Settlement checklist

Required for working in Canada and accessing government programs. Apply in person at a Service Canada office (same-day result) or online (about 5 business days if your application is complete). If you start working, you must apply for your SIN within 3 days of your start date.

Create your IRCC online account to manage immigration applications, check status, and access documents.

Each province has its own health insurance plan. Some provinces have no waiting period (MB, NS, NL), and Ontario's 3-month wait has been suspended since 2020. Others impose a wait of up to 3 months (BC, QC, SK). Coverage timing in AB, NB, and PEI varies for newcomers - check with your provincial health authority. Apply on arrival regardless.

If you are settling in a province with a health coverage waiting period (BC, QC, SK, and possibly others), you may need private insurance to cover the gap of up to 3 months. Ontario's wait has been suspended since 2020, but verify before assuming coverage starts immediately. Not needed in MB, NS, or NL where coverage begins immediately.

You will need a bank account for employment income, rent, and daily expenses.

A Canadian phone number is essential for job applications, banking, and daily life.

Research rental costs in your city. You will typically need first and last month's rent.

Covers your personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay in your unit. Often required by landlords.

Get a transit pass, learn bus/train routes, or research driving license requirements.

Free settlement agencies help with orientation, job search, and community connections.

Free government-funded language classes are available for permanent residents: LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) for English, and CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada) for French.

Have your international education assessed by a designated organization. WES standard processing is 20 business days (3 days for express). IQAS takes 12-16 weeks. ICAS takes 10-15 business days.

Canadian resumes do not include a photo, age, or marital status. Focus on achievements and tailor each resume to the job posting.

Learn about filing taxes, the tax year (January to December), and available credits for newcomers. Filing deadline is April 30 each year (self-employed: June 15, but any tax owing is still due April 30).

A quarterly tax-free payment (July, October, January, April) to help low-to-moderate income individuals offset the cost of groceries and everyday essentials. Up to $679/year for singles, $890 for couples, plus $234 per child (2026-27 amounts). This is the renamed, 25% larger version of the former GST/HST Credit. Applied automatically when filing your first tax return.

Register with your provincial health authority to find a family doctor or join a patient waitlist. This is crucial for ongoing healthcare.

If you plan to drive, you will need a provincial driver's license. Your foreign licence is valid for 60 days in Ontario, 90 days in BC and Alberta, and up to 6 months in Quebec. Some countries have reciprocal exchange agreements.

Start building credit to qualify for future loans, mortgages, and better credit cards.

You need 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada within a 5-year period to apply for citizenship as a PR. Check IRCC for current processing times, which vary.

Join industry associations, attend networking events, and connect with professionals in your field on LinkedIn.

Integrate into Canadian society by joining local clubs, volunteer groups, or newcomer social events. Combat isolation and build a support network.

Your PR card is valid for 5 years. Processing times for renewals vary, so apply at least 6 months before expiry. You must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within a 5-year period to maintain PR status. Check the IRCC processing times page for current estimates.