Moving to Canada is exciting, and the first few weeks set you up for everything that follows. This checklist covers the essentials most newcomers need, in the order that usually works best. Rules differ by province and by your immigration status, so always confirm details on the official government pages linked below.
Quick answer: in your first week, get your Social Insurance Number, open a bank account and get a Canadian phone number. In your first month, apply for your provincial health card, start building credit, and book free settlement services in your city.
Week 1: the essentials
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): you need it to work and to file taxes. Apply in person at Service Canada or online. canada.ca/sin
- Bank account: most major banks have newcomer packages with no monthly fee for the first year. Bring your passport and immigration documents.
- Phone plan: prepaid and low-cost carriers are usually cheapest to start; you can switch later once you have a credit history.
- Transit card: buy the local fare card (for example PRESTO in Ontario or Compass in Metro Vancouver).
Month 1: health, ID and money
- Provincial health card: apply as soon as you arrive. Some provinces have a waiting period, so keep private insurance until coverage starts. See your city guide for the link for your province.
- Driver’s licence: you can usually drive on your foreign licence for a short time; exchange it or start the testing process early because road-test waits can be long.
- Build credit: a secured or newcomer credit card, paid in full every month, is the fastest way to start a Canadian credit history.
- Canada Child Benefit: families with children under 18 should apply as soon as they are eligible. canada.ca/ccb
Months 1–3: work, school and community
- Free settlement services: government-funded agencies help with job search, résumés, language classes and housing at no cost. Find them in your city guide.
- Schools: register children with your local public or Catholic school board; bring proof of address, immigration documents and immunization records.
- Credential recognition: if you work in a regulated profession (nursing, engineering, teaching, trades), contact the provincial regulator early.
- Community: gurdwaras, mandirs, mosques and community centres are great places to make connections, find tiffin and catering, and hear about jobs and rentals. Browse our community classifieds and local directory.
Money tips for your first year
- Compare the total amount received, not just the fee, when you send money home.
- File a tax return every spring, even with little income, to qualify for benefits such as the GST/HST credit.
- Keep copies of all landing and immigration documents; you will need them repeatedly.
This guide gives general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your specific situation, speak with a licensed professional.
Frequently asked questions
What should newcomers do first in Canada?
In the first week, apply for your Social Insurance Number, open a bank account and get a Canadian phone number. Then apply for your provincial health card.
How do newcomers build credit in Canada?
Use a newcomer or secured credit card for small purchases and pay the full balance every month. Paying bills on time builds your credit history.
Are settlement services free in Canada?
Yes. Government-funded settlement agencies offer free help with jobs, language classes, housing and paperwork for eligible newcomers.