Do I need to clear customs when I arrive at a Canadian airport?

Yes. All arrivals to Canada pass through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). As a new work permit holder or PR, you will have your documents verified, your biometrics checked, and your B4 goods declaration reviewed. The process at major airports (YYZ, YVR, YUL) typically takes 1–3 hours including baggage collection. Ensure your immigration documents (work permit, COPR for PRs) are in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.

How long does it take to get a SIN number?

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) can be obtained same-day at a Service Canada Centre with your passport and valid immigration document. If your SIN letter is issued by mail (when applying online), it typically arrives within 5–10 business days. Your SIN is required for employment — start this process on Day 1 or 2 of arrival.

Can I bring my pet to Canada?

Yes — dogs and cats can be imported with a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Dogs must also show proof of health from a licensed veterinarian. Birds, reptiles, and exotic animals have additional restrictions. Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for species-specific requirements. There are no quarantine requirements for vaccinated dogs and cats from most countries.

Should I ship my car to Canada?

Generally not recommended for standard vehicles, due to conversion costs, import duties (6.1% for non-CUSMA/USMCA vehicles), and Transport Canada safety compliance requirements. US vehicles are simpler to import under CUSMA. For most expats, purchasing a used car in Canada within the first 2–4 months — especially given the wide selection on AutoTrader and Facebook Marketplace — is more practical and cost-effective.

What settlement support is available for new arrivals?

Canada provides extensive free settlement services funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Services include language training (LINC English classes), employment support (resume review, job search coaching, mentorship), social orientation, and community referrals. Major providers include ACCES Employment, COSTI, WoodGreen (Toronto), MOSAIC, DIVERSEcity, and SUCCESS (BC), and CARI, SANA, and Centre for Immigrants and Community Services (Montreal).

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🇨🇦 Canada

Moving Guide

Moving to Canada involves coordinating immigration documents, international shipping, banking setup, provincial health enrollment, and social insurance registration — all within a compressed timeline. A well-organised pre-arrival checklist makes the difference between a stressful and a smooth transition..

1–4 hours

Port of Entry Processing

At major airports

Same day

SIN Application

At Service Canada

1–2 hours

Bank Account Opening

In-branch or pre-arrival online

Day 1

Health Card Application

3-month wait for coverage

30–90 days

Driver's Licence Exchange

Varies by home country

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Toronto 🌊Vancouver 🎨Montreal

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Confirm your immigration document is valid and your work permit / PR confirmation of permanent residence is in hand before purchasing flights
Day 1: Register for provincial health insurance (OHIP, MSP, RAMQ, or provincial equivalent) — your 3-month waiting period starts from this registration date
Complete the B4 form (Personal Effects Accounting Document) listing all goods being imported — required at the port of entry
SIN (Social Insurance Number): mandatory for work, tax, and government benefits; apply at Service Canada or online at canada.ca with your immigration document
School enrollment: public schools are free and enroll students based on catchment area (home address); contact your local school board within the first week if you have school-age children

Pre-Arrival Planning

The 60–90 days before your departure from your home country are the most critical period. Immigration documents, financial setup, and logistical planning done in advance prevent costly gaps and delays on arrival.

Confirm your immigration document is valid and your work permit / PR confirmation of permanent residence is in hand before purchasing flights
Pre-arrival bank account: RBC, Scotiabank, and TD all offer newcomer banking accounts you can open before arriving with your immigration status documents
Book your first 4–8 weeks of accommodation before arrival — extended stay hotels, furnished apartments, or a confirmed short-term rental
Obtain a comprehensive health insurance policy for the provincial waiting period (90 days) from Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross, or Tugo
Notify your home country bank of your move to avoid card blocks; consider keeping a home country credit card active for international purchases
Begin the credential recognition process if you're in a regulated profession (engineering, medicine, nursing, law) — some take 12–18 months
Join settlement agencies online before arriving: ACCES Employment (Toronto), MOSAIC (Vancouver), COSTI Immigrant Services — many offer pre-arrival services

Your First Week in Canada

The first week is administrative-heavy but critical. Completing these tasks in priority order prevents cascading delays — particularly for payroll and health coverage.

Day 1: Register for provincial health insurance (OHIP, MSP, RAMQ, or provincial equivalent) — your 3-month waiting period starts from this registration date
Day 1–2: Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada Centre or online at canada.ca — required for employment and tax purposes
Day 2–3: Open a Canadian bank account (if not done pre-arrival) and transfer initial settlement funds; get a debit card immediately
Day 3–4: Apply for a SIM card — Freedom Mobile, Koodo, or Chatr for affordable plans; Rogers or Bell for better coverage
Day 3–5: Begin your permanent rental search; engage a leasing agent or attend open houses immediately
Day 5–7: Apply for a secured credit card to begin building Canadian credit history (KOHO, CIBC, RBC all offer newcomer-friendly options)
Week 1: Contact your employer's HR department about payroll setup, benefits enrollment start date, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Shipping Household Goods & Customs

Canada allows new immigrants and returning residents to import their personal and household goods duty-free under the Goods to Follow / Accompanying Goods exemption, provided items were owned before arriving in Canada.

Complete the B4 form (Personal Effects Accounting Document) listing all goods being imported — required at the port of entry
Goods accompanying you at the border: declared on arrival and typically cleared same day at major airports
Goods following you (shipped internationally): file a B4E form within 40 days of arriving in Canada at a CBSA office
Major international movers: Allied Van Lines, Crown Relocations, and Santa Fe Relocation service Canada routes; Full-container sea freight from Europe takes 4–6 weeks; from Asia 3–5 weeks
Full container (20-ft): CAD 6,000–12,000 from Europe | CAD 5,000–9,000 from Southeast Asia; consolidation (groupage) from CAD 2,000–5,000
Electronics, appliances, and vehicles must be compatible with Canadian electrical standards (120V/60Hz) and emissions regulations
Vehicles: Canada has specific safety and emissions standards (Transport Canada); a foreign-registered vehicle needs conversion inspection and registration within 45 days of arrival

Essential Documentation & Registration

A cascade of administrative registrations is required within the first 30–60 days. Working through them systematically prevents penalties and coverage gaps.

SIN (Social Insurance Number): mandatory for work, tax, and government benefits; apply at Service Canada or online at canada.ca with your immigration document
Provincial health card: OHIP card (Ontario), BC Services Card (BC), or RAMQ card (Quebec) — apply in person at the relevant provincial office
Bank accounts: as soon as possible with passport + immigration document; SIN not required to open an account but required for interest reporting
Driver's licence: most provinces allow you to drive on a foreign licence for 60–90 days; exchange requirements vary by home country — some get full credit, others must pass a road test
Vehicle registration and insurance: mandatory; provincial auto insurance is mandatory (ICBC in BC; private insurers in Ontario, Alberta, Quebec)
Canada Post: register your address and set up mail forwarding from any previous Canadian address
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): register for a My Account online; you'll need a CRA account to file taxes and access benefits

Settling In — 30–90 Days

Once the immediate administrative tasks are done, settling in focuses on building routines, finding your community, and ensuring your family is well integrated.

School enrollment: public schools are free and enroll students based on catchment area (home address); contact your local school board within the first week if you have school-age children
Language training: federally funded LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) offers free English/French classes for eligible newcomers — apply early as there are often wait lists
Local library card: completely free; libraries in Canada offer not just books but language learning software, technology access, job search resources, and community programmes
Explore your neighbourhood: most expat cities have excellent walkability scores; exploring by foot in the first weeks builds mental mapping and community familiarity
Identify your nearest Service Canada, ServiceOntario/Service BC, and CBSA offices for ongoing administrative needs
Community centres (recreation centres): cities run subsidised fitness centres, swimming pools, and programming; Toronto Community Centres and Vancouver Parks Board offer very affordable memberships
Tax preparation: register with CRA's My Account and note your residency start date carefully — your first Canadian tax return determines your benefit entitlements

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