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Immigrant Settlement and Orientation Resources
Immigrant Settlement and Orientation Resources


Immigrant Settlement and Orientation Resources
How to Obtain Official Canadian Documents

This section provides guidelines on how to obtain official documents necessary to function in Canadian Society. For complete up to-date information check the website given for each document.

Social Insurance Number Ontario Health Card
Ontario Birth Certificate Ontario Driver's Licence
Canadian Passport Permanent Resident Card

Social Insurance Number

To obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN), you need documents such as:

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Confirmation of landing document
  • Employment authorization
  • Refugee status claim

More information on SIN.


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Ontario Birth Certificate

To obtain an Ontario birth certificate, you require:

  • Notice of birth registration from the hospital
  • Name, date and place of birth for both parents (but not citizenship)
  • Signature of a guarantor

More information on Ontario birth certificates.


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Canadian Passport

To obtain a Canadian passport you must provide proof of either:

  • Canadian citizenship
  • Certificate of identity
  • Refugee travel document
  • You must also provide the signature of a guarantor

More information from the Canadian Passport Office.


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Ontario Health Card

To be eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)* you must meet the following requirements:

  • Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant or a convention refugee
  • Make your permanent and principal home in Ontario
  • Be present in Ontario for at least 153 days in a year

*Any information provided to OHIP officials is confidential and is not shared with Immigration officials.


More information OHIP.


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Ontario Driver's Licence

To obtain an Ontario driver's licence you must provide two of the following (one with a signature):

  • Citizenship card
  • Passport
  • Immigration card with photo
  • Birth certificate
  • Baptismal certificate

More information getting an Ontario driver's licence.


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Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

This card is mandatory for landed immigrants travelling abroad and re-entering Canada.

For more information getting a PR Card.


[Immigrant Settlement] [Community Information and Orientation to Living in Toronto] [Job Searching and Training for Newcomers] [Accreditation and Licensure] [Health Resources and Services] [Translation and Interpretation Services] [Resources for Non-Profit Organizations Helping Immigrants]

Updated on: February 10, 2009




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