First 30 Days Checklist

Track your settlement tasks week by week. Check off items as you complete them.

Province of settlement

I have children

Overall Progress0 of 20 items complete

Apply for SINApply online, by mail or in person at Service Canada. Bring your COPR (valid as a SIN document only within 1 year of becoming a PR; after that, use your PR card) plus your passport. Online is fastest.
Open a bank accountMajor banks offer newcomer packages with no fees for the first year. Bring passport, COPR, SIN, and proof of address.
Get a Canadian phone numberEssential for job applications, two-factor authentication, and daily communication.
Secure temporary housingBook at least 2 weeks of accommodation. You'll need a Canadian address for bank accounts and services.
Get a transit card/passGet a local transit card (Presto, Compass, etc.) for affordable transportation.

Apply for provincial health cardRegister with your province's health plan (OHIP, MSP, RAMQ, etc.). Waiting periods vary.
Register for family doctor waitlistWaitlists can be months long. Register early through your provincial system or walk-in clinics.
Get private health insuranceCover the waiting period gap. Some provinces have up to 3 months before coverage starts.
Confirm PR card processingYour PR card is mailed to your Canadian address. Ensure IRCC has your correct address.
Visit licensing officeExchange your foreign license or start the graduated licensing process. Rules vary by province.

Start apartment huntingUse Rentals.ca, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace. Budget for first and last month's rent.
Set up utilitiesArrange hydro, internet, and gas for your new home. Compare plans before signing.
Connect with settlement agencyFree government-funded agencies help with language, jobs, and integration.
Register for language classesLINC (English) or CLIC (French) classes are free for permanent residents and protected persons. CUAET holders (temporary residents under the Ukraine public policy) should confirm current LINC/CLIC eligibility with a local settlement agency.
Enroll children in schoolContact your local school board. Bring proof of address, immunization records, and status documents.

Apply for secured credit cardStart building Canadian credit history. Most newcomer bank packages include one.
Register with CRACreate a My Account at canada.ca/cra. File taxes to access benefits like the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST/HST credit) and CCB. You can apply for these benefits as soon as you arrive; you don't have to file a return first.
Adapt resume to Canadian formatCanadian resumes differ from other countries. No photo, no personal info, focus on achievements.
Register with employment servicesSettlement agencies offer free job search support, interview prep, and networking events.
Join community groupsFind local newcomer groups, cultural associations, and community events to build your network.

This checklist is for guidance only. Actual requirements may vary by province and personal circumstances.

Newcomer Essentials