What do newcomers to Canada need to set up when they move to Markham?Newcomers to Markham should start with a Social Insurance Number from Service Canada, a bank account and an OHIP health card, which has no waiting period for eligible residents. Register with Health Care Connect to find a family doctor. You can drive on a valid foreign licence for 60 days, then exchange it if your country has an agreement with Ontario or take the tests. Register children with the York Region District School Board or the York Catholic District School Board, and visit a York Region Welcome Centre in Markham for free settlement help.
Markham is one of Canada’s most diverse cities, and many families arrive here directly from abroad. The first few months bring a long list of registrations, and knowing the order helps everything go faster.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, works with many newcomer families and helps them understand both the housing market and the practical steps of settling in.
Your first-month checklist
| Task | Where |
|---|---|
| Social Insurance Number | Service Canada, online, by mail or in person; free |
| Bank account | Any federally regulated bank |
| OHIP health card | ServiceOntario, in person |
| Family doctor | Health Care Connect |
| Driver’s licence | ServiceOntario and DriveTest |
| School registration | YRDSB or YCDSB |
| Transit | PRESTO card for YRT, Viva and GO |
| Settlement help | York Region Welcome Centres |
Banking and your SIN
Apply for your Social Insurance Number through Service Canada; online is fastest and there is no fee. Federally regulated banks must open a basic account for anyone with acceptable identification, even without a job or credit history. Many banks also offer newcomer packages, which are separate promotional products, so compare fees and terms. Building a Canadian credit history early will help when you apply for a mortgage.
Health care
- OHIP: there is no waiting period for eligible residents. Apply in person at ServiceOntario with three original documents proving status, Ontario residency and identity.
- Family doctor: register with Health Care Connect by calling 811 or online. Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan aims to connect everyone to primary care by 2029.
- Health811: free nurse advice 24/7 by phone or chat.
- Hospital: Markham Stouffville Hospital, part of Oak Valley Health, at 381 Church Street, with 24/7 emergency care.
New to Markham?
Michael John Lau can help you compare neighbourhoods, renting and buying as you settle in.
Book a consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Driving
You can drive on a valid foreign licence for 60 days after moving to Ontario. Drivers from countries with an exchange agreement, including Australia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea and others, can exchange for a full G licence. Others take the vision and knowledge tests and a G2 road test, and may receive up to one year of driving experience credit with an authentication letter.
Schools
Look up your address with the YRDSB or YCDSB school locator. Registration requires original proof of address, such as a purchase agreement or property tax notice. YRDSB’s Reception Centre in Aurora registers students with time-sensitive immigration documents and assesses English language needs for Grades 7 to 12. See a parent’s guide to Markham school zones.
Settlement services in Markham
- York Region Welcome Centre, Markham North: 8400 Woodbine Avenue
- York Region Welcome Centre, Markham South: 7220 Kennedy Road
- Language assessment: available at both Markham Welcome Centres for eligible newcomers
- Free English classes (LINC): offered through YRDSB for eligible permanent residents and refugees
Transit and getting around
A PRESTO card works on YRT, Viva and GO. From July 1, 2026, a YRT adult fare is $4.24 with PRESTO, and rides become free after 40 trips in a month. Transfers between GO and YRT are discounted when you tap the same card. See Markham’s walkable neighbourhoods.
Your first 90 days at a glance
- Week one: SIN, bank account, phone plan and PRESTO card.
- First month: OHIP card, Health Care Connect, school registration and Welcome Centre visit.
- Within 60 days: sort out your driver’s licence.
- First 90 days: build credit with a secured or starter card, and explore neighbourhoods.
Finding a home
Many newcomers rent first while building credit and learning the neighbourhoods. When you are ready to buy, a mortgage pre-approval and a clear understanding of non-resident rules are the first steps. See non-resident and foreign buyer rules in Ontario. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information as you settle in.
A good start in a new city begins with the right first steps. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a waiting period for OHIP in Ontario?
No. Eligible residents are covered right away. Apply in person at ServiceOntario with three original documents.
How do I find a family doctor in Markham?
Register with Health Care Connect by calling 811 or online. You need a valid Ontario health card.
Can I drive in Ontario with a foreign licence?
Yes, for 60 days after moving. Then exchange it if your country has an agreement with Ontario, or take the tests.
Can I open a bank account without a credit history?
Yes. Federally regulated banks must open a basic account for anyone with acceptable identification.
Where are the newcomer Welcome Centres in Markham?
Markham North at 8400 Woodbine Avenue and Markham South at 7220 Kennedy Road.
How much is a YRT bus fare?
$4.24 with PRESTO from July 1, 2026, with fare capping after 40 trips in a month.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. OHIP rules are from Ontario.ca (July 21, 2025). Health Care Connect and the Primary Care Action Plan are from Ontario Health atHome (May 2026) and Ontario.ca (March 19, 2026). Licence exchange rules are from Ontario.ca (September 23, 2026). SIN details are from Canada.ca (July 15, 2026). Banking rights are as reported by Money.ca (June 2, 2026). Welcome Centres are from York Region (March 3, 2026). School and LINC details are from YRDSB. Fares are from YRT (July 1, 2026). This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
