ARRIVAL:

When any immigrant or refugee arrives in Canada, they are urged to seek help from a variety of settlement services located across the country. Many are run by church organizations or non-profit agencies and funded by the provinces and federal government in full or in part.

The centres give orientation seminars on basic skills such as shopping for food, nutrition, opening a bank account, medical services and looking for accommodation. Other services may include translation and interpretation services, rœsumœ preparation, interviewing techniques and other skills that might help immigrants find work.

Immigrants can also apply for their Social Insurance Number (SIN). A birth certificate, Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing) and passport are required. Applications are also available at Canada Post offices and Human Resources Centres of Canada.

LANGUAGE:

The federal government funds LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers in Canada) and instruction is free of charge. Immigrants must first go to an assessment centre to find out their level of proficiency and are allowed to take classes for up to three years. LINC is available to:

• newly arrived immigrants
• immigrants eligible for employment insurance
• immigrants receiving social assistance
• government-assisted refugee

Refugee claimants are directed to ESL (English as a Second Language) courses run by community groups or schools.

ACCOMMODATION:

Looking for a place to live can take several weeks. Prices will vary depending on the age and condition of the apartment or house, its location and level of demand. Some cities and provinces control how much landlords can charge for rent. The total cost of housing, including heating, utilities and laundry, should be between 35 and 50 per cent of your income.

Your accommodations should have the following:

• its own entrance door which can be locked
• a kitchen with a sink, and hot and cold water
• a stove and a refrigerator
• a private bathroom with a sink, toilet and bath or shower
• a heating system
• light and electricity
• hot and cold water
• telephone lines
• sewage pipe

Most landlords will ask for the first and last month's rent - also known as a "security deposit."

EMPLOYMENT:

Human Resources Centres of Canada (HRCC) have counsellors who can provide basic job search information or direct a person to language or work creation programs. Certain documents are needed in order to work in the country:

• Passport, birth certificate
• Educational diplomas, degrees and certificates
• Trade or professional certifications, qualifications
• Letters of recommendation (preferably in English or French).
• Permanent Resident Card or Record of Landing (visa)
• Social Insurance Number

Here are some suggestions on your job search: make a realistic description of the job you want, learn about the labour market in your area, phone or write back after an interview, do volunteer work and expand the network of people you might know, and look for as many jobs as you can rather than one particular one. It is important to always tell the truth in an interview or on a rÈsumÈ. If you lie, your employer may legally fire you. HRDC's workinfonet.ca for employment information.