Newcomer Hub
Moving to Thunder Bay from Kenya: newcomer guides You just arrived. Here's what matters first.
Thunder Bay is a long way from home. These guides cover what every Kenyan newcomer needs to know — practical, ordered, and updated by wakenya who've done it.
Need one answer fast? See the newcomer questions in our FAQ, or current rentals and rooms.
Newcomer guides
Moving to Canada
The official routes from Kenya, current IRCC fees, and how to avoid scam agents.
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Flying to Thunder Bay
The ticket to Thunder Bay, the two Toronto airports, your permit at the border, food, cash, and the ride from YQT.
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Your first 30 days
SIN, health card, bank account, settlement help, library card.
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Your first 90 days
Driver's licence, school registration, family doctor, benefits, credit.
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Canadian money basics
A free bank account, credit from zero, your first tax return, TFSA, RRSP and FHSA, and running a chama.
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Health care
Finding a doctor, walk-in and virtual clinics, the ER, mental health lines, drugs and dental.
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Mental health
Homesickness, shame, privacy, and free crisis lines, counselling and culturally safe support.
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Renting and utilities
Tenant rights, deposits, rent increases, hydro and gas, bill help.
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Families and schools
School registration and fees, Kenyan vaccine records, child care, and the child benefit.
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Jobs and credentials
Getting your qualifications recognised, free job help, your rights at work.
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Thunder Bay RCIP
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot: designated employers, who can apply, dates, and scams to avoid.
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Driving in Ontario
Your Kenyan licence, the 60-day rule, the tests, and credit for your driving at home.
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Your first winter
How cold it gets, dressing for it, ice, snow rules, free winter fun.
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Crossing into Minnesota
The US visa a Kenyan passport needs at Pigeon River, the I-94, coming back into Canada, and duty on a shopping trip.
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Groceries and food
Cooking Kenyan food here, halal meat, markets, and free food help.
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Finding community
Student groups, places of worship, African community events, volunteering.
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Free things to do
Parks, winter skating and sledding, the library, museum days, and the city bus. Fees named where a gate charges.
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Day and weekend trips
Nipigon, Ouimet Canyon, Marathon, Kenora, Quetico and Fort Frances, with official kilometres and winter highway checks.
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