Settlement Guide

In your first 30 days: apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada, open a Canadian bank account, apply for your provincial health card, get a mobile phone plan, find temporary or permanent housing, register children in school (if applicable), and attend a free newcomer orientation at your local settlement agency. If driving, exchange your foreign licence within 60-90 days (varies by province).

Major Canadian banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) offer newcomer banking packages with no monthly fees for the first year, a credit card with no credit history required, and free international money transfers. You need your passport, PR card or work permit, and proof of address. Many banks allow you to open an account online before arriving in Canada.

Canada has universal public healthcare (Medicare) administered by each province. New permanent residents must apply for a provincial health card. Most provinces have a waiting period of 0-3 months (Ontario and BC have no wait; Quebec has 3 months). During the waiting period, get private health insurance. Medicare covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and most medical services. Dental, vision, and prescription drugs are typically not covered.

IRCC requires minimum settlement funds (set July 7, 2025, in force for 2026): $15,263 CAD for a single applicant, $19,001 for a couple, $23,360 for a family of 3, and $28,362 for a family of 4. In practice, you should budget $3,000-$5,000 for first month expenses (rent deposit, furniture, groceries). Monthly cost of living ranges from $2,000 in smaller cities to $3,500+ in Toronto or Vancouver.