Moving to Canada: a complete settlement guide for newcomers
Moving to Canada as a newcomer means coordinating a dozen tasks in a few weeks: finding housing, opening a bank account, activating provincial health insurance and organizing your arrival. This guide outlines the logical order of steps and the most costly mistakes to avoid.
Why pre-arrival preparation matters
According to Statistics Canada, the country welcomes hundreds of thousands of permanent residents and temporary workers each year. Most land in major metros — Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver — where rental markets are tight and availability windows are short.
Many newcomers underestimate the time needed to secure a signed lease from abroad, activate provincial health coverage and open a usable bank account on day one. The result: weeks in a hotel or Airbnb, extra costs and avoidable stress.
Structured preparation — with steps aligned to your landing date — reduces these risks. That is exactly what a settlement concierge service is for: helping you avoid managing everything alone from overseas.
Six essential steps for newcomers
We recommend this order for our clients, adjusted for your status and destination city.
- Confirm immigration status and documents (visa, permit, proof of funds).
- Search for temporary or permanent housing based on arrival date.
- Open a Canadian bank account before or within the first days.
- Register for provincial health insurance (RAMQ in Quebec, OHIP in Ontario, etc.).
- Arrange airport transfer and access to your accommodation.
- Activate essentials: internet, electricity, mobile phone.
Housing: the number one challenge
Canada's rental market often requires in-person visits, references and sometimes a guarantor. Signing a lease remotely without inspection exposes you to overpriced or poorly maintained units.
Our team conducts visits and detailed inspection reports before you sign. We filter listings by budget, target neighbourhood and arrival date — a major time saver while you are still abroad.
If you arrive without a fixed address, plan temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb, residence) for at least two to four weeks while you finalize your on-site search.
Banking, credit and public services
Major Canadian banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC) and several neobanks offer newcomer programs: fee-free accounts for 12 months, easier credit cards, international transfers.
Opening an account before arrival (online or at an overseas branch where available) lets you receive salary or transfers in week one. See our dedicated banking guide for bank-by-bank details.
Provincial health insurance often has a three-month waiting period depending on the province. Budget for temporary private coverage during that gap.
How IR Conciergerie supports you
IR Conciergerie was built by people who went through settlement in Canada. We offer modular support: airport transfer, housing search, inspection, first groceries, key reception and full logistics.
Each service starts from $80 CAD + tax, or bundled in a package suited to your situation. Request a personalized quote — we respond within 24 hours.
Whether you land in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, our goal is the same: a calm settlement, not an improvised one.
Questions fréquentes
How early should I start looking for housing?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before landing for major cities. Montreal and Toronto may require more flexibility on neighbourhood or budget.
Can I sign a Canadian lease from abroad?
Yes, but third-party inspection is strongly recommended. IR Conciergerie provides visits and detailed reports to secure your commitment.
Which cities do you cover?
We primarily support Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver with modular services.
Does IR Conciergerie replace an immigration consultant?
No. We handle on-the-ground settlement. For immigration filings, contact IR Immigration.
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Ce sujet vous parle ?
IR Conciergerie vous accompagne concrètement : logement, transfert aéroport, inspection et démarches d'installation à Montréal, Toronto et Vancouver.