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What happens after you arrive at a Canadian airport?
When you arrive, you will have to go through a process to confirm your identity. A border services officer will ask you to present your travel documents, so have your passport and/or visa ready.
The next step will be biometrics screening, which involves capturing your digital photo and taking your fingerprints. Since 2018, the Canadian government has taken careful measures to guard against instances of identity theft. For this reason, screening is mandatory on arrival to confirm your identity and keep Canada safe.[1]
Different entry requirements depending on your status.
Are you arriving as a permanent resident, international student, foreign worker, or under another status? This matters because different entry requirements will apply to you based on your status upon arrival.
Let’s look at the different requirements:
Permanent resident: If you fall into this category you will need to present your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa. Unsure if this applies to you? Visit the (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) IRCC website to learn about entry requirements or how to confirm your permanent residency status.[2]
International student or foreign worker: If you fall into the category of international student[3] or foreign worker[4], you will have to present a valid study or work permit, a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), and any other documents required by the Canadian government.
To sum things up: when you arrive, you’ll go through:
- document verification,
- a biometric screening conducted either automatically or by a border officer, and
- screening questions to make sure you meet all the required criteria for admission to Canada.
Useful Things You Should Do After You Arrive in Canada
1. Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN):
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that the Canadian government requires to identify you. Ideally, you should apply for a SIN as soon as possible. As a newcomer, you will need it to work, pay taxes, and access valuable government benefits and services. Did you know: An employer won’t be able to pay you if you do not have a SIN.
Am I eligible for a SIN? To apply, you must have a valid study or work permit or proof of your permanent resident status. Unfortunately, you cannot apply for your SIN from overseas; you will need to be present in Canada to do so. Need more information? You can find it on the Government of Canada website.[5]
2. Choose a Bank
Another important first step on arrival is selecting a Canadian bank and opening a bank account. A bank that is focused on helping and supporting newcomers like you will enable you to manage your finances and access financial services with ease. You should also get advice on the right credit cards, loans, and mortgages when/if you need them.[6]
It’s nice to know that being a newcomer has its privileges. You may be eligible for special newcomer banking packages at some banks, such as the TD New to Canada Banking Package. This package comes with many attractive benefits including a chequing account with no monthly fee for up to 12 months, no annual fee on an eligible TD credit card for the first year (if approved), plus unlimited international money transfers with transfer fees rebated for up to 12 months (conditions apply, limited time offer). Find out all about TD’s New to Canada Banking Package here.
3. Sign Up for Government Health Insurance
Your health should be a top priority as you begin this new chapter in Canada. Canada’s healthcare system offers basic medical coverage to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It’s a good idea to apply for government health insurance as soon as you become eligible to help ensure you are covered for medical services. This will also give you access to regular medical checkups at no cost to you.
Apply within your province or territory.
Be advised that Canadian healthcare systems vary depending on which province or territory you are in. For this reason, you will need to apply for your health insurance in the province or territory where you plan to live.[7]