Settle Smart: Your Top Immigration & Settlement Questions, Answered

Newcomers rarely ask abstract questions—they ask the ones that decide whether their move will actually work in real life. Housing, safety, documents, timelines, and scams all show up again and again in conversations with families, workers, and students settling in Canada.

This Canada Newcomer FAQ Guide provides clear, practical answers to the most common questions newcomers ask before and after arriving in Canada. Topics include housing budgets, neighbourhood comparisons, lease requirements, tenant rights, rental documents, avoiding scams, understanding Canadian utilities, school enrollment, healthcare basics, banking, credit, community programs, and more.

Created by A.H.O.M™-RMC × CNAP, this guide is part of Canada’s first human-centered, relocation-supported settlement hub. Ideal for permanent residents, work-permit holders, international students, refugees, and families preparing to settle in Canada in 2025.

Housing and neighbourhood questions

Newcomers most often start with very practical, safety‑ and budget‑focused housing questions, such as:

• How much does rent usually cost in my city, and what is a realistic budget for my income or newcomer funds?

Rents vary by city and neighbourhood, but most newcomers should plan for housing to take a large part of their monthly budget, especially in major urban centres.

AHOM‑RMC can help you compare market rents and build a realistic housing budget before you commit to a lease.

• Which neighbourhoods are safest and most family‑friendly, and how do I compare locations (schools, transit, shops, commute time)?

• What is included in the rent (heat, water, electricity, internet, parking, laundry), and what will my total monthly costs be?

These questions help people decide not just where they can live, but whether that housing choice will be stable for the first 6–12 months.

Landlords, documents, and applications

Once people start applying for units, the next wave of questions appears:

• What documents do landlords usually ask for (ID, proof of income, employment letter, credit check, references)?

Many landlords ask for ID, proof of income, employment letters, and sometimes a credit check; newcomers often need alternative proofs, such as savings, guarantors, or employer support. Your AHOM‑RMC planning call or CNAP session can walk through options that match your situation.

Learn more: link to your “Rental Preparation” or “Newcomer Housing Support” section.

• What can I do if I don’t yet have Canadian credit history, a job letter, or local references?

• Is it normal to pay first and last month’s rent, and when is it safe to send money or sign a lease?

Clear answers here reduce the fear of being rejected—or exploited—because of newcomer status.

Scam awareness and safety

Because housing scams are common, newcomers also want to know how to protect themselves:

• How can I tell if a listing is a scam, and what red flags should I watch for when searching online or sending deposits?

• Is it safe if a landlord refuses to show the unit but asks for a deposit right away?

• What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed, or someone is pressuring me to send money quickly?

Tenant rights and support

Finally, once someone has a place to live, the questions shift to rights and responsibilities:

• What are my rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Canada?

• Can my landlord increase the rent at any time, or enter my unit without notice?

• Who can help if I have problems with my landlord, building conditions, or my lease?