Newcomer Workflow for Week 1 in Canada: Documents,

Your First Week in Canada: A Day-by-Day Action Plan

Your first week in Canada is one of the most important periods in your settlement journey. The actions you take in these first seven days lay the foundation for everything that follows — employment, benefits, healthcare, housing, and financial stability. This day-by-day guide ensures you complete the most critical tasks in the right order, so you can hit the ground running.

This plan assumes you have arrived in Canada as a permanent resident, but most steps also apply to temporary residents (work permit and study permit holders) with minor adjustments noted throughout.

Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Essentials

At the Airport/Port of Entry

• Clear immigration: Present your CoPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence), passport, and any other documents the border officer requests. They will stamp your CoPR and may issue your PR card instructions
• Confirm your landing: The officer will finalize your permanent residence. Keep all documents you receive — they are critical for upcoming applications
• Pick up checked luggage and clear customs declarations

First Hours in Canada

• Get a SIM card: If you do not already have a Canadian phone number, purchase a prepaid SIM at the airport or a nearby store. Many airports have mobile carrier kiosks (Fido, Koodo, Freedom, etc.). A phone number is essential for everything that follows. See our phone plans guide
• Get to your accommodation: Whether it is a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend/family member's home, get settled and rest after what is likely a very long journey
• Buy essentials: If you need immediate supplies (groceries, toiletries, warm clothing in winter), locate the nearest Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, or grocery store

Day 2: Social Insurance Number (SIN)

This is your highest priority. Without a SIN, you cannot work, file taxes, or access most government benefits.

What to Do

1. Find the nearest Service Canada Centre using the office locator
2. Arrive early (ideally before opening) to minimize wait times
3. Bring your original CoPR or work/study permit and passport
4. Apply for your SIN — you will receive it on the spot
5. If you have a spouse, they should apply for their SIN at the same time

For the full process, see our SIN application guide.

Day 3: Open a Bank Account

You need a Canadian bank account to receive paycheques, set up direct deposit for government benefits, and establish your financial life in Canada.

Where to Open

Most major banks offer newcomer banking packages with fee waivers for the first year and no Canadian credit history required:

• RBC: RBC Newcomers — includes free chequing for 12 months, no-fee credit card
• TD: TD New to Canada
• Scotiabank: StartRight Program
• BMO: BMO NewStart Program
• CIBC: CIBC Newcomer Banking

What to Bring

• Passport
• CoPR or work/study permit
• SIN (obtained on Day 2)
• Proof of Canadian address (even temporary — a letter from your host or hotel confirmation works)
• Cash to deposit (bring some Canadian dollars or convert foreign currency at the bank)

Ask About

• Newcomer credit card: A secured or unsecured credit card to start building Canadian credit history
• Direct deposit setup: Get your void cheque or direct deposit form for future employer and CRA benefit payments
• Mobile banking app: Set it up on your phone before leaving the branch

Day 4: Provincial Health Card and Settlement Agency

Apply for Provincial Health Coverage

Visit the appropriate office to register for your province's health insurance:

• Ontario: Visit ServiceOntario for OHIP card — see our OHIP guide
• BC: Enroll in MSP online and visit ICBC for your BC Services Card — see our BC Services Card guide
• Alberta: Register for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan at a registry office

Remember the waiting period: Most provinces have a 2-3 month waiting period. Purchase interim private health insurance to cover the gap. Do not skip this — one hospital visit can cost thousands.

Register with a Settlement Agency

Settlement agencies provide free services for newcomers funded by the federal government, including:

• Employment counseling and job search assistance
• Language assessment and LINC/CLIC class registration
• Help navigating government forms and applications
• Community connections and social programs
• Translation and interpretation services

Find one near you: IRCC settlement service finder.

Day 5: Apply for Benefits

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

If you have children under 18, complete Form RC66 and Schedule RC66SCH. This can be worth hundreds of dollars per month. See our CCB guide and RC66 walkthrough.

GST/HST Credit

This is applied for when you file your first tax return, but knowing about it now helps you plan. See our GST/HST credit guide.

Day 6: Housing, Transportation, and Practical Setup

If You Need Permanent Housing

• Start searching for rental housing on Rentals.ca, PadMapper, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace
• Book viewings for this week and next
• Read our rental scams guide before sending any money

Transportation

• Get a transit pass: If you are in a city with public transit, get a monthly pass or load a transit card (PRESTO in Toronto/Ottawa, Compass in Vancouver, etc.)
• Driver's licence: If you plan to drive, research your province's licence exchange process. Some provinces allow you to exchange your foreign licence directly; others require testing

Internet and Utilities

• Set up home internet if your accommodation does not include it. Compare providers on WhistleOut
• Set up electricity and gas accounts if not included in your rent

Day 7: Organization and Planning

Organize Your Documents

Set up your document folder system — see our document organization guide. Scan all important documents and back them up to cloud storage.

Plan Your Next Steps

• Employment: Start building your Canadian resume and LinkedIn profile. Register with employment agencies. See our 90-day job search plan
• Education: If you have children, research school enrollment. See our school enrollment guide
• Language: If you need English or French improvement, register for free LINC/CLIC classes through your settlement agency
• Credential assessment: If your profession requires it, start the process now. See our credential assessment guide

Week 1 Checklist Summary

• ☐ Clear immigration at port of entry
• ☐ Get a Canadian phone number
• ☐ Apply for SIN at Service Canada (Day 2)
• ☐ Open a bank account with a newcomer package (Day 3)
• ☐ Apply for provincial health card (Day 4)
• ☐ Purchase interim health insurance for the waiting period
• ☐ Register with a settlement agency (Day 4)
• ☐ Apply for Canada Child Benefit if you have children (Day 5)
• ☐ Start housing search if needed (Day 6)
• ☐ Get a transit pass or research driver's licence exchange (Day 6)
• ☐ Organize all documents — physical folders and digital backups (Day 7)
• ☐ Plan your 90-day job search strategy (Day 7)

Key Takeaways

• SIN is priority #1 — apply on Day 2 at Service Canada
• Open a newcomer bank account on Day 3 to start building credit
• Don't skip interim health insurance during the provincial waiting period
• Settlement agencies are free and incredibly helpful — register in your first week
• Apply for child and family benefits immediately to avoid losing retroactive payments
• Organize documents from day one — it saves enormous time later

Establishing Your Canadian Address: The Foundation for Everything

While securing your SIN and health card are top priorities, establishing a Canadian address is equally critical during your first week. Your address serves as the cornerstone for almost every other official document and service you’ll need, from receiving mail to registering for provincial services. Even if your initial accommodation is temporary, ensure you have a mailing address where you can reliably receive important documents.

Understanding what constitutes "proof of address" is key. Common documents accepted include a lease agreement (even for a temporary rental), a utility bill (electricity, internet, or gas), a bank statement from your newly opened Canadian account, or even an official letter from a temporary host confirming your residency. If you're staying with friends or family, ask them to write a signed letter stating you reside at their address, along with a copy of one of their utility bills. Be proactive in requesting these documents as soon as possible.

For guidance on finding suitable housing, whether temporary or permanent, explore our comprehensive Housing Guide. Remember to update your address with relevant government agencies, such as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), as soon as you have a stable mailing address. You can find information on how to update your address with the CRA on the official Canada.ca website.

Preparing for Your Career: Credential Recognition and Resume Basics

While finding a job might be a longer process, your first week is an excellent time to lay the groundwork for your professional future in Canada. A crucial initial step for many newcomers is understanding how their foreign education and professional experience are recognized in Canada. This process, known as credential assessment, helps Canadian employers and educational institutions understand the equivalency of your qualifications.

Begin by researching the specific requirements for your profession or field in Canada. Some regulated professions require assessment by a professional body before you can practice. Even for unregulated fields, a general assessment can be highly beneficial for job applications. Our Credential Assessment Tool can help you navigate this process and identify the right organizations for your specific credentials.

Beyond assessment, start thinking about adapting your resume to Canadian standards. While you might not be ready to apply for jobs in your first week, understanding the format and content expectations will save you time later. Focus on clear, concise language, quantifiable achievements, and a format that's easy for Canadian recruiters to read. Our Resume Builder can guide you through creating an effective Canadian-style resume. For more information on working in Canada and recognizing foreign credentials, visit the official Employment and Social Development Canada resources on Canada.ca.

Immediate Financial Planning & Essential Services

Beyond opening a bank account, your first week involves crucial financial planning and setting up essential services. It's vital to have a clear understanding of your immediate expenses. Use your first week to create a preliminary budget, factoring in immediate costs like transportation, groceries, and initial purchases. Our Cost of Living Calculator can provide insights into typical expenses in various Canadian cities, helping you fine-tune your budget.

One of the most immediate needs is a Canadian phone plan. Having a local number is essential for job applications, connecting with services, and staying in touch with family. Research different providers and plans, considering data, talk, and text options that suit your needs and budget. Our Phone Plan Finder can help you compare options easily. Additionally, take a moment to explore potential government benefits you might be eligible for as a newcomer. The Benefits Finder can introduce you to various federal and provincial programs that could offer financial support or services.

Related Resources

WelcomeAide Resources

• Newcomer Checklist — track key settlement tasks and documents
• Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
• Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers for your next steps in Canada
• Settlement Programs — find local support and integration services
• WelcomeAide Blog — browse practical newcomer guides and updates

Authoritative External Sources

• FCAC Banking in Canada
• CRA Individual Tax Return Guide
• Canada Child Benefit
• Bank of Canada
• Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation