The complete moving to Canada checklist

Gather all the original copies of documents that you and your family will need as you transition into life in Canada. These documents relate to your education, health, profession and more. This will include:   

Identification documents 

• Valid and up-to-date passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage or divorce certificate; death certificate for a deceased spouse
• Adoption records for adopted children

Medical documents

• All official vaccination records  
• Medical records including test results, allergies, prescriptions, x-rays, dental records and more

Employment documents and certifications

• Educational diplomas and/or certificates
• Detailed resume or curriculum vitae (CV) 
• Reference letters and contact details of job references
• Driver’s license and/or international driving permit
• Driving experience letter or certification to lower the cost of your auto insurance
• Records of income for the year prior to moving to Canada
• Visa or work permit
• Any additional immigration documentation

If you don’t have these documents, start applying for them as soon as possible because some require time to process. It’s important to note that applying for these documents after landing in Canada can be much more costly and time-consuming. You’ll want to do this before your flight. 

You should have these documents in both English and French as these are Canada’s official languages. If they’re not, you'll have to get them translated and obtain an affidavit confirming the translation is accurate.  

If you’re bringing a pet with you Opens in a new window., review the airline’s specific rules and guidelines for travelling with an animal. They may be required to have certain shots, documents, and even their own airline ticket!  

When travelling, it’s wise to keep copies of your important documents because you may need extra copies for various applications. You don’t want to lose the originals.  

Get your finances in order. How much do you need to bring in settlement funds? This amount depends on your immigration pathway and family size. Research the Government of Canada’s rules about the amount of money you can bring, along with the currency rules.  

You’ll be required to declare your funds if you’re bringing more than $10,000 CA. Therefore, you’ll need to use the cross-border currency or monetary instruments report form to complete this step. The Canadian Border Service Agency (CSBA) can seize undeclared money that over $10,000 CA, and you’ll have to pay a fine and face penalties for failing to report this information.

Have you heard of pre-departure seminars such as the Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) Opens in a new window., Active Engagement and Integration Project (AEIP) Opens in a new window., or the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) Opens in a new window.? These are great seminars for anyone moving to Canada. They provide essential information about housing, health, employment, settlement services, and Canadian life and culture. Most importantly, they help prepare you to plan your next steps and can connect you to settlement supports once you enter Canada.  

If you’re looking for more information, explore the Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) Opens in a new window.. This is a free program that works to prepare you for employment in Canada through one-on-one information sessions, courses and employment counselling. 

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll want to dedicate time to improving your language skills. English is important since it’s the one of the official languages in provinces across Canada. It’s important to practice speaking and writing in English because this can affect who will hire you. You may also consider picking up a bit of French as it’s Canada’s second official language, and is an official language in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. 

Do you have travel insurance? This may seem like an unnecessary cost, but it can be a lifesaver if anything does go wrong. Don’t forget to look into health insurance for medical coverage when you arrive. 

When it comes to driving and auto insurance, make sure you have a “no claims” letter to serve as proof of driving history and reduce your insurance premium costs.   

Have a place pre-booked for the first few nights when you arrive. You’ll be required to provide this information when your plane lands. Having accommodations ready will also remove the added stress of trying to find a place to stay when you’re tired from travelling. 

It’s important to make sure the right people will be notified if anything goes wrong. Create a list of emergency contacts. This can be your parents, siblings, local friends, relatives etc. Email this list to yourself and print out a physical copy for reference. Don’t rely solely on your phone in case it gets lost or runs out of battery.