Steps after you arrive in Canada: advice from my personal experience
I came to Canada 10 years ago as an immigrant from Pakistan. I know first-hand the kind of struggles and challenges newcomers face such as learning the local language, and how to adapt to all the little things that are so different in Canada, such as writing a Canadian styled resume!
If you are a newcomer looking for some tips, I will give you some from my personal experience.
English classes
The language barrier is the main challenge which mostly newcomers face if their first language is not English. I recommend that your first step is to book an English Language assessment and then register for LINC/ESL classes. English classes were so helpful for me: I felt more confident to talk in English and socialize with other newcomers who became my friends. In addition to learning English, we also learned a lot about Canada together.
Preparing for employment
Preparing for Employment is the next step once your language has improved enough to look for a job. My advice is to get help from an Employment Specialist so they will help you with your resume and help you with the job search process. If you are unsure about Canadian culture and communication in the workplace, I highly suggest you take a course focused on that before you see an Employment specialist. I took ELT which taught me a lot about Canadian workplace culture before I started looking for a job.
Find your neighbouhood school
Finding your neighbourhood school, if you have school-aged children, and registering them so they can attend as soon as possible. In Halton, the Welcome Centre can also help you register your kids in a school and answer any questions you have about the school system.
Get a library membership
Libraries are like a community centre in your neighbourhood, with so much more than books! I recommend you find your nearest Library on google maps and go there with an ID card that has your address on it. Why? Because this proves you are a resident, and libraries give out free library cards to residents! After you get your card you can borrow books and e-books, and many resources for the whole family. They also have children’s reading circles and a variety of programs for kids, as well as conversation circles for adult newcomers and so much more!
Visit your local community centre
At the local Community Recreation Centres, which are run by the town or city you live in, you can sign up for skating and swimming lessons and much more for a minimal fee. There is a program full of different programs for your whole family including March Break and Summer Day camps for kids. If you have very young children, you can also take them to an Early ON Centre in your community where the programs are free.
Find a daycare program
Early ON Centre, which can be found in cities and towns across Ontario, is where I took my daughter when she was six months old, during the week and even weekends! She learned different rhymes and played with other kids while I had conversations with other parents. These opportunities in the community can also help you and your kids to make friends and start to feel more connected.
Meet people and make new friends
From my experience, when you make some connections within the community you live in, it can help you overcome some of the initial struggles with loneliness and feelings of disconnection you can feel in a new country. Canada is a country full of opportunities for newcomers.
Contact a Settlement Information Specialist in your area to get personalized guidance customized for your situation and neighbourhood.