information
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - A Newcomer's Introduction to Canada - Job Opportunities
Inventory of Programs and Services - IPS - Database of Employment Programs and Services in Ontario
Settlement.Org - Job Profiles
Skills International - Candidate Information
Toronto Public Library - Job Searching and Training for Newcomers
Toronto Public Library - Job Career and Volunteering Resources for Youth
Toronto Training Board - Job Board links / Training Resources
YMCA Toronto - Job Resources
Where can I find information about local government?
City of Toronto - Access Toronto Publications - Municipal Government Information Brochure (Available in English, French, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil and Vietnamese).
How can I find my consulate in Canada?
Array Development Directory of Diplomatic Representatives in Canada - Commercial site that gives an alphabetical directory of foreign diplomats and consulates in Canada
Where can I find a Canadian consulate outside Canada?
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada – Government guide to Canadian consulates, embassies and high commissions abroad.
Where can I read about Canadian government news in my own language?
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Ontario – Government news releases in sixteen languages. Also includes current citizenship and immigration information
How do I find out about taxes?
Revenue Canada – an explanation of Canadian tax procedures for new Canadians
How can I get health information?
Public Health Agency of Canada - Canadian Health Network
Am I eligible for Ontario health insurance?
How do I get a health card?
How do I find a doctor?
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario websites allows you search for information about physicians, if they are accepting new patients, their phone numbers, addresses, and credentials
Where can I go for healthcare if I don’t have a doctor?
If you don’t have a family doctor, you can see a doctor at a health clinic. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care website lists health clinics in communities across the province
Immigrant Women's Health Centre
Telehealth Ontario allows you to speak to a registered nurse for free by telephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Toronto Health Connection provides free, confidential health information and advice
Who can I call in an emergency?
In an emergency, you should telephone Toronto Emergency Services by dialing 9-1-1 on the telephone. For more information, look on their website
You can get help in an emergency even if you don’t speak English; 9-1-1 Emergency services are available in 150 different languages
Where are the hospitals in Toronto?
211 Toronto - Hospital Search
Where can I get information about nutrition?
Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating
Links to Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating in Chinese, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu, and Vietnamese
How do I find a place to live?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Finding a place to live
Fact Sheet: Finding a Place to Live - provides very basic information on the different types of housing available, where to look for rental listings, what is included in an apartment rental, basic info about leases and buying a home
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – Canada’s national housing agency gives information on renting or buying a home, affordable housing, mortgages, and more
Where can I find out about different neighbourhoods to live in?
City of Toronto - Neighbourhood demographics
What are my legal rights and obligations as a tenant?
Guide to tenant rights brochure (PDF)
How does Canada’s legal system work?
Where can I get affordable legal advice?
Legal advice and services for low-income individuals
List of community legal clinics
Settlement.Org - Information in Your Language
Toronto Public Library - Multilingual Collections (books, videos, etc)
City of Toronto - Access Toronto Publications
How do I get an Ontario driver’s license?
How do I find bus, subway or GO train schedules?
Where can I find out about parking?
Where can I find maps of Toronto?
TOMaps - City of Toronto Maps
Where can I find an interpreter or translator?
Multilingual Community Interpreter Services Ontario – A registered non-profit agency that has been providing interpretation services to non-English/French speaking individuals since 1989.
Toronto Public Library – Offers links to both community and commercial interpreters and translators.
Settlement.org – Explains the different kinds of interpreters and translators that are available and offers a searchable database for locating them.
What youth-specific resources and activities are there in Toronto?
Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC) - the official voice for youth at City Hall
Toronto Public Library’s RAMP for Youth - TPL’s website for young people: library information, discussion groups, homework help, and more
211 Toronto - Services for Youth - Listings of agencies and services for youth in the GTA
YouthUnited.ca - The United Way’s homepage detailing events and opportunities for young people
Toronto Public Library – Job, career, and volunteering resources for youth