9. How much money should I bring upon entry? Will future funds brought into the country be taxed?
* The government requires new immigrants to bring enough funds to cover at least six months of living expenses upon arrival to facilitate their adaptation. The specific amount is roughly 10,000 CAD per person, plus an additional 2,000 CAD for each additional family member. For example, a family of three would need approximately 14,000 CAD. Personal funds brought into Canada later are not taxed; however, if you bring in more than 100,000 CAD at one time, the tax authorities may investigate whether you have previously declared such overseas assets.
10. How cold is winter in Toronto? What kind of clothing should I bring?
* In winter, temperatures in Toronto can drop as low as -20 to -30 degrees Celsius. However, almost all indoor spaces and public buses maintain a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius or higher. Therefore, aside from spending less time on outdoor activities, the cold is not particularly daunting. Generally, thick, long coats that are easy to put on and take off when entering buildings are very practical, while items like thermal leggings are rarely worn.
11. How do I set up a telephone service?
* New immigrants need to go to a Bell Phone Center to fill out an application form, and they will generally be required to pay a 200 CAD deposit. If the schedule is not busy, the phone company will usually send someone to install the phone service within 3 to 5 business days. If the residence already has a telephone jack, the phone company usually does not need to send someone inside to connect it; you simply need to plug in a phone. New immigrants with good English oral skills may try to apply over the phone. If approved, the 200 CAD deposit and the need to visit a Phone Center can often be waived.
12. When does government health insurance take effect? Do I need to purchase temporary medical insurance myself?
* Ontario government health insurance only takes effect 90 days after an immigrant arrives in Canada. During these 90 days, new immigrants are not covered by the provincial health insurance plan. Whether or not to purchase temporary medical insurance during this period is entirely up to the individual, as the government does not mandate it. For further consultation, you may contact the Toronto Newcomer Integration Center.
13. If I am pregnant upon arrival, what benefits might the government provide?
* Pregnant new immigrants are also not covered by OHIP health insurance during the first three months, but they may be eligible for benefits such as free dental checkups and treatments, access to a free nutritionist, free prenatal classes, and grocery vouchers.
14. What support does the Canadian government provide for new immigrants?
* The Canadian government provides support to new immigrants through specialized programs, such as community newcomer services, ESL (English as a Second Language) programs, free LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) courses, and job-seeking assistance provided by human resources centers. More importantly, support is delivered through subsidies for low-income families, such as free daycare, the Canada Child Benefit, GST credits, rent subsidies, government housing subsidies, home purchase subsidies, low-income working family benefits, and free legal aid. Major Mandarin-speaking community service centers include the Chinese Information and Community Services located in northern Scarborough (3852 Finch Avenue East, Suite 310) and the WoodGreen Community Center located in the eastern part of old Toronto (835 Queen St East).
15. Is it better to leave children in the country of origin and bring them over after the parents are settled?
* Among the new immigrants we have encountered, a small number left their children in China upon arrival. On one hand, this is a regrettable choice, as a family should not be separated easily. Moreover, some immigrants who choose this path ultimately fail to bring their children over before the expiration of their entry visa, forcing them to re-apply for immigration visas. On the other hand, once children arrive, they are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (currently 191 CAD per month for children under seven and 167 CAD per month for those seven and older). Even if you must leave your children in your home country, you might consider bringing them to Canada to land first and then having someone take them back. This allows you to claim the child benefit, and the children's departure will not be subject to the 183-day residency requirement.
16. How much is childcare, and is it easy to apply for a free childcare subsidy?
* Childcare costs vary depending on the child's age and the fee standards of the childcare facility. Generally, it is around 1,000 CAD per month for infants under one year old, 800 to 900 CAD for children aged one to two, 700 to 800 CAD for children aged two to four, and around 650 CAD for those over four. Sometimes you can find childcare facilities with lower fees. Some churches or charitable organizations provide low-cost or even free childcare services. For new immigrants within their first six months, it is often difficult to apply for government free childcare subsidies. Those who have been in the country longer, and whose spouses are both studying or working on a low income, may apply for free child daycare. However, in downtown Toronto, due to the high number of applicants, even if you meet the requirements, you may not necessarily be approved. For details, please contact the Toronto Newcomer Integration Center.
17. How do I register my children for school?
* Once you have obtained proof of residence (lease or property purchase contract), you can take your children to register at a nearby school. Required materials include your children's English transcripts (for at least the last two years) or certificates of graduation, vaccination records, and a recommendation letter from a teacher at their former school (if available). Some schools may require English and math placement tests during registration, so please prepare accordingly by grade level. Primary school students may be eligible for school bus transportation. Public primary and secondary education in Canada is free and mandatory.
18. What assistance programs does the government have for job seekers?
* The government provides free services related to job searching primarily through Human Resources Development Centers, Employment Centers, and some community centers. These services include seminars on job-hunting techniques, résumé review, and access to computers, internet, fax machines, and photocopiers. The Toronto Newcomer Integration Center has compiled a list of these centers across the city, where you can look up the address of the center nearest to you; see [A Complete List of Employment Centers & Services in Toronto]. Some public libraries also provide free, limited-time computer and internet access.