Moving to Canada is exciting and overwhelming. This checklist covers the financial and administrative steps most newcomers miss — organized in the order you should actually do them. Every tool linked below is free.
Get your SIN
Apply at a Service Canada office within your first week. You need it for everything — jobs, bank accounts, taxes.
Open a Canadian bank account
Most big banks offer free newcomer accounts for the first year. Bring your passport, visa, and proof of address.
Apply for your health card
Each province handles this differently. Some have a 3-month waiting period — get private insurance to bridge the gap.
File your taxes (even year one)
Filing unlocks GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and provincial credits. You don't need income to file.
Start building credit
Get a secured credit card, pay it off monthly. Canadian credit history starts at zero — no transfer from your home country.
Understand TFSA and RRSP
You earn TFSA room from the year you become a resident. RRSP room starts after your first tax return.
Check your benefits eligibility
GST/HST credit, CCB, provincial benefits — many newcomers qualify but never apply because they don't know they exist.
Get your credentials assessed
WES (World Education Services) is the most common. Some professions require additional licensing — start early.