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Settling in Toronto

A practical guide for Arabic-speaking newcomers to Toronto — documents, healthcare, housing, work, language and emergencies, with links to the official source for each.

العربية

IDs & Documents

Your guide to obtaining official documents in Toronto and Ontario

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A 9-digit number you need to work in Canada and access government services

Visit a Service Canada centre with your passport and immigration document

Source: Apply for a Social Insurance Number · Last verified 2025-12-01

Ontario Health Card (OHIP)

Provincial health insurance card - covers most medical services for free

3-month waiting period from arrival date. Consider temporary private insurance

Emergency numbers

Banking

Opening a Bank Account

Healthcare

Walk-in Clinics

Emergency numbers

Housing

Employment

Language Learning

Emergency Services

911

Emergency numbers

Local organisations

Arab Community Centre of Toronto

Services: Settlement assistance · Language classes · Employment services

416-231-7746

https://www.arabcommunitycentre.com

COSTI Immigrant Services

Services: LINC programs · Employment assistance · Youth services

416-658-1600

https://www.costi.org