Post Arrival

Orientation

• Get an exclusive NIC Welcome Package
• 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. Are there any organizations that can help me get settled in Saskatoon?

Yes, there are various settlement agencies that can help you get settled in your new home in Canada as soon as possible. They offer a variety of free programming for newcomers. Settlement agencies can get you the skills and training necessary to find employment, help you improve your language skills and offer emotional support. They organize educational workshops on many topics, host fun events throughout the year, help you make new friends and much more.

Settlement

• Receive Saskatchewan-specific information and referrals
• Get connected with the community

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of application forms and/or documents do I need to start my new life here?

We are happy to guide you in getting all necessary documents. Some of the important things to do once you arrive in Canada include: getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN), applying for a health card, filling tax benefit forms, getting a driver’s license and opening a new bank account.

2. Is there someone who can help me with filling out forms for the SK health card or child tax benefits?

Yes. Settlement advisors may help clients with different application processes depending on the needs.

Language

• 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, are there free classes available?

Yes. Based on your immigration status, the NIC staff can refer you to 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.

Employment, Entrepreneurship & Career Development

• 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?

Support for obtaining employment is offered from by settlement and community based organizations. The NIC staff can direct you to appropriate employment counselling services that will help you with job searching, resume and cover letter development, credential recognition, and labour market information.

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.

Orientation

• 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.

Transportation

• 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. Like you see around the world, some people choose to be drivers, others choose different forms of
transportation. The City of Saskatoon offers public transit services with bus fare paid per trip or with a monthly
bus pass. There are many people in Saskatoon who regularly ride a bicycle for transportation and recreation.

3. Is a SK driver license a valid form of photo ID across Canada?

Yes, when you obtain your SK driver license it is also a valid form of photo ID across Canada. If you are legally entitled to work in Canada, it is recommended to have a photo ID. If you are not a driver, you can obtain SK photo ID with a fee from a SGI broker’s office.

Housing

• 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 family 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 with affordable housing concerns. The government has programming that can offer financial assistance for housing.

Children and Family

• 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 support for newcomer children and youth?

Settlement Support Workers in Schools (SSWIS) assist newcomer students and parents adapting to school life, and volunteer-based homework help groups provide extra educational support. Youth activities and summer camps run every year at different agencies and organizations.

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.

Community

• 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 can I connect with my ethno-cultural community?

We can help you find a contact from a variety of local ethnic, cultural, religious and sports communities.

2. If I have a personal issue, what help in the communities is there for me?

In the centre, you can access a variety of community support resources on your own. 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.