Landing is overwhelming. This checklist covers the essential admin — the documents, accounts, and registrations that unlock everything else — in the order that actually makes sense. Do these first; everything else can wait.
Three things unlock everything else. Do these before you unpack properly.
Your Social Insurance Number — a free 9-digit number from Service Canada. You need it to work, pay taxes, and access benefits. Bring your PR card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence plus passport (or your work/study permit). Apply in person for same-day service. Guard it: share it only for work, taxes, and benefits.
You need a Canadian number for job applications, banking verification, and everyday life. Prepaid plans need no credit check — you can even set up an eSIM before you land.
You need somewhere for your paycheque to land. Newcomer accounts need no credit history — bring your passport, immigration documents, and SIN (or apply for the SIN first and bring the confirmation).
Once the essentials are done, protect your health and your wallet.
Every province has its own plan: OHIP in Ontario (no waiting period since 2020), RAMQ in Quebec (up to 3 months), MSP in BC (about 2–3 months). Apply the day you arrive — the clock starts at registration. Buy temporary private insurance to cover any gap.
Rental scams target newcomers specifically. Golden rules: never send money before seeing the place in person (or via live video), never pay by wire transfer or gift cards, and verify the landlord owns the property. If a deal looks too good, it is.
You probably don't have a car yet. Every major city has a reloadable transit card — Presto in Toronto/Ottawa, OPUS in Montreal, Compass in Vancouver. Monthly passes pay off if you ride daily.
The foundations are set. Now build your longer-term footing.
Many countries have reciprocal agreements — you can swap your licence without a road test. Others require the full graduated process. Check your province's rules early: some give you only 60–90 days to exchange before your foreign licence stops being valid.
Every city has free settlement agencies — funded by the government, no catch. They help with job searching, language classes, credential recognition, and navigating bureaucracy. Search "settlement services near me" plus your city.
You arrive with no Canadian credit history — which affects renting, phones, and loans. A secured credit card or a newcomer banking bundle starts the clock. The earlier you start, the better.
What's next? Once the basics are covered, explore the rest of newcomerkit: money (banking, credit, investing), connect (phone, internet), insurance, and free tools including our quizzes and calculators.
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