Learn the must-dos to orientating yourself as a new Saskatchewan Resident
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find my way around Saskatoon?
At the NIC, the staff have put together an informative welcome package that provides resources to navigate yourself around the city including maps, event booklets, civic service guides, etc. Individualized orientation tools are available if needed
2. Where do I get the health card application form?
The NIC has a variety of application forms (i.e. health card, child tax benefit, etc.) onsite for you to conveniently find them all in one place. The staff can also direct you to other service providers based on your needs.
1. Is there someone who can help me with child tax benefit application form?
Yes. Both settlement advisors and counselors may help clients better understand different application processes depending on the needs.
2. If I need someone to support me in the community to access services, who can help me?
Upon requests, a settlement advisor may be able to provide assistance in the community such as visiting Service Canada, providing hands-on orientation, etc.
Learn about opportunities for free language training
Improve language proficiency to meet various programming requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I want to improve my English, is there free classes available?
Yes. Based on your immigration status, the NIC staff can refer you to the free English language class options.
2. I am applying for Canadian citizenship, how can I get a proof of language proficiency?
There are a few ways to show your language proficiency for Canadian citizenship. At the NIC, resources materials are available to explain how to demonstrate your proficiency or which third-party assessments are accepted for citizenship and how to schedule those assessments locally.
Develop skills and SMART goals to gain meaningful employment
Further your knowledge to create/achieve your dream job/business/career
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can someone help me with my resume and cover letter?
The NIC has developed an employment tool box for clients who are comfortable building resumes and cover letters independently; but the staff can always make referrals to employment counselling services to ensure assistance with career advice including credential recognition, resumes & cover letters are accessible.
2. I am considering to go back to school for further training, whom should I talk to?
There are various short-term employment-focus training programs, as well as college or university academic programs available in Saskatoon. Come and tell us your background and we can match you with the right places to visit to learn more about training/education.
Obtain the SK health insurance application and the lists of health care providers in Saskatoon
Access to various health counselling services, programs, and possible financial assistance as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I get Canada’s universal health care?
Visit our centre and we will provide you with a copy of the health card application form. Our staff will explain the application procedures and can also connect you with one settlement counsellor or advisor who will be able to assist you with filling in the form and attaching the correct documents.
2. If I want to see a doctor, where should I go?
It depends on the level of emergency. Our staff would be happy to explain more about accessing doctors in Saskatoon and provide you with resource lists to meet health-related needs.
Understand the procedures of getting a SK driver’s license/photo ID and registering your car
Know other transportation opportunities and their accessibilities
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I have my driver license from my home country, do I still need to pass the driver’s exam?
Your driver license can be used for a certain amount of time depending on your immigration status and as long as it is in English or has been translated into English. There are a few countries that are exempt from driver’s test. However driving tests may need to be completed to obtain a valid SK driver’s license.
2. Do I have to have a driver license?
No, but if you are legally entitled to work in Canada, it is recommended to have a photo ID, which you can obtain with a fee from a SGI broker’s office. A valid SK driver license also is an appropriate photo ID. So if you choose to not have a license and drive a vehicle, the City of Saskatoon offers transit services to the public and cycling is also a good option.
Get information about renting a place and service providers who can assist renters
Access to resources regarding how to become a property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am arriving to Saskatoon soon, is there a temporary place that I could stay?
If you do not have any families or friends in the city, we could email you a list of websites that you could find short-term rental opportunities. We can also provide you with the temporary residential options such as hotels and shelters.
2. I am struggling with paying the rent, what can I do?
There are several agencies and organizations that help low-income families or individuals in addressing the affordable housing concerns; the government has programming as well that can offer financial assistance
for housing.
Connect with service providers and school boards for available services for children
Get involved with the community and meet new friends by joining various family programs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there any supports for newcomer children and youth?
There are settlement workers in schools to assist newcomer students adapting to school life, and volunteer-based homework help. Youth activities are on-going and summer camps run every year at different agencies and organizations. Come in and we can share more details with you.
2. I know no one in the city and I want to meet with others and make new friends, where can I go?
We understand friends are important, and that’s why we encourage people to join groups and attend events to network with locals as well as newcomers. On top of that, most programs encourage sharing skills and knowledge amongst their participants.
Receive a brief orientation of Saskatoon and guidance in accessing mainstream services
Access to supports that Saskatoon has to offer
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I mail a letter and where can I go to mail it?
NIC staff can provide you with directions to courier services nearby. Also at the NIC, you can ask for maps to direct you around the city or to one certain location depending on your needs. Individual requests to find specific locations can be accommodated.
2. If I have a personal issue, what help in the communities is there for me?
In the centre, you can either access the variety of community support resources on your own, or if you are comfortable to share your personal issue with the NIC staff, we can direct to services that can assist you with, for example, family matters, rental concerns, legal advice, LGBTQ, or any other personal matters.