When you first step off the plane in Canada, it can feel like stepping into another world: new streets, new languages, new rules. You might be tired from travel, missing loved ones, and wondering:
“Where do I start? What if I forget something important?”
At MOSAIC, we meet people every day who are in those first days. Some arrive with careful plans; others with nothing but hope and a suitcase. No matter your starting point, there are steps you can take right away to make your new life smoother, safer, and less overwhelming.
This newcomer checklist walks you through ten important things to do in your first weeks, from getting health coverage to opening a bank account, with tips from our settlement workers and real-life examples from people who’ve been there.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your SIN is a 9-digit number that opens the door to working in Canada, paying taxes, and receiving government benefits. Without it, your employer can’t legally pay you, and you can’t access many programs.
Example: Carlos, from Mexico, got a job offer just two weeks after landing — but couldn’t start until he had his SIN. He applied online the same day, and within a week, he was ready to begin work.
How to apply:
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Online: Submit a SIN application online. You can upload your documents securely and, if eligible, print your SIN confirmation online.
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In person: Visit a Service Canada Centre with your passport, work or study permit, or PR card.
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By mail: If you can’t apply in person or online.
Tip: Keep your SIN private. Only share it with trusted employers, government agencies, and banks.
Register for Medical Services Plan (MSP)
In British Columbia, MSP is the public health insurance that covers most basic medical needs — doctor visits, hospital care, and medical tests. Without MSP, a single emergency room visit can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Most newcomers wait up to 3 months for MSP coverage to start. For example, if you arrive on July 10, coverage might begin October 1.
Example: Fatima, who came to Vancouver with her 4-year-old son, didn’t know about the wait. When her son got sick, she had to pay the full cost. A settlement worker later helped her get both MSP and temporary coverage, something she wishes she had done on day one.
What to do:
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Apply as soon as you arrive via Health Insurance BC.
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Buy private health insurance to cover the wait period.
Get a Canadian Phone Number
Having a Canadian phone number makes it easier to apply for jobs, rent a home, and access essential services.
What to do:
- Buy a SIM card from a mobile carrier (Rogers, Telus, Bell, Freedom, Fido, Koodo, etc.) or from electronics retailers like Best Buy or London Drugs. Airports like Vancouver International (YVR) often have kiosks for newcomers.
- Bring valid ID (passport, PR card, or work/study permit). For monthly contracts, you may also need proof of address and sometimes a credit check.
- Compare plans before you decide: major carriers often run newcomer or prepaid promotions, and smaller companies (like Freedom Mobile or Public Mobile) may be cheaper depending on your needs.
- If you need something fast, start with a prepaid SIM — no credit history or contract required. You can switch later to a monthly plan once you’re settled.
Example: When José arrived from Colombia, he bought a prepaid SIM card the same day. Having a Canadian number meant he could immediately start applying for jobs and responding to landlords about rental viewings.
Open a Canadian Bank Account
A bank account makes it easier to receive your pay, pay rent, and build a credit history — something you’ll need for things like renting an apartment or applying for a loan.
What to do:
- You don’t need a job to open an account. Bring your ID and immigration documents.
- Compare newcomer packages — some banks offer no-fee accounts, cash bonuses, or gift cards.
- Apply for a credit card, even if you feel hesitant to use one at first. In Canada, having and responsibly using a credit card is one of the main ways to build a good credit score.
- Expect two-step verification for online banking (usually through text messages), which helps keep your account secure.
Example: When Ayesha arrived from Pakistan, she opened a newcomer account that offered one year with no monthly fees. She also applied for a credit card, which helped her start building her credit history right away.
Find a Place to Live
Your first home in Canada might be temporary — a hotel, a friend’s couch, or short-term rental — but you’ll eventually need a longer-term place.
Steps to take:
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Learn your rights as a tenant.
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Watch for rental scams (e.g., landlords asking for deposits before you’ve seen the place).
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Always read your lease before signing.
Tip: If you’re a permanent resident, make sure to update your address with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) so your PR card can be mailed to you.
Apply for Government Benefits
Canada offers several government benefits that can help newcomers manage the cost of living. Two of the most important for families and individuals are:
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
If you have children under 18 and are a permanent resident, you may be eligible for this monthly, tax-free payment to help with the cost of raising them.
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Apply once you have your SIN and Canadian address.
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Visit Canada Child Benefit to check eligibility and apply online.
Example: Thanh from Vietnam applied for the CCB within her first month. The extra monthly payment helped cover school supplies and healthy food for her two kids.
GST/HST Credit
This is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low or modest incomes offset the goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) they pay. Newcomers are eligible to apply.
- Apply by completing Form RC151
. - You’ll need your SIN, Canadian address, and immigration documents.
Register Your Children for School
Public education in Canada is free for children from Kindergarten (age 5) to Grade 12.
What you’ll need:
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Proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement)
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Immigration documents
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Immunization records
We’ve created a guide to help you navigate the BC school system, check it out.
Example: Samuel’s parents from Nigeria didn’t know school registration was open year-round. A settlement worker helped them register him for Grade 6 just two weeks after arriving, so he could join his classmates in September.
Learn to Use Public Transit
Public transit in Metro Vancouver is safe, reliable, and often the cheapest way to get around.
How it works:
- You can buy one-time tickets at SkyTrain or SeaBus stations.
- You can also tap your credit or debit card on buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus (note: extra fees may apply).
- A Compass Card is a reloadable card for buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus — buy it at SkyTrain stations, retailers, or online.
Tip: If you use transit often, load a monthly pass for unlimited travel.
Apply for a B.C. Driver’s Licence
If you plan to drive, you’ll need a valid BC driver’s licence.
What to know:
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Some countries have licence exchange agreements with BC, meaning no tests required.
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If your country isn’t on the list, you’ll need to take a knowledge and road test.
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Learn more at ICBC
Example: Yuriko from Japan exchanged her licence within two weeks and started driving for work, while a friend from another country had to take both tests.
Contact Your Local Settlement Agency
Whether you’re just beginning or have already completed parts of this newcomer checklist, remember that you’re not alone. MOSAIC’s Newcomers and Community Building Program (NCBP) offers free, one-on-one support to help you navigate your first months in Canada and feel at home in your new community.
Our team can walk you through essential steps like:
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Getting a SIN (Social Insurance Number)
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Applying for MSP and other government benefits
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Registering your children for school
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Providing housing, employment, and health resources
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Supporting access to government services
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Accessing local community resources and activities
Services are available in many languages, including Arabic, Amharic, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Pashto, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Tigrinya.
We also offer programs to help you prepare for work and support for temporary residents. Find a MOSAIC location near you, connect with us, and let’s take the next step together!
