Newcomer setup
Move from arrival tasks to banking, credit, housing, phone service, taxes, and a workable first-month plan.
Your journey starts here
Everything you need to move to Canada and build a great life here.
From choosing an immigration pathway to your first week in Canada and building a life here, follow one step-by-step guide with the tools and resources for every stage.
Phase 1 — Explore your options
Can I move to Canada?
There are several ways to come to Canada. The right pathway depends on your background, goals and situation.
Express Entry
For skilled workers with experience, education and language skills.
Learn moreProvincial Nominee Programs
Provinces nominate people who can support their local economy.
Learn moreWork Permits
Work in Canada temporarily with an employer or open permit.
Learn moreStudy Permits
Study in Canada and gain experience that can lead to PR.
Learn moreWorking Holiday (IEC)
For young travellers from eligible countries.
Learn moreFamily Sponsorship
Join your spouse, partner, child, parent or eligible relatives.
Learn moreVisitor / Temporary Stay
Visit Canada for tourism, business, or to explore your options.
Learn morePermanent Residence
Live in Canada permanently and enjoy long-term benefits.
Learn moreImmigration Dashboard
Track monthly IRCC operational data from official datasets.
Learn moreThis is educational information only and not immigration advice. Rules, eligibility and processing times can change. Always verify with IRCC or a licensed professional before acting.
Choose your pathway
Not sure which option fits you best? Compare pathways side by side and see which ones match your profile, requirements and timeline.
Phase 2 — Apply and prepare
Apply and prepare documents
Step by step through the application: documents, tests, biometrics, medicals and processing times.
Budgeting & managing money
Build a realistic first-year money plan before you commit to a city, lease, job, or large purchase.
TaskBest time to start
Book temporary stay1 to 2 months before
Prepare documents2 to 3 months before
Build a first budgetBefore arrival
Learn healthcare rulesBefore arrival
Phase 3 — Arrive and build your life
First week in Canada
A practical checklist of the most important things to do in your first seven days.
Build your life in Canada
Housing, jobs, banking, taxes, investing and healthcare — everything you need to thrive long-term.
HousingRentals, deposits, tenant rights and first apartment setup.EmploymentCanadian resumes, interviews, pay and workplace norms.BankingChequing, savings, cards and newcomer offers.Credit scoreBuild a Canadian credit file from the beginning.TaxesCRA, returns, credits, slips and benefits basics.Accounts explainedChequing, savings, credit, TFSA, RRSP, FHSA and more.CitizenshipCount PR days, pre-PR credit, absences, and timing.Get your SIN & healthcareProvincial coverage, wait periods and private gaps.TransportationTransit, licences, insurance and commute choices.RetirementCPP, OAS, RRSPs and retirement income from Canada and abroad.
Guides by country
Programs and common experiences vary by country. Explore tailored guides created for newcomers like you.
India
Express Entry trends, PNP options, credential assessments and job search tips.
Read guide
France
Working Holiday options, Francophone programs, qualification recognition and more.
Read guide
United Kingdom
IEC opportunities, skilled pathways and adapting to life in Canada.
Read guide
United States
TN visas, work permits, dual intent nuances and moving checklist.
Read guide
China
Study in Canada, work pathways, and building a future in Canada.
Read guideEvery guide
All newcomer guides
41 guides covering status, documents, money, work, and daily life in Canada.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
VISAS & STATUS
APPLY & PREPARE
FIRST WEEK
BANKING & MONEY
JOBS & RESUMES
MONEY & LIFE
Practical newcomer resources
Keep planning with Canooq data, guides, and discounts
The tools and pages newcomers reach for once the paperwork is under control.
Explore Canadian dataRents, salaries, and benefits from official datasets.Contribute to CanooqShare a guide, local insight, saving tip, or newcomer experience.Get a transit cardSet up local transit before your first commute.Find free entries and discountsFree museum entries and newcomer perks via Canoo.Find student discountsStudent pricing worth asking for across Canada.
Practical pathways
Continue your move and setup journey
Saving money
Build a monthly plan, reduce recurring costs, prepare an emergency buffer, and choose the next useful money step.
Housing
Compare affordability, prepare rental documents, estimate moving costs, and understand the rent-versus-buy trade-off.
Documents
Create practical Canadian letters, checklists, employment records, rental documents, and organized admin files.