Landing in Canada? Your 30-Day Survival Plan with Pro Tips & Pitfall Warnings

Welcome to Canada!

The first 30 days after arrival can feel overwhelming — you're settling into a new country, learning unfamiliar systems, and making big decisions quickly.

This guide breaks down the must-do tasks, shares smart tips, and highlights common traps to avoid, so you can start your Canadian journey with clarity and confidence.

🧳 Step 1: What Happens at the Border (Work Permit, PR, or Student?)

✅ What to Expect:

• Permanent Residents (PR) will have their COPR reviewed and stamped. You’ll provide a Canadian address for your PR card to be mailed.
• Work or Study Permit holders will be directed to an immigration office to receive their printed permit on the spot.
• Submit your customs declaration using the ArriveCAN app, ideally before arrival. This replaces the old paper form and can help speed up processing.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:

• 🍱 Don’t bring restricted food items — they may trigger inspection or fines.
• 📄 Keep all printed permits or stamped papers — you’ll need them for SIN, health care, and more.

🆔 Step 2: Apply for Your SIN (Social Insurance Number)

✅ How to Get It:

• You can apply for your SIN in person at a Service Canada Centre, or online via the official website.
• Required documents: your passport and your immigration document (PR card, COPR, study permit, or work permit).
• If applying in person, you’ll get your 9-digit SIN immediately. Online applications may take up to 10 business days.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:

• 🔒 Only share your SIN when absolutely necessary — typically with employers, banks, or government agencies.
• 📵 Never share it over text, email, or unknown websites — scammers target newcomers by pretending to be Service Canada.

📱 Step 3: Get a Local Phone Plan That Works for You

✅ What to Consider:

• The easiest option is to buy a prepaid SIM card from budget carriers like Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, Chatr, or Freedom Mobile. You can often order them online or buy in convenience stores.
• Bring an unlocked phone that supports Canadian networks (check compatibility if from overseas).
• For better coverage and data speeds, consider main carriers like Telus, Rogers, or Bell — more expensive but more reliable.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:

• 📶 Budget carriers may have limited coverage in rural areas or underground transit.
• 💬 Salespeople may push postpaid plans with hidden fees or long-term contracts — read the fine print or start with prepaid.
• 💳 Some prepaid plans don’t include voicemail or caller ID by default — check what’s included.

💡 Want to compare plans in detail?

Check out our full guide here:
👉 Best Phone Plans in Canada for 2025

🏦 Step 4: Open a Canadian Bank Account

✅ What to Expect:

• Major banks like TD, Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, and BMO offer newcomer packages with no monthly fees, free Interac e-Transfers, and even starter credit cards to help you build credit.
• Bring your passport, immigration document (PR card, study/work permit), and a proof of address — this can be a rental agreement, hotel receipt, or a signed letter from a host.
• Some locations may require an appointment, especially in big cities.
• 🆔 Bringing your SIN (Social Insurance Number) can make the process smoother — it's not strictly required for opening a basic account, but often needed for applying for credit cards or reporting interest to the CRA.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:

• 💳 Watch out for credit card “offers” that include high annual fees or require spending minimums.
• 💬 Bank advisors may push extra accounts or investment products — feel free to say no.

💡 Want to learn more about Canada’s major banks?

👉 Read our complete guide to Canada's Big 5 Banks

🏠 Step 5: Find Short-Term or Long-Term Housing

✅ Where to Look:

• For short-term stays, check platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, hostels, or reach out to settlement agencies that help newcomers.
• For long-term rentals, use trusted sites like Rentals.ca, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or connect with local realtors and housing groups in your area.
• In big cities, demand can be high — consider temporary housing first, then explore neighbourhoods before committing to a lease.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:

• 🚫 Never send money or a deposit before viewing the place in person — even if the listing looks real.
• 💬 Be cautious of landlords asking for cash only, refusing to sign a lease, or offering prices that seem too good to be true.
• 📸 Save screenshots and records of listings, conversations, and receipts — they may help in case of disputes.

💡 If you're moving to Vancouver, we recommend this field-tested guide to neighbourhoods, tools, and rental pitfalls — and many of the insights apply to other major Canadian cities as well:
👉 Read: Vancouver Rentals Guide to Neighborhoods, Tools, and Pitfalls

🏥 Step 6: Register for Provincial Health Insurance

✅ What to Know:

• Every province has its own public health system. For example:

  • British Columbia (MSP): Coverage starts after a 3-month wait (arrival month + two full months).
  • Ontario (OHIP): May be active immediately for PRs, but processing time can vary.
  • Quebec (RAMQ): Mandatory registration. Requirements differ for students and workers.

• Bring your passport, permit or PR card, and proof of residence (lease, hotel invoice, etc.).

• Family members (spouse, children) must also be registered — they are not added automatically.

⚠️ Important:

• 🩺 You are not covered during the waiting period in most provinces.
• It is strongly recommended to purchase private emergency insurance (e.g., Blue Cross, GMS) for the first few months.

💡 For more health coverage tips, visit your province’s official health portal.

🪪 Step 7: Get a Provincial Photo ID (e.g., BCID)

✅ Why It Matters:

• You shouldn't carry your passport everywhere — it can be lost, damaged, or rejected.

• A provincial photo ID is widely accepted by banks, post offices, rental agencies, age verification, and government services.

• You can apply for:

  • BCID in British Columbia (via ICBC)
  • Ontario Photo Card (via ServiceOntario)
  • Carte d'identité sans permis in Québec

• Bring your passport, immigration document, and proof of address. This can include:

  • Lease agreement
  • Hotel or hostel invoice
  • Signed letter from a landlord or settlement agency

💡 Fees vary by province but usually cost around $35. Some offices may require an appointment.

🧑‍💻 Step 8: Set Up Essential Online Accounts

✅ Key Accounts to Set Up:

• CRA Account (Canada Revenue Agency):
  Used for tax filing, GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and viewing income records.
  ➤ If you're in BC or Alberta, you can log in using your BC Services Card app or MyAlberta Digital ID, and skip the mailed activation PIN.

• Provincial Digital ID:

  • BC Services Card (BC residents) and MyAlberta Digital ID (Alberta residents) are government-verified identity systems.
  • These can be used to securely log in to CRA and provincial healthcare services.

• Banking Apps:
  Download your bank’s app (TD, RBC, CIBC, etc.) to manage accounts, pay bills, send e-Transfers, and deposit cheques.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:

• 📬 If your province doesn’t support digital login, request your CRA security code by mail early, as it may take over 2 weeks to arrive.
• 🧾 Keep your CRA and Service Canada accounts separate, and make sure you never share login credentials.

📚 Step 9: Register for School or Start Job Hunting

🎓 For Students:

• Contact your school’s international office for orientation, student ID, email setup, and health insurance registration (e.g., iMED, UHIP, Guard.me).
• Set up campus systems (Wi-Fi, library access, learning platforms like Moodle or Canvas).
• Visit Career Services — most schools help students find part-time jobs or internships.

💼 For Job Seekers:

• Create a Canadian-style resume: no photo, no age, clear and concise (1–2 pages).
• Search jobs on:
  • Indeed.ca
  • Job Bank
  • LinkedIn
  • Local temp agencies and community boards

⚠️ Avoid Scams:

• 🚫 You should never pay for a job offer, LMIA, or interview.
• 💬 Fake recruiters may ask for money, gift cards, or personal information — always verify the company.

💡 Tip: Volunteer work, workshops, and local networking events can help you get Canadian experience faster.

📘 Want step-by-step guidance on finding jobs and acing interviews in Canada?
👉 Read: Your Complete Job Search and Interview Guide (Canada Edition)

🚍 Step 10: Learn Your City’s Transportation System

You may already be using your city’s transit app — now it’s time to learn how to make the most of it with transit cards, discounts, and commute planning.

✅ Tips:

• Buy a transit card for convenient access to buses, subways, and trains:
  • Vancouver → Compass
  • Toronto → Presto
  • Montreal → OPUS
• Check eligibility for student, senior, or low-income discounts.
• Use your city’s official transit app to track schedules and plan routes.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:

• 🕐 Don’t assume there’s late-night service — many routes stop early.
• 🚕 Ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft may not be available in all areas.
• 🚴 Research bike-friendliness if planning to cycle — not all cities are safe for commuting by bike.

💳 Step 11: Build Your Credit Early

In Canada, credit history matters — it impacts everything from renting an apartment to getting a car loan. Starting early helps open up more financial options.

✅ Tips to Start:

• Ask your bank about which credit card options you're eligible for — depending on your immigration status (PR, work permit, or study permit), you may qualify for a regular credit card or a secured one.
• Use your card for small purchases and pay off the full balance every month.
• Keep your usage below 30% of your limit to maintain a healthy score.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:

• 🚫 Avoid applying for multiple cards at once — it lowers your credit score.
• 📉 Don’t max out your card — even if you pay on time, it still hurts your rating.
• 🔄 Keep your first credit card open — closing it early shortens your history.

👉 For detailed tips on which bank and card to choose based on your situation, check our guide:
Your Complete Guide to Canada’s Big 5 Banks (for Newcomers & Locals)

🧯 Common Mistakes & Hidden Traps to Watch Out For

❗ Fake housing ads

Never send money before visiting the place in person. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

❗ Bank upsells

Politely decline any extra accounts, insurance, or credit protection offers you don’t fully understand or need.

❗ Job scams

Real employers will never ask for money, especially for job offers or work permits (LMIA).

❗ Ignoring deadlines

Apply for benefits like MSP, GST credit, or child benefits within 30 days to avoid losing eligibility.

❗ Skipping private health insurance

If your province has a health coverage wait period, buy temporary private insurance to protect against emergencies.

⚠️ Beware: Telecom, Text & Romance Scams on the Rise

Fraud in the Canadian telecommunications and messaging sphere is rapidly increasing, targeting both newcomers and locals. Scammers use advanced tactics—caller ID spoofing, government or telecom impersonation, and romance-based approaches—to trick you into sharing sensitive info or sending money.

📈 Growing Threats:

• Canadians lost over $638 million to fraud in 2024, with impersonation scams among the fastest-growing types.
• The Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre processed over 108,000 reports in 2024, resulting in $638 million in losses.
• Competition Bureau has launched national campaigns against telemarketing scams.

🔍 Common Scams:

1. Calls claiming you owe money or your service must be renewed — often via caller ID spoofing.
2. Smishing: text messages warning of fines or suspicious account activity — often include malicious links.
3. “Wrong number” romance scams (“pig butchering”), which begin with a stray friendly text, build trust, then lead to fake investment/crypto schemes.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself:

• Hang up on unsolicited calls and verify numbers using official websites.
• Never share passwords, SIN, banking info, 2FA codes — government or providers won't ask by phone/text.
• Block unknown numbers, delete suspicious texts, and enable call-blocking and 2FA.
• Report attempts to the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre or your telecom provider.

📌 If you receive a flirtatious “wrong number” text, don’t reply — block and report it immediately.

• These scams evolve rapidly—remain vigilant whether you're new to Canada or have lived here for years.

✨ Wrap-up: Take It One Step at a Time

Starting a new life in Canada can feel like a whirlwind, but don’t stress—you don’t have to do it all in one day. Use this checklist as your guide, tackle one task at a time, and ask for help when needed. Whether you're here to work, study, or settle permanently, Canada offers many tools and support systems to help you succeed.

We’ll continue creating in-depth guides to make your transition smoother. Bookmark MapleNow and check back often!

And finally, enjoy Canada!🍁