Your Ultimate Checklist for Moving to Canada in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Thinking about making the big move to Canada in 2025? It’s a huge step, and honestly, it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to figure out all the details. Canada is a great place with lots of opportunities, but getting there and settling in requires some serious planning. This guide is designed to break down the process, giving you a clear path forward. We’ll cover everything from figuring out how to immigrate to what you need to do once you arrive. Let’s get you ready for your Canadian adventure!

Key Takeaways

• Understand the different ways to immigrate to Canada, like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.
• Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, visa, and proof of funds, well in advance.
• Create a realistic budget for your first few months, covering settlement costs, banking, and daily expenses.
• Research potential cities and provinces to find the best fit for your lifestyle, considering factors like climate, housing, and community services.
• Prepare for your arrival by understanding healthcare, insurance, and the job market, and plan your travel timing.

Navigating Canadian Immigration Pathways

Canada gives you several routes to permanent residence. Your choice depends on age, language scores, work history, education, and whether you already have ties to a province. Pick the stream that matches your profile and timeline, not the one your friend used.

Keep every form and document consistent. Small mistakes or exaggerated claims can lead to refusal or a multi‑year ban.

Express Entry And CRS Essentials

Express Entry manages three programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades. You create a profile and wait for an invitation from periodic draws, including category-focused rounds for areas like healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture/food, and strong French ability.

• How the points work: the system ranks you with a score called CRS. Factors include age, education, first and second language results (English/French), skilled work experience (Canadian and foreign), spouse/partner details, a job offer, a provincial nomination, and Canadian study.
• Typical steps:
  1. Take approved language tests and get an Educational Credential Assessment (if your education is from outside Canada).
  2. Build your profile with accurate NOC 2021 TEER codes, duties that match your letters, and proof of funds (if needed).
  3. Watch for draws that fit your profile. If invited, submit your e‑APR within the short window (often 60 days).
• Score boosters that actually move the needle:
  • Retake language tests to hit CLB 9/10 bands; one jump can shift your rank.
  • Add French if you can reach competitive scores; even basic gains may help in French-targeted rounds.
  • Secure a provincial nomination (adds a large chunk of points) if you’re open to settling in that province.
  • Choose who is the principal applicant wisely if you’re a couple; compare scores both ways.
  • Get complete ECAs (include diplomas you originally skipped) and clean, detailed reference letters listing duties.
• Common snags:
  • Job titles that don’t match duties for your NOC code.
  • Missing proof of funds when required (CEC often doesn’t need it; FSW usually does).
  • Gaps in travel/work history or expired tests on submission day.

Provincial Nominee Programs Explained

Each province runs its own set of streams to meet local labor needs. There are two broad types:

• Enhanced PNP: Tied to Express Entry. A nomination here sends your profile near the top of the pool.
• Base PNP: Runs outside Express Entry. You apply for nomination first, then submit a PR application after approval.

How to approach PNPs without losing weeks to guesswork:

1. Shortlist provinces where your occupation appears in in‑demand or priority lists and where you’d actually live.
2. Check stream rules: some require a job offer, some use points/EOI, others target graduates or specific sectors.
3. Track intake windows and quotas; many streams open and close quickly.
4. Show real ties: prior study/work, relatives, language fit, or visits help your case where required.
5. Keep your Express Entry profile ready, so if you get an enhanced nomination, you can accept it right away.

Tips that matter:

• Employer-driven streams often move faster if you have a genuine offer that meets wage and TEER standards.
• Read the fine print on settlement funds and residency intent; officers look for believable plans to stay in the province.
• Make a folder of province-specific documents (forms, job letters, settlement plans) so you can apply on short notice.

Family Sponsorship And Study Routes

Family Sponsorship

• Spouses/partners: You can apply from inside Canada or from abroad. Inside Canada, many get an open work permit while waiting. Evidence of a real relationship is the heart of the file: shared bills, leases, travel, messages, and photos.
• Dependent children: Birth/adoption records and custody documents (if applicable) must be clear and complete.
• Parents/grandparents: Intake is limited; watch for interest-to-sponsor periods. If you can’t secure a spot, consider a long-stay visitor option that requires medical insurance and income checks.

Study Routes

• Start with admission to a designated school and, in some provinces, a required attestation letter. Your study plan should explain program choice, career goals, and ties to your home country.
• Work during studies is capped by rules that can change; check the current weekly limit before counting on income.
• After graduation, some programs make you eligible for a post‑graduation work permit. The length and rules depend on program type and duration; changes over 2024–2025 affect certain private programs and spouses’ work permits, so confirm details before paying tuition.
• Common path to PR: Use skilled Canadian work experience to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class or a PNP graduate stream. Category-focused draws may help if you bring French or a target occupation.

Bottom line

• Map your route first, then collect documents to fit that route.
• Keep test scores valid and watch program updates—they change more often than you’d expect.
• If stuck between two paths, run the timelines and total costs on paper; the answer usually shows itself.

Preparing Vital Documents For A Smooth Landing

Paperwork isn’t fun, but it’s what gets you through the airport gate and past the CBSA desk without drama. Get your files in order early, label everything, and keep copies where you can reach them fast. Keep all immigration papers and IDs in your carry-on—never in checked bags.

If any name or date is written differently across documents, carry proof of the change (marriage certificate, legal name-change record) and be ready to explain it calmly.

Passport, Visas, And Confirmation Of Permanent Residence

Your passport is the master key. Check that it’s valid well past your travel date, the photo looks like you, and the name matches your tickets and immigration letters.

• Passport: valid, undamaged, and with spare blank pages.
• Permanent residents: bring your printed COPR and, if you have one, the immigrant visa sticker in your passport. Print the full letter, not just the first page.
• Students and workers: carry your visa or eTA, plus the approval letter and school/employer documents.
• Family paperwork: birth and marriage certificates, custody letters, and any adoption or guardianship records.
• Airline quirks happen; keep printouts and PDFs of everything in case an agent wants to “see the email.”

Quick stash plan:

• Carry-on pouch: passport, immigration letters, arrival address, phone numbers.
• Secondary folder (carry-on): family civil docs, photos, travel insurance.
• Checked bag copies: photocopies only—no originals.

Proof Of Funds, ECAs, And Police Certificates

Officers may ask to see money you can access right away. Bring bank letters and recent statements that show where the money sits and that it isn’t locked.

• Bank letter should list: account numbers, open dates, current balances, average balances for 6 months, and any debts.
• Statements: 6 months for each account you’re using as settlement funds.
• Proof that funds are yours to use (no loans for POF).
• ECA report: printed copy and PDF (WES/ICAS/ICES or similar) plus transcripts.
• Police certificates: originals and translations. Handy for some jobs, volunteering, or licensing, even if IRCC already saw them.

Typical shelf life and tips:

Certified Translations And Digital Backups

If a document isn’t in English or French, translate it the right way. Use a certified translator when possible. If not, get a translator’s affidavit and attach it to the translation. The translator shouldn’t be a relative or anyone involved in the document.

Translation checklist:

• Original document + certified translation clipped together.
• Translator’s stamp or membership number on the translation.
• If your country uses apostilles, add them to civil documents that you’ll reuse for school, licensing, or work—Canada accepts apostilles now, and some offices prefer them.

Backups save the day when a file goes missing or coffee hits your folder.

• Scan everything to PDF at 300 dpi; name files like “Passport_Sam_2030-05-12_exp.pdf.”
• Keep a 3-2-1 backup: cloud drive, phone or laptop, and one encrypted USB.
• Turn on two-factor login for your cloud; store recovery codes offline.
• Share a read-only link with your partner or a trusted friend in case of lost luggage.

Last pass before you fly:

• Re-check expiry dates.
• Print spare copies for hotel check-in and school registrations.
• Pack a pen, small notepad, and a plastic sleeve for documents you’ll show at the desk.

Building A Realistic Budget For Your First Months

The first few months in Canada can feel pricey because the bills show up before the paychecks do. Plan for upfront costs, then your month-to-month life. Set a buffer for surprises like deposits, winter gear, and extra transit trips while you apartment hunt.

Estimating Settlement Funds And Startup Costs

You’ll face two buckets: one-time setup costs and ongoing monthly expenses. Aim to cover at least 3 months of living costs before your first paycheck.

Table: Common first 60–90 day startup costs (CAD)

Quick way to estimate your cash need:

1. Pick your arrival city and shortlist neighborhoods; grab real rent data.
2. Add one-time setup line items from the table.
3. Add 3–6 months of monthly living costs (see table below).
4. Set aside 10–15% cushion for surprises.
5. Park the total in an account you can access on arrival.

Security deposits, first/last month’s rent, and a few “small” subscriptions add up fast. Budget for them as if they’re part of month zero.

Banking, Credit, And International Transfers

Getting your money into Canada smoothly saves fees and stress.

• Open a no-fee newcomer account as soon as you land (or pre-arrival if available). Set up online banking and alerts.
• Apply for a secured or low-limit credit card on day one. Use it for groceries and transit, pay in full monthly to start your credit history.
• Enable auto-pay for your phone and internet to avoid missed payments.
• Compare international transfer options: your home bank, Canadian bank’s global transfer, and fintech platforms. Check the combined cost (fee + exchange rate markup).
• Send a test transfer first (small amount) to confirm timing and recipient details before moving larger sums.

Timing tips:

• Bank-to-bank wires can take 1–5 business days; some fintechs arrive the same day.
• Exchange larger amounts when rates are favorable; avoid airport kiosks.

Currency Exchange, Taxes, And Cost Of Living

Prices you see on shelves usually don’t include sales tax, and exchange rates shift. Keep both in your math.

FX and spending tips:

• Watch the mid-market rate; the real cost is the markup + fee.
• Avoid ATM withdrawals with “dynamic currency conversion” — always choose to be charged in CAD.
• If paid from abroad, ask about CAD payroll or lower-fee remittance paths.

Taxes that affect your budget:

• Sales tax is added at checkout and varies by province (roughly 5%–15%).
• Income tax is withheld from pay; new arrivals often get a refund after their first tax return, but don’t count on it in month one.
• Some provinces offer means-tested benefits and credits; apply for your SIN and file taxes to access them.

Table: Sample monthly baseline (single renter, CAD)

How to keep it realistic:

• Price your actual neighborhood and unit type; wide city averages can mislead.
• If you’ll drive, replace transit with car costs (insurance, fuel, parking, maintenance).
• Re-check numbers monthly; costs shift with season and availability.

Choosing The Right Province And City For Your Lifestyle

Picking your landing spot shapes your first year more than you think. Choose the place that serves your priorities, not someone else’s highlight reel. Don’t be shy about trading a famous skyline for a shorter commute or swapping a bigger paycheck for cheaper rent and calmer streets. Think in terms of fit.

Field test your choice: spend a weekday doing the full loop—home → transit (or drive) → work area → grocery stop → back home. If it feels heavy in a mock run, it’ll feel heavier for real.

Climate, Commute, And Community Factors

Weather, travel time, and social life affect daily comfort, not just weekends. A quick snapshot of common regions:

How to sanity‑check your short list:

• Commute math: measure door‑to‑door time at rush hour using maps—both transit and driving. Repeat for daycare/school detours.
• Climate match: review monthly temps and snowfall. Plan for snow tires and layering if you’ll rely on a car.
• Community clues: search neighborhood groups and settlement centers. Look for language support, places of worship, and newcomer meetups.
• Errands reality: check grocery options, pharmacies, and clinics within 15–20 minutes of likely rentals.
• Noise vs. quiet: visit at night and on weekends; some streets transform after 6 p.m.

Housing Markets And Rental Application Strategies

Hot markets move fast. Have your package ready so you can apply the same day you view.

Rental prep checklist:

• ID pages, work/study permit or COPR, and proof of income or funds
• Previous landlord and employer references (or a short “tenant bio” if you’re new to Canada)
• Canadian credit file (if you have one) or alternatives: job offer letter, bank statements, or a local co‑signer
• First month’s rent + deposit ready; tenant insurance quote in hand

Smart search habits:

• Learn local tenancy rules (deposit limits, notice periods, what’s included in rent).
• Beware of scams: never wire money before a viewing/lease; confirm ownership via property tax record or building management.
• Tour fast, but check basics: water pressure, heating type, windows, cell signal, laundry access, transit walk time.
• Write a short cover note: who you are, quiet hobbies, stable income, move‑in date, and why the unit suits you.
• Consider near‑core neighborhoods over downtown; 10–20 minutes can mean lower rent and better space.

If the market is hyper‑competitive:

• Offer a flexible move‑in date or a slightly longer lease term.
• Provide extra references (professors, volunteer coordinators).
• Propose a virtual employer contact for quick verification.

Schools, Healthcare Access, And Newcomer Services

Family logistics can make or break a location.

Schools and childcare:

• Catchments matter: your address ties you to specific public schools. Verify boundaries before signing a lease.
• Enrollment basics: birth certificate/passport, immunization record, prior report cards, and translations if needed.
• Daycare reality: waitlists are normal; get on lists early and ask about subsidies and part‑time spots.

Healthcare access:

• Provincial health cards may have a waiting period (often 0–3 months). Bridge the gap with short‑term private insurance.
• Family doctors can be scarce; join local waitlists immediately and use walk‑in clinics or virtual care meanwhile.
• Map nearby pharmacies and after‑hours clinics; note their weekend hours.

Newcomer support you can use right away:

• Settlement agencies for resume help, language classes, and legal clinics.
• Public libraries for free Wi‑Fi, study rooms, language meetups, and printing.
• Community centers for affordable sports, childcare camps, and local events.

Bottom line: list your non‑negotiables, pressure‑test two or three areas for a full weekday routine, and choose the place that makes everyday life feel doable, not heroic.

Securing Healthcare And Insurance Coverage

Provincial Health Cards And Waiting Periods

Canada’s public healthcare is run by each province, so the rules and start dates aren’t the same everywhere. Your public coverage usually starts only after you register and, in some places, wait a short period.

• What you’ll need to apply: passport and status document, proof of address (lease, utility bill), and sometimes a work/study permit or PR card/CoPR.
• Where to apply: a provincial service center or online, depending on the province.
• What’s not typically covered: adult dental, routine vision, and most prescriptions outside a hospital.

Apply for your provincial health card as soon as you have a local address.

Times change, and some categories have exceptions. Always check your province’s website before you arrive.

Keep a scan of your health card application, ID, and lease in a secure cloud folder. If anything goes missing, you won’t lose time.

Interim Private Insurance Options

If your province has a waiting period—or you’re on a temporary permit—you’ll want private medical insurance to bridge the gap. Think of it as a safety net for ER visits, urgent care, and unexpected illness.

• Plan types: “visitor/newcomer” medical policies, student plans, or employer benefits if you start work quickly.
• Key policy checks: coverage limits (hospital and ER), deductible, pre-existing condition rules, maternity and newborn terms, prescription meds, mental health, and sports exclusions.
• Practical details: direct billing network, claims app, 24/7 hotline, and refund policy if your public coverage starts earlier than expected.

For the big picture of how the system works and how to apply for public care, see this helpful newcomer health overview.

Feature checklist you can use when comparing quotes:

Tip: keep all receipts and medical reports. Insurers often ask for them when you file a claim.

Finding Family Doctors And Pharmacies

A family doctor (or nurse practitioner) is your main point of care. It can take time to get one, so start early and use multiple channels.

• Join your province’s “find a doctor” registry or attachment program and add family members to the same request.
• Call nearby clinics and ask if they’re accepting new patients; try again monthly—spots open quietly.
• Use walk-in clinics or virtual care for non-emergencies while you wait; keep records to share later with your family doctor.
• Bring vaccination records and a medication list using generic names; this helps with safe refills and substitutions.

Pharmacy basics:

• Transfer prescriptions by asking the new pharmacy to contact your old one—no need to start from scratch.
• Ask about blister packs if you manage several meds; they cut mistakes.
• Save your receipts; some provinces and workplace benefits have drug plans that reimburse part of the cost.

Launching Your Career In The Canadian Job Market

Starting a career in a new country is exciting and a bit messy. Some days you’ll feel on top of it, other days you’ll wonder if your resume fell into a black hole. That’s normal. The goal is steady progress, week by week.

Canadian experience is built fast through short contracts, volunteering, and project work—don’t wait for the perfect job to start.

Quick wins add up: a polished resume, five targeted applications a day, two coffee chats a week, and one short course this month. Keep showing up.

Resume Formatting And Credential Recognition

A Canada-ready resume looks simple, readable, and keyword-mapped to the posting. Skip photos, birthdates, and marital status. Keep it to 1–2 pages, single column, with clear headings.

• Contact block: Canadian phone number, city/province, LinkedIn custom URL. Work status line (Permanent Resident, Open Work Permit, etc.).
• Summary: 3–4 lines that mirror the job title and the top skills from the posting.
• Skills: a tight list that reflects the posting, not a laundry list.
• Experience: bullet points with numbers (saved 12%, delivered 3 releases, served 40 clients). Start with strong verbs. Use month/year.
• Format: single column; standard fonts; save to PDF. Two-column templates often confuse ATS.
• Cover letter: short and targeted. Call out one match story the resume can’t show fully.

Credential recognition: different aims exist. Immigration ECAs prove your education level for programs like Express Entry; professional licensing assessments judge your readiness to practice.

• Common ECA providers (for immigration): WES, IQAS, ICES, CES. Field-specific: MCC (physicians), PEBC (pharmacists), NNAS (nurses).
• Licensing vs ECA: if your role is regulated, check the provincial regulator first—sometimes the licensing path covers what you need.
• Bridge options: colleges run bridging programs, co-ops, and Canadian context courses. These can speed up your first interview.
• Map your job to the right NOC and TEER level. Use that wording on your resume so employers recognize it.

Networking, Job Boards, And Recruiters

Don’t blast out 200 generic applications. Work a mixed plan each week.

• Networking (the quiet kind):
• Job boards (use filters and alerts): LinkedIn Jobs, Job Bank, Indeed, Eluta, Glassdoor. Set alerts by title + city. Read salary ranges and benefits to set your target.
• Smart application workflow:
• Working with recruiters:

Regulated Professions And Licensing Steps

If your job is regulated, start early. Steps vary by province, but the flow is similar: confirm the regulator, submit transcripts, complete assessments/exams, meet language requirements, and complete supervised practice if required. Keep copies of every document and expect some waiting.

• Typical path:
• Plan time and money: fees, exam dates, bridge courses, and insurance if your field needs it. Ask about fee waivers or newcomer discounts.

Here’s a quick starter map—always confirm details with the provincial regulator:

If your field isn’t regulated, you’re free to start as soon as you land a job. Still, consider micro-credentials, safety tickets, or vendor certs that Canadian employers expect.

Settling In And Thriving As A Newcomer

Settling in isn’t one big task. It’s a stack of small wins: a working phone, internet that doesn’t drop, a local ID, then real friendships. Your first 60 days set the tone—get the basics done fast and leave space for real life.

Keep a single “settlement” notebook or digital folder and log every account, bill date, and contact. You’ll thank yourself next month.

Phone Plans, Internet, And Essential Utilities

Getting connected early makes everything else easier—job search, banking, even delivery apps.

1. Buy a local SIM/eSIM at the airport or a carrier store; bring passport and address (hotel is fine). Choose prepaid if you don’t want a credit check.
2. Compare budget brands (often owned by major carriers) for better prices. Ask about new‑to‑Canada plans and auto‑pay discounts.
3. Port your old number later if needed; keep a WhatsApp line for contacts back home.
4. Book home internet as soon as you have an address. Decide on speed (50–150 Mbps suits most households) and ask for modem fees to be waived.
5. For electricity/gas, call the utility before move‑in to open an account. Photograph meters on day one.
6. If heat or water is “included” in rent, confirm it in writing.
7. Set every bill to auto‑pay and calendar the renewal dates.

Typical monthly ranges (quick snapshot):

Quick tips:

• Newcomers without credit history may be asked for a deposit—ask how to get it back sooner.
• Libraries offer free Wi‑Fi and printers while you wait for installation.
• If money is tight, ask providers about low‑income internet programs.

Driver’s License Exchange And Car Insurance

Rules change by province, but the rhythm is similar: book early, bring proof of driving history, and be ready for a knowledge or road test.

1. Check if your province swaps foreign licenses directly or requires testing. Bring your passport, current license, and a dated driving record from your home country (translated if needed).
2. If your province uses graduated licensing (like Ontario’s G1/G2/G), strong proof of experience can skip steps.
3. After you get a local license, get quotes before buying a car. Experience letters from your old insurer can cut premiums.
4. Register the car, pick plates, and choose coverage (liability is mandatory; collision/comprehensive are optional but smart on newer cars).
5. Buy winter tires early fall; many insurers give a discount.

Public vs. private insurance:

• BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have public insurers for basic coverage.
• Most other provinces use private insurers. Shop around or use a broker.

Very rough annual premium ranges for newcomers (driver with limited Canadian history):

Cost factors you can influence:

• Clean abstract and proof of prior years licensed.
• Higher deductible to lower monthly cost (only if you can pay it in a claim).
• Telematics apps and winter tires often reduce rates.

Winter driving basics:

• Install true winter tires (mountain/snowflake symbol), not just “all‑season.”
• Keep a trunk kit: booster cables, small shovel, blanket, gloves, and a phone charger.
• Slow down early at intersections; black ice is sneaky.

Building Community Through Language And Culture

You’ll feel “at home” faster when your calendar has a few recurring things each week.

Fast ways to meet people:

• Sign up for a library card on day one; ask about newcomer orientations, hobby clubs, and job search workshops.
• Try a pick‑up sport, running group, or community center class.
• Volunteer 2–3 hours a week—schools, food banks, festivals, seniors’ programs.
• Join a local WhatsApp, Meetup, or Facebook group for your neighborhood.
• If it fits your life, visit a faith or cultural center—lots of informal support there.

Language options:

• Permanent residents can access free English (LINC) or French (CLIC) classes after an assessment. Ask a settlement agency for testing dates and waitlists.
• Conversation circles at libraries help with slang, accents, and confidence.
• Use small goals: one new phrase a day, a short chat with a cashier, then a coffee with a colleague.

Social norms that trip people up:

• Say please/thank you, hold doors, and queue without crowding.
• Small talk comes before the “ask.”
• Tipping is common in restaurants and taxis; many folks leave 15–18%.
• Messages about schedule changes are expected—don’t ghost.

If you hit a rough patch, call 211 to find free local services: counseling, legal clinics, food programs, and more. Feeling wobbly is normal; it settles as your routines do.

Planning Your Travel And Seasonal Arrival Strategy

Best Times To Arrive And What To Expect

Timing shapes those first weeks: housing viewings, job interviews, and even how fast you can set up bank accounts and phone plans. If you have the choice, aim for April–June or September–October for an easier start.

Quick planning tips:

• Book a weekday morning arrival so you can visit banks, phone shops, and settlement offices the same day.
• Avoid connections that require a transit visa; pick a route with a single short layover when possible.
• Check if your airline offers newcomer baggage allowances, and weigh bags at home.
• Keep CAD $100–$200 in small bills for transit, snacks, or tips.
• Reserve short-term housing (2–6 weeks) before you fly; it keeps you from rushing into a lease.

Weekday morning landings are calmer, and you’ll have more same-day options if something goes sideways.

Winter Clothing And Safety Preparation

If you’re landing between November and March, pack one full winter outfit in your carry-on: thermal top and bottom, warm socks, fleece or wool mid-layer, down or synthetic parka, lined gloves, hat, and a neck gaiter.

Cold-weather checklist:

• Outerwear: Waterproof parka (hip-length or longer), windproof shell, and insulated pants if you’ll walk often.
• Footwear: Waterproof boots with good tread; look for temperature ratings and space for thick socks.
• Layers: Merino or synthetic base layers; avoid cotton since it stays wet and makes you cold.
• Add-ons: Traction cleats for ice, hand warmers, lip balm, and a compact umbrella for coastal rain.

Street smarts in icy weather:

• Watch for black ice near curbs and driveways; take shorter steps and keep your center of gravity over your feet.
• Build buffer time into trips; buses and rideshares slow down during storms.
• In Quebec, winter tires are required Dec 1–Mar 15; in parts of BC, they’re needed on signed routes Oct 1–Apr 30.
• Keep your phone charged and carry a small power bank when storms are in the forecast.

Airport Entry, CBSA, And Customs Declarations

You’ll pass through kiosks or eGates, then speak with a border officer. They may ask where you’ll stay, how much money you’re carrying, and what you’re bringing now versus shipping later.

Have these documents ready in your carry-on:

• Passport(s) and visa/COPR
• Printed flight itinerary and local address (even if temporary)
• Proof of funds you can show on paper or offline PDF
• Medication list and prescriptions in original packaging
• School records and vaccination cards if traveling with kids

Declarations and forms:

• Cash or monetary instruments of CAD 10,000+ must be declared.
• Food, plants, and animal products have tight rules; when in doubt, declare.
• If you’re bringing household goods now and shipping more later, prepare two lists: “goods with me” and “goods to follow.” Ask CBSA to stamp your Goods to Follow form (BSF186/BSF186A) and keep copies for when your shipment arrives.
• Keep receipts and serial numbers for high-value items you’re importing.

After baggage claim:

• Follow signs for newcomer or immigration services if directed.
• Grab a local SIM at the airport if the price is reasonable; otherwise, use airport Wi‑Fi to arrange transport and check in with your short-term housing.
• Take photos of luggage and shipping labels in case anything gets delayed.

Your Canadian Adventure Awaits

So, you’ve made it through the checklist! Moving to a new country is a huge deal, and Canada is a pretty amazing place to start your next chapter. Remember, this guide is just the beginning. Canada has so much to offer, from friendly faces to incredible nature. Take your time getting settled, explore your new surroundings, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this! We hope this checklist has made the whole process feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more exciting. Welcome to Canada!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ways to immigrate to Canada?

Canada has several ways for people to move there. The most popular is called Express Entry, which is for skilled workers and uses a points system. There are also Provincial Nominee Programs, where provinces pick people they need. You can also move by being sponsored by a family member already in Canada, or by getting a study permit to go to school.

What documents do I absolutely need before I travel to Canada?

Before you get on the plane, make sure you have your passport and your visa or confirmation of permanent residence. It’s also smart to bring proof of your money, any school reports you need, and maybe even letters from past jobs. Keeping digital copies of everything is a really good idea too, just in case.

How much money should I plan to have when I first arrive in Canada?

Canada wants to know you can support yourself when you get there. The amount you need depends on how many people are in your family and which immigration program you used. You’ll need enough to cover your living costs for the first few months until you find a job.

Which Canadian province or city is best for me?

That really depends on what you like! Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver have lots of jobs but can be expensive. Smaller cities might be cheaper and have a more relaxed feel. Think about the weather you prefer, how long you want to travel to work, and what kind of community you’re looking for.

Will I have health insurance right away when I get to Canada?

Canada has public healthcare, which is great! But it usually takes about three months after you arrive for your health card to become active. During that waiting time, you’ll need to get private health insurance to cover any doctor visits or emergencies.

How can I find a job when I move to Canada?

To find a job, you’ll want to make sure your resume looks like a Canadian one. You might need to get your school degrees checked to see if they are equal to Canadian ones. Using job websites, talking to people you know who live in Canada, and looking for recruiters can all help you find work.