First steps after you arrive in Canada
The practical things that are the same wherever you land: the number you need to be paid, a bank account, your first tax return, renting a home, and having a qualification recognized.
121 facts from 49 official pages, checked by October 21, 2026. All places
General information about living here, not immigration or legal advice, and not part of your assessment. Each sentence below is ours; the link beside it goes to the official page we read it from, with the date we read it. Rules change, and the official page is always the one to follow.
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Your Social Insurance Number
The number you need before you can be paid, and how to get it.
A SIN is the 9-digit number needed to work in Canada or to get government programs and benefits.
A permanent resident's SIN is permanent and does not expire.
A temporary resident can apply for a first SIN when they hold a work or study permit that authorizes work.
A temporary resident's SIN starts with 9 and expires on the same date as the work permit, study permit or visitor record.
Anyone 12 or older can apply for their own SIN; a parent or legal guardian can apply for a child under the age of majority.
Applying for a SIN is free.
The online application is at sin-nas.canada.ca, and an in-person applicant whose documents are in order gets the SIN during the visit.
Service Canada quotes about 5 business days for online applications and about 20 business days by mail.
Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards; the SIN is confirmed by letter.
Every applicant needs one primary identity document (proving status in Canada) and one secondary identity document (confirming identity), plus a supporting document if the name has changed.
Social Insurance Number: Required documents - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated May 20, 2026After one year as a PR, the COPR is no longer accepted and the PR card is required.
For temporary residents, the primary document is a work permit, a study permit that says the holder may work, or a visitor record that authorizes work.
Social Insurance Number: Required documents - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated May 20, 2026Emails from IRCC are not accepted in place of the permit.
The secondary document must be valid, show the full legal name and date of birth, and be either Canadian government ID or a foreign passport.
Social Insurance Number: Required documents - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated May 20, 2026Documents not in English or French must be translated, and family members cannot do the translation.
Social Insurance Number: Required documents - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated May 20, 2026Translation by a family member is not accepted.
Social Insurance Number: Required documents - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated May 20, 2026Online applicants upload clear copies; mail and in-person applicants send or bring the originals.
Social Insurance Number: Required documents - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated May 20, 2026A temporary resident may start working once they have applied, without waiting for the number.
A worker on maintained status may keep working with an expired SIN until IRCC decides the extension.
Opening a bank account
What a bank may and may not ask for when you open an account.
A person can open a bank account without a job, without money to deposit right away, and even after a bankruptcy.
People who are not Canadian citizens, or who live in another country, may be able to open an account with proper identification, possibly in person.
Identification must be original documents, not photocopies.
The first way to meet the ID rules is two documents from a reliable source, one with name and address and one with name and date of birth.
Accepted sources include Canadian or provincial government ID, tax assessments, benefit statements, utility bills, bank or credit card statements and foreign passports.
The second way is one document with name and date of birth, provided a customer in good standing with the bank or a person of good standing in the community also confirms the person's identity.
Online-only institutions may require an existing account at another institution.
A bank that refuses to open an account must say so in writing and give its complaint procedure plus the contact details for OBSI and the FCAC.
An account opened by telephone can be closed without charge within 14 days.
Opening a personal bank account: know your rights - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated October 16, 2025
Income tax and benefits
Filing a first return, and the benefits a newcomer can apply for.
The CRA treats a person as a newcomer for their first year as a resident for income tax purposes; for most newcomers residence starts on the first day they live in Canada.
A SIN is needed to file online; someone still waiting for one should file on paper by the deadline with a note.
Completing your return for newcomers - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 17, 2026Property owned on arrival (shares, jewellery, art) is treated as sold and bought back at fair market value on the residence date, so newcomers should record that value.
Completing your return for newcomers - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 17, 2026Income earned abroad before becoming resident is not taxed in Canada, but for benefits the CRA asks for up to two years of foreign income.
Benefit applications can be made on arrival, before the first return.
New residents must apply for the CGEB: online (Web Form RC151) if they have no children, the paper RC151 if they have children under 19, or the RC66 child benefit application if eligible for the CCB.
For July 2026 to June 2027, the CGEB pays up to $679 for a single person, $890 for a married or common-law couple, and $234 for each child under 19.
How much you can get - Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated July 15, 2026The newcomers page gives the same figures as totals ($679 for a single person, $1,358 for a couple with two children under 19).
The same page's forms list still uses the old RC151 name ("GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate"), although the carbon rebate ended on March 15, 2025.
For July 2026 to June 2027, the Canada child benefit (CCB) pays up to $8,157 a year per child under 6 and $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17, in full when adjusted family net income is under $38,237.
How much you can get - Canada child benefit (CCB) - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated October 5, 2026The CRA newcomers page still shows the previous benefit year's CCB maximums ($7,997 and $6,748), so use the CCB amounts page for current figures.
For the CCB, the parent or their spouse must be a citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person, a qualifying temporary resident or registered under the Indian Act.
Who can apply - Canada child benefit (CCB) - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated November 20, 2025A temporary resident qualifies only after living in Canada for the previous 18 months, with a valid permit in the 19th month.
Who can apply - Canada child benefit (CCB) - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated November 20, 2025Refugee claimants do not qualify for the CCB.
Who can apply - Canada child benefit (CCB) - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated November 20, 2025Temporary residents must send the CRA each renewed permit, or CCB payments stop.
Someone who cannot get a SIN can get a temporary tax number (TTN) from the CRA for benefits and taxes.
Finding a home, and renting
What a landlord can ask, what a deposit may be, and where to take a dispute.
CMHC's newcomer page offers information in many languages on renting, buying and managing a mortgage (the old address cmhc-schl.gc.ca/newcomers/en/index.html now redirects here).
Housing for Newcomers to Canada | CMHCChecked October 21, 2026CMHC's newcomer renting guide ("Renting Your First Home in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know") says landlord and tenant rules differ by province or territory, but it is old (copyright 2009) and still refers readers to the telephone book's Blue Pages.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: a newcomer's guide to renting (PDF)Checked October 21, 2026The guide is dated 2009.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: a newcomer's guide to renting (PDF)Checked October 21, 2026CMHC defines the rental authority as the body that oversees landlord and tenant matters in each province or territory, and notes that in some places it is a court.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: a newcomer's guide to renting (PDF)Checked October 21, 2026CMHC tells tenants with a problem to contact their province's or territory's rental authority, and warns that withholding rent without court approval can lead to eviction.
Complaints and Evictions | CMHCChecked October 21, 2026IRCC's renting page says each province and territory has its own residential tenancy act.
IRCC warns that pressuring a tenant into doing things in exchange for rent is illegal.
Newcomers without a Canadian job, references or credit history can ask a newcomer services provider for help getting started.
IRCC gives common rules only as general guidance (24 hours' written notice before a landlord enters in most places, and 90 days' written notice of a rent increase in most of Canada), so check the provincial authority for the local rule.
The federal Office of Consumer Affairs confirms that tenancy law is provincial and territorial, with different departments in each jurisdiction.
Landlord and tenant relations - Office of Consumer AffairsChecked October 21, 2026Page dated January 27, 2025Under federal privacy law (PIPEDA), a prospective landlord needs the applicant's consent to share their information for a credit check.
Landlord and tenant relations - Office of Consumer AffairsChecked October 21, 2026Page dated January 27, 2025Alberta's tenancy tribunal is the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), which resolves landlord and tenant disputes without going to court.
Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) | Alberta.caChecked October 21, 2026Since April 1, 2026, the RTDRS filing fee is tiered, starting at $75 for claims of $7,500 or less, with fee waivers available.
Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) | Alberta.caChecked October 21, 2026B.C.'s authority is the Residential Tenancy Branch, which administers the Residential Tenancy Act and runs dispute resolution for landlords and tenants.
Residential tenancies - Province of British ColumbiaChecked October 21, 2026Manitoba's authority is the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), which informs landlords and tenants about their rights, mediates disputes, investigates and holds hearings.
Residential Tenancies Branch | Province of ManitobaChecked October 21, 2026The RTB also holds hearings to make decisions and issue orders.
Residential Tenancies Branch | Province of ManitobaChecked October 21, 2026New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Tribunal (part of Service New Brunswick) decides landlord and tenant matters; for example, a landlord must ask it for an order to evict a tenant.
Evictions - gnb.caChecked October 21, 2026Renters with questions about a lease can call the Tribunal before signing.
First time renters - gnb.caChecked October 21, 2026Residential landlord and tenant disputes are mediated and decided by the Department of Government Services (Residential Tenancies) under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
Landlord & Tenant - Government ServicesChecked October 21, 2026Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancies Program (Service Nova Scotia) provides information, forms, and hearings before the Director of Residential Tenancies to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
Residential tenancies: tenants and landlords - Government of Nova Scotia, CanadaChecked October 21, 2026To resolve a dispute, a tenant or landlord applies to the Director using Form J.
Residential tenancies: tenants and landlords - Government of Nova Scotia, CanadaChecked October 21, 2026The NWT Rental Office (Department of Justice) gives landlords and tenants information on their rights and obligations and receives applications to a rental officer.
NWT Rental Office :: JusticeChecked October 21, 2026The rental officer's information services are free.
NWT Rental Office :: JusticeChecked October 21, 2026Federally owned housing is outside the Rental Office's jurisdiction.
Nunavut Rental Office | Government of NunavutChecked October 21, 2026A rental officer's order can be appealed to the Nunavut Court of Justice within 14 days.
Nunavut Rental Office | Government of NunavutChecked October 21, 2026The Landlord and Tenant Board (part of Tribunals Ontario) resolves disputes between landlords and tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals OntarioChecked October 21, 2026Ontario's newcomer page says a rent deposit can be no more than one month's rent and can be used only for the last month's rent.
The Tribunal administratif du logement (formerly the Régie du logement) is a specialized tribunal with exclusive jurisdiction to hear all applications about residential leases (French page).
Tribunal administratif du logementChecked October 21, 2026Its mandate is to give citizens adequate information and effective remedies when a landlord or tenant fails their obligations.
Tribunal administratif du logementChecked October 21, 2026Quebec's newcomer guide says renting requires signing a lease with the landlord.
Settle and integrate in Québec | Gouvernement du QuébecChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 16, 2026Saskatchewan's authority is the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), an independent agency that gives landlords and tenants information on their rights and decides disputes.
When landlords and tenants cannot settle a dispute, either can ask the ORT to rule.
The ORT covers most residential tenancies in Saskatchewan and can decide matters up to $30,000.
The Government of Yukon's Residential Tenancies Office resolves landlord and tenant disputes that cannot be settled informally.
Dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancies Office | Yukon.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated April 23, 2026Proposed amendments to Yukon's Residential Tenancies Act (removing the rent cap and allowing no-cause evictions) would take effect December 1, 2026 if passed.
Landlords and tenants' responsibilities | Yukon.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 9, 2025The changes were tabled in the fall 2026 sitting and are not yet law; the current Act stays in effect until they pass and take effect.
The Residential Tenancies Act | Yukon.caChecked October 21, 2026
Credentials and regulated work
Having a qualification assessed, and work that needs a licence.
The federal Foreign Credential Recognition page is now run by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and the former IRCC credential page (canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/credential-assessment.html) redirects to it (observed 2026-10-20).
Recognition is done by the regulator for the occupation in the province or territory where the person will work, not by the federal government.
A licence or certificate is also needed before working in the occupation or using its title.
ESDC advises starting before arriving in Canada.
The Foreign Credential Recognition Tool (on Job Bank) shows whether an occupation is regulated where the person plans to work and names the regulatory body.
Job Bank's page for foreign candidates links the tool, which also shows the time and cost of recognition.
Foreign candidates from outside Canada - Job BankChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 24, 2026Foreign Credential Recognition Loans of $15,000 up to $30,000 help pay for exams, training and other recognition costs, through listed lenders such as Windmill Microlending.
Open the credential and licensing navigator for one occupation and province: the published requirements, whether it is a designated trade, and where to find the regulator.
Free help for newcomers
Settlement agencies paid for by government, and who can use them.
Protected persons with a positive Immigration and Refugee Board decision are eligible.
IRCC's eligibility page names a different set of temporary resident programs (Atlantic Immigration Program, Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot), so the two IRCC pages do not match on this point.
Eligibility for newcomer services for economic PRs - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated March 10, 2026People approved under certain pathways are eligible, including Palestinians who left Gaza on or after September 1, 2023 and their families (until March 31, 2027) and Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot participants.
New since April 1, 2026: economic class PRs can use the services for up to 6 years from the date they became a PR.
Eligibility for newcomer services for economic PRs - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated March 10, 2026The limits cover the spouse or partner and dependent children in the same PR application, and apply to people who became PRs before April 1, 2026.
Eligibility for newcomer services for economic PRs - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated March 10, 2026An economic class PR who became a PR on or before April 1, 2020 lost access on April 1, 2026; the start date is the "Became P.R. on" field of the COPR.
Eligibility for newcomer services for economic PRs - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated March 10, 2026There is no time limit for PRs from non-economic programs (for example family sponsorship), resettled refugees, protected persons and eligible temporary residents.
Eligibility for newcomer services for economic PRs - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated March 10, 2026Canadian citizens are not eligible, however and whenever they became PRs.
Eligibility for newcomer services for economic PRs - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated March 10, 2026The directory does not list Quebec providers; it points Quebec residents to the Quebec government's own integration services.
Provinces and territories run their own settlement programs in addition to the federally funded ones.
The non-commercial permission has conditions (accuracy, title and author, and a statement that it is a copy of the online version).
Help before you arrive
Services you can start using from outside Canada.
IRCC funds free online pre-arrival services for newcomers and their families, which then connect them with local organizations after arrival.
Pre-arrival services: Get help before you arrive in Canada - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated March 5, 2026To be eligible, the PR application must be approved, the person must be outside Canada, and they need one of the listed IRCC documents.
Pre-arrival services: Who can get services - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 4, 2025The accepted documents include an IRCC eligibility letter, a COPR, a passport request letter, the medical exam information sheet, a single-entry PR visa or a letter inviting the person to pick up the PR visa.
Pre-arrival services: Who can get services - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 4, 2025Newcomers and their dependants register in one place, the Pre-arrival Client Registration and Referral Portal (prearrivalcanada.ca), and upload an eligibility document.
Pre-arrival services: Register for services - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 5, 2025Planning for Canada is one of four general "prepare to live" programs (with the Active Engagement and Integration Project, Next Stop Canada and Settlement Online Pre-Arrival); it offers a needs assessment, referrals and guidance on education, employment, health care, housing and transportation, in English.
Pre-arrival services: Prepare to live in Canada - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 4, 2025Next Stop Canada adds support for youth aged 12 to 19, including youth mentors.
Pre-arrival services: Prepare to live in Canada - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 4, 2025Refugees selected for resettlement get Canadian Orientation Abroad, delivered by the International Organization for Migration.
Pre-arrival services: Prepare to live in Canada - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated September 4, 2025Job-readiness programs include sector programs: PASS for nurses, Healthcare Connections for other health professionals, Engineering Connections, GO Talent for ICT, BC Construction Association, and two Ontario programs (skilled trades, and Build for architects).
Pre-arrival services: Prepare to work in Canada - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated March 5, 2026Planning for Canada is delivered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the program's operator.
Public health insurance
Who the public plan covers, when coverage starts, and what to do while you wait.
IRCC says that permanent residents can apply for provincial public health insurance.
IRCC's newcomer video says coverage can take up to 3 months to start.
IRCC advises buying private insurance while waiting (in its video transcript); the provincial sections give each province's actual rule.
Driver’s licence
How long a licence from home can be used, and how to exchange it.
a valid licence from home can usually be used for a short time after arrival; the province or territory sets the details.
IRCC recommends an International Driving Permit from the home country.
Children’s schooling
Enrolling a child, the documents schools ask for, and when fees apply.
school attendance is the law and each province and territory runs its own school system; families enrol through the local school board.
IRCC lists the usual enrolment documents as a birth certificate, proof of guardianship or custody, proof of residency and immunization records.
Education in Canada: How to enrol or apply - Canada.caChecked October 21, 2026Page dated July 18, 2025IRCC publishes the federal table of when a minor needs a study permit for primary or secondary school, and says school authorities may use it to decide when fees apply.
A child already in Canada with a parent who holds a study or work permit does not need a study permit for primary or secondary school, although IRCC recommends getting one.
A child coming to Canada with a parent who holds a study or work permit does need a study permit.
A child whose parent is a visitor without a work or study permit needs a study permit, whether the child is arriving or already in Canada.
Children who are refugee claimants, or whose parents are refugees or refugee claimants, do not need a study permit.
Minors need no study permit for programs of 6 months or less; for 6 months or more they must apply before entering Canada.
Age of majority is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and 19 in the other provinces and the territories.
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