Moving to Canada is an exciting new chapter, but good preparation can make the transition much easier. Whether you are moving to Canada as a permanent resident, temporary worker, international student, or joining family already in the country, there are many things to organize before you board your flight.
From immigration documents and finances to housing, healthcare, employment, and your first few days in Canada, this moving to Canada checklist will help you stay organized, prepare for your new life, and avoid common newcomer mistakes.
At CANADA: Small Tips for a Big Country, the goal is simple: provide practical information that helps newcomers feel more prepared and confident.
Save this checklist and work through it step by step before your move.
Your Ultimate Moving to Canada Checklist at a Glance
Before moving to Canada, make sure you have prepared:
- ☐ Immigration and travel documents
- ☐ Copies and translations of important documents
- ☐ Proof of funds and a financial plan
- ☐ Temporary or permanent accommodation
- ☐ Health and medical records
- ☐ Employment and education documents
- ☐ Banking and payment arrangements
- ☐ Phone and internet plans
- ☐ Transportation plans
- ☐ Clothing appropriate for the Canadian climate
- ☐ Important medications and prescriptions
- ☐ School arrangements for children
- ☐ Pet travel documents, if applicable
- ☐ A plan for your first few days in Canada
- ☐ Research about your province or territory
- ☐ Information about settlement and newcomer services
Now, let’s break it down step by step.
PART 1: Before You Leave Your Home Country
1. Organize Your Immigration and Travel Documents
Your documents are among the most important things to prepare when moving to Canada.
Depending on your immigration status, you may need documents such as:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Canadian visa, if applicable
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), if applicable
- Work permit or study permit documentation
- Proof of funds, if required
- Letter of introduction or other immigration documents
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates
- Children’s documents
- Custody or adoption documents, if applicable
- Educational credentials
- Professional licenses or certificates
- Driver’s licence and driving records
Keep your essential immigration documents in your carry-on luggage—not in checked baggage.
Pro tip
Create three versions of your important documents:
- Original documents
- Photocopies
- Secure digital copies
Store digital copies somewhere you can access them if your luggage is lost or you need them while settling in Canada.
2. Get Your Documents Translated if Necessary
If your important documents are not in English or French, check whether you need official translations before arriving in Canada.
Consider preparing translated copies of:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Diplomas
- Transcripts
- Professional certificates
- Employment records
- Driver’s licence documents
- Medical records
Having these documents ready can make applications, registrations, and appointments easier after you arrive.
3. Prepare Your Financial Plan
One of the biggest challenges for newcomers is managing money during the first few months.
Before moving to Canada, estimate your expected cost of living in Canada, including:
- Rent
- Security deposit
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Phone and internet
- Utilities
- Winter clothing
- Healthcare-related expenses
- Childcare
- School-related expenses
- Insurance
- Emergency expenses
Remember that your first few months may cost more than expected because you may need to purchase things that you already own in your home country.
Create a newcomer emergency fund
If possible, set aside money specifically for unexpected expenses.
You may need it for:
- Temporary accommodation
- A rental deposit
- Transportation
- Medical expenses
- Job-search costs
- Household essentials
- Unexpected travel
Also check the current requirements for your specific immigration program regarding proof of funds, as requirements vary depending on the immigration pathway.
For additional preparation tips, read 17 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Canada.
4. Understand Canadian Banking Before You Arrive
Research Canadian banks and learn how everyday banking works in Canada.
You may want to understand:
- Chequing accounts
- Savings accounts
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Interac e-Transfer
- Credit scores
- Banking fees
- Online banking
Don’t assume that your financial history in another country automatically transfers to Canada.
Building a Canadian financial history takes time. Understanding the basics before you arrive can help you make better financial decisions from the beginning.
For a deeper look at the Canadian credit system, read How Credit Works in Canada for Newcomers: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Credit.
5. Research Where You Will Live
Canada is enormous, and the experience of living in one province can be very different from another.
Before moving, research your destination city or community.
Look into:
- Average rent
- Neighborhoods
- Public transportation
- Employment opportunities
- Schools
- Healthcare facilities
- Grocery stores
- Community services
- Weather
- Taxes
- Transportation costs
- Distance from your workplace or school
For example, living in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, or a smaller community can involve very different costs, climates, and lifestyles.
Don’t choose a city based only on what you see on social media.
Research the practical side of everyday life.
If you’re still deciding where to settle, read Which Province Is Right for You? A Newcomer’s Guide to Choosing Where to Settle in Canada.
6. Arrange Accommodation for Your Arrival
If possible, have somewhere to stay before your flight arrives.
Your first accommodation could be:
- A hotel
- Short-term rental
- Family or friend’s home
- Temporary newcomer accommodation
- Pre-arranged rental
If you are renting remotely, be especially careful about scams.
Never send money to an unknown person simply because they claim to have a rental property in Canada.
Whenever possible, verify the property, landlord, lease terms, and payment arrangements before sending money.
Once you’re ready to look for housing, our guide How to Find a Place to Live in Canada: A Newcomer’s Guide covers rental applications, deposits, leases, proof of income, neighborhoods, roommates, and common rental scams.
7. Prepare for Your Canadian Job Search
If you are moving to Canada without a job already secured, start preparing before you leave your home country.
Update your:
- Canadian-style résumé
- LinkedIn profile
- Cover letter
- Professional portfolio
- References
- Certifications
- Professional credentials
Research:
- Job boards
- Employers in your industry
- Salary expectations
- Canadian workplace culture
- Credential recognition requirements
If your profession is regulated, find out whether you need to have your foreign credentials recognized before you can work in your field.
Canada also offers free pre-arrival services that can help eligible newcomers prepare for employment, credential recognition, language learning, and settlement.
For more practical advice on entering the Canadian job market, read Finding Your First Job in Canada: A Newcomer’s Guide.
8. Improve Your English or French
Language skills can make everyday life in Canada much easier.
Before moving, practice:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Workplace vocabulary
- Everyday Canadian expressions
Which language should you focus on?
That depends largely on where you plan to live and work. Canada has two official languages: English and French.
If you’re moving to Quebec, for example, French can be particularly important for everyday life and employment.
Don’t wait until you arrive to start practicing.
9. Gather Your Medical and Health Records
Prepare a personal medical file before leaving.
Include, when applicable:
- Vaccination records
- Medical history
- Prescription information
- Dental records
- Eye-care records
- Children’s medical records
- Important test results
- Doctor’s notes or prescriptions
Bring enough prescription medication for your immediate needs and check Canadian rules regarding bringing medications into the country.
You should also research healthcare coverage in your destination province or territory.
Healthcare eligibility and coverage rules vary across Canada, so don’t assume the rules are identical everywhere.
10. Prepare for the Canadian Weather
This is especially important if you’re moving from a warm or tropical country.
Canada can have extremely cold winters, depending on where you live.
You may eventually need:
- Winter coat
- Thermal layers
- Gloves
- Hat or toque
- Scarf
- Winter boots
- Warm socks
- Snow-ready clothing
However, don’t feel that you need to buy an entire winter wardrobe before you arrive.
You can purchase many winter items in Canada once you understand the climate where you will actually live.
11. Decide What to Bring—and What to Leave Behind
Moving internationally is a good opportunity to declutter.
Create three categories:
Bring
Things you genuinely need immediately.
Ship Later
Items you want to keep but don’t need right away.
Sell, Donate, or Leave Behind
Things that aren’t worth the cost or effort of transporting.
Canadian authorities recommend preparing detailed lists of goods you are bringing with you and goods arriving later.
Keep your documentation organized and check Canada’s rules regarding goods, food, plants, animals, and other items before traveling.
12. Prepare Your Phone and Communication Plan
Before leaving, make sure your phone is unlocked if necessary and decide how you will stay connected after arriving.
Research Canadian mobile providers and compare:
- Monthly plans
- Prepaid options
- Data allowances
- International roaming
- Calling and texting
- Coverage in your destination
Having a working phone number can make your first few days much easier.
PART 2: Prepare for Your Arrival in Canada
Getting ready for Canada doesn’t end when you finish packing your suitcase. Think ahead about what you will need during your first few days and weeks.
13. Plan Your Transportation From the Airport
Don’t wait until you land to figure out how you will get to your accommodation.
Research your options in advance, such as:
- Public transportation
- Airport shuttle
- Taxi
- Ride-hailing services
- Rental car
- Pickup by family or friends
Save the address of your accommodation somewhere you can access offline.
If you’re arriving late at night or in an unfamiliar city, having a transportation plan can make your arrival much less stressful.
14. Prepare for Your First Few Days
Your first few days in Canada can feel overwhelming because everything may be unfamiliar.
Make a short priority list of the things you need to accomplish first.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Confirming your accommodation
- Getting your Social Insurance Number (SIN), if applicable
- Setting up a bank account
- Getting a Canadian phone number
- Purchasing groceries
- Learning local transportation
- Finding nearby essential services
- Connecting with newcomer services
- Beginning your job search
You don’t have to accomplish everything immediately.
Focus first on the essentials.
For a more detailed step-by-step guide, read Your First 30 Days in Canada: What You Need to Do.
15. Research Settlement and Newcomer Services
You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Research settlement organizations and newcomer services available in your province or community.
Depending on your eligibility and location, services may help with:
- Employment
- Language learning
- Housing
- Community connections
- Government services
- Education
- Settlement planning
Knowing where to find help before you need it can make your transition easier.
16. Prepare for Your Children’s Needs
If you’re moving with children, make a separate checklist for their needs.
Consider:
- School registration
- Birth certificates
- Immunization records
- School transcripts
- Educational assessments
- Childcare
- Clothing
- Medications
- Important comfort items
- Transportation to school
Research schools and registration requirements in your destination community before you arrive.
17. Prepare Your Pet’s Travel Documents
If you’re bringing a pet to Canada, don’t leave the paperwork until the last minute.
Research the current Canadian requirements for bringing your specific type of animal into the country.
You may need:
- Veterinary records
- Vaccination records
- Identification or microchip information
- Health certificates
- Import documentation
- Airline-approved travel arrangements
Requirements can vary depending on the animal and where you’re traveling from, so check the current rules before departure.
Before You Fly: Final Checklist
A few days before your departure, go through your checklist one more time.
Documents
☐ Passport
☐ Visa or immigration documents
☐ COPR, if applicable
☐ Work or study permit documentation
☐ Proof of funds, if required
☐ Birth and marriage certificates
☐ Educational documents
☐ Professional credentials
☐ Medical records
☐ Driver’s licence and driving records
☐ Copies and digital backups
Money
☐ Emergency funds
☐ Payment cards
☐ Banking arrangements
☐ Budget for your first few weeks
☐ Proof of funds, if required
Accommodation
☐ First accommodation confirmed
☐ Address saved offline
☐ Landlord or host contact information
☐ Transportation from the airport arranged
Health
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Medical records
☐ Vaccination records
☐ Health coverage information
Communication
☐ Phone unlocked
☐ Roaming plan checked
☐ Canadian mobile plan researched
☐ Important contacts saved
Personal Items
☐ Appropriate clothing
☐ Essential toiletries
☐ Important electronics and chargers
☐ Children’s essentials, if applicable
☐ Pet documents, if applicable
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving to Canada
Even with good preparation, it’s easy to overlook important details.
Some newcomers arrive without enough financial preparation, underestimate housing costs, choose a location without researching it, or expect everything to happen immediately.
Before you leave, take a few minutes to review 10 Mistakes Newcomers Make When They Arrive in Canada.
Understanding these common mistakes can help you approach your move with more realistic expectations.
Souad’s Tips: Moving to Canada – Your Preparation Matters
Moving to Canada involves more than getting your visa and booking a flight. You’re preparing for a new environment, a new financial system, a different job market, new housing arrangements, and a new way of everyday life.
You don’t have to know everything before you arrive.
Start with the essentials, stay organized, and take things one step at a time.
A little preparation before your departure can save you time, money, and stress after you arrive.
Use this moving to Canada checklist as your starting point, then explore the more detailed guides throughout CANADA: Small Tips for a Big Country when you need help with specific parts of your journey.
Small tips can make a big difference in a big country.
Planning your move to Canada? Explore more practical newcomer tips and discover CANADA: Small Tips for a Big Country for straightforward advice to help you prepare for your new life in Canada.
CANADA: Small Tips for a Big Country is a practical guide with a deeply human touch. Drawing on her own journey as an immigrant, more than 30 years of life in Canada, and the experiences of thousands of newcomers she has met and worked with, author Souad Ouared shares real-life advice that goes beyond what you can simply find online. From housing and employment to finances, culture, and everyday life, she shares what successful newcomers do differently, the mistakes to avoid, and the little things she wishes every newcomer knew.
