A practical arrival plan reduces the number of urgent decisions you face after landing. Keep your travel and immigration documents accessible, arrange temporary accommodation and prepare a budget for the first months. Then identify the services you need for your status and province: a Social Insurance Number where eligible, health coverage, banking, communications and local orientation. Families should also plan school registration, childcare and access to essential medication.
What to plan
- Prepare an arrival document and essentials checklist.
- Sequence identification, banking and local registration tasks.
- Check provincial health coverage and interim needs.
- Locate public newcomer services for your eligibility category.
The process, step by step.
This is the typical sequence to discuss when agreeing your service. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and current instructions.
Prepare the arrival essentials
Check travel and immigration instructions, carry key records safely and arrange accommodation, funds and essential medication before your journey.
Confirm documents at arrival
Review the documents issued or confirmed at entry and keep copies, raising any apparent errors through the appropriate process.
Set up essential services
Check eligibility and requirements for a Social Insurance Number, health coverage, banking and communications in your destination province.
Connect with local support
Locate suitable public or community services and plan school, employment and language next steps around your household’s actual eligibility.
What to prepare
These are starting points for a discussion. The official checklist and your circumstances determine the documents required for an application.
- Passport and immigration approval or status documents
- Accommodation and local contact details
- Education, vaccination and medical records where relevant
- Budget and evidence needed by individual service providers
Your questions, answered.
No. Public funding has eligibility conditions, and private services have their own fees. Check your status and the provider’s current rules.
Keep essential identity and immigration documents accessible during travel. Retain secure copies and protect sensitive personal information.
Check the official guidance
Research checked 13 October 2026. Program rules, intake, fees, and processing times can change. Use the current official instructions before making a decision.