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Checklist

Interactive checklist (offline)

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Welcome to Canada!

Start with these urgent steps for the first 7 days.

Urgent

Week 1

Urgent: get stable quickly.

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Urgent (days 1-7)
SIN (Social Insurance Number). Most newcomers complete this step in the first 7 days.

Most newcomers complete this step in the first 7 days.

FAQ

  • Is it mandatory? Yes, for work and banking.
  • How long does it take? Usually less than 30 minutes in person.

Avoid

  • Never share your SIN over messages or social media.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to book an appointment.
  • Giving your SIN to a stranger.
Official sources
Urgent (days 1-7)
Phone (plan / SIM). Most newcomers complete this step in the first 7 days.

Most newcomers complete this step in the first 7 days.

FAQ

  • Do I need an address? No, just an ID is often enough.
  • Prepaid or plan? Prepaid is safer at first.

Avoid

  • Avoid long-term contracts at first.

Common mistakes

  • Signing a 2-year contract without comparing.
  • Ignoring prepaid options.
Official sources
Urgent (days 1-7)
Bank account (card included). Most newcomers complete this step in the first 7 days.

Most newcomers complete this step in the first 7 days.

FAQ

  • Is a SIN required? Yes, it is needed.
  • Can I open without appointment? Often yes, but appointment is better.

Avoid

  • Ask for newcomer packages to reduce fees.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a bank plan with unnecessary fees.
  • Not asking for newcomer offers.

Important

Month 1

Important: secure everyday basics.

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Important (month 1)
Health card (provincial). Most newcomers do this within the first month.

Most newcomers do this within the first month.

FAQ

  • Is it free? Yes, for eligible residents.
  • Delays? From 0 to 3 months depending on province.

Avoid

  • Do not wait for an emergency to apply.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting for an emergency to apply.
  • Losing your health card.
Important (month 1)
Long-term housing (lease, deposits). Most newcomers do this within the first month.

Most newcomers do this within the first month.

FAQ

  • Is a lease required? Always ask for a written lease.
  • Do I need a guarantor? Not always, but it helps.

Avoid

  • Never pay before a visit and a signed lease.

Common mistakes

  • Paying without a signed lease.
  • Not checking the apartment's condition.
Official sources
Important (month 1)
Driver's license (by province). Most newcomers do this within the first month.

Most newcomers do this within the first month.

Avoid

  • Do not drive without a valid license and insurance.

Common mistakes

  • Driving without a valid license.
  • Forgetting to renew the license.
Official sources

Ongoing

Ongoing

Build stability over time.

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Later
Integration (local services, library). This step is done gradually, at your own pace.

This step is done gradually, at your own pace.

Avoid

  • Avoid staying isolated during the first months.

Common mistakes

  • Staying isolated during the first months.
  • Ignoring free local services.
Later
Networking (LinkedIn, communities). This step is done gradually, at your own pace.

This step is done gradually, at your own pace.

Avoid

  • Do not postpone networking.

Common mistakes

  • Postponing networking.
  • Not using LinkedIn.
Later
Taxes (basics, keep documents). This step is done gradually, at your own pace.

This step is done gradually, at your own pace.

Avoid

  • Do not lose important documents.

Common mistakes

  • Losing important documents.
  • Not declaring all income.
Official sources

Last updated: January 2025