Markham Support

Markham Immigration & Settlement Support

Markham, in York Region northeast of Toronto, is one of Canada's most diverse cities, with a large technology sector and strong communities. We help newcomers plan a move to Markham.

Why Markham

Settlement support for newcomers moving to Markham

Markham is known for its diversity, its technology and business employers, and family-focused neighbourhoods. Large Chinese and South Asian communities make it a welcoming choice for many newcomers.

Help comparing Markham neighbourhoods, rents, and commute times
School registration guidance for York Region school boards
First-month checklists for SIN, banking, OHIP, and transit
Virtual consultations worldwide, plus our office in Milton
Referrals to our housing, mortgage, education, and legal partners

Local Essentials

Living in Markham as a newcomer

The basics every family should know.

Getting Around

York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva rapid buses serve Markham, and the GO Stouffville line connects Markham to Union Station in Toronto.

Schools

Public schools are run by the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and the York Catholic District School Board, plus French-language boards.

Public Health

York Region Public Health keeps student immunization records. Bring complete vaccination records to school registration.

Neighbourhoods to Research

Newcomers often compare Unionville, Cornell, Markham Village, Milliken, Cathedraltown, and Berczy Village.

Jobs

Markham has a large technology and business services sector, along with healthcare and retail employers.

Community

Markham's large Chinese and South Asian communities help with food, faith, languages, and networking.

Your First Month

A first-month plan for Markham

Week 1: apply for your SIN, open a bank account, get a phone plan, and set up a PRESTO card.
Week 1 to 2: apply for OHIP in person at ServiceOntario.
Week 2: register your children with your York Region school board.
Weeks 2 to 4: sign a longer-term lease after viewing in person, using the Ontario Standard Lease.
Month 1: start your Ontario driver's licence process and build Canadian credit.

Local Tips

Things newcomers should know about Markham

Popular school areas fill up. Neighbourhoods such as Unionville are known for in-demand schools, which affects rents. Check boundaries before signing.
Highway 407 is a toll road. Add tolls to your budget if you plan to commute by car.
The GO Stouffville line has several stations in Markham, including Unionville, Centennial, Markham, and Mount Joy. Check service frequency for your station.
Many tech employers are based here. If you work in IT, look at Markham and nearby Richmond Hill for both jobs and housing.

How We Help

How Newcomer Connect supports families moving to Markham

Before You Arrive

We build your document checklist, budget, and a shortlist of Markham neighbourhoods that fit your work, commute, and school needs.

Housing

Our housing advisor helps with rentals and short-term stays, and our mortgage partner explains financing when you are ready to buy.

Schools & Education

We guide you through York Region school registration and adult education or credential options.

Legal Referrals

When your case needs regulated legal representation, we refer you to our independent partner, Bukhari Law Professional Corporation.

Related Resources

Related guides for your move

GTA Settlement Support

Compare cities across the GTA.

Open GTA Page →

Milton

Our home office in Halton Region.

Open Milton Page →

Renting in Ontario

Documents, deposits, and leases.

Open Rental Guide →

Cost of Living in the GTA

Budget for your move.

Open Budget Guide →

Questions People Ask

Questions about settling in Markham

Yes. We support newcomers moving to Markham with pre-arrival planning, housing guidance, school registration help, and first-month checklists, virtually and from our Milton office.

Public schools are run by the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and the York Catholic District School Board, plus French-language boards.

The GO Stouffville line runs from Markham to Union Station, and York Region Transit connects to the TTC.

Yes. Markham is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, with large Chinese, South Asian, and other communities.

Moving to Markham?

Book a consultation and we will help you plan housing, schools, and your first month in Markham.

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