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First 90 days

Work Permit Newcomer Checklist Canada

A work permit holder should verify the permit itself before building the rest of the setup around it. Employer restrictions, expiry dates, medical restrictions and SIN validity can affect employment and future renewals.

Documents to keep ready

Passport valid for the intended period of stay
Port-of-entry letter of introduction or other approval evidence when applicable
Job-offer, LMIA or LMIA-exempt supporting documents where required
Proof of qualifications or other documents tied to the approved job

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.
Review the printed work permit before leaving the port of entry and report errors immediately.
Apply for or confirm your Social Insurance Number and its expiry date.

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.
Give your employer the payroll and identity information required for onboarding.
Check whether your permit is employer-specific or open and follow any location/employer restrictions.

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.
Check provincial health-plan eligibility and whether private coverage is needed during any gap.

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.
Create renewal reminders well before the work permit and SIN expire.

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

A work permit can contain employer, occupation, location or medical restrictions. Read the document itself.
Temporary-resident SINs beginning with 9 expire and must stay aligned with valid work authorization.

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 — work permit arrival documents and border process →

Service Canada — apply for a SIN →

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