Moving to a new country is exciting, but it also comes with a huge list of tasks. You have to find a place to live, get your paperwork in order, land a job, and hopefully make some friends that will help ease the transition.

In order to streamline this process, we’ve compiled a list of useful resources.

Housing. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Newcomer Site. It is filled with valuable information in a number of languages.

Social Insurance Number. In order to work in Canada or file an income tax return, you need a Social Insurance Number. Apply for one as soon as you arrive. Learn more about it and how to obtain one here.

Health Card. All Canadian citizens, permanent residents and landed immigrants are eligible for Medicare. As soon as you arrive in Canada, apply for a health insurance card for each member of your family. In order to do this, contact the Ministry of Health in the province or territory in which you are moving to (or living in).

Driver’s License. A foreign driver’s license may only be valid for a short period of time once you have settled in Canada. In order to continue operating a motor vehicle, as well as to have a valid piece of photo I.D., obtain a driver’s license from your Provincial Motor Vehicle Licensing Agency.

Free Basic English and French Classes. If you would like help with your English or French speaking skills, free classes are available across the country for permanent and landed immigrants. For more information, click here.

Creating a Support Network & Community. By far one of the hardest aspects of moving to a newcountry is meeting new people and creating a network of friends and support systems. Amintro is the social community designed exclusively for those fifty plus looking to make friends and increase their social circles.

A wonderful resource for immigrants to Canada, Amintro allows users to create a safe online profile where they can highlight who they are as a person, what kind of life experiences they have, and what kind of social circles they are looking to join. Through their profile members can also identify where they were born, what languages they speak, what line of work they’re in, and any other qualities that make them who they are.

With this online community, newcomers to Canada can find and connect with others who come from similar backgrounds, speak their native language, as well as help each other get accustomed to life in a new country.

Join for free here or learn more about us, our community and how to become an Amintronian by following us on Twitter: @AmintroFriends, or liking us on Facebook: AmintroFriends.

By Christine Tompa