# Your first week in Canada as a newcomer > A calm order for your first week: a place to sleep, a phone, your SIN, your health card, a bank account and the ID to carry. With official links. - Category: Arrival - For: newcomers moving abroad to work, settle or join family - Country: Canada - Verified on: 2026-10-20 - Source: [IRCC — Settle in Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada.html) - Page: https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-your-first-week-as-a-newcomer ## The short answer Your first week is a short list of practical steps, and some depend on others. A bank account may need an address. A health card needs proof of your status and identity. A job needs a **Social Insurance Number (SIN)**. A sensible order is: somewhere to sleep, a phone, your SIN, your health card application, a bank account, then the rest. The exact order depends on your province and your status, so treat this as a map, not a rule. ## Key terms in plain English - **SIN (Social Insurance Number):** a nine-digit number you need to work in Canada or to access government programmes and benefits. It is private, and it is illegal for anyone else to use it. - **Health card:** the card issued by your province or territory that shows you are covered by public health insurance. See the health insurance guide. - **Settlement organisation:** a local organisation that helps newcomers, often free of charge. - **ID:** identity documents such as a passport, driver's licence or health record. IRCC says you need them to apply for government services, get a SIN and get a health card. ## A sensible order 1. **Settle your first nights.** Book temporary accommodation before you land, so you are not searching with luggage. Move to long-term housing when you have had time to look. 2. **Get a phone.** To sign up for a phone plan, IRCC says you generally need two pieces of identification, and you might be asked for a credit check or proof of employment. If you have no credit history or job, explain that you are a new immigrant and ask what options exist. An eSIM can give you data from the airport. 3. **Apply for your SIN.** You need it to work. IRCC advises applying as soon as you arrive. Apply through Service Canada and use only official pages. 4. **Apply for your health card.** Do it early. Some provinces have a waiting period before public cover starts. 5. **Open a bank account.** See the banking guide. Take ID and proof of address if you have it. 6. **Contact a settlement organisation.** They can help with a health card, housing, language classes and jobs. 7. **Carry the right ID.** IRCC says to carry two pieces, at least one with a photo. You do not need to carry your COPR or PR card around with you. Do not carry your birth certificate, SIN or passport unless you need them that day, because they are hard to replace. 8. **If you have children,** gather their vaccination records. Schools need them to enrol a child. 9. **Learn the emergency number.** In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency service. ## Checklist - [ ] Temporary accommodation for the first nights - [ ] A SIM or eSIM that works, and a way to keep your Indian number for bank OTPs - [ ] SIN application started - [ ] Health card application started - [ ] Bank account opened - [ ] Photocopies of your key documents kept apart from the originals - [ ] Original documents stored safely - [ ] Contact details for a local settlement organisation - [ ] Children's vaccination records ready - [ ] A note of the emergency number and your address ## Common mistakes - **Carrying everything everywhere.** Keep originals safe and carry only what you need. - **Sharing your SIN.** Give it only to people who have a legal reason to ask, such as an employer or the tax agency. - **Paying a stranger to "speed up" a SIN or health card.** Official applications go through government channels. - **Leaving the health card application late.** Apply early and ask your ministry of health how any waiting period works. - **Skipping settlement services.** They are free for many newcomers, and there can be time limits. ## Things that change Application methods, ID requirements and how services are delivered change. Check the official page for your province. ## Verify before you act Start with IRCC's [Settle in Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada.html) pages, in particular [carrying identification](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/carry-identification.html) and [communications services](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/communications.html). The [Social Insurance Number](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html) page explains how to apply. --- StudentFlow gives general information from official sources. It is not legal or immigration advice and we are not a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer. For advice on your case, speak to a licensed professional. Confirm current rules, fees and thresholds on the official source above.