New to Canada: your first months, simplified

Before arriving

Preparation that makes your first days calmer.

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Organize your key documentsKeep your passport, immigration documents, education records, reference letters and medical or vaccination records together — digital and paper copies.
Look into credential recognitionIf you work in a regulated profession such as nursing, engineering or teaching, find your provincial regulatory body and learn what's required. It can take months.Finding your first job
Estimate how much money to bringPlan for your first month's costs plus a cash buffer, so you're not under pressure while you settle in.First-month cost calculator
Explore newcomer banking optionsSome banks let you begin opening an account before you arrive, and many offer newcomer packages. Compare fees and features.How Canadian banking works
Book temporary accommodationArrange somewhere safe for your first two to four weeks. Avoid paying deposits for places you can't verify.How to spot rental scams
Plan for health coverageSome provinces have a waiting period before public health coverage starts. Consider private insurance to cover the gap.How healthcare works
Check that your phone is unlockedAn unlocked phone lets you use a Canadian SIM card as soon as you land.Choosing a phone plan
Learn about your city and provinceRules for housing, healthcare and work are set provincially. Read up on the place you're heading to.Explore Navak
Plan for the weatherPack for the season you'll arrive in. Heavy winter gear is easier to buy once you're here and know what you need.Your first Canadian winter

Get settled, stay connected and find your bearings.

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Get connectedBuy a prepaid SIM at the airport or a nearby store, or use Wi-Fi to message family and open maps.Choosing a phone plan
Arrange transportationPlan how you'll reach your accommodation — airport transit, a taxi or a ride share — and save routes offline.Public transit basics
Access essential servicesFind the nearest pharmacy, grocery store and clinic. Save emergency numbers: 911 for emergencies and 811 for non-urgent health advice in most provinces.How healthcare works
Keep your arrival documents safeYou'll need them for almost every application in the coming weeks. Store originals securely and carry copies.
Stock up and restBuy groceries and basics, and give yourself time to recover from travel before tackling your to-do list.

Set up the essentials that unlock everything else.

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Apply for your SINYou need a Social Insurance Number to work and to access most government benefits. Applying is free.Understanding your SIN
Open a bank accountBring your passport, immigration documents and proof of address, and ask about newcomer packages.How Canadian banking works
Get a Canadian phone numberCompare prepaid and monthly plans. You'll need a local number for banking, jobs and landlords.Choosing a phone plan
Learn your transportation optionsGet a transit card or pass if you'll ride public transit, and learn the basics of routes and fares.Public transit basics
Apply for provincial health coverageRegister for your province's health plan as soon as you have an address, and ask about any waiting period.How healthcare works
Start your housing searchSet a budget, shortlist neighbourhoods near transit and learn what landlords will ask for.Renting your first apartment
Learn the common newcomer scamsRental, job and fake-government scams target newcomers. Knowing the warning signs protects your money and identity.How to spot scams

Move from getting by to settling in.

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Build routines and take care of your finances.

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Understand taxesLearn how the Canadian tax year works, which slips you'll receive and when returns are due.Filing your first tax return
Build your professional networkAttend events, join a professional association and book short informational chats with people in your field.Finding your first job
Review insuranceCheck what coverage you need: tenant insurance, health extras and, if you drive, auto insurance.Tenant insurance explained
Establish your financial planSet a savings goal, an emergency-fund target and a plan for any money you send home.Chequing, savings and TFSAs
Learn your basic rightsUnderstand workplace and tenant rights so you can recognize unfair treatment and know where to turn.Your rights at work
Note your key immigration datesWrite down when your permit expires and any deadlines for extensions or applications.Permits and PR: the big picture
Get ready for winterBuy a proper coat, boots and gloves before the first cold snap, and find out what heating will cost.Your first Canadian winter

Look ahead and make longer-term plans.

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