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.
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
Latest in After Landing
17 articles
Your first tax year in Canada: the newcomer residency date
Guide to newcomer residency date for tax purposes in Canada
Read article →Fell Out of Status After the World Cup? Restoring Your Stay in Canada
Guide for visitors who overstayed after the 2026 World Cup on how to restore temporary resident status in Canada, including deadlines and risks.
Read article →Does Attending the 2026 World Cup Help Your Canada PR Application?
Attending the 2026 World Cup in Canada does not grant PR points or shortcuts; it's a temporary visit. Learn about dual intent and real PR pathways.
Read article →Claiming Asylum After the 2026 World Cup: Why Overstaying Is Risky
Explores the risks of claiming asylum in Canada after overstaying a visitor visa, particularly after the 2026 World Cup, and details consequences.
Read article →Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for Newcomers: Eligibility and How to Apply
Guide to Canada Child Benefit for newcomers
Read article →Can You Buy a House in Canada on a Work or Study Permit? Foreign-Buyer Rules
Temporary residents in Canada may face restrictions when buying a house due to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act
Read article →Residency Obligation Appeals and H&C Factors
Guide to residency obligation appeals and H&C factors for permanent residents in Canada
Read article →Immigration Medical Exams: Panel Physicians and Validity
Guide to immigration medical exams, panel physicians, and validity
Read article →PR Card Renewal: Processing, Urgent Travel and Residency
Guide to PR card renewal, including residency requirements and urgent travel options
Read article →Biometrics for Canadian Immigration: Where, When and Validity
Guide to biometrics for Canadian immigration, including where, when, and validity
Read article →Filing Your First Tax Return as a Newcomer to Canada
Guide to filing your first tax return in Canada as a newcomer
Read article →Your First Week in Canada: SIN, Health Card, Banking and More
Essential steps for newcomers in their first week in Canada, including applying for a SIN, health card, and banking options.
Read article →Tax filing first year in Canada 2026: GST credit and CCB
Guide to tax filing for newcomers in Canada, including GST credit and CCB
Read article →Canadian driver license exchange 2026: which countries qualify
Guide to exchanging your driver's license in Canada, including eligible countries and step-by-step process
Read article →Provincial health card by province 2026: wait times and rules
Provincial health card wait times range from zero days in Alberta and Saskatchewan to three months in Ontario, BC, and Quebec. Eligibility rules, accepted documents, and coverage options during waiting periods vary sharply by province in 2026.
Read article →First week in Canada checklist 2026: SIN, banking, health card
First-week Canada checklist for 2026: apply for SIN online or in-person, register for provincial health card (expect 3-month wait), open a bank account with temporary address, and get driver's licence or photo ID.
Read article →After You Become a Permanent Resident: Settlement Services and First Steps
After landing as a permanent resident, newcomers need to apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN), provincial health card, driver's licence, and bank account; access free IRCC-funded settlement services; and plan for tax filing. Settlement services include language classes, employ
Read article →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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