Scotiabank Banking for Foreign workers

Which Scotiabank program applies?

Scotiabank StartRight / Preferred Package. Scotiabank currently lists foreign workers as an eligible StartRight group. The current Preferred Package StartRight offer waives the monthly fee for the first 12 months for eligible clients.

Documents to prepare

• Work permit
• Additional government photo ID
• Employer income letter if also applying for certain credit-card offers

Credit-card note

Scotiabank may request an employer letter stating annual income for a newcomer credit-card application.

Can you apply before arriving in Canada?

Scotiabank publishes a pre-arrival International Account pathway. Its newcomer guidance states applicants should be coming to Canada within 18 months and not be coming on a tourist or visitor visa.

See Scotiabank 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

Scotiabank StartRight →
Scotiabank newcomer account guide →
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — Opening a bank account →

Next step: compare costs

Scotiabank 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.