After Landing
Becoming a Canadian permanent resident is just the start. The first weeks involve setting up identification, healthcare, banking, and tax registration. This pillar walks through the practical newcomer checklist by province.
Reminder: IRCC.com is an independent news and information site — we do not handle applications or give advice. Verify all program details on canada.ca. For personal advice, contact a CICC-licensed consultant or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
What this section covers
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) — apply on landing
- Provincial health card and wait periods
- Driver's licence exchange agreements by country
- Newcomer bank accounts (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, CIBC)
- Building credit history in Canada
- First Canadian tax return — what to file as a newcomer
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for newcomers
- GST/HST credit for newcomers
- Newcomer mortgage programs
- Renting your first apartment
- Provincial settlement service agencies
- Cost-of-living guides by city
Frequently asked questions
What's the first thing I should do after landing in Canada?
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) immediately — many providers won't open accounts without one. Then apply for your provincial health card (note: some provinces have a 3-month wait for new PRs to be eligible). After that, open a bank account and register at a settlement service agency.
Can I exchange my foreign driver's licence for a Canadian one?
Several countries have reciprocal exchange agreements with one or more Canadian provinces (e.g., UK, Japan, Korea, Germany, Australia, parts of the US). Outside those, you typically need to pass written and road tests. Each province has its own rules.
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