Living in SK

We’d love to share some useful info for people living in Saskatoon — and for anyone thinking about moving here!

Disclaimer – “Information provided ‘as is’; MCAS assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or results of use. Use at your own risk.”

How to survive the winter in Saskatoon

Are you preparing for your first winter in Saskatchewan? Are you not sure what to buy, how to stay warm, and how to have fun in -30˚C? What to expect, what clothes to buy, how to dress for the weather, how to stay safe, and how to stay healthy and happy.

Below video is helpful for all the new immigrants who are experiencing the first winter here in this Saskatoon. Very useful winter insights.

Getting your SIN

To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits, you need a 9-digit number known as a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Your SIN is private, and it is illegal for anyone else to use it. You are responsible for protecting your SIN. Service Canada is responsible for issuing SINs, which comes in a paper format (Confirmation of SIN letter). If you have a plastic SIN card that has not expired, it is still valid.

Service Canada

Address: Market Mall, Unit 120, 2325 Preston Avenue South , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7J2G2

Opening a Bank Account

Few bank links listed below,

Obtaining the drivers license or provincial id. 

SGI | Saskatchewan driver’s licensing and vehicle registration

Click here for SGI Licensing

You must hold a valid driver’s licence to drive in Saskatchewan. The licence you get has to match the kind of vehicle you want to drive.

Class 5 licenses

To get a Class 5 driver’s licence, you must:

  • be able to drive a vehicle safely and properly
  • understand all traffic signs
  • know the rules of the road

Depending on whichever comes 1st, as a new Saskatchewan resident, you have to apply for a Class 5 driver’s licence either:

  • before your out-of-province licence expires,

        OR

  • within 90 days of becoming a Saskatchewan resident.

Check with your previous jurisdiction because they could have some restrictions that outweigh these Saskatchewan requirements.

Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: Click here for SGI Handbook

Owning a car in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Registration and Insurance:

Few Buying Car Options: (Used/New)

Internet Provider

Choose an Internet plan that fits your life. Unlimited usage, great speed, and beyond. There’s a perfect plan for you. For faster connections in Saskatchewan, choose fibre optic network

Family Doctor & Health Services

This information is provided by the Saskatchewan Health Authority as a courtesy and for information only. It is intended to inform you about where to access health care services, including those clinics offering urgent/after-hours care.

For Clinics offering Urgent/After Hours Care

For Walk In Clinics

For Saskatoon and Area Clinic Directory:

For Specialist:

Schooling in Saskatoon

Choosing a School

When moving to a new country as a family, the schooling for your children is as important as finding employment and deciding where to settle. Fortunately, Canada is internationally ranked as a leader in education and there are plenty of educational opportunities for families. For newcomers to Saskatchewan, here is what you need to know about navigating the school system and enrolling your child.

Types of Schools in Saskatchewan

  • Public English language schools in Saskatchewan
  • Francophone schools in Saskatchewan 
  • Catholic schools in Saskatchewan
  • Private schools in Saskatchewan
  • Homeschooling
  • Click here for more details

Students typically register at the school that serves the neighbourhood where they live. 

  • Elementary schools offer kindergarten to Grade 8 classes for students who are five to 13 years of age. Students may register at any public school regardless of residence. However, transportation is not available to those who live outside of a school’s designated area. Enrolment at Ernest Linder School (Hampton Village neighbourhood) and Chief Whitecap (Stonebridge neighbourhood) is open only to students who live in those neighbourhoods.
  • Collegiates (high schools) offer Grades 9 to 12 classes for students 14 to 21 years of age. Collegiates operate with open boundaries. Students may register at the collegiate of their choice.
  • Click here for Saskatoon Public Schools

Prekindergarten is usually a half-day program for three-and four-year-old children. It is available in a limited number of schools and families need to apply for their children to attend. You will need to contact the school to find out if Prekindergarten is available.

Childcare Services: 

Child Care Providers in Saskatoon:

Finding Quality Childcare in Saskatoon:

Indian Grocery Stores & Restaurants in Saskatoon

Indian Grocery Stores: To name a few,

  • Pardeshi Bazaar
  • Bombay Spices,
  • India Mart,
  • Real Canadian (International Aile),
  • Walmart (International Aile)
  • First Choice Super Market & Halal Meat (for Meat lovers),
  • Saskatoon Halal Meat & Groceries (for Meat lovers),
  • Savour (for Meat lovers) etc.,

Settlement Service Providers

If you are a newcomer to Canada, you can get FREE services to help you settle in Saskatchewan. Below 3 organizations offer tailored, friendly, and convenient support for newcomers from around the world.

Settlement Coordinators help with all aspects of the settlement process and can help you develop personal tools and resources, identify programs and services, answer your questions, and guide you as you settle in your new community.

Contacting a qualified and knowledgeable Settlement Coordinator is the first step toward a successful settlement in Saskatchewan.

Pre-Arrival services are available to ensure your settlement process is as comfortable as possible. Connect with them in the weeks or months prior to your arrival and you will receive important information to better understand life in Canada, and gain knowledge of the public services and resources within our community. 

We will try to keep the information as updated as possible, however as regulations may change with time.