Your First 30 Days in Canada

Visit a Service Canada office in person with your COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) and passport. Your SIN is required for employment, banking, and taxes. Issued same day in person.

Visit one of the Big Five banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) to open a chequing account. All offer newcomer packages with no or reduced fees for the first year. Bring your passport, COPR or PR card, and proof of address.

If you don't have permanent housing arranged, book temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb, or a friend/family member's home) while you search for a rental. Government-assisted refugees receive temporary housing through settlement agencies.

A local phone number is essential for job searching, healthcare appointments, and day-to-day life. If your credit history is limited, start with a prepaid plan — you can upgrade to postpaid once you build credit. Major carriers: Rogers, Bell, Telus, and their budget brands (Fido, Virgin, Koodo, Freedom, Public Mobile).

Apply for your provincial health card immediately — even if your province has a waiting period, registering starts the clock. Bring your immigration documents and proof of provincial address.

IRCC funds a national network of free settlement services for newcomers — language training, employment help, settlement advice, and community connections. Find your nearest agency at settlement.org or ircc.canada.ca/settlement-services.

Your Permanent Resident card is your proof of status. If you arrived with a COPR but not a PR card, apply online through your IRCC account. Processing typically takes several weeks. You need the PR card to re-enter Canada after international travel.

Canada has licence exchange agreements with many countries. Depending on your home country, you may be able to exchange your foreign licence for a Canadian one directly, or you may need to take written and/or road tests. Contact your provincial motor vehicle office (ServiceOntario, ICBC, etc.) for requirements specific to your country.

Access to a family doctor is critical for ongoing healthcare. Register with your province's patient registry (Health Care Connect in Ontario, Find a Doctor in BC, etc.). In the meantime, walk-in clinics are available for non-emergency care.

If your province has a 3-month waiting period for provincial health coverage, private insurance is essential to cover emergencies, prescription drugs, and basic medical costs during the gap.

Apply for a secured credit card or newcomer credit card through your bank. Using it responsibly from day one starts building your Canadian credit file.

Canadian public schools are free for children aged 4/5–18 (varies by province). Contact your local public school board to register. Many school boards have newcomer welcome centres or English Language Learner (ELL) support. Required documents: immunization records, previous school records (translated if needed), and proof of address.

The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program offers free government-funded English or French training for permanent residents. In Quebec, it's called CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada). Available full-time, part-time, with childcare at some locations.

IRCC-funded employment programs help newcomers with résumé writing, job search strategies, credential recognition, and employer connections. Programs vary by province. Ask your settlement agency about local employment programs.

Bring your immunization records from your home country. Public health units can assess what vaccinations you or your children may need. Many vaccines are publicly funded for newcomers.

Connect with cultural community organizations, newcomer groups, local libraries (which often have free resources and newcomer programs), and religious institutions if relevant. Social connections are important for wellbeing and practical support.

If you are in temporary accommodation, this is the time to sign a lease. In competitive rental markets (Toronto, Vancouver), be prepared to move quickly. Standard documents required: government ID, proof of employment or income, references, and a credit check (having a co-signer may help if your credit history is new).

Most rental units require you to set up hydro/electricity (if not included in rent), gas, and internet. Internet providers include Bell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron (Quebec), Shaw/Freedom (West), and many independent ISPs. Compare plans at point.ca or similar comparison sites.

Furnished rentals are available but more expensive. Newcomer organizations and settlement agencies often know of furniture banks or donation programs. Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and local buy-nothing groups are also excellent for affordable essentials.

If arriving before winter (October–March, depending on province), appropriate winter clothing is essential. Temperatures in most of Canada regularly reach -10°C to -30°C. Thrift stores (Value Village, Salvation Army) carry affordable winter coats, boots, and gear.

File your first Canadian tax return as soon as possible after arriving. Even with minimal income, filing unlocks the Canada Child Benefit (for families with children), GST/HST credit, and provincial benefits. New arrivals can also complete Form RC66 (CCB) and RC151 (GST/HST credit) independently of filing.

Open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) at your bank. Your contribution room starts accumulating from your first year of residency. Even small regular contributions benefit from tax-free growth.