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CIBC Smart™ Arrival

Planning your move to Canada?

Permanent residents, foreign workers and international students from eligible countries can apply for an account before arriving.¹

Apply now

Get a head start in Canada.

Open an account before you arrive with CIBC.

At the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), we've been helping newcomers for over 150 years.

Discover personalized support

We're here to support your journey. For practical tips, check out our CIBC Smart™ Newcomer Hub.

Find us in your new community

When you arrive in Canada, visit one of our many banking centres or ATMs conveniently located across the country.

Join our award-winning bank

Get a head start with CIBC Smart Arrival and transfer your money before moving to Canada.

3 easy steps to open your account

Here’s how to apply and what happens next.

Complete your online application

Apply in as little as 10 minutes, verify your identity remotely and get a head start opening a temporary bank account.¹

Transfer your money before arriving

If your application is approved, send money to your temporary account with a one-time wire transfer in Canadian dollars.² Your money will be ready when you arrive in Canada.³

Visit us when you arrive

When you arrive in Canada, visit a CIBC Banking Centre to open your new account and start banking. Send and receive money, pay bills and more.

Are you eligible for CIBC Smart Arrival? Residents from eligible countries can apply.

Apply for a bank account before you arrive

Available for eligible permanent residents, foreign workers and international students.

CIBC Smart™ Account for Newcomers

CIBC Smart Arrival

Open and fund^1, ² an account before moving to Canada and receive a debit card after you arrive in Canada.

Here's how to qualify for an account:

You’re arriving in Canada in the next 12 months from an eligible country Learn about eligible countries. Opens in a dialog.
You have a valid passport and a unique client identifier (UCI) issued by the Government of Canada Learn about unique client identifiers. Opens in a dialog.
You’ve reached the age of majority in your arrival province or territory Learn about the age of majority. Opens in a dialog.

Apply now

Already completed your CIBC Smart Arrival application?

Learn more about accessing our secure portal to get started.

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Learn more about banking in Canada

We have resources and articles available for newcomers just like you.

CIBC Smart Arrival Brochure

Start banking before your big move. We have all the details you need to get started before arriving in Canada.

CIBC Smart Arrival Brochure (PDF, 3.3 MB)

CIBC Smart™ Guide to Canada

Moving to a new country can be overwhelming. Explore tailored resources for your journey as a newcomer.

Learn more

Have more questions?

We've got answers

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Get in touch

CIBC is a member of Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC)

¹ If approved, your account will be a temporary, no fee CIBC Smart Account, with restrictions for access and use. You have 12 months from the date your temporary account is opened to visit a CIBC Banking Centre in Canada and complete your CIBC Smart Arrival by transferring all funds in your temporary account to a new CIBC account. There are no fees for applying to CIBC Smart Arrival. However, there are fees applicable to the one time wire transfer to your temporary account, including an incoming wire payment fee. For more details, refer to the CIBC Smart Arrival Terms and Conditions (PDF, 170 KB) Opens in a new window. and the CIBC Personal Deposit Account Agreements and Disclosures (PDF, 1.5 MB) Opens in a new window.. Other banks may also charge a fee in connection with the one time wire transfer.

² You will only be permitted to make a single wire transfer into your temporary account. All other transactions are prohibited. Wire transfer, processing, and foreign exchange fees will apply. For more details, refer to the CIBC Smart Arrival Terms and Conditions (PDF, 170 KB) Opens in a new window. and the CIBC Personal Deposit Account Agreements and Disclosures (PDF, 1.5 MB) Opens in a new window.. Other banks may also charge a fee in connection with the wire transfer.

³ You have 12 months from the date of opening the temporary account to visit a CIBC Banking Centre in Canada and complete your CIBC Smart Arrival by transferring all funds in your temporary account to a new CIBC account. The applicable fees on your new CIBC account will be disclosed to you at the time you open your new CIBC account. If, for any reason, your new CIBC account is not opened within 12 months, your temporary account will be automatically closed. Any funds in the temporary account will be returned to you via wire transfer to the same bank account that they originated from. Wire transfer, processing, and foreign exchange fees will apply. For more details, refer to the CIBC Smart Arrival Terms and Conditions (PDF, 170 KB) Opens in a new window. and the CIBC Personal Deposit Account Agreements and Disclosures (PDF, 1.5 MB) Opens in a new window.. Other banks may also charge a fee in connection with the wire transfer return. We suggest keeping your original bank account open to receive the returned funds.

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