What to Do Upon Arriving in Canada as an Immigrant

🛃 Step 1: The Port of Entry (Airport)

The official process begins as soon as you land in the country.

• Present your documents: Show your passport and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or your work/study permit to the CBSA officer.
• Declare your belongings: Hand in the customs declaration form along with the list of items arriving later (Goods to Follow).
• Mailing address: Provide a secure Canadian address so the government can mail your Permanent Resident card (PR Card).

🪪 Step 2: Obtain your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

The SIN is a confidential 9-digit number required to work, open bank accounts, and pay taxes.

• Where to apply: Visit a physical Service Canada office to get it printed on the spot.
• Online option: You can apply via the government portal, but processing takes several business days.
• Security: Never share this number with anyone except your employer, your bank, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Tip: Do not share your SIN with anyone except your employer and the bank.

🏦 Step 3: Open a Bank Account and Build Credit

You need a secure place for your money and a way to start building your Canadian credit score.

• Newcomer packages: Major banks like RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, and CIBC offer free banking for the first year to new immigrants.
• Required documents: Bring your passport, COPR or permit, your SIN, and proof of address.
• Credit card: Apply for a basic credit card immediately; using it responsibly is vital for renting an apartment or buying a car later.

🩺 Step 4: Apply for Provincial Health Insurance

Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded, but it is managed individually by each province or territory.

• Immediate registration: Apply for your provincial plan (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in BC, or AHCIP in Alberta) as soon as you have a permanent address.
• Waiting periods: Some provinces have a waiting period of up to three months; consider buying private private health insurance to cover this initial gap.

📱 Step 5: Get Connected and Find Housing

Setting up your communication channels will allow you to look for work and a permanent home.

• Mobile phone: Get a local SIM card with budget-friendly plans from providers like Fido, Koodo, or Public Mobile.
• Long-term housing: Use trusted platforms like atlantino.ca, Realtor.ca, Rentals.ca, or Kijiji to look for apartments, and never transfer money before viewing a property.

Essential Local Resources for Newcomers to Canada

Moving to a new country means finding your footing in a local community. Beyond the official government paperwork, getting involved with community networks will help you settle in, find a job, and make friends faster. Here is your step-by-step guide to connecting with your new Canadian neighborhood.

🤝 Step 6: Visit an Immigrant Settlement Agency

The Canadian government funds local organizations to help immigrants adapt to their new communities for free.

• Find an agency: Use atlantino.ca directory to locate a settlement service provider near you or the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
• Get a settlement plan: A counselor will map out your specific needs, including language classes, housing support, and job training.
• Language training: Register for the free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program to improve your English or French.

📚 Step 7: Get a Public Library Card

Canadian public libraries are vibrant community hubs that offer much more than just books.

• Free services: Access high-speed internet, computers, printing services, and quiet study spaces.
• Newcomer programs: Most libraries host free English conversation circles, citizenship study groups, and resume-writing workshops.
• What you need: Bring your ID and a proof of address (like a utility bill or lease agreement) to get your free library card.

💼 Step 8: Connect with Mentorship and Networking Programs

Finding a job in Canada often relies on networking and understanding the local workplace culture.

• Immigrant employment councils: Organizations like TRIEC (Toronto), IEC-BC (Vancouver), or CRIEC (Calgary) match newcomers with professional mentors in their field.
• Bridge training: Look for community college programs designed to bridge the gap between your international experience and Canadian licensing requirements.
• Volunteer locally: Volunteering at a local food bank, community center, or charity is the fastest way to gain “Canadian experience” and build references.

🏫 Step 9: Register Children for School and Community Activities

If you are moving with family, getting your children settled into the community is a top priority.

• • School registration: Contact your local school board to register your children; they will need immunization records, birth certificates, and proof of your status in Canada.
  • Recreation centers: Cities operate municipal community centers offering low-cost sports leagues, swimming lessons, and fitness classes for all ages.
  • Subsidy programs: Ask your city’s recreation department about low-income subsidies to help cover the cost of children’s sports and summer camps.

Go back to content ↑