BMO Banking for Foreign workers
Current pathway: Yes, within the published five-year arrival window.
Which BMO program applies?
BMO NewStart Performance Plan. BMO currently states that NewStart is open to foreign workers who arrived in Canada within the last 5 years. The published plan-fee rebate is 24 months.
Documents to prepare
- Canadian work permit (IMM 1442)
- One piece of government photo ID
- SIN and Canadian address can support online opening after arrival
Credit-card note
BMO says Canadian credit history is not required for a NewStart credit-card application, subject to credit approval.
Can you apply before arriving in Canada?
BMO currently allows eligible permanent residents, foreign workers and international students from qualifying countries to open a pre-arrival chequing account when coming to Canada within 12 months. The pre-arrival account is activated in Canada after arrival.
See BMO pre-arrival requirements →
If you do not qualify for the special newcomer offer
FCAC states that a person may be able to open a bank account with proper identification even if they are not a Canadian citizen or live in another country. Special newcomer promotions have narrower bank-specific eligibility than the underlying right to seek a basic account.
This matters because a five-year newcomer window, minimum work-permit term or student-program rule can determine whether you receive a promotion without necessarily deciding whether an ordinary personal account can be opened.
Primary sources
BMO — Newcomers to Canada →
BMO NewStart pre-arrival process →
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — Opening a bank account →
Next step: compare costs
BMO newcomer account fee calculator →
Check all four major-bank pathways →
See the full eligibility reference →
Research snapshot: September 13, 2026. This page screens published eligibility language; it does not guarantee account opening or credit approval.