First Steps After Arriving in Canada
Your first few days in Canada are exciting and busy. This guide walks you through the essential steps to take immediately after landing — from clearing customs to getting settled in temporary accommodation.
Overview
Arriving in Canada marks the beginning of your new life. Whether you are coming as a permanent resident, international student, or temporary worker, there are several important things you need to do in your first week. At the airport, you will pass through Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) where you must present your passport, visa or eTA, and any required documents. Have your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or study/work permit ready. After clearing customs, collect your luggage and proceed to your pre-arranged temporary accommodation. In your first few days, you should: confirm your temporary housing is in order, contact family back home to let them know you arrived safely, locate the nearest grocery store and pharmacy, get a local SIM card or activate a Canadian phone plan, and start gathering the documents you will need for your SIN application, bank account, and provincial health coverage. If you arrive in winter (November–March), ensure you have warm clothing — temperatures can drop well below -20°C in many Canadian cities. Dress in layers and keep a hat, gloves, and insulated boots with you. Most importantly, take time to rest and adjust — jet lag and the emotional weight of moving are real, and it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed in the first few days.
Step-by-Step Guide
Clear customs at the airport: present your passport, COPR/permit, and any declaration forms to the CBSA officer. Answer all questions honestly and declare any food, alcohol, or goods over the duty-free limit.
Collect your luggage and proceed to your pre-arranged temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb, or with family/friends). If you do not have temporary housing, find a nearby hotel for the first night.
Get a Canadian SIM card (Rogers, Bell, Telus, Freedom Mobile, or a prepaid option like Public Mobile) or activate an international roaming plan so you can make local calls and use data.
Locate essential nearby services: the closest grocery store (Loblaws, Sobeys, Superstore, Walmart, or No Frills), a pharmacy (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall), and a hospital or walk-in clinic in case of emergencies.
Contact family and friends back home to confirm your safe arrival. Also contact any settlement agency or community organization that may be expecting you.
Begin gathering documents for your next steps: passport, COPR, proof of address, and identification for your SIN application, bank account opening, and provincial health insurance registration.
Rest and recover from jet lag. Drink plenty of water, eat regular meals, and take short walks. It is normal to feel tired and emotionally overwhelmed — give yourself time to adjust.
Documents Required
What you'll need
Passport, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or study/work permit, visa or eTA, and any financial proof requested by the border officer.
Helpful Tips
Pro tips from the community
Keep all your important documents (passport, COPR, permits, birth certificate, marriage certificate, educational transcripts) in a secure, waterproof folder and carry them with you at all times during your first weeks. Make digital copies and store them in cloud storage as a backup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls
A common mistake is not dressing warmly enough for Canadian winter upon arrival. Even if you are moving from a cold country, Canadian wind chill can be extreme. Another mistake is not having Canadian currency (cash) on hand for the first 24 hours — some places do not accept foreign cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need your passport, your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or study/work permit, and any financial proof requested by the border officer. Have printed copies ready.
Official Government Resources
Disclaimer: The Indian Hub provides general informational resources for educational and community purposes only. Immigration rules, government programs and eligibility requirements may change. Always verify information through official government websites or consult an appropriately qualified professional.