Arriving in Canada is exciting, but the first month can feel overwhelming. There are documents to get, accounts to open, and systems to navigate. This step-by-step checklist covers everything you need to do in your first 30 days in Canada as a newcomer.
Whether you arrived through Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program, or a study permit, this guide will help you settle in quickly and avoid common mistakes.
Before You Arrive: Pre-Landing Checklist
Complete These Before Flying to Canada
- Valid passport and visa/eTA
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) or visa approval letter
- Proof of funds (bank statements showing settlement funds)
- International driving permit (if you plan to drive)
- Educational credential assessment (ECA) copies
- Medical records and vaccination documents
- Copies of all important documents (digital and paper)
- Canadian currency for first few days
- Temporary accommodation booking for first 2 weeks
Important
Do not carry more than $10,000 CAD in cash without declaring it at customs. You must declare all amounts over $10,000 CAD or risk having it seized and facing penalties.
Day 1-3: Arrival Essentials
At the Airport
When you arrive at a Canadian airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Have your passport, CoPR, and proof of funds ready. The border officer may ask about your plans and settlement funds.
- Present your passport and CoPR to the border officer
- Answer questions about your purpose and plans honestly
- Collect your luggage and clear customs
- Get a Canadian SIM card at the airport (Rogers, Bell, Telus kiosks available)
- Use airport WiFi to contact family and confirm your ride
Get to Your Temporary Accommodation
Whether you booked a hotel, Airbnb, or are staying with friends, get settled and rest. Jet lag is real -- do not try to do everything on day one.
Get a Canadian Phone Number
A Canadian phone number is essential for almost everything: banking, job applications, government services. Visit a carrier store (Rogers, Bell, Telus, Freedom Mobile) or get a prepaid plan from Walmart or convenience stores.
Money-Saving Tip
Freedom Mobile and flanker brands (Fido, Koodo, Virgin Plus) often have better rates than the big three. Expect to pay $35-55/month for a basic plan with data.
Day 3-7: Government and Financial Setup
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your SIN is the most important number in Canada. You need it to work, open bank accounts, and access government programs. You can apply:
- Online at Service Canada (fastest -- get it same day)
- In person at a Service Canada office
- Bring your passport and CoPR or work permit
Key Fact
Your SIN starts with "9" if you are a temporary resident. Permanent residents receive SINs starting with other digits. Never share your SIN unnecessarily -- it is a key piece of personal identification.
Open a Canadian Bank Account
You need a Canadian bank account to receive salary, pay rent, and build credit. The five major banks are:
- RBC Royal Bank -- Largest, good newcomer packages
- TD Canada Trust -- Convenient hours, many branches
- Scotiabank -- Scene+ rewards program
- BMO -- Good newcomer banking packages
- CIBC -- Strong digital banking
Newcomer Tip
All major banks offer "newcomer packages" with free banking for 1 year, no minimum balance, and credit card options without Canadian credit history. Ask specifically for these packages.
Apply for a Credit Card
Building Canadian credit history is crucial for renting apartments, getting loans, and even some job applications. Most banks offer secured or newcomer credit cards even without Canadian credit history.
- Start with a secured credit card if necessary ($500-1,000 limit)
- Pay your balance in full every month
- Keep your credit utilization below 30%
- After 6-12 months, you can upgrade to regular cards
Day 7-14: Housing and Healthcare
Find Long-Term Housing
Finding an apartment in Canada requires preparation. Landlords typically ask for:
- Proof of income or employment letter
- Credit check (or guarantor if no Canadian credit)
- First and last month rent as deposit
- References from previous landlords
Search on Rentals.ca, Zillow.ca, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace. Consider your cost of living budget carefully.
Scam Warning
Never send money before viewing an apartment in person or via video call. Rental scams are common in major cities. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Apply for Provincial Health Card
Canada has publicly funded healthcare, but you need a health card to access it. Each province runs its own plan:
- Ontario -- OHIP (3-month waiting period for some newcomers)
- British Columbia -- MSP (no waiting period since 2023)
- Alberta -- AHCIP (no waiting period)
- Other provinces -- Varies, check your province's website
During any waiting period, consider private health insurance. Your employer may also offer benefits that cover the gap.
Day 14-21: Transportation and Services
Get Around: Transit or Driving
Public Transit: Most Canadian cities have good public transit. Get a monthly pass or Presto card (Ontario), Compass card (Vancouver), or OPUS card (Montreal).
Driving: If you have a valid license from your home country, you may be able to use it for 60-90 days. After that, you need a provincial driver's license. Some countries have exchange agreements with Canadian provinces.
Enroll Children in School
If you have school-age children, enroll them as soon as possible. Public education is free for residents. Visit your local school board office with proof of address, immunization records, and identification documents.
Set Up Utilities
When you move into your apartment, set up:
- Electricity -- Hydro One (Ontario), BC Hydro, etc.
- Internet -- Rogers, Bell, Telus, or independent providers like TekSavvy
- Home insurance -- Tenant insurance is often required by landlords
Day 21-30: Employment and Integration
Start Your Job Search
If you do not have a job lined up, start searching immediately. Key resources:
- Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca) -- Government job board
- LinkedIn -- Network and apply for professional roles
- Indeed Canada -- Largest job aggregator
- Settlement agencies -- Free employment services for newcomers
- Professional associations -- For regulated professions
Career Tip
Canadian employers value "Canadian experience." Consider volunteering, taking a bridging program, or getting an internship in your field to build local experience and references.
Connect with Settlement Services
Canada funds free settlement services for newcomers through organizations like:
- Settlement.org (Ontario)
- Success BC (British Columbia)
- Immigrant Services Association (various provinces)
- Local community centers and libraries
These services offer free language classes, job search help, legal advice, and community connections.
Understand Canadian Taxes
As a resident, you must file a tax return every year by April 30. Key points:
- Apply for benefits like GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit
- File even if you had no income -- you may be eligible for refunds
- Use free tax clinics for newcomers (CVITP program)
- Keep records of all income and expenses
Complete 30-Day Checklist Summary
Week 1 (Day 1-7)
- Clear customs and arrive at temporary accommodation
- Get a Canadian SIM card and phone number
- Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Open a Canadian bank account with newcomer package
- Apply for a credit card (secured or newcomer)
Week 2 (Day 7-14)
- Start apartment hunting
- Apply for provincial health card
- Get private health insurance if there is a waiting period
- Set up online banking and bill payments
- Explore your neighborhood and local transit
Week 3 (Day 14-21)
- Move into long-term housing
- Set up internet and utilities
- Get tenant insurance
- Enroll children in school
- Get a transit pass or start driver's license process
Week 4 (Day 21-30)
- Start job search or begin new job
- Connect with settlement services
- Register for free language classes if needed
- Apply for government benefits (GST credit, CCB)
- Build your social network and community connections
Remember
Settling in takes time. Do not try to do everything at once. Focus on the essentials first (SIN, bank, housing, health card) and everything else will follow. The first 30 days are just the beginning of your Canadian journey.
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