You did it. After months — maybe years — of paperwork, waiting, and planning, you are in Canada. What happens next is everything. The decisions you make in your first 90 days here will shape the next several years of your life. This guide covers every step, in the right order, with no filler.

By Maplestime Immigration Desk | Canada | May 23, 2026 Sources: IRCC | Manitoba Start | Immigrant Centre Manitoba| Last verified: May 23, 2026

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Key Takeaways

• Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) within your first week — you cannot work without it
• Health card eligibility begins the day you land in Manitoba — apply immediately
• Canada’s big banks compete aggressively for newcomers — always ask for a Newcomer Banking Package with fee waivers
• Free settlement services are available to all eligible newcomers — but as of April 1, 2026, economic class permanent residents now have a 6-year time limit on access
• Manitoba Start is your first call in Winnipeg — they connect you to every settlement service you need for free
• The first 90 days are the most critical — use this guide as your operational checklist

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You Are Here — And That Is the Hard Part Done

Moving to a new country is one of the most difficult things a person can do. Whatever brought you to Canada — a new job, family, safety, or the belief that this country offers something better — the courage it took to get here is real, and it deserves to be acknowledged.

Now the practical work begins. Canada is a country that genuinely wants you to succeed. Settlement services are available to help newcomers find jobs, contribute to their communities, and fill critical gaps in Canada’s labour market. But those services only work if you know they exist and you access them. That is what this guide is for.

We have built this page as Maplestime’s permanent Newcomer Hub — a resource you can bookmark, share with others in your community, and return to at any point during your settlement journey.

Related: Canada TR to PR 2026 — The In-Canada Workers Initiative Explained

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URGENT — Read This First If You Are an Economic Class Permanent Resident

Something changed on April 1, 2026 that every newcomer needs to know.

Starting April 1, 2026, economic class permanent residents can only access federally funded newcomer services for a limited time. The new rule gives economic immigrants up to 6 years after obtaining permanent residence to access settlement services. Beginning April 1, 2027, that window will further reduce to 5 years after obtaining permanent residence.

The policy applies retroactively to all economic class permanent residents regardless of when they landed. For those who obtained PR status before April 1, 2020, access has already ended under the new calculation.

What this means for you: If you came through Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, or any economic immigration stream — your clock is now running. Do not assume you can access free settlement services years from now. Access them now, while you are eligible.

These changes apply to principal applicants and their accompanying spouses and dependents who received permanent residence through economic immigration programs. Refugees, protected persons, and their families are not subject to the new time limits and continue to have access without a fixed window.

Who is NOT affected by the time limit: Refugees and protected persons. Government-assisted refugees. In-Canada refugee claimants with positive decisions. Palestinians and their families who left Gaza on or after September 1, 2023 — eligible until March 31, 2027.

Check your eligibility: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada.html

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Step 1 — Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

When to do this: Day 1 or Day 2 after landing.

Your Social Insurance Number is a nine-digit number issued by Service Canada. You need it to work legally in Canada, file taxes, access government benefits, and open certain financial accounts. Without it, you cannot start working — even if your employer is ready to hire you immediately.

How to get your SIN:

Go to a Service Canada location in person. In Winnipeg, the main Service Canada centre is located at 391 York Avenue. Bring your original immigration document — your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and your passport. Service Canada will issue your SIN the same day in most cases.

You can also apply online at canada.ca/sin if you have a valid email address and your immigration documents are in order.

Important: Keep your SIN private. Only give it to your employer, your bank, the government, and your tax preparer. Sharing your SIN unnecessarily puts you at risk of identity theft.

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Step 2 — Provincial Health Card

When to do this: Within your first week.

Canada has universal healthcare — but healthcare is managed by each province, not the federal government. The rules differ depending on where you live.

If you are in Manitoba:

Manitoba has no waiting period for health card coverage for permanent residents. You are eligible for Manitoba Health coverage almost immediately upon proving Manitoba residency.

Go to a Manitoba Health registration location or call 204-786-7101 to register. You will need your proof of permanent residency, your Manitoba address, and identification.

If you are in Ontario: Ontario has a three-month waiting period. You must purchase private health insurance to cover yourself and your family for the first three months after landing. Apply for your Ontario Health Card immediately on arrival so coverage begins as soon as the waiting period ends.

If you are in British Columbia: BC has no waiting period for most permanent residents. Apply at a Service BC location with your permanent resident documents.

If you are in Alberta: Alberta has no waiting period for permanent residents. Apply at Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan online or in person.

Find your province’s health registration: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/health-care.html

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Step 3 — Banking in Canada

When to do this: Within your first two weeks.

In Canada, your financial history from home generally does not travel with you. You are starting from zero. However, Canada’s major banks compete aggressively for newcomer business.

Always ask for a Newcomer Banking Package. Every major Canadian bank — RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and National Bank — offers newcomer accounts with significant advantages that standard accounts do not include.

What a good Newcomer Banking Package includes:

• Monthly fee waivers for 12 to 24 months
• Free international money transfers for a limited period
• A credit card with no Canadian credit history required — this is essential for building your credit score
• Dedicated newcomer advisors who understand your situation

Which banks have dedicated newcomer programs:

• Scotiabank StartRight — strong for newcomers from many countries including Nigeria, India, Philippines
• TD Bank Newcomers — widely available across Canada
• RBC Newcomers — strong in major cities
• CIBC Smart Arrival — good for international students and workers

The credit card rule: Even if you have savings, take the newcomer credit card. Use no more than 30 per cent of your credit limit and pay the full balance every month. This builds your Canadian credit history, which you will need for renting an apartment and eventually getting a mortgage.

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Step 4 — Register With a Settlement Agency

When to do this: Within your first two weeks.

This is the step most newcomers either skip or discover too late. Settlement agencies are community organizations funded by the governments of Canada and Manitoba to help you navigate everything — for free, in many languages.

If you are in Winnipeg:

Manitoba Start is the 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.

Manitoba Start is your first call in Winnipeg.

Phone: 204-943-5297 Website: manitobastart.com Address: Depending on your postal code — Manitoba Start operates the ZONE model across Winnipeg

Winnipeg operates under the Zonal Outreach for Newcomer Engagement (ZONE) model, allowing newcomers to access neighbourhood settlement services. Zone Providers offer services in dedicated postal codes, and a Settlement Worker provides one-on-one supports when clients reach out.

ZONE providers across Winnipeg by postal code:

The Immigrant Centre Manitoba is one of the most comprehensive settlement organizations in Winnipeg. Services include needs assessment and referral, settlement, employment, English conversation circles, nutrition classes, verification of translation, letters of invitation to visit, document notarization, interpretation and translation services, driver’s knowledge test lessons, and citizenship test training. Staff work to support newcomers of any immigration category, including Permanent Residents, Refugees, Refugee Claimants, Temporary Foreign Workers, and International Students.

Address: 100 Adelaide Street, Winnipeg, MB Phone: 204-943-9158 Website: icmanitoba.com

Find settlement services anywhere in Canada: ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp

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Step 5 — Housing in Winnipeg

When to do this: Before you arrive if possible. Within first month if not.

Winnipeg is one of Canada’s most affordable major cities for housing — significantly more accessible than Toronto or Vancouver. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg runs approximately $1,300 to $1,700 per month depending on neighbourhood. A two-bedroom ranges from $1,600 to $2,200.

Key Winnipeg neighbourhoods for newcomers:

River Heights and St. Vital — Family-friendly, good schools, close to transit. Quiet residential areas with strong community support networks.

The North End (North Portage, William Whyte) — Historically one of Winnipeg’s most diverse and culturally rich neighbourhoods. Strong community organizations, affordable rents, close to the Immigrant Centre.

St. Boniface — Winnipeg’s historic French-Canadian neighbourhood with significant newcomer communities. Access to French-language services if needed.

Transcona and East Kildonan — Eastern suburbs with newer housing stock. Good for families. Slightly lower density than central Winnipeg.

Where to search for rentals:

• Kijiji Winnipeg — largest rental listings platform in Canada
• Rentals.ca — curated rental listings with verified properties
• Winnipeg Regional Housing Authority — for subsidized and affordable housing options

Before signing any lease in Canada: Read the full Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act. Your landlord cannot charge you a damage deposit more than half a month’s rent. In Manitoba you have strong tenant protections. Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 with any concerns.

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Step 6 — Language Training

When to do this: Within your first month.

English and French language training is one of the core services provided free to eligible newcomers. Get resources to help you improve your English or French — this is one of the primary federal settlement services available to permanent residents.

In Winnipeg, the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC) coordinates English language training for newcomers. Your settlement worker at Manitoba Start will refer you for a language assessment and connect you with the right program for your level.

For French speakers and those wanting French training:

Manitoba has a significant Francophone community. French-language settlement services are available through the Société franco-manitobaine and through federally funded French-language settlement programs across the province.

English online resources you can start today:

• IRCC Language Training Portal
• CLB Language Assessment online for Canadian Language Benchmark levels
• Duolingo for supplementary daily practice

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Step 7 — Getting Your Children Into School

When to do this: Within your first two weeks of arriving.

Education in Canada is free for all children from kindergarten through Grade 12, regardless of immigration status. Children are enrolled based on home address — you register at your local school division office, not at individual schools.

In Winnipeg, the major school divisions are:

• Winnipeg School Division — central and North End Winnipeg
• Seven Oaks School Division — Northwest Winnipeg
• River East Transcona School Division — East Winnipeg and Transcona
• St. Vital School Division / Pembina Trails — South Winnipeg
• Louis Riel School Division — Southeast Winnipeg, strong French immersion programs

What to bring when enrolling your child: Your child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of your Manitoba address, previous school records if available, and any medical documentation relevant to your child’s health needs. Schools are experienced at welcoming newcomer children and provide English Language Learning support at no cost.

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Step 8 — Finding Work in Winnipeg

When to start: Immediately — parallel to all other steps.

Winnipeg’s labour market is one of the most active in Western Canada. Manitoba expects more than 114,300 job openings by 2026, with labour shortages driving hiring across healthcare, education, construction, transportation, retail, public administration, and skilled trades.

For newcomers specifically:

Manitoba Start Employment Services — career assessments, resume help, employer connections, and job placement support. All free.

SEED Winnipeg — employment and financial coaching for newcomers and low-income Manitobans.

The Immigrant Centre Manitoba Employment Services — job search support, credential recognition assistance, and connections to Winnipeg employers.

Getting your credentials recognized: If you were a doctor, engineer, teacher, or other regulated professional in your home country, you will need to have your credentials evaluated for Canadian equivalency. This takes time — start the process immediately.

• Engineers: Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba
• Nurses: College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba
• Teachers: Manitoba Education credential recognition
• All other credentials: World Education Services — WES credential evaluation

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Step 9 — Transportation and Getting Around Winnipeg

When to sort this: Within your first month.

Winnipeg Transit is the public bus system covering most of the city. A monthly adult transit pass costs approximately $108.75 CAD in 2026. Winnipeg Transit routes are available at winnipegtransit.com and on the Transit app for iOS and Android.

Driver’s licence: If you have a valid driver’s licence from your home country, you can drive in Manitoba for up to 3 months. After that, you must exchange it for a Manitoba licence. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Manitoba allowing direct licence exchange — check Autopac for your country’s status.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is the provincial auto insurance provider. All vehicles driven in Manitoba must be insured through MPI — unlike most other provinces where you can choose private insurers.

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Step 10 — Your First Canadian Tax Return

When to do this: Between February and April 30 of the year following your arrival.

Canada taxes income earned from the day you become a Canadian resident. Filing your first tax return is not just a legal obligation — it is how you access benefits you are entitled to.

Benefits tied to your tax return:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — tax-free monthly payments for families with children under 18
• GST/HST Credit — quarterly payments based on income for low and modest-income Canadians
• Canada Workers Benefit — refundable tax credit for eligible low-income workers
• Manitoba Child Benefit — provincial supplement for qualifying families

Learn about your first tax year in Canada, benefits, and credits — this is one of the core settlement resources IRCC makes available to all newcomers.

Free tax filing help for newcomers: The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) provides free tax return preparation for eligible low and modest-income newcomers. Contact Manitoba Start or your settlement agency to connect with CVITP volunteers in Winnipeg.

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Your Complete First 90 Days Checklist

Week 1:

• Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada
• Apply for your Manitoba Health Card
• Open a bank account with a Newcomer Banking Package
• Accept the newcomer credit card — begin building Canadian credit history
• Call Manitoba Start to begin your settlement needs assessment: 204-943-5297

Week 2:

• Register your children at the local school division
• Secure stable housing — review your lease carefully before signing
• Find your ZONE settlement provider based on your postal code
• Set up your first meeting with a settlement worker

Month 1:

• Complete your English language assessment at WELARC if English training is needed
• Begin credential recognition process if you are a regulated professional
• Register with Manitoba Start Employment Services for job search support
• Get your Manitoba driver’s licence if you plan to drive
• Apply for Canada Child Benefit if you have children under 18

Month 2-3:

• Begin filing for GST/HST credit if eligible (can be requested on first tax return)
• Explore community connections through your settlement agency
• Attend IRCOM or Immigrant Centre events to build your social network
• Set up Manitoba Transit monthly pass if commuting by bus

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Free Settlement Resources — Every Organization You Need in Winnipeg

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A Word About the Journey Ahead

Settlement in Canada is not a single moment — it is a process that unfolds over months and years. There will be days when the system feels overwhelming, when paperwork never seems to end, when homesickness arrives without warning, and when the gap between where you are and where you want to be feels wide.

Those feelings are normal. Every person who built a life in Canada went through them.

What helps most is connection — to settlement workers who know the system, to community organizations that genuinely care, to neighbours who have been where you are, and to information resources like this one that give you the tools to navigate with confidence.

Maplestime’s Newcomer Hub is here to be one of those resources. Bookmark this page. Share it with others arriving in Winnipeg. And when new policies change, new resources open, or new challenges emerge for newcomers across Canada — we will update this guide to reflect what is actually happening.

You are not navigating this alone.

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Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | Manitoba Start | Immigrant Centre Manitoba | 211 Manitoba | Government of Manitoba — After You Arrive | IRCC Settlement Eligibility Changes 2026 | Data current as of May 23, 2026. Settlement service rules and resources change regularly — always verify directly with IRCC and service providers.

Have a question or correction? Email [email protected]

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Are you a newcomer to Canada or Winnipeg? What was the hardest part of your first 90 days? Share your experience in the comments — your story could help someone arriving today. And share this guide with anyone you know who is preparing to land in Canada.