The moment you’ve worked so hard for has finally arrived. The visa is in your passport, your bags are (mostly) packed, and you’re about to board a flight to start your new life. But then a quiet thought creeps in: What do I actually do when I get there?
Landing in Canada as a new Permanent Resident isn’t just about getting off a plane. It’s an official administrative process, and then it’s the whirlwind of practical first steps. This guide is for the time between touching down and starting to feel like you can breathe—that first week or two. We’ll walk through the official formalities you must complete and the immediate, practical moves to set yourself up for success.
Part One: The Official Landing Process at the Port of Entry
This is your formal “activation” of permanent residency. Whether you land at Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, or a smaller border crossing, the procedure is similar. Your goal here is to be prepared, polite, and patient.
- Have Your Documents Ready and Accessible: Do not pack these in your checked luggage. Keep them in a folder in your carry-on. You will need:
- Your passport with the Counterfoil (PR visa) stuck inside.
- Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) documents. Check these for errors before you travel.
- Proof of Funds, just in case. Even if you weren’t required to show them in your application, it’s wise to have your most recent bank statements accessible. An officer has the right to ask.
- You’ll Be Directed to Immigration Services: After disembarking, follow signs for “Immigration” or “New Residents.” You’ll join a line, often separate from visitors. The wait can be long, especially at major airports. This is normal.
- The Interview with the Border Services Officer: This is usually straightforward. The officer will review your COPR, ask you to confirm your details are correct, and may ask a few simple questions like, “What is your intended address in Canada?” or “Are you bringing any funds with you?” They are verifying you are the person who was approved. Answer clearly and simply.
- Signing Your COPR: This is the big moment. The officer will have you sign one copy of the COPR. Ensure you sign in the exact same way as your passport signature. They will keep one copy and give the other back to you. This paper is gold. Do not lose it. It is your only immediate proof of your PR status until you get a PR card.
- Finishing Up: The officer will officially welcome you to Canada as a Permanent Resident. They will give you information about applying for your Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is critical. Your PR card will be mailed to the Canadian address you provide, usually within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Part Two: The Critical First 72 Hours
The official part is done. Now, the real work of building your life begins. Your first few days are about laying a foundation.
- Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN): This is your top priority. You need a SIN to work, to open a bank account, and to access government programs. In most major cities, you can go directly to a Service Canada Centre with your signed COPR and passport to get your SIN on the spot. It’s a free, in-person process, and they will give you a paper confirmation immediately. Do this on your first or second business day in the country.
- Open a Canadian Bank Account: Walk into a major bank branch (like RBC, TD, Scotiabank, or BMO) with your passport, signed COPR, and your new SIN. Open a chequing and a savings account. This allows you to securely access your funds, get a debit card, and start building a Canadian credit history. Ask about newcomer packages, which often include fee waivers for the first year.
- Get a Local SIM Card and Phone Number: You can get a prepaid plan from providers like Rogers, Bell, Telus, or their discount brands (Fido, Virgin, Koodo) almost immediately. Having a local number is essential for everything from job applications to setting up your apartment utilities.
- Find a Place to Stay (If You Haven’t): If you didn’t arrange long-term housing beforehand, book temporary accommodations (like an Airbnb or extended-stay hotel) for at least 2-3 weeks. This gives you a base to search for a proper rental without desperation. Use this time to visit neighborhoods in person—photos can be deceiving.
Part Three: Building Your Foundation in the First Two Weeks
Once the urgent tasks are done, you can focus on the next layer of setup.
- Apply for Your Provincial Health Card: Healthcare in Canada is managed by the provinces. Once you have proof of address (like a rental agreement or bank statement mailed to you), go to the provincial health office (e.g., ServiceOntario, BC’s Medical Services Plan) to apply. There is usually a waiting period (up to three months in some provinces), so secure temporary private health insurance to cover you from the day you land until your provincial coverage begins. This is non-negotiable for your safety.
- Start the Search for Work: If you don’t already have a job, update your resume to a Canadian format and begin your search. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed.ca, and company career pages. Connect with settlement agencies in your city—they are funded by the government to help newcomers with job searches, resume writing, and networking, often for free.
- Begin the Process for Other IDs: You can apply for a Canadian driver’s license. The process varies by province; you may need to take a written test and a road test. Start studying the provincial driver’s handbook online. Also, consider getting a provincial photo ID card if you don’t drive.
A Realistic Word of Encouragement
The first month will be a blur of paperwork, unfamiliar systems, and moments of feeling overwhelmed. That is completely normal. Everyone who has done this has felt it. You are not just a tourist; you are doing the hard work of transplanting your life.
Be patient with the bureaucracy and, more importantly, with yourself. Celebrate the small wins: your first successful bus ride, your first grocery shop, getting that paper with your SIN on it.
Your Journey is Just Beginning
Stepping off that plane as a Permanent Resident is an ending, but a far more important beginning. You’ve closed the chapter on applications, scores, and waiting. Now, you open the book on your actual life in Canada.
Let’s be honest: the first few weeks will feel like a strange mix of triumph and paperwork. There will be moments of frustration—figuring out the bus system, finding the right grocery store, or navigating a new bank’s app. That’s not a sign you’re doing it wrong; it’s proof you’re doing it. Every single person who built a life here started exactly where you are now, feeling that same mix of excitement and disorientation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your First Days as a Permanent Resident
You’ve landed, the formalities are done, and now a hundred new questions pop up. This is the real-world stuff they don’t always put in the official guides.
What if I don’t have a permanent address for my PR card to be mailed to?
This is very common. You can give the address of a trusted friend, family member, or even your temporary accommodation. The key is to update your address with IRCC as soon as you have a permanent one. You can do this online through the IRCC portal. If your card is sent before you update it, it can get lost. If it doesn’t arrive within 180 days, you can report it as lost and apply for a new one, but it’s easier to keep your address current.
I landed, but I have to leave Canada soon for a prior commitment. Is that okay?
Yes, but you need to plan carefully. Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and the signed copy in your passport are your proof of status for re-entering Canada if you are returning in a private vehicle from the United States. However, if you are flying back, you must have your PR Card to board the plane. If you leave before it arrives, you’ll need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from a Canadian visa office abroad to get back. This is a hassle. If possible, wait until your physical PR card arrives before leaving.
How long can I really survive on the “proof of funds” I showed?
Realistically, you should view that amount as an absolute emergency minimum. The figures are based on a very modest standard of living. In a city like Toronto or Vancouver, rent alone can consume most of it in a few months. The smart move is to have significantly more savings accessible, if possible. Your goal is to stretch that runway to 6-8 months while you look for work. Do not plan on your funds lasting a year.
When can I start working? Can I show my COPR to an employer?
You can start working immediately. There is no waiting period. Your signed COPR document, along with your Social Insurance Number (SIN), is your legal proof that you are authorized to work in Canada for any employer. Employers are very familiar with this. Get your SIN from Service Canada as your first task, and you are ready to go.
What happens if I lose my signed COPR document?
Don’t panic, but take it seriously. This document is crucial for replacing your PR card and proving your status before you get it. If you lose it, you will need to apply for a verification of status document, which replaces it. This involves an application to IRCC, a fee, and processing time. Treat your COPR like you would your passport—keep it in a safe, secure place once you’ve used it for your initial setups.
Is the free “newcomer” bank account package actually a good deal?
Usually, yes. These packages typically waive monthly account fees for 6-12 months and offer free transactions, which can save you hundreds of dollars. They might also include a small safety deposit box or free cheques. Just be sure to ask what happens when the promotion ends—what will the monthly fee be? Set a calendar reminder to reassess your banking needs before the promotional period finishes.
Do I need to translate my driver’s license to get a Canadian one?
It depends entirely on the province. Some provinces have reciprocal agreements with certain countries, allowing you to exchange your license directly. Others may require a translation by a certified professional and/or require you to take both a written knowledge test and a road test. Your first stop should be the official website of the provincial ministry of transport (e.g., DriveTest in Ontario, ICBC in BC) to see the exact rules for your specific license’s country of origin.