Your first two weeks in Canada
Steps, in order
- Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) as soon as you can. You need it to work and to access government programs and benefits. Apply online through Service Canada, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail, with a primary identity document (for example, a permanent resident card, a confirmation of permanent residence, or a work or study permit) and a secondary document such as a passport. Your SIN is confidential: share it only with your employer, your bank, and government agencies.
- Open a bank account. Most employers pay by direct deposit, so an account is needed for your first paycheque. Bring your passport and your immigration document; a SIN is often asked for as well.
- Apply for your provincial or territorial health card. Health coverage is run by each province and territory, so the card, the application route, and any waiting period depend on where you live — check your province's health ministry page before you assume coverage.
- Get a Canadian phone plan and SIM card, and keep a written copy of your new address and phone number for forms and appointments.
- Register your children for school and childcare early, and keep copies of all landing, permit, and identity documents in one safe folder, with photos or scans stored separately.
Official & finder links
Check before you act: Health-card waiting periods and required documents differ by province and were not verified province by province for this draft; the page must point readers to their provincial health ministry page rather than stating a single national rule.
General information only — not legal or financial advice. Rules, benefit amounts and local services change. Use the official or finder links above to confirm details before acting. No local addresses or phone numbers are listed here on purpose — use the national finders above for your area.