Use this as a living checklist. The exact order depends on your city, immigration status, and housing situation, but the categories are the same for most French newcomers.
Before leaving France
Prepare documents, scan everything, and make sure important files are available offline. Do not rely only on cloud access when you land.
- Passport
- Permit approval letters
- Proof of funds
- Insurance
- Diplomas
- Driving documents
- Medication records
First-week admin
Your first-week admin tasks should help you become reachable, employable, bankable, and insurable.
- Canadian phone number
- SIN
- Bank account
- Transit pass
- Health coverage application
- Rental file
Money and credit
Set up a basic chequing account, understand debit versus credit, track your first expenses, and avoid carrying a credit card balance.
- Compare bank fees
- Check welcome offers
- Ask about starter credit cards
- Track paycheque deductions
- Learn TFSA rules before contributing
Work and housing
Adapt your resume to Canadian expectations and prepare a housing file that looks organized to landlords or roommates.
- Canadian resume
- Reference list
- Proof of income
- Proof of address
- Roommate agreement
- First apartment checklist
Checklist
Things to do next
Documents to bring
- Passport
- Permit documents
- Insurance
- Proof of funds
- Birth certificate copy
- School/job letters
- Driving record if relevant
Banking and credit
- Chequing account
- Savings account
- Debit card
- Interac e-Transfer setup
- Credit score education
- Starter credit card research
Housing
- Temporary housing
- Rental budget
- Landlord verification
- Deposit rules
- Tenant insurance
- Move-in condition photos
Long-term setup
- CRA tax files
- TFSA learning
- Emergency fund
- Resume updates
- Healthcare card
- Canadian references
Beginner definitions
Proof of address
A document or letter showing where you live. Banks, employers, schools, and some services may ask for it.
CRA
The Canada Revenue Agency, which administers taxes, benefits, and credits.
MSP
British Columbia's Medical Services Plan, the provincial healthcare coverage program.
You may need next
Canooq Templates
Printable checklists, proof letters, budgets, invoices, and rental templates.
Canooq Calculators
Budget, salary, credit, TFSA, relocation, and first-year planning tools.
First 30 Days in Canada
A step-by-step landing plan for your first month.
Healthcare Basics
Understand provincial coverage, BC MSP, private insurance, clinics, and benefits.
Renting in Canada
Prepare rental documents, references, deposits, and scam checks.
FAQ
Can I download this checklist?+
This first version is web-based. Canooq can later connect it to a printable or interactive checklist.
Does every newcomer need every item?+
No. Students, IEC/PVT workers, permanent residents, and families have different requirements. Use this as a planning map and verify official rules.
What documents matter most at arrival?+
Passport, immigration documents, insurance, proof of funds, accommodation details, and any school or job documents are usually the most urgent.
Important disclaimer
Canooq provides practical information, not legal, immigration, tax, healthcare, or financial advice. Rules, offers, eligibility, fees, and provider conditions can change. Always verify important decisions with official sources or the provider before applying, contributing, signing, or relying on a deadline.