The Ultimate Checklist for New Immigrants to Canada

Starting Your New Life in Canada

Moving to a new country brings excitement, but it often comes with a long list of tasks and questions. Canada continues to welcome newcomers from around the world and offers a supportive environment to build a fresh start. Whether you're coming to study, work, or reunite with family, proper planning can help you feel more settled, faster.

This newcomer checklist is built to give clear steps for what to do once you land. From sorting your paperwork to getting health coverage, this guide offers practical help to make things less overwhelming and more manageable.

Important Documents and Paperwork

Your first priority after arriving is to organize all your key documents. These are required for employment, opening bank accounts, healthcare, and more. Having both physical and digital versions can save time later.

Core documents you should have ready include:

- A valid passport

- Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your country and entry type

- Your study or work permit, if applicable

- Birth certificate

- Health and vaccination records

Use a labelled folder or binder for physical copies, and store high-quality scans in cloud storage or an encrypted USB, so they’re easy to access. Misplacing important papers is common during a move, so it helps to be proactive. As explained by a BorderPass legal advisor, “Keeping clear records means less back and forth with government agencies. It speeds up access to services you may rely on in those first few months.”

Finding a Suitable Place to Live

Next, you’ll want to secure housing. For newcomers, renting is usually a simpler entry point than buying, especially when you’re unfamiliar with neighbourhoods or property laws. Start by identifying your budget and researching areas with access to public transport, schools, or job hubs.

Here are some basic steps to follow:

- Set a comfortable monthly limit that includes rent and utilities

- Use provincial housing portals or vetted listing platforms to search for rentals

- Set up viewings (virtual or in-person) and keep notes for comparison

Read lease agreements carefully. They often include terms about how long you’ll stay, payment rules, responsibilities for repairs, and how notice works if you leave early. If any wording is unclear, ask the landlord or reach out for legal clarification.

BorderPass advisors can provide insight into lease terms, helping you understand your tenant rights and avoid common issues new renters face. That way, you can feel peace of mind about where you’re living.

Setting Up Essential Services

Once you have a place, it’s time to arrange household basics. These include services like electricity, water, heat, internet, and sometimes garbage pick-up. Your landlord may help you set up utilities if they’re experienced renting to newcomers, but if not, here are steps to follow:

- Contact utility providers for each service and provide your address and move-in date

- Ask about deposits or credit checks, as newcomers without a Canadian history may need to offer upfront payments

- Research internet and phone options and pick based on your speed, data needs, and cost

Today, many providers allow everything to be set up online, and some even offer exclusive plans for newcomers. Don’t hesitate to ask other tenants or neighbours which companies they trust.

Understanding Canadian Healthcare

Canada’s healthcare system is a major benefit to residents, but how you register will depend on the province or territory where you live. Most provinces have public plans that cover the cost of medically required services, from doctor visits to hospital care.

Here’s a general process to get started:

- Apply for your health card through your province’s health ministry website

- Provide key documents like your visa or permit and proof of your home address

- Once approved, you’ll receive a health card in the mail

There may be a short waiting period before coverage kicks in. During that time, it’s worth looking into temporary private coverage. You're also encouraged to register with a family doctor so you have someone to turn to for regular care. Newcomer-focused medical clinics or directories can help connect you with professionals accepting new patients.

Navigating Employment and Banking

Employment and money management are big areas of focus for new arrivals. Start your job search by preparing your resume, which should meet Canadian conventions. This usually means a one- or two-page document highlighting your most relevant work experience, skills, and recent accomplishments.

Job search tips include:

- Attend newcomer job fairs or browse leading Canadian job boards

- Practice interview techniques with friends or mentors

- Get your credentials assessed if you’re in a regulated profession

Canadian banking might work differently than systems you're used to. Thankfully, most banks offer special newcomer packages that require only basic documents to open your first chequing account. To open one, you typically need your passport, visa or permit, and proof of address.

Banking steps:

- Compare plans for fees, ATM access, and extras like credit builder programs

- Don’t feel pressured to open multiple accounts right away

- Ask about mobile banking options to stay on top of your finances

Some institutions will allow you to open accounts before arrival. BorderPass works with licensed immigration experts who can advise which services and documents are accepted by banks across provinces.

Making the Most of Immigration Services

There’s no need to figure everything out alone. Services like BorderPass are designed to help you stay on the correct path, file documents on time, and avoid delays. Because we’re backed by immigration lawyers, we can help offer up-to-date guidance that adapts with policy shifts.

According to a BorderPass counsel, “We’ve seen many newcomers run into small issues that grow into long delays. Helping at the right moment makes the entire process more manageable.”

From collecting the correct documents to making sure your work permit application is error-free, BorderPass acts as a partner through the immigration process, not just a tool. That support can lead to fewer mistakes and more clarity for your next steps.

Welcoming the New Opportunities

Canada is full of possibilities, but it’s common to feel unsure at first. Finding your routine, building your network, and learning how things work can take time. Keeping an open mind helps, and so does joining community groups, attending local events, or even joining forums where other newcomers share their stories.

Each small win, from finishing your first job interview to setting up utilities, builds your confidence. The checklist you’re using will continue to serve as a guide in those early months. And once the basics are sorted, you’ll be free to explore, meet people, and really settle in.

Your First Steps with BorderPass

Whether you're finalizing documents or just landed in Canada, BorderPass is here to help make sure nothing gets missed. We connect you with tools and legal support to make steps like getting your permit, finding the right services, or understanding your rights feel less intimidating.

You don’t have to move forward without direction. Start your journey with support that’s clear, simple, and built for newcomers like you. Reach out with your questions, or explore how we can stand beside you as you start your next chapter.

As you begin your life in Canada, having the right support can really shape your experience. Whether you’re figuring out documents, permits, or settling into day-to-day life, BorderPass can guide you along the way with practical tools and expert advice. If you're unsure about when or how to get started, find out how to apply for work permit in Canada so you can take confident steps toward your career goals.