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First 90 days

Permanent Resident Newcomer Checklist Canada

Permanent residents can usually move quickly into the standard Canadian setup sequence: identity documents, SIN if working, provincial health coverage, banking, housing, employment and settlement services. Eligibility details still vary by province and individual circumstances.

Documents to keep ready

Passport or other valid travel document
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or electronic COPR where applicable
Permanent resident documents and any documents requested by the border officer
Copies of education, employment and family records you may need for settlement tasks

The documents an officer, school, employer or government program actually requires depend on your case. Use the official sources below for the current rule.

First 72 hours

Confirm a safe temporary or permanent address and store copies of your key identity documents.
Set up reliable mobile data or a Canadian phone plan.
Keep a secure record of your Canadian address, phone number and emergency contacts.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number if you will work or need it for an eligible government program.

First week

Open a Canadian transaction account that supports payroll, bill payments and Interac e-Transfers.
Build an arrival budget using your real rent, food, transport and setup costs.
Start or complete housing setup and verify provincial tenancy rules before paying deposits.
Check provincial health-plan eligibility and application steps.
Find federally or provincially funded newcomer settlement services you are eligible to use.

First month

Arrange utilities, internet and tenant insurance if your lease or risk profile requires them.
Create a calendar for immigration-document expiry dates, taxes and benefit applications.
Keep receipts and records for income, housing, banking and major setup costs.
Review CRA newcomer guidance and benefit eligibility, especially if you have children.

Days 30–90

Reassess bank, phone, transfer and insurance costs once you know your real usage.
Build Canadian credit only with products you can manage and pay on time.
Prepare the records you will need for your first Canadian tax return.
If your profession is regulated, start credential-recognition or licensing steps early rather than waiting until job applications stall.

Why this checklist is different

The sequence matters because some setup tasks unlock others. A working phone number, address and bank account make payroll, rental applications and bill payments easier. Stable housing makes utility and insurance setup possible. Taxes, benefits and credit-building are easier once the first layer of documents and recurring services is organized.

Important cautions

Settlement-service eligibility can be time-limited for some economic-class permanent residents under current federal rules.
Tax residency and immigration status are different concepts; use CRA guidance for tax questions.

Do not treat a checklist as a legal eligibility decision

This page organizes tasks; it does not decide whether you personally qualify for a government program, permission to work, provincial health coverage or an immigration benefit. Conditions can depend on your permit, arrival date, province, family status and other facts. Verify those items on the responsible government site before acting.

Primary sources checked

IRCC — find free newcomer services →

IRCC — newcomer service eligibility →

Service Canada — apply for a SIN →

Related planning tools

Newcomer First-Year Cost Calculator →
Rental Deposit Calculator →
Newcomer Bank Fee Calculator →
Free Newcomer Resource Library →