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Immigrate to CK

Interested in moving to Chatham-Kent from outside of Canada? Your first step is to apply to the Government of Canada for immigration. There are several immigration categories available, depending on your situation. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website should be the first place you visit for information. The IRCC YouTube channel has a suit of helpful videos about Immigrating and Settling in Canada. If you would like assistance applying for immigration, there are also regulated immigration consultants you can hire to assist you.

There are specific documents you must have before you leave your home country. Settlement.org is an excellent planning resource and provides an explanation of each of these documents. Pre-arrival assistance is also provided by services such as Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA). These services can help you develop job search strategies and gain exposure to Canadian workplace culture ahead of arrival.

Working

Find information about looking for a job in Canada as an immigrant from IRCC. Visit www.CKImmigrateToWork.ca for more information. To work in Canada as an immigrant, you may also need:

Find local job boards and job search supports in Chatham-Kent to help you.

After you Arrive in CK

  1. Find temporary accommodations for your first nights in Chatham-Kent. VisitCK.ca has information on places to stay.
  2. Visit a local settlement organization, Adult Language and Learning or Collège Boréal.
  3. Look for permanent accommodations.
  4. Exchange your money for Canadian currency at a bank.
  5. Open a bank account.
  6. Apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
  7. Apply for the Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program, a short-term health insurance program that provides temporary health insurance until you are covered by OHIP.
  8. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You are required to have a SIN to work in Canada.
  9. Look into having your foreign credentials recognized (if this applies to you).
  10. Begin your job search with the help of local resources.
  11. Build your new home in CK by getting connected, learn about Cultural Communities, life in CK, things to do, and accessing global cuisine and international food markets.

Download the New Resident Guide and contact the Community Attraction & Promotion team to learn more at LivingCK@Chatham-Kent.ca or by calling 519-360-1998.