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Settling in Canada

A practical guide to your first months as a permanent resident: healthcare, banking, taxes, housing, transport and keeping your status in order.

Good habits in your first months make everything that follows easier.

A young family unpacking boxes in a bright new home with a view of a quiet street, shops and a park with maple trees
  1. Free newcomer servicesThe free settlement services you may be able to use, who is eligible, and the time limit that now applies to most economic-class permanent residents.

    When you arrive as a permanent resident, you do not have to work everything out alone. The Government of Canada pays for free settlement services that can help you find work, learn English or French, and understand daily life. But for most newcomers who come through the skilled worker routes, there is now a time limit, so it is worth knowing early.

    Good to know: This page is general information only. IRCC's pages have the latest rules, and Quebec has its own services.

    What settlement services can help with

    IRCC says its free services can help you adapt to life in Canada. Depending on the organisation, they include:

    Working in Canada

    • help finding a job, including information on training programs and the job market
    • help getting a licence or certification for a regulated job, such as a nurse, engineer, teacher or accountant

    Language

    • a language assessment, so you can be placed in the right class
    • classes to learn English or French
    • job-related language training for the workplace
    • informal learning, such as conversation circles and book clubs

    General settlement

    • how to adjust to daily life in Canada
    • a settlement plan, where a professional helps you work out what you need
    • preparing for the citizenship test
    • connecting with your local community

    Services for specific groups

    • Some organisations have services for children, youth (15 to 30), women, seniors, families, people with disabilities and other groups.

    Many organisations can help you in your first language. Some services are online, and some are in person.

    Who is eligible

    IRCC says you can use its free services if you are:

    • a permanent resident
    • a permanent resident applicant who has been approved, and has received IRCC's letter confirming it
    • a protected person
    • a temporary resident (or a dependant) in certain employment programs, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program

    If you live in Quebec, IRCC's service finder does not include Quebec providers. Quebec runs its own integration services through its immigration ministry.

    If you are still outside Canada, IRCC also offers pre-arrival services, which are online and in-person services in your home country.

    The time limit for economic-class PRs

    This is the most important change to know about. IRCC says economic-class permanent residents are those approved through programs like:

    • the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
    • the Provincial Nominee Program
    • the Atlantic Immigration Program and several other economic pilots

    For these PRs, IRCC says:

    • From 1 April 2026: you can use newcomer services for up to 6 years from the date you became a PR.
    • From 1 April 2027: you can use them for up to 5 years from the date you became a PR.
    • If your spouse or partner and your dependent children were in the same PR application, the same periods apply to them.
    • The changes apply to everyone, including people who became PRs before 1 April 2026.

    Finding your PR date

    Your PR date is in the "Became P.R. on" field in the Personal Details section of your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

    Examples from IRCC

    • If you became a PR on or before 1 April 2020, you can no longer use the services from 1 April 2026.
    • If you became a PR between 2 April 2020 and 31 March 2027, you have 6 years from your PR date. For example, a PR date of 21 June 2021 means you can use them until 30 June 2027.
    • If you become a PR on or after 1 April 2027, you have 5 years. For example, a PR date of 4 May 2027 means you can use them until 31 May 2032.

    Other newcomers, for example those who became PRs through family sponsorship or as resettled refugees, have no time limit.

    Tip: Even with five or six years, services help most in your first year. Use them early, and ask a service provider to confirm how long you are eligible.

    Becoming a citizen

    IRCC says Canadian citizens are not eligible for newcomer services. If you become a citizen, the services are no longer available to you.

    How to find a service near you

    1. Open IRCC's "Find free newcomer services near you" page.
    2. Enter your postal code, city, province or territory. Do not enter your full address.
    3. Filter the results by language, online or in person, and the type of service you want.
    4. Call or email before you go in person, to check the organisation offers what you need.

    Each province and territory also has its own settlement programs, so ask your local organisation what else is available.

    Protect yourself

    • The services IRCC funds are free for eligible people.
    • Be careful with anyone who asks for payment, or who promises that paying will "guarantee" a job or an immigration outcome.
    • Do not share your IRCC account password or personal documents with an organisation you have not checked.

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Waiting years to use services and then running out of eligibility
    • Not checking your PR date on your COPR
    • Paying someone for help that is available for free
    • Not calling ahead before visiting in person
    • Assuming services stay the same if you move province or become a citizen

    Next steps

    Next, we look at the practical tasks for your first month in Canada.

    Checklist

    • Find my “Became P.R. on” date on my COPR
    • Work out how long I can use newcomer services (6 years, or 5 from April 2027)
    • Open IRCC’s newcomer services finder and search my area
    • Call or email an organisation to book a settlement plan
    • Ask about language assessment and job-help services
    • Ask about services for my family members, if they came with me
    • Save the details of one local organisation in my phone

    Last verified: 21 Oct 2026

  2. Your first month checklistA simple order for your first weeks as a permanent resident: documents, health cover, money, contact details and the first tasks to protect your status.

    Your first month as a permanent resident has many small tasks. This page puts them in a sensible order, so you can tick them off one at a time without feeling overwhelmed.

    Good to know: This page is general information only. Details such as health cover and driving licences depend on your province. Use the official links on this page for the latest rules.

    In your first few days

    1. Keep your documents safe

    Keep these together in one safe place, and keep copies:

    • your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or e-COPR
    • your passport
    • your PR card, when it arrives (IRCC mails it to the Canadian address you gave)
    • your IRCC account details
    • your SIN confirmation and your health card, when you receive them

    Do not leave originals with an employer, landlord or agent.

    2. Check that IRCC has a mailing address that works

    IRCC says it mails your first PR card to the Canadian address you gave in your application. Make sure that address is one where you can receive mail, and tell IRCC if your address changes.

    3. Update your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

    You need a SIN to work. If you already have one from a work permit, it starts with 9 and expires with your permit. Service Canada can tell you how to update your SIN record now that you are a permanent resident. Check Service Canada's page for what to do.

    Watch out: Your SIN is private. Give it to an employer after you are hired, not before.

    4. Arrange your health cover

    Health cover in Canada is run by each province or territory. Rules differ, and some places have a waiting period before your cover starts. So:

    • find your province's health ministry website and check how to apply
    • ask whether there is a waiting period
    • if there is one, ask your employer, school or an insurer about temporary private cover, so you are not without protection

    We cover this in more detail in a later stage.

    5. Open a bank account

    A bank account makes it easier to be paid, pay bills and build your credit history. Take your passport and immigration documents to the bank. We cover banking in a later stage.

    In your first few weeks

    6. Contact a free newcomer service

    Free settlement services can help you with jobs, language classes and community connections. Check how long you are eligible, as explained in "Free newcomer services".

    7. Get a phone plan and a stable address

    You will need an address and a phone number for banks, employers, schools and government offices. If you move, update them everywhere.

    8. Learn your rights and plan your tax filing

    • Read "Your rights and your first paycheque" if you are starting work.
    • Keep every pay slip and tax slip.
    • Plan to file a tax return each year, even if you earn little. The CRA has pages for newcomers.

    9. Find out about driving and schools, if they apply to you

    • Driving: your province sets the rules for driving licences. Some allow you to exchange a licence from another country, and some do not. Check your province's licensing website before you drive.
    • Schools: if you have children, contact your local school board about registering them.

    Protect your PR status

    • Stay in Canada. IRCC says you must be in Canada for at least 730 days in any 5-year period to keep your PR status. See "Becoming a permanent resident".
    • Keep your PR card details up to date. IRCC says your status does not expire when your card does, but you need to renew the card.
    • Think ahead to citizenship. Keep your travel records and your tax filing in order. See the Canadian Citizenship journey.

    Stay safe from scams

    Newcomers are often targeted. Be careful with:

    • calls, texts or emails that claim to be from the CRA, immigration or the police and ask for money or your SIN
    • job or rental offers that ask you to pay before you see the job or the place
    • anyone who promises a "guaranteed" job, a PR card, a faster citizenship or a government benefit for a fee

    If something feels wrong, stop and check the official government website, or ask a settlement worker.

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Putting off health cover and having no protection in the waiting period
    • Giving your SIN to someone before you are hired
    • Forgetting to file taxes
    • Not checking your province's driving licence rules before driving
    • Leaving Canada for long periods without checking the 730-day rule
    • Waiting years before using free newcomer services
    • Losing your COPR or PR card

    Next steps

    In the next stages, we look at banking and credit, and at health cover, housing and driving in more detail.

    Checklist

    • Put my COPR, passport and PR card in one safe folder, with copies
    • Check that my mailing address with IRCC can receive mail
    • Ask Service Canada how to update my SIN as a permanent resident
    • Find my province’s health ministry page and check the waiting period
    • Arrange temporary private health cover if there is a waiting period
    • Open a bank account with my passport and immigration documents
    • Contact a free newcomer service near me
    • Check my province’s driving licence rules before I drive
    • Note the date I need to be in Canada for 730 days in the next 5 years

    Last verified: 21 Oct 2026

  3. Steps 3 to 6 are free to unlock with your email.

  4. Health coverageHow health cover works in Canada, why there may be a waiting period, and how to protect yourself until your province’s cover starts. Locked: opens the free unlock form

    This step is part of the full pathway. to read it, with its checklist and official sources.

    Canada has public health insurance, but it is run by each province and territory, not by the federal government. The rules for newcomers are different in each place. This page explains the basics, and how to avoid a costly gap in cover when you arrive.

    Good to know: This page is general information only. Always check your own province's health ministry website for the current rules.

    How it works

    • Permanent residents can apply for provincial or territorial health insurance. Apply as soon as you arrive.
    • When you are approved, you receive a health card. You show it to see a doctor or visit a hospital.
    • Each family member usually needs their own health card, including children.
    • Some places cover you quickly, and some have a waiting period, which can be up to about three months. During that time you are not covered, and you may have to pay the full cost of care yourself.

    IRCC encourages newcomers to take out private health insurance to cover the waiting period.

    Watch out: Do not assume you will be covered the day you arrive. Check your province's waiting period before you travel or move.

    Steps to take

    1. Find your province's health ministry website. Search for "apply for health card" and the name of your province.
    2. Check the rules. Look for the waiting period, the documents you need and how to apply.
    3. Apply early. Do not wait until you are ill.
    4. Arrange private cover for any waiting period. Many insurers sell short-term plans for newcomers. Some plans must be bought within days of arriving, or they may not cover you, so check the terms before you travel.
    5. Keep your documents ready. You will usually need proof of your PR status (such as your COPR or PR card), a photo ID and proof of your address.

    What public health insurance usually covers

    Provincial plans usually cover medically necessary doctor and hospital services. They often do not fully cover:

    • dental care
    • eye care and glasses
    • some prescription medicines
    • ambulance rides, in some places
    • physiotherapy and other therapies

    Ask your employer whether they offer extended health benefits, and think about a private plan for what the public plan does not cover.

    Using the health system

    • Emergency: in a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
    • Family doctor: it can take time to find one. Ask your settlement worker or your province's health service about registering.
    • Walk-in and urgent care clinics: these can help for problems that are not emergencies.
    • Pharmacies: pharmacists can give advice and answer questions.

    If you do not understand how to get care, a free newcomer service can help you in your language. See "Free newcomer services".

    If you move province

    Health cover is provincial. If you move to another province, check before you move how to register there, and whether a waiting period applies again.

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Not checking whether a waiting period applies
    • Arriving with no insurance for the waiting period
    • Buying a private plan without reading what it covers
    • Forgetting to register your whole family
    • Waiting until you are sick to apply
    • Not checking the rules before moving to another province

    Where to get help

    • Your province's health ministry for the rules and the application
    • A free newcomer service in your area
    • Your employer or school, for any benefits plan

    Checklist

    • Find my province’s health ministry page and note the waiting period
    • Apply for my health card as soon as I arrive
    • Apply for health cards for each family member
    • Arrange private insurance for any waiting period before I travel
    • Read what my private plan covers and does not cover
    • Save the 911 emergency number and my nearest clinic
    • Ask a newcomer service how to find a family doctor

    Last verified: 21 Oct 2026

  5. Banking and creditHow to open your first bank account, what documents to take, how credit history works in Canada, and how to protect your money from scams. Locked: opens the free unlock form

    This step is part of the full pathway. to read it, with its checklist and official sources.

    A bank account is one of the first things you need in Canada. It lets you get paid, pay rent and bills, and send money home. You will also start building a credit history, which affects things like credit cards, loans, renting and mortgages later. This page explains the basics.

    Good to know: This page is general information only. Banks have their own rules and products, so call ahead and check. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has official information about banking rights and products.

    Choosing where to bank

    You can open an account with:

    • a bank
    • a credit union
    • a digital bank (with no physical branches)

    Compare them before you decide. Look at:

    • monthly fees, and how to avoid them
    • fees for sending money abroad and for using other banks' machines
    • branch and app services, including support in your language
    • any newcomer programs the bank offers

    Tip: Ask each bank for a written list of its account fees. Take your time, as the cheapest account for you depends on how you use it.

    Opening your account

    Banks must be able to confirm who you are. In general, you will be asked for:

    • two pieces of identification. Usually one of them must show your photo. Banks have lists of what they accept, so ask which documents they take
    • your passport and your proof of immigration status, such as your PR card or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
    • your address in Canada. Some banks accept a temporary address, and some ask for proof
    • your Social Insurance Number (SIN), if you have one. Tell the bank if you do not have it yet

    Bring original documents, not photocopies. Opening an account is normally free, and many banks do not ask for a credit history or a job offer.

    Watch out: Call ahead and ask exactly which documents the branch needs. If a bank refuses to open an account, ask for the reason, and ask how to make a complaint. FCAC explains your options.

    Opening an account before you arrive

    Some banks let you start the process from outside Canada, but you may still need to visit a branch to confirm your identity in person.

    Understanding credit

    When you arrive, you usually have no Canadian credit history, even if you had a good record in your home country. In Canada, lenders look at your credit report, kept by credit reporting companies, and your credit score. These show how you have used credit, such as credit cards and loans.

    Things that usually matter most:

    • Paying on time. Late payments can hurt your score.
    • How long you have had credit. A longer record is better.
    • How much of your limit you use. Using a small share of your limit is generally better.
    • How often you apply. Many applications in a short time can look risky.

    Building your credit

    Common ways to start:

    • Ask your bank about a credit card for newcomers or a secured credit card, where you give a deposit that acts as your limit.
    • Use the card for small, regular purchases, and pay the full balance by the due date.
    • Do not apply for lots of cards at once.

    Watch out: Credit cards can charge high interest if you do not pay in full. Read the fees and interest rate before you apply, and never borrow more than you can pay back.

    Sending money home

    • Compare fees and exchange rates. Small differences add up.
    • Use a licensed, well-known provider, and check reviews and complaints.
    • Keep receipts and records of every transfer.
    • Be careful with anyone who offers a rate that seems too good to be true.

    Protect your money from scams

    • Never share your PIN, passwords or one-time codes with anyone, even if they say they are from your bank, the CRA or immigration.
    • Do not let anyone use your account to receive or send money for them. This can be part of a crime, and you could be held responsible.
    • Be careful with offers of a job, a rental or a "government benefit" that ask for money or your bank details first.
    • If a cheque or payment looks wrong, stop and ask your bank before you spend or send anything.

    If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank straight away, and report it to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

    Taxes and your bank

    Banks report some interest income to the tax authorities. Keep your statements, and see "Your rights and your first paycheque" for tax basics.

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Opening an account without comparing fees
    • Going to the bank without original documents
    • Missing credit card payments
    • Applying for many cards in a short time
    • Using a card as if the credit limit were your own money
    • Sending money home through an unlicensed provider
    • Sharing a PIN, password or code
    • Letting someone else use your account

    Where to get help

    • Your bank's complaints process, if something goes wrong
    • FCAC, for information on banking rights and products
    • A free newcomer service near you, which can explain banking in your language

    Checklist

    • Compare fees at two or three banks or credit unions
    • Ask the bank exactly which original documents I need
    • Bring my passport, PR card or COPR, proof of address and SIN
    • Open a chequing account and ask about a newcomer credit card or secured card
    • Set up reminders to pay my credit card in full each month
    • Compare fees and exchange rates before sending money home
    • Save my bank’s fraud and complaints contact details
    • Never share my PIN, passwords or one-time codes

    Last verified: 21 Oct 2026

  6. Housing and rentingHow renting works in Canada, how to read a lease, how to spot rental scams and where to get help with tenant rights. Locked: opens the free unlock form

    This step is part of the full pathway. to read it, with its checklist and official sources.

    For most newcomers, the first home in Canada is a rental. Tenant rules are set by each province and territory, so the details change by place. This page explains the basics and how to protect yourself, especially from scams.

    Good to know: This page is general information only. Check your province's tenancy information before you sign anything.

    Your first nights

    • Arrange a short-term place first. This could be a hotel, a short-term rental, a room with friends or family, or temporary housing a settlement agency can suggest.
    • Do not rush into a long lease before you have seen the place and the area. A few weeks of temporary housing is often worth the time it gives you.

    Finding a place

    • Use well-known rental websites and local listings, and ask friends and community groups.
    • Visit in person, or ask a trusted person to visit for you. A live video tour is better than photos.
    • Compare rent, what is included (heat, water, electricity, internet), the distance to work or school and public transport.

    What landlords often ask for

    • Identification and proof of your status
    • Proof of income, such as a job letter or pay slips
    • References, from past landlords or employers
    • Sometimes a credit check. Newcomers may not have a Canadian credit history, so be ready to explain this, and offer extra proof such as a letter from your employer or bank statements

    Reading your lease

    A lease is a legal contract. Before you sign:

    • Read it carefully. Ask for a copy in writing.
    • Check the rent, the length of the lease and what is included.
    • Check the rules on deposits. They differ by province, and some provinces limit what a landlord can ask for.
    • Check the rules on ending the lease and on rent increases.
    • Ask about tenant insurance. Many landlords require it, and it can protect your belongings.

    Tip: Take photos of the place when you move in, and keep them. They can help if there is a dispute about damage later.

    Protect yourself from rental scams

    Be very careful if a landlord or listing:

    • asks you to pay before you have viewed the place
    • asks for payment by cash, e-transfer or cryptocurrency
    • offers a price much lower than similar places
    • uses photos that appear on other listings
    • says they are abroad and will send the keys by post
    • will not give you a written lease
    • pushes you to decide in a hurry

    Watch out: Never send a deposit for a place you have not seen, and never pay a stranger with money you cannot get back. If something feels wrong, walk away and ask a settlement worker.

    Your rights as a tenant

    • Tenant rules come from provincial and territorial law.
    • A landlord cannot treat you unfairly because of who you are. If you believe you have been discriminated against, your provincial human rights commission can help.
    • If you have a problem with your landlord, start by writing to them and keeping a copy. If it is not resolved, contact your provincial tenancy board or a community legal clinic.

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Paying a deposit before seeing the place or signing a lease
    • Not reading the lease
    • Not keeping receipts and copies
    • Not asking about what is included in the rent
    • Ignoring tenant insurance
    • Trusting a listing that seems too cheap
    • Not asking for help when a problem starts

    Where to get help

    • Your provincial tenancy board for tenant rights
    • A free newcomer service for housing help in your language
    • A community legal clinic for free legal information
    • The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and CMHC, which have renting guides

    Checklist

    • Arrange short-term accommodation before I look for a long-term place
    • Find my province’s tenancy information
    • View a place in person, or with a trusted person, before paying
    • Ask for the lease in writing and read it carefully
    • Check the deposit rules for my province
    • Ask whether I need tenant insurance
    • Take photos when I move in
    • Save the contact details of my provincial tenancy board

    Last verified: 21 Oct 2026

  7. Driving and getting aroundHow to get around in Canada, what to check before you drive on a foreign licence, and how to get a Canadian licence. Locked: opens the free unlock form

    This step is part of the full pathway. to read it, with its checklist and official sources.

    Canada is a large country, and how you travel depends on where you live. In big cities, many people use public transport. In smaller towns, a car is often needed. This page explains the basics, and what to check before you drive.

    Good to know: This page is general information only. Driving rules are set by each province and territory. Always check your own province's licensing website.

    Getting around without a car

    • Public transport: buses, trains, trams and subways are common in cities. Look for a monthly pass or a reloadable card, which is often cheaper than paying each trip.
    • Cycling and walking: many cities have bike lanes. Wear a helmet where the law requires it.
    • Taxis and ride-hailing: useful for occasional trips, but costs can add up.
    • Winter: snow and ice change how you travel. Wear proper shoes and allow extra time.

    Driving on a foreign licence

    Your licence from another country is usually valid in Canada for a limited time after you arrive. The time, and what you must do next, depends on your province. Before you drive:

    1. Check your province's licensing website for how long you may drive on a foreign licence.
    2. Check what you need with it, such as an English translation or an international driving permit.
    3. Check the date you must switch to a Canadian licence.

    Watch out: Driving on an expired foreign licence, or without insurance, can lead to serious fines and other penalties. Check the rules before you drive.

    Getting a Canadian licence

    In many provinces, you must:

    • pass a written knowledge test
    • pass one or more road tests
    • sometimes go through a graduated licensing system, with stages for new drivers

    Some provinces let you exchange a licence from certain countries without tests. Others require tests for everyone. Your driving experience may also affect how quickly you move through the stages, or what your insurance costs. Keep proof of your driving history, such as your original licence and any official letters.

    Car insurance

    • Car insurance is required by law to drive.
    • The cost depends on your province, age, driving record and vehicle. A new driver in Canada may pay more at first.
    • Ask your insurer whether they accept proof of driving experience from another country.
    • Compare quotes, and read what the policy covers.

    Buying a car

    • Compare prices, and check the vehicle's history report.
    • Ask for a written agreement and a receipt.
    • Be careful with private sellers who ask for money before you see the car, or who offer prices that seem too good to be true.
    • Remember the extra costs: insurance, registration, fuel, winter tyres and maintenance.

    Road safety

    • Drink-driving laws are strict and penalties are serious. Never drive after drinking.
    • Seat belts are required for everyone in the car.
    • Child car seats are required for young children. The rules differ by province.
    • Do not use a handheld phone while driving.
    • Obey speed limits and traffic signs. Speed cameras and police checks are common.

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Driving on a foreign licence for longer than your province allows
    • Driving without car insurance
    • Not keeping proof of your driving history
    • Buying a car before checking the insurance cost
    • Not planning for winter driving
    • Driving after drinking

    Where to get help

    • Your province's driver licensing website for rules and tests
    • A free newcomer service for help in your language
    • Your insurer for questions about proof of driving experience

    Checklist

    • Find my province’s driver licensing website
    • Check how long I can use my foreign licence
    • Check whether I can exchange my licence or must take tests
    • Keep my original licence and driving records in a safe place
    • Get insurance quotes before I buy or drive a car
    • Learn the basic road safety rules and the child car seat rules
    • Get a monthly transit pass if I use public transport

    Last verified: 21 Oct 2026