Your First 30 Days in Canada

The SIN is free from Service Canada and is the foundation for everything else. You can apply online, by mail, or in person; when you apply in person at a Service Canada Centre with the right documents, an agent confirms your SIN on the spot, with the official confirmation following by mail. Bring your COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) or PR card and your passport. What this means for you: you need a SIN to work legally, to be paid, to open a full bank account, and to receive benefits, so doing this first unblocks most other tasks. Verify required documents at canada.ca (search "Social Insurance Number required documents").

The major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) and many credit unions offer newcomer packages that typically waive monthly fees for the first year or more. Bring your passport and PR card or COPR, plus proof of address where you have it. What this means for you: you generally start with no Canadian credit history and build it over time, and that is normal. Under federal rules, federally regulated banks must let you open a basic account with acceptable ID even if you do not have a job and even if you have no money to deposit right away, so do not let employment status stop you. Compare newcomer offers, since perks (free transfers, a no-fee credit card, points) vary by bank.

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).

Public health insurance is administered by each province or territory, not by IRCC, so the rules differ depending on where you live. Apply for your provincial health card as soon as you arrive: in provinces that historically apply a waiting period (such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec) of up to about three months, registering early starts that clock sooner. What this means for you: if your province has a waiting period, plan to carry private interim health insurance to cover the gap (see Week 2). Bring your immigration documents and proof of a provincial address. Coverage, eligibility, and waiting periods vary, so verify the specifics on your provincial health-ministry website.

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.

Licensing is provincial, and many provinces have reciprocal exchange agreements with certain countries that let you swap your foreign licence for a Canadian one without a road test; otherwise you may need a written and/or road test. You can usually drive on your valid foreign licence for a limited period after becoming a resident (for example, Ontario allows 60 days and British Columbia 90 days before you must switch), so check your province's rule and do not let it lapse. What this means for you: confirm both the grace period and whether your home country qualifies for direct exchange with your provincial office (ServiceOntario, ICBC, SAAQ in Quebec, etc.). An International Driving Permit obtained before you leave can help in the meantime.

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.

IRCC funds free official-language training (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, or LINC) for eligible adults outside Quebec, generally available to permanent residents and protected persons until they become citizens. Classes run full-time or part-time, in person or online, with childcare at some locations. Quebec runs its own services and offers free French courses (Francisation) through the province rather than through IRCC. Note: IRCC has indicated that advanced (stage 2) LINC/CLIC classes are being scaled back during the current funding cycle, so confirm what is offered locally. Find programs via your settlement agency or the IRCC newcomer-services locator.

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.

Canada taxes based on residency for tax purposes, not citizenship. Even with little or no income, filing a return is generally how you unlock the Canada Child Benefit (for families with children), the GST/HST credit, and related provincial benefits. The general personal tax filing deadline is April 30. What this means for you: newcomers can also apply for some benefits soon after arriving by completing the CRA newcomer benefit forms (RC66 for the Canada Child Benefit and RC151 for the GST/HST credit) before filing a full return. Quebec residents file a separate provincial return with Revenu Quebec in addition to the federal one. Confirm current eligibility and amounts at canada.ca/CRA.

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.