A guide to Canada for newcomers

You may have heard some Canadian stereotypes — that we play hockey, that we eat tons of maple syrup and poutine, that it’s always snowing — but what is living in Canada really like?  

It’s important to note that Canada is a vast country and different regions have their own unique identities, cultures, languages and accents.  

Many Canadian cities are accessible by public transport and you can travel around affordably with a transit pass. People also cycle or use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft to get around.  

While most of Canada does get cold during the winter months of November to February, ice skating, skiing and snowboarding are a few fun ways to enjoy the Canadian winters. In the summer, many cities often have free festivals, street markets, music events and more.  

If you’re hoping to explore more of the country, you can find affordable accommodations through websites like Airbnb Opens in a new window., Vrbo Opens in a new window. and Homestay Opens in a new window. or even look for cabin and cottage rentals or campsites to get away from the city. 

As a newcomer to Canada, you’ll have a variety of financial institutions to choose from. These include traditional banks, online banks and credit unions.  

Here’s what you need to consider when you’re opening a bank account: 

• Monthly Fees: Traditional banks usually offer a promotional period of approximately 1 year during which you’re not required to pay a monthly account fee. After this period ends, a regular fee may apply.  
• Transaction Fees: Be aware of transactional and service fees or limitations such as ATM withdrawals, e-Transfers, and online bill payments. 
• Access: Can you easily access your bank from where you live? Is there a branch nearby or is it all online? 

It’s also important to be aware of the terms of your bank account. Make sure you understand what you‘re agreeing to when you open a bank account or sign up for a credit card.  

Consider your banking needs. Before opening an account, it’s important to know whether you’ll need: 

• To access services in your native language 
• To send money back home or process transactions in your home currency 
• To conduct more than a certain number of transactions each month
• Online, telephone or in-person banking and which you prefer
• A basic chequing account to withdraw and deposit money or a savings account to keep money separate

Once you have a clear idea of what you’ll need from a bank, you can start researching your options. 

You’ll most likely need a work permit Opens in a new window. to find a job in Canada. Subject to certain conditions, this immigration status allows newcomers to come to Canada and work for a specified period of time. When applying, do your research to understand what kind of work permit you’re eligible to receive. Here’s a short overview of the most popular work permits:  

• Intra-Company Transfer: If you work for a multinational company that has an office in Canada, your company can transfer you to a Canadian location. 
• International Experience Canada: For youths between the ages of 18-30 or 18-35, depending on your country of origin. 
• Labour Market Impact Assessment: You’ll need to obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer before applying for this permit.
• USMCA: Workers from Canada, the United States and Mexico may obtain work permits between these three countries. 

A work permit immigration status is temporary, but it can help you gain permanent status. A work permit can also make you an attractive candidate for the Provincial Nominee Programs and Express Entry.  

You may also be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit Opens in a new window. (PGWP). A PGWP allows you to work anywhere in Canada for any employer for up to three years after you graduate from a Canadian post-secondary school. However, if you’re eligible for the permit, you'll need to apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation that you’ve finished your study program. 

Canada is the world’s second-largest country, and with over 280 post-secondary institutions Opens in a new window. to choose from, figuring out where you want to study can be a tough decision.  

Studying in Canada comes with many benefits. For example, it can accelerate the immigration and permanent residence process Opens in a new window. so you can live in Canada post-graduation. You may also be able to bring your spouse or common-law partner with you on an open work permit, and your kids can attend public elementary or secondary school here without needing a study permit. 

As an international student, you’ll also need to make sure your institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), meaning it’s approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You can visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website Opens in a new window. to learn more about DLIs and find a list of institutions.  

Use websites like Campus Guides Opens in a new window. to compare colleges and universities in Canada and get inside details from current students.

Application rules vary across institutions, so you’ll need to visit your preferred school’s website for their application requirements. This can include your eligibility, required documents, language requirements, the application process and application deadlines. 

If you’re not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you’ll also need a study permit. This is typically valid for the entire length of your studies plus an extra 90 days, so you can prepare to leave or extend your stay in Canada.  

The Canadian embassy or consulate in your country will have the most up-to-date information about study permit requirements. However, the province of Quebec has different study permit requirements than the rest of Canada, so be sure to visit the Quebec Immigration website Opens in a new window. if you plan to study there.  

According to Statistics Canada Opens in a new window., the average tuition fees for undergraduate international students in 2019-2020 were $29,714 CA per year. Humanities courses tend to cost less at an average cost of $5,542 CA, while engineering and medicine subjects are among the more expensive. 

Average living expenses Opens in a new window. for a typical Canadian post-secondary student are roughly $12,869 CA a year. In other words, if you were planning to study the humanities in Canada, you’d need to prove that you could cover roughly $18,411 CA in tuition fees and living expenses, plus the cost of a return ticket back home, to be eligible for a study permit. 

As an international student, you have access to a wide range of financial aid options to help cover the costs of studying in Canada, including:  

• Scholarships: You don’t have to pay this money back, but most scholarships still have an application process, and eligibility criteria can vary widely.  
• Bursaries: Many colleges and universities in Canada offer bursaries to students who meet specific requirements including a demonstrated financial need.   
• Loans: A loan is another needs-based type of financial aid, but you’ll need to pay the money back plus interest once you finish your studies. 

Student Awards Opens in a new window. is a great hub to find top scholarships, bursaries, and awards from across Canada in one place.