Scotiabank Banking for Permanent residents
Current pathway: Yes, if within the published permanent-resident window.
Which Scotiabank program applies?
Scotiabank StartRight / Preferred Package. Scotiabank currently defines eligible permanent-resident newcomers as people who have lived in Canada for less than 5 years. The current Preferred Package StartRight offer waives the monthly fee for the first 12 months for eligible clients.
Documents to prepare
- Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Additional government photo ID such as a passport or Canadian driver’s licence
Credit-card note
Credit-card eligibility is separate from chequing-account eligibility.
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.