Use this checklist whether you just landed or are planning ahead. Work through it roughly in order — some items (SIN, health card) are time-sensitive, while others (credit building) are ongoing.
Week 1 — Do these immediately
✅ Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your SIN is required before you start working and to access most government services. Apply as soon as you have your PR card or work permit.
How: Walk in to any Service Canada office — bring your PR card (or CoPR) or work permit. You'll receive your SIN on the spot. No appointment needed in most locations.
Pro tip: Store your SIN somewhere secure — never carry the card with you. You'll need it for taxes, your employer, and opening bank accounts.
✅ Open a Canadian bank account
You'll need a Canadian account to receive your pay, pay rent, and build credit. The Big Five banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC) all offer newcomer packages — often with no fees for the first year.
What to bring: Passport (or PR card), proof of address (a lease or utility letter works), and your SIN.
Newcomer accounts to look at:
- RBC New to Canada Banking Package
- TD New to Canada Banking Package
- Scotiabank StartRight® Program
Credit unions (e.g., Desjardins in Quebec, Meridian in Ontario) are often cheaper for everyday banking long-term.
✅ Get a Canadian phone number
A local number is needed for job applications, banks, and government services. Carriers with competitive newcomer plans: Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile, Chatr, Freedom Mobile.
Tip: Ask about bring-your-own-device (BYOD) plans — you likely don't need a new device from the carrier.
Weeks 1–4 — Apply for these as soon as possible
✅ Provincial health card
Canada's public health insurance is administered by each province. Coverage doesn't start immediately — most provinces have a waiting period:
| Province | Waiting period |
|---|---|
| Ontario (OHIP) | 3 months from arrival |
| BC (MSP) | Covered from day 1 (as of 2020) |
| Alberta (AHCIP) | 3 months |
| Quebec (RAMQ) | 3 months (some exceptions) |
| All others | Varies — check provincial website |
Apply during your waiting period so coverage starts as soon as you're eligible. During the wait, consider travel/temporary health insurance.
✅ Arrange housing (if not already sorted)
If you haven't confirmed long-term housing yet:
- Short-term: Airbnb, Furnished Finder, or newcomer Facebook groups for sublets
- Long-term: Kijiji, Rentals.ca, PadMapper, or local Facebook groups
- Budget: Aim for 30–35% of take-home pay on rent. Toronto and Vancouver are significantly above the national average.
Renter's rights: Each province has a Residential Tenancies Act (or equivalent). Know your rights before signing.
✅ Transfer or convert your driver's licence
Most provinces allow you to exchange a foreign licence for a local one without retesting (depending on your country). The window to do this is often 60–90 days — after that you may need to take the written and road tests.
Check your province's Ministry of Transportation website for the exact exchange agreement with your home country.
Month 1–3 — Building your financial foundation
✅ Start building Canadian credit
Canada's credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion) don't have your foreign credit history. You're starting from zero. The fastest paths:
- Secured credit card — You deposit cash as collateral. Options: Home Trust Secured Visa, Refresh Financial, or your bank's secured card.
- Newcomer credit cards — Some banks (Scotiabank, CIBC, RBC) offer unsecured cards for newcomers based on your arrival documents.
- Become an authorized user — If a family member or friend in Canada has good credit, being added to their account helps.
Use the card every month for small purchases and pay it off in full. Credit scores build over 6–12 months.
✅ Learn about Canadian taxes
- Canada's tax year is January 1 – December 31. Tax returns are due by April 30.
- File a return even if you had no income — it establishes your eligibility for benefits (Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit, etc.).
- CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) is the federal tax authority. Your province has its own income tax too (combined in your T1 General return).
- Free filing options: TurboTax Free, Wealthsimple Tax, GenuTax Standard. CVITP volunteers help low-income filers for free.
✅ Update your IRCC address and profile
Log in to your IRCC portal and update your Canadian address. Your PR card and any IRCC correspondence will go there.
Ongoing — Settle in and connect
✅ Connect with settlement services
Free services for new immigrants include language classes, job search help, credential recognition, and social programs. Funded by IRCC and delivered locally.
Find services near you: Settlement.org (Ontario) · ACCES Employment · your city's immigrant services organization.
✅ Community and networking
- LinkedIn: Update your profile to a Canadian location. Many employers hire directly via LinkedIn.
- Local Facebook groups: Search "[your city] newcomers" or "[your city] Korean/Filipino/Indian community" for your diaspora.
- MaplePath community: Ask questions, read experiences, and connect with people on the same path — in the Landing & Settlement board.
Quick-reference timeline
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| SIN application | Day 1–3 |
| Open bank account | Day 1–7 |
| Get phone plan | Day 1–7 |
| Health card application | Week 1–2 |
| Convert driver's licence | Within 60–90 days |
| Secured credit card | Week 2–4 |
| Update IRCC address | Week 1 |
| File tax return | By April 30 of following year |
✓ Last verified: June 27, 2026. Tax rules, health card wait periods, and newcomer programs change — always confirm on the official provincial/federal website. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.