Welcome to Canada!

Suppose you’ve recently arrived or are planning your move soon, congratulations on taking this bold step toward a new life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. The first 90 days are often the most exciting and sometimes the most challenging, as you adjust to a new environment, new systems, and new ways of living.

Canada welcomed over 471,000 new permanent residents in 2023 alone, making it one of the world’s leading destinations for immigrants. This guide provides a complete checklist and roadmap to help you settle smoothly in your first three months, covering everything from essential documents and housing to healthcare, schooling, employment preparation, and financial planning.

Step 1: The First 2 Weeks — Get Your Essentials in Place

The moment you arrive in Canada, your priority should be establishing your legal and administrative foundation. These initial steps unlock everything else you’ll need in your Canadian journey.

 1. Apply for Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your Social Insurance Number is the most critical document for living and working in Canada. This nine-digit number is essential for employment, filing taxes, accessing government benefits, and opening credit accounts. Without it, you cannot legally work or access many basic services.

You can apply for your SIN online if you’re eligible, or visit the nearest Service Canada office in person. The process is straightforward and typically takes only 10-15 minutes if you have all required documents.

🔗 Apply for SIN Online or In-Person

Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Immigration documents (Confirmation of Permanent Residence, work permit, or study permit)
• Proof of address (even temporary accommodation works initially)

Pro Tip: Service Canada offices can get busy, especially during peak immigration seasons in spring and summer. Book an appointment online or arrive early in the morning to avoid long wait times. The SIN is issued immediately and is yours for life—it never expires or changes.

 2. Open a Canadian Bank Account

Establishing banking relationships early is crucial for building your financial life in Canada. Your credit history from your home country does not transfer to Canada, so you’re starting fresh financially. Central Canadian banks understand the unique needs of newcomers and offer specialized packages designed to help you get started.

Top Banks with Newcomer Programs:

RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) offers the RBC Newcomers Program with no monthly fees for the first 12 months, free international money transfers, and multilingual banking services.

TD Canada Trust provides the TD New to Canada Banking Package with up to 18 months of unlimited transactions at no monthly fee, a newcomer credit card option, and service in over 80 languages.

Scotiabank features the StartRight Program for newcomers, offering up to $2,200 in value during the first year, including waived monthly fees, free money transfers, and newcomer credit cards.

CIBC and BMO (Bank of Montreal) also offer competitive newcomer packages with similar benefits including no-fee banking, newcomer credit cards, and multilingual support.

💡 Banking Tip: Bring your passport, valid immigration documents (work permit, study permit, or permanent resident confirmation), and proof of address—even a hotel booking or temporary accommodation letter works initially. Many banks now offer video banking appointments, which can be scheduled before you even arrive in Canada. Ask specifically about newcomer credit cards, as these can help you start building your Canadian credit history immediately without requiring existing credit.

 3. Get a Local Phone Number

Staying connected is essential, especially in your first few weeks as you navigate appointments, job searches, housing viewings, and settlement services. Canadian mobile plans can be expensive compared to other countries, but several providers offer competitive newcomer plans with reasonable data allowances.

Popular Mobile Providers for Newcomers:

• Koodo Mobile: Prepaid and monthly plans with good nationwide coverage on the Telus network
• Fido: Rogers network with flexible data options and competitive pricing
• Freedom Mobile: Budget-friendly plans ideal for urban areas (coverage is stronger in cities)
• Public Mobile: Low-cost prepaid service owned by Telus, perfect for budget-conscious newcomers
• Chatr: Affordable plans operating on the Rogers network
• Virgin Plus: Monthly plans with Rogers network coverage

Important Consideration: Phone companies report your payment history to credit bureaus in Canada. When you pay your postpaid phone bill in full and on time, you’re actively building your credit history, making a phone plan an excellent early credit-building tool.

 Step 2: Weeks 3–5 — Find a Place to Call Home

Housing is often the most significant priority — and challenge — for newcomers. Take your time with this crucial decision, as your living situation significantly impacts your settlement experience and monthly budget.

 1. Start with Temporary Accommodation

Most experienced newcomers recommend starting with temporary housing for your first 2–4 weeks. This strategy gives you time to explore different neighborhoods in person, understand local rental markets, avoid making rushed decisions, and secure proper employment before committing to a lease.

Book a short-term stay through trusted platforms:

• Airbnb: Flexible short-term rentals with transparent reviews
• Booking.com: Hotels and short-term accommodations with easy cancellation
• Kijiji: Canadian classified ads with short-term rental options
• Extended stay hotels: Purpose-built accommodations for longer stays

 2. Research Long-Term Housing

Once you’ve established yourself temporarily, begin searching for permanent accommodation. The Canadian rental market varies significantly by city and province, so research is essential.

Trusted Housing Search Platforms:

• RentFaster.ca: Popular in Western Canada, especially Calgary and Edmonton
• Zumper: Available nationwide with professional listings and virtual tours
• PadMapper: Aggregates listings from multiple sources for comprehensive searches
• Facebook Marketplace: Community-based listings, often with faster landlord responses
• Kijiji: Canada’s largest classified ad platform with extensive rental listings
• ViewIt.ca: Professional rental listings with detailed property information

💡 Safety Warning: Always confirm listings are legitimate before paying any deposits. Unfortunately, rental scams do exist in Canada. Never wire money to someone you haven’t met in person or thoroughly verified. Legitimate landlords will always provide proper documentation, allow property viewings (in-person or detailed video tours), and use legal rental agreements. Be extremely wary of deals that seem too good to be true—they usually are.

 3. Understand Canadian Lease Agreements

Canadian tenancy laws protect both landlords and tenants, but regulations vary by province. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial before signing any lease.

Standard Lease Components:

• Lease term: Most residential leases last 12 months, though shorter or month-to-month options exist
• Rent amount and due date: Typically due on the first of each month
• Damage deposit: Usually equal to one month’s rent (regulations vary by province)
• Utilities: Clarify what’s included (heat, water, electricity, internet, parking)
• Notice requirements: Usually 30-60 days depending on the province and situation
• Pet policies: Some properties allow pets with additional deposits or monthly pet rent
• Maintenance responsibilities: Understand who handles repairs and maintenance

Provincial Tenancy Resources:

Each province has its own residential tenancy authority that provides free resources, sample leases, and dispute resolution services:

• Ontario: Landlord and Tenant Board
• British Columbia: Residential Tenancy Branch
• Alberta: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service
• Québec: Tribunal administratif du logement
• Other provinces have similar resources available online

💡 Important Tip: If you’re unsure about any lease terms, ask a local newcomer support centre to review your agreement before you sign. Many settlement organizations offer free housing support and can help you understand your rights. Never feel pressured to sign immediately—legitimate landlords will give you time to review properly.

 Step 3: Weeks 6–8 — Register for Healthcare and Schools

Canada’s healthcare system is publicly funded, but you must register to access it. This process varies significantly by province, so understanding your specific requirements is essential.

 1. Apply for Your Provincial Health Card

Each province and territory operates its own health insurance program under the Canada Health Act. All eligible residents of a province or territory can apply for publicly funded health care coverage, with each jurisdiction determining who qualifies as an eligible resident.

Provincial Health Insurance Programs:

• Alberta: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
• Ontario: Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
• British Columbia: Medical Services Plan (MSP)
• Québec: Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
• Manitoba: Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan (MHSIP)
• Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Health Card
• Other provinces and territories have similar programs

Critical Information About Waiting Periods:

Many provinces impose a waiting period of up to 3 months before public health coverage begins for new residents arriving from outside Canada. Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut all have waiting periods. However, Ontario eliminated its OHIP waiting period in recent years, providing immediate coverage if you’re eligible.

Provinces offering immediate coverage include New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Alberta, though application processing times still apply.

What To Do During Waiting Periods:

If you’re moving from another Canadian province, you should maintain coverage with your former provincial medical plan during the waiting period. If coming from outside Canada, you should arrange private health insurance coverage.

Private health insurance options during waiting periods:

• Insurance companies: Major insurers offer visitors-to-Canada plans
• Employer coverage: Some employers provide immediate coverage
• University plans: Many institutions offer health plans for international students and staff
• Settlement organization resources: Ask your local settlement agency for affordable options

Required Documents for Health Card Application:

• Valid passport
• Immigration documents (COPR, work permit, study permit)
• Proof of provincial residency (lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement)
• Social Insurance Number (in some provinces)

 2. Find a Family Doctor

Finding a family physician in Canada can be challenging due to doctor shortages in many regions. However, several resources and alternatives can help you access primary care.

Resources for Finding Doctors:

• Provincial “Find a Doctor” tools: Most provinces maintain online directories of physicians accepting new patients
• Walk-in clinics: Available throughout Canadian cities for non-emergency care
• Primary Care Networks (PCNs): Community-based healthcare teams
• Telehealth services: Many provinces offer 24/7 phone health advice (dial 811 in most provinces)
• Newcomer health clinics: Some cities have clinics specifically serving immigrants

Alternative Healthcare Options:

While you search for a family doctor:

• Pharmacists: Can provide health advice and prescribe certain medications for common conditions
• Nurse practitioners: Can provide primary care services in many settings
• Community health centres: Offer comprehensive services on a drop-in or appointment basis
• Virtual care platforms: Telemedicine options are increasingly available across Canada

Pro Tip: Register with a walk-in clinic as your temporary healthcare provider, and put your name on waiting lists for family doctors in your area. Persistence is key—keep checking regularly as new doctors may start accepting patients.

 3. Enroll Your Children in School

Canada offers free public education for children of permanent residents and work permit holders. The country has two publicly funded school systems in most provinces, both offering high-quality education.

Canadian School Systems:

Public School Boards: English-language secular education serving the general population. These boards offer diverse programming including:

• Regular English programs
• French Immersion programs (teaching in French as a second language)
• Alternative schools (Montessori, arts-focused, sports-focused)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) support
• Special education services

Catholic School Boards: Faith-based education incorporating Catholic values and teachings, also publicly funded. Catholic schools offer:

• Religious education integrated into curriculum
• French Immersion options
• ESL support for newcomer families
• Similar academic standards to public schools

Examples of Major School Boards:

• Toronto: Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)
• Calgary: Calgary Board of Education (CBE), Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD)
• Vancouver: Vancouver School Board (VSB), Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique
• Montreal: English Montreal School Board (EMSB), Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM)

🔗 Calgary Board of Education Registration
🔗 Calgary Catholic School District Registration

School Registration Requirements:

• Child’s birth certificate or passport
• Proof of address (lease agreement, utility bill, or property tax statement)
• Immigration documents for child and parents
• Previous school records and transcripts (if available)
• Immunization records
• Guardianship documentation (if applicable)

Settlement Support in Schools:

Many school boards partner with settlement organizations to provide:

• In-school settlement workers
• ESL/FSL (French as a Second Language) assessments and classes
• Cultural orientation programs
• Parent workshops in multiple languages
• Homework clubs and tutoring
• Newcomer peer support groups

Important Note: Settlement and integration programs funded by the Government of Alberta and other provinces deliver comprehensive services through settlement agencies, often embedded directly in schools to support newly arrived immigrant families.

 Step 4: Weeks 9–12 — Focus on Work, Finances & Daily Living

Once you’ve settled your immediate essentials, it’s time to focus on building your career and financial foundation in Canada. This phase is crucial for long-term success and stability.

 1. Rewrite Your CV in the Canadian Format

Canadian resume standards differ significantly from many other countries. Understanding these differences dramatically improves your chances of getting interviews and securing employment that matches your qualifications.

Canadian Resume Standards:

What to Include:

• Professional summary: Brief 2-3 sentence overview at the top highlighting key qualifications
• Work experience: Reverse chronological order (most recent first) with achievement-focused bullet points
• Education: Include degrees, diplomas, and relevant certifications with institutions and dates
• Skills: Technical skills, software proficiency, languages, and relevant competencies
• Volunteer experience: Relevant unpaid work demonstrates community engagement
• Professional development: Workshops, certifications, and training courses

What to NEVER Include:

• No photograph: Including photos is considered unprofessional in Canadian business culture
• No personal information: Exclude age, date of birth, marital status, number of children, religion, or social insurance number
• No references: Simply state “References available upon request” or omit entirely
• No excessive length: Maximum two pages for most positions (1 page for entry-level)

Canadian Resume Best Practices:

• Achievement-focused: Use quantifiable results (“increased sales by 25%” rather than “responsible for sales”)
• Action verbs: Start bullet points with strong verbs like “developed,” “managed,” “achieved,” “implemented”
• Keywords: Mirror language from job postings to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Canadian spelling: Use Canadian English spelling (“honour,” “organize,” “centre”)
• Date format: Use Month/Year format (e.g., “January 2020 – December 2023”)
• Professional email: Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com)

Common Mistakes Newcomers Make:

• Including too much international experience without Canadian context or relevance
• Using unfamiliar job titles without explanation or Canadian equivalents
• Not highlighting transferable skills applicable to Canadian workplace
• Overly formal or elaborate language unfamiliar to Canadian employers
• Failing to customize resume for each specific job application

 2. Start Building Your Credit Score

Since there is no universal way of reporting credit between countries, newcomers to Canada start with a credit score of zero. Building good credit is essential for accessing financial products, renting better apartments, financing vehicles, and eventually purchasing a home.

Understanding Canadian Credit Scores:

In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900. A score between 660-724 is considered good, 725-759 is very good, and 760 or higher is excellent. Most newcomers can build a strong credit history within 6-12 months of responsible credit use.

Your Credit Score Depends On:

• Payment history (35% of score): Whether you pay bills on time
• Credit utilization (30%): How much credit you’re using versus your limits
• Length of credit history (15%): How long you’ve had credit accounts
• Credit mix (10%): Variety of credit types (cards, loans, etc.)
• Recent inquiries (10%): New credit applications

Step-by-Step Credit Building Guide:

Step 1: Apply for a Newcomer or Secured Credit Card

Many banks offer newcomer-specific credit cards that allow you to apply for your first Canadian credit card even without credit history. These immigrant-friendly banking packages can be a significant bonus for new immigrants who might otherwise have to wait years to build up a solid credit score.

If you’re having difficulty getting approved, a secured credit card might be your solution. A secured credit card requires a security deposit (typically $250-$1,000) held as collateral. If you make payments on time and in full every month, your deposit remains in escrow until you close your account.

Step 2: Use Credit Responsibly

• Charge small amounts monthly (groceries, gas, subscriptions)
• Keep balances below 30% of your credit limit
• Pay your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges
• Never miss payment due dates (set up automatic payments)

Step 3: Report Your Rent Payments

For many newcomers, rent is the most significant monthly expense – but it hasn’t always counted toward credit history. Services like Landlord Credit Bureau (LCB), Chexy, and FrontLobby allow you to have rent payments reported to credit bureaus. By paying a small monthly fee, you can have your rent payments recorded and used to build your credit score.

Step 4: Pay All Bills On Time

Phone companies report payment history to credit bureaus. When you pay your postpaid phone bill in full and on time, you’re building your good credit history. The same applies to utility bills, internet services, and any subscription services.

Step 5: Monitor Your Progress

In Canada, you can check your credit score for free using platforms like Borrowell, Credit Karma Canada, or directly through Equifax and TransUnion. Checking your own score is a ‘soft inquiry’ and does not negatively affect your credit.

Credit-Building Warning Signs:

Every time you apply for credit, whether for a new credit product or credit limit increase, the lender will run a credit check or “pull your credit report.” Too many credit applications in a short period can hurt your score, signaling you may be taking on too much debt.

💡 Credit Building Tip: Be patient with your credit journey. New-to-Credit consumers accounted for 28% of new credit cards opened in Canada in 2024, showing that financial institutions are increasingly supporting newcomers in building credit. Your diligent efforts will pay off within 6-12 months.

 3. Apply for Jobs and Networking Opportunities

Canada’s job market in 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges for newcomers. While job vacancies have declined in some sectors, fields like finance, insurance, and public administration are showing resilience with year-over-year increases.

Primary Job Search Resources:

Government Resources:

Job Bank Canada (jobbank.gc.ca) is the Government of Canada’s official job search platform, offering free tools including Job Match service that matches you with job postings based on your work experience, skills, education, and credentials.

🔗 Job Bank Canada

Newcomer-Specific Job Boards:

• NewcomersjobsCanada: Connects newcomers with Canadian employers coast to coast
• New Canadian Jobs: Premium job board with immigrant-friendly employer filters
• NewcomersHire.ca: Platform where employers specifically seek newcomers
• Newcomers Jobs: Established in 2017, provides cost-effective portal for newcomer employment

General Job Boards:

• LinkedIn: Essential for professional networking (ensure your profile is complete and Canadian-formatted)
• Indeed Canada: Popular aggregator with thousands of daily postings
• Glassdoor: Job listings plus company reviews and salary information
• Monster Canada: Long-established job board with diverse opportunities
• Company websites: Apply directly for often better response rates

Newcomer Employment Support Organizations:

Settlement and integration programs deliver comprehensive services through agencies across Canada. These offer job search workshops, resume writing help, interview preparation, and language training focused on employment skills.

Major newcomer employment services include:

• YMCA Employment Services: Career counselling and job search support
• COSTI (Ontario): Employment training and placement services
• Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS): Resume workshops and industry-specific training
• S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (British Columbia): Employment programs and credential recognition support
• JIAS Toronto: Career development and mentorship programs

Understanding Credential Recognition:

In Canada, some occupations are regulated, requiring specific professional licenses or certifications to work in those jobs. Most occupations are non-regulated, but internationally trained professionals in fields like healthcare, engineering, teaching, and trades often need Canadian equivalency assessments.

Credential Assessment Resources:

• IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service): Evaluates international educational credentials
• WES (World Education Services): Widely accepted credential evaluation service
• Professional regulatory bodies: Each regulated profession has specific requirements
• Bridging programs: Help internationally trained professionals meet Canadian standards

Networking Strategies:

• Attend newcomer job fairs and career events
• Join professional associations in your field
• Connect with alums from your university or college
• Participate in industry meetups and conferences
• Volunteer in your field to gain Canadian experience
• Use LinkedIn strategically to connect with professionals and recruiters

2025 Job Market Insights:

While navigating market challenges, finance and insurance sectors saw 13.7% increase in job postings, and public administration increased 11.9%. British Columbia (3.5%) and Alberta (3.2%) maintain the highest job vacancy rates, making these provinces favorable for job-seeking immigrants.

 Understanding Canada’s Cost of Living

Financial planning is essential for successful settlement. Costs vary significantly across provinces and cities, so understanding realistic budgets helps you make informed decisions about where to settle and how to manage your finances.

General Monthly Cost Estimate for a Family of Four:

Category	Average Monthly Cost
Rent (2-bedroom apartment)	$1,800 – $2,800
Groceries	$700 – $1,000
Transportation (public transit)	$150 – $250 per adult
Utilities & Internet	$250 – $350
Childcare	Varies by province ($800-$1,500 per child)
Total Monthly Estimate	$3,000 – $4,500

Cost Variations by City:

Most Expensive Cities:

• Toronto and Vancouver: Highest housing costs ($2,500-$3,500 for 2-bedroom)
• Ottawa: Moderate-high costs ($2,000-$2,800)

Moderate Cost Cities:

• Calgary and Edmonton: Affordable housing ($1,800-$2,400)
• Winnipeg and Regina: Very affordable ($1,400-$2,000)
• Halifax: Moderate coastal city ($1,800-$2,200)

Additional Expenses to Consider:

• Health insurance: During provincial waiting periods ($100-$200/month)
• Car ownership: Insurance, gas, maintenance ($400-$700/month if applicable)
• Cell phone plans: $40-$80/month per person
• Entertainment and dining: $200-$500/month depending on lifestyle
• Clothing: Budget for Canadian weather-appropriate clothing
• Professional development: Courses, certifications, or training programs

💡 Budget Planning Tool: Use our free “Cost-of-Living Calculator” to plan your monthly budget by province and family size. This personalized tool helps you understand realistic financial expectations based on your specific circumstances.

 Step 5: Choose Your Province or City Wisely

Every province offers different benefits, climate characteristics, economic opportunities, and settlement support. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best fit for your family.

City	Why Newcomers Love It	Key Advantages
Calgary (Alberta)	Affordable, family-friendly, growing job market	No provincial sales tax, strong economy, proximity to Rocky Mountains, excellent settlement services
Toronto (Ontario)	Diverse, vibrant, global opportunities	Largest job market, most multicultural city, extensive public transit, countless cultural amenities
Vancouver (B.C.)	Beautiful, multicultural, milder weather	Stunning natural scenery, moderate climate, Pacific Rim connections, outdoor lifestyle
Montreal (Quebec)	European charm, affordable, bilingual culture	Low cost of living, vibrant arts scene, rich history, affordable housing compared to Toronto/Vancouver
Winnipeg (Manitoba)	Affordable housing, smaller communities	Very low living costs, strong newcomer support, friendly communities, growing economy
Halifax (Nova Scotia)	Coastal living, friendly people, steady growth	Maritime culture, ocean access, smaller city benefits, growing tech sector, immediate health coverage

Provincial Tax Considerations:

Canada has both federal and provincial taxes:

• Alberta: No provincial sales tax (only 5% federal GST) – lowest tax burden
• Ontario: 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax)
• British Columbia: 12% combined PST and GST
• Saskatchewan: 11% combined PST and GST
• Quebec: 14.975% combined QST and GST (highest, but lower income taxes)

Climate Considerations:

• Mildest winters: Vancouver, Victoria (British Columbia coast)
• Cold winters, warm summers: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal
• Freezing winters: Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta)
• Atlantic climate: Maritime provinces have moderate temperatures but more precipitation

👉 Explore Our Comprehensive City Guides:

Settling in Calgary
Settling in Toronto
Settling in Vancouver

Final Thoughts: Your Canadian Journey Begins Here

There will be moments of frustration alongside breakthroughs of accomplishment. You’ll navigate unfamiliar systems, adapt to new cultural norms, possibly learn or improve a new language, and build a life from the ground up.

But here’s what makes Canada truly special: this country was built by immigrants and continues to thrive because of them. Nearly one in four Canadians was born outside the country, making Canada one of the world’s most multicultural nations. Your contributions, perspectives, and diversity are valued and welcomed.