Planning Your Move to Canada
Moving to a new country is never easy. RBC has supported millions of newcomers settle in with banking, home buying, car loans, insurance, investments, employment resources and much more. Here's a checklist with some of the documents you may need to help you get organized before you arrive.
Your Finances
Estimate your living expenses
As you research where you’ll live, the type of housing you’ll want and other necessities – such as transportation, food and clothing – start to estimate your monthly living expenses. This process will help you gain an understanding of how much life in Canada will cost when you arrive.
International student? Our Student Budget Calculator is a great place to start
Start opening a Canadian bank account
If you have your bank account set up before you arrive – and your money is available to you – it can help make your move that much easier. For example, you may need to show proof of funds to rent an apartment.
Start opening your account (opens in new window)Contact an RBC Newcomer Advisor
Report the funds you’re bringing (if applicable)
If you’re bringing $10,000 CDN or more to Canada, you must report it to the Canada Border Services agency.
Visit the Government of Canada website (opens external site in new window) to learn more.
Life in Canada
Learn about your new city
Visit the website of your new city to learn about the area, the job and housing markets, schools, recreation and more.
Get a Canadian phone plan (SIM card)
A local phone number is essential for staying connected and accessing services. RBC has teamed up with PhoneBox so you can get a Canadian phone number as soon as you land – or even before you arrive. RBC clients can get an eSIM/SIM card plus a discounted Canada phone plan.
Learn More about PhoneBox (opens external site in new window)Learn about school options for children
If you register your children in public school, the school they attend will be determined by the area you live in. There are also many private school options in Canada.
Read Settling in Canada: How to Help Set Your Children Up for Success for more information.
Arrange for medical insurance
Your provincial government-sponsored medical plan will not be active for the first 90 days you’re in Canada. To cover yourself until then, consider purchasing Visitors to Canada insurance.
Fill any prescriptions
You may want to bring a six-month supply of medications with you, in case there is any difficulty refilling your prescriptions when you arrive. Be sure to review the list of items you’re allowed to bring into Canada (opens external site in new window).
Explore newcomers services at no cost
There are excellent services available for newcomers – at no cost – that can help you transition into your new community and feel settled faster.
Explore services (opens external site in new window)The Move Itself
Decide what to take with you
Review the items you are allowed to bring into Canada (opens external site in new window).
Gather essential documents
To enter Canada, there are some documents you’ll need to present:
- A Canadian immigrant visa (if applicable) and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for you and each family member travelling with you
- A valid passport or other travel document for you and each family member travelling with you
- Two (2) copies of a detailed list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you
- Two (2) copies of a list of items that are arriving after and their monetary value
- Consider the full list of documents you will need (opens external site in new window)
Collect official health documents
These include vaccination and dental records. Children need vaccination records to enrol in school in Canada. Keep in mind, you may need to get an official translation of these documents.
Book your travel
Typically, the earlier you book your travel arrangements, the better the price.
Working and Studying in Canada
Collect work-related documents
Gather reference letters and evaluations from employers, and training and job descriptions.
Collect official school documents
Include degrees, diplomas and certificates, transcripts, program descriptions and detailed course information, language skills test results and accreditation. You may need to get official translations of your documents.
Prepare a resumé
The Canadian style is two pages or less plus a cover letter. Start planning your job search
The RBC Newcomer Advantage^ is your first step to unlocking:
- No-monthly-fee banking for a year2
- Credit card limit up to $15,000* (no credit history required)2
- Get up to 28,000 Avion points with the RBC ION+ Visa†. That's up to $200 of value in gift cards†!
- $0 transfer fees on International Money Transfers3,4
Resources for Newcomers
“Eligible Personal Client” means a client who meets all of the following conditions:
- Is a newcomer to Canada having arrived in Canada within the last five years of the date an Eligible Personal Banking Account is opened. Must show proof of entry into Canada and provide supporting documents such as landing papers or permanent resident card;
- Is a resident of Canada and is of the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of the date that an Eligible Personal Banking Account is opened. Residence is determined by the jurisdiction (province or territory) where a person has their primary tax filing obligation based on their regular place of residence; and,
- Does not have an existing Personal Banking Account with us.
Must be enrolled in RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app and have either a Canadian RBC Royal Bank chequing or savings account. Some restrictions may apply. Cannot send funds from a US dollar account, the RBC High Interest e-Savings account, or Foreign Currency Accounts.