Priority tasks in your first week
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your SIN is required to work in Canada and access government programs. Apply at any Service Canada office in person or online if eligible.
Open a Canadian bank account
Major Canadian banks offer newcomer packages with reduced fees. Compare options before committing. You will need a checking account, and consider a secured credit card if you have no Canadian credit history.
Register for provincial healthcare
Each province has its own health insurance plan. Register as soon as possible, though coverage may not begin immediately.
British Columbia (MSP)
- No waiting period for new PRs
- Apply online or by mail
- Premium-free since 2020
Ontario (OHIP)
- 3-month waiting period
- Get private insurance for interim
- Free for eligible residents
Important: Register immediately even if there is a waiting period. If your province has a waiting period, obtain private health insurance to cover the interim.
Housing and accommodation
Finding suitable housing is one of the most important early tasks. Many newcomers use temporary accommodation while searching for permanent housing.
Temporary options
- Extended stay hotels
- Airbnb rentals
- Hostels or guesthouses
- Staying with friends or family
Permanent options
- Apartment rentals (most common)
- House rentals
- Basement suites
- Purchasing property (after establishing credit)
When renting, first and last month's rent is typically required upfront. A credit check and references may be requested. Always document the property condition at move-in and consider tenant insurance.
Transportation
Driver's license
Check if your home country has a license exchange agreement with your province. If so, you may be able to exchange your license without a road test. Otherwise, you will need to study the provincial driver's handbook, pass a written test, and complete a road test.
BC example: Class 7L (Learner) after knowledge test, then Class 7 (Novice) after road test, then Class 5 (Full license).
Public transit
Most Canadian cities have public transit systems. Major systems include TransLink in Vancouver, TTC in Toronto, STM in Montreal, and OC Transpo in Ottawa. Get a transit card, download the app, and check for monthly passes.
Education for children
Public education is free for permanent residents. Find your catchment area school, contact the school district, and provide immigration documents, proof of address, and immunization records. ESL programs and settlement workers are available in most schools.
Settlement services
Canada offers free government-funded settlement services to newcomers. These are genuinely useful and worth using.
- Language training: Free English or French classes through LINC and CLIC programs
- Employment services: Resume writing, job search support, interview preparation
- Information and orientation: Canadian society, rights, and responsibilities
- Community connections: Networking, mentorship, cultural activities
- Credential assessment: Help with foreign credential recognition
- Essential services navigation: Healthcare, education, housing, legal services
Building credit history
Establishing Canadian credit is important for renting, loans, and other financial activities. Start with a secured credit card, use it regularly, and pay in full each month. Pay all bills on time and monitor your credit report through Equifax or TransUnion.