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Morada › Journey · Canada

Canada, step by step.

22 steps in 3 phases, in the order they usually happen. Each one with the official source and the date it was checked.

Not legal advice. Rules change and may vary by region.

Arrive

9 steps

  1. Find a place to live without getting scammed

    Get a place to live and an address for your paperwork. Rental scams often target newcomers.

    Who it's for
    Anyone renting a house, apartment or room.
    Where
    Online listings and agents; always view in person before paying
    What they usually ask for
    • Photo ID
    • Proof of income or employer letter, if asked
    • References or credit check, if asked
    • Money for first month's rent and, where allowed, a deposit

    TipIn Ontario, the deposit is at most 1 month's rent and can only be used as last month's rent, not for damage. In Quebec, landlords can only collect the first month in advance. Rent far below market, exterior-only photos, a deposit with no lease or sent abroad: it's a scam.

  2. Social Insurance Number (SIN)

    Your number to work, pay taxes and get government benefits.

    Who it's for
    Anyone working in Canada or getting government benefits.
    Where
    Online at sin-nas.canada.ca, by mail or at a Service Canada office by appointment
    What they usually ask for
    • Work permit, or study permit that says you may work (or PR card / COPR)
    • Secondary ID with name and date of birth, such as your passport
    • Application form
    • Documents in English or French, or translated

    TipIt's free. At an in-person visit, if everything is in order, you get the number on the spot. Temporary residents get a SIN starting with 9 that expires with their permit. Give it to your employer as soon as you have it.

  3. Bank account

    Get paid, pay rent and bills, and start your financial life in Canada.

    Who it's for
    Anyone getting paid or paying bills in Canada.
    Where
    Bank branch or credit union; some ask you to visit in person
    What they usually ask for
    • Original photo ID (a foreign passport works)
    • Second document with name and address or date of birth
    • No job or opening deposit needed

    TipA bank can't refuse an account just because you have no job or no money to deposit. Bring originals, not copies. With only one ID, a bank customer or respected community member can confirm who you are.

  4. Local phone number

    Banks, employers, landlords and government ask for a Canadian number.

    Who it's for
    Anyone moving to Canada.
    Where
    Carriers and stores; compare plans on the sites the government lists
    What they usually ask for
    • Unlocked phone (or buy one here)
    • Photo ID
    • Payment method

    TipThe government points to comparison sites like PlanHub, WhistleOut and Compare Cellular. Since March 2026 the CRTC has banned extra fees to activate, change or cancel phone and internet plans. You can switch carriers and keep your number.

  5. Proof of address

    Needed for your provincial health card, driver's licence and sometimes the bank.

    Who it's for
    Every newcomer.
    Where
    From your landlord, bank, employer or carrier
    What they usually ask for
    • Lease or rental agreement
    • Or hydro, gas, water, internet or phone bill
    • Or monthly bank or credit card statement
    • Or pay stub or employer letter on letterhead

    TipOn Ontario's list, a printed or digital statement works (no photocopies), but ATM receipts and bank letters don't. A lease or pay stub also works, which helps room renters with no bills in their name.

  6. Provincial health card

    Gives you access to your province's public health plan (OHIP, RAMQ, AHCIP, MSP).

    Who it's for
    Residents of the province with eligible status, such as permanent residents or, in Ontario, people working full-time for an Ontario employer for 6 months or more.
    Where
    Ontario: ServiceOntario, in person. Quebec: RAMQ. Alberta: registry agent. BC: Health Insurance BC
    What they usually ask for
    • Registration form
    • Immigration document (PR card, COPR or work permit)
    • Proof of address in the province
    • ID with name and signature

    TipOntario has no waiting period anymore; bring 3 different original documents. In Quebec, RAMQ only covers you after up to 3 months from arrival. In Alberta your permit needs at least 6 months left and the card comes by mail. BC rules: check the province's site.

  7. Health insurance

    Covers doctor and hospital costs until your provincial card kicks in, like the first 3 months in Quebec.

    Who it's for
    Anyone arriving in a province with a waiting period, or not yet eligible for the public plan.
    Where
    Private insurer, before you fly or in your first days
    What they usually ask for
    • Policy in your name
    • Doctor, emergency and hospital cover
    • Valid until your provincial coverage starts

    TipQuebec advises getting private insurance within 5 days of arrival, as it gets harder after that. Register with RAMQ right away so your waiting period starts. Without cover, you pay the full bill.

  8. IRCC secure account (GCKey)

    Where you apply for and extend permits, track applications and upload documents for immigration.

    Who it's for
    Anyone holding or applying for a work or study permit, Express Entry or another IRCC application.
    Where
    IRCC secure account on canada.ca
    What they usually ask for
    • Email
    • GCKey username and password, or your bank login (Sign-In Partner)
    • Second authentication factor
    • Application number, to link an older application

    TipAlways sign in with the option you registered with (GCKey or bank); switching means registering again. Only upload documents when IRCC asks. Some applications use a different portal, like the PR card, which goes through the Permanent Residence Portal.

  9. Apply for government benefits on arrival

    Starts your Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit) and, with children, the CCB, before your first tax return.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who became a resident of Canada for tax purposes, with or without children.
    Where
    CRA web form, or by mail to your tax centre
    What they usually ask for
    • SIN
    • No children: Form RC151 (online)
    • Children under 19: Form RC66 and proof of birth
    • Income for the 2 years before you became resident (Statement of Income)

    TipThe GST/HST credit is now called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). With children, Form RC66 alone covers both benefits. Don't wait for your first tax return to apply.

This list, in your pocket.

In Morada, every step becomes a reminder, with what to bring and where to go, and you tick off what's done. We'll let you know when the app is out.

Settle in

8 steps

  1. Driving licence

    Drive after your foreign licence period ends. It also works as photo ID with your address.

    Who it's for
    Province residents who want to drive.
    Where
    Ontario: DriveTest. Alberta: registry agent. BC: ICBC. Quebec: SAAQ
    What they usually ask for
    • Original valid licence from your country
    • Authentication letter from the issuing authority, in English or French (for experience credit)
    • Proof of identity and status
    • Test fees

    TipBrazil, Mexico and Colombia aren't on Ontario's or Alberta's exchange lists: you need knowledge and road tests. In Ontario a foreign licence works for 60 days after you move; in BC, 90. Since July 1, 2026, Ontario gives up to 1 year of experience credit with an authentication letter.

  2. Extend your work or study permit

    Keeps you legal in Canada and working or studying past your expiry date.

    Who it's for
    Work or study permit holders who want to stay in Canada.
    Where
    IRCC secure account, from inside Canada
    What they usually ask for
    • Valid passport
    • Current permit
    • Documents for your new situation (e.g. job offer, school letter)
    • Fee: $155 (work) or $150 (study)

    TipApply at least 30 days before expiry. If you apply before it expires you're on maintained status and can keep working with your expired SIN until a decision. Once you get the new permit, update your SIN online (about 5 business days) and your health card.

  3. Tax return

    Closes your year with the CRA, refunds overpaid tax and keeps benefits like the CGEB and CCB coming.

    Who it's for
    Tax residents, starting the year after they arrive.
    Where
    Online with software or on paper; in Quebec, also a Revenu Québec return
    What they usually ask for
    • SIN
    • Income slips (e.g. T4 from your employer)
    • Foreign income before you became resident
    • Receipts for expenses that give credits

    TipDeadline: April 30 of the following year (June 15 if you or your partner is self-employed). If you arrived in 2025, your first return was due April 30, 2026. In Quebec you file two returns: federal and provincial.

  4. CRA My Account

    Shows your CRA benefits, returns and notices, and lets you update your address and direct deposit.

    Who it's for
    Anyone with a SIN who has had a tax return assessed by the CRA.
    Where
    CRA sign-in services on canada.ca
    What they usually ask for
    • SIN
    • Date of birth
    • Amounts from an assessed return from the last 2 years
    • A multi-factor option (e.g. phone)

    TipRegistration asks for amounts from an assessed return, so newcomers usually can only register after their first return. Instant photo verification only takes Canadian ID; otherwise the code comes by mail within 10 business days. Keep your CRA address current.

  5. Start your credit history

    Without Canadian credit history it's hard to rent, finance or get good plans. A secured card is the way in.

    Who it's for
    Anyone arriving with no Canadian credit history.
    Where
    Banks and credit unions; credit report from Equifax and TransUnion
    What they usually ask for
    • Bank account
    • Security deposit (a few hundred to a few thousand dollars)
    • Photo ID

    TipWith a secured card the limit is usually equal to or above the deposit. There may be a set-up fee you don't get back if declined, and an annual fee. Pay on time and use under 30% of your limit. Check your report with both bureaus before applying.

  6. Free English or French classes

    English or French classes paid for by the federal government (LINC/CLIC), in class or online.

    Who it's for
    Permanent residents and protected persons.
    Where
    A newcomer services organization in your area
    What they usually ask for
    • PR card or COPR
    • Language assessment (arranged by the organization)

    TipBefore classes you take a formal language assessment arranged by the newcomer organization. The federal page doesn't cover temporary residents: ask your local organization. In Quebec, also see francisation, which is open to more people.

  7. French classes in Quebec (francisation)

    Free French classes from the Quebec government, full-time, part-time or online. French matters for staying in Quebec.

    Who it's for
    Quebec residents aged 16 or over who are past school age.
    Where
    Francisation Québec (Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration)
    What they usually ask for
    • Admission form
    • Immigration document
    • For financial help: answer 'Oui' to the question on the form

    TipFull-time students can get up to $230 a week, plus up to $25 per day of childcare per child. Apply within 60 days of the session start. The PEQ asks for oral French level 7 and written level 5.

  8. Get your foreign degree assessed (ECA)

    Shows what your degree is worth in Canada and earns education points in Express Entry.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who studied outside Canada and will use it in an immigration application.
    Where
    WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES or CES (University of Toronto)
    What they usually ask for
    • Degree and transcripts
    • Sent by your school, if the assessor asks
    • Assessor's fee

    TipThe report is valid for 5 years and must be valid both when you create your profile and when you apply; an expired one means refusal. Physicians use the Medical Council of Canada; pharmacists and architects needing a licence have their own body.

Stay

5 steps

  1. Permanent residence

    Lets you live and work in Canada with no end date and opens the path to citizenship.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who qualifies for a program such as Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
    Where
    Express Entry profile through your IRCC account; provincial programs on each province's site
    What they usually ask for
    • Passed English or French test
    • ECA, if your degree is from abroad
    • Proof of work experience
    • $1,590 fee for the principal applicant (incl. right of PR fee)

    TipFor the Canadian Experience Class, 1 year (1,560 hours) of skilled work (TEER 0–3) in Canada in the 3 years before you apply counts, while authorized to work. Self-employment, volunteering and work during full-time study don't count. A provincial nomination adds extra points. Quebec has its own path.

  2. Quebec selection (PEQ or PSTQ)

    To become a permanent resident while living in Quebec, you first need to be selected by Quebec (CSQ).

    Who it's for
    Quebec graduates or temporary workers in Quebec who want to stay in the province.
    Where
    Arrima portal of Quebec's immigration ministry
    What they usually ask for
    • June 2026 forms, through Arrima
    • Oral French level 7 and written level 5
    • PEQ workers: 2 years of Quebec experience in FEER 0–3
    • PEQ graduates: Quebec diploma of at least 1,800 hours

    TipThe PEQ reopened from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028, but the first window closes October 31, 2026 and only takes people who met the conditions on November 19, 2025. Old forms are rejected. Otherwise, the path is the PSTQ, by invitation in Arrima.

  3. Renew your PR card

    Your PR card is what you show to return to Canada by plane, boat, train or bus as a permanent resident.

    Who it's for
    Permanent residents whose card has expired or expires in under 9 months.
    Where
    IRCC Permanent Residence Portal
    What they usually ask for
    • Form IMM 5444 in the portal
    • Checklist IMM 5644
    • Receipt for the $50 fee, paid separately on the IRCC site

    TipWith more than 9 months left, your application is returned. An expired card doesn't end your status, but keeping PR means 730 days in Canada in every 5 years. Abroad without a valid card, get a PRTD before returning.

  4. Bring your family

    Lets you sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child for permanent residence.

    Who it's for
    Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18+ who live in Canada.
    Where
    IRCC secure account
    What they usually ask for
    • Undertaking to support the people you sponsor
    • Proof of relationship (marriage or partnership)
    • Family member's forms and documents
    • $1,260 fee for a spouse or partner

    TipPermanent residents living abroad can't sponsor. In Quebec there's also an undertaking with the Quebec government, but only once IRCC tells you. If you became a PR through spousal sponsorship less than 5 years ago, you can't sponsor a new spouse.

  5. Canadian citizenship

    Gets you a Canadian passport, the right to vote and no more document renewals.

    Who it's for
    Permanent residents with at least 1,095 days in Canada in the 5 years before applying.
    Where
    Online application to IRCC; then test and ceremony
    What they usually ask for
    • Count of days in and outside Canada
    • Tax returns for 3 of the 5 years, if you had to file
    • Proof of English or French at CLB/NCLC 4 (ages 18–54)
    • $653 fee (adult)

    TipEach day as a temporary resident (work or study) before PR counts as half a day, up to 365 days. The 5 years must include at least 730 days as a PR. Apply with a margin above 1,095 days. At 55 or older there's no test.

This list, in your pocket.

In Morada, every step becomes a reminder, with what to bring and where to go, and you tick off what's done. We'll let you know when the app is out.