Guides for newcomers moving to Canada
Plain-English guides on documents, landing, health cover, banking, housing, work and settling in. Each one links to its official source and shows the date we last verified it. General information, not immigration advice.
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Showing guides for Canada plus guides that apply to every destination.
Newcomer guides cover Canada for now. Other countries are coming soon.
Visas & permits 6
Applying and tracking your Canada application
Most Canadian applications are made and tracked online through an IRCC account. How it works, what happens after you submit and how to stay on top of...
VerifiedBiometrics for Canada: fingerprints and photo
Biometrics are your fingerprints and photo. Who gives them, when IRCC asks, where to go and what the fee covers, with the official page.
VerifiedCanada immigration medical exam, explained
Many applications need an immigration medical exam with an approved doctor. Why it is needed, who does it, when to book and what to bring.
VerifiedCanada immigration pathways: how each works
How Canada’s main routes work in outline: Express Entry, provincial nominees, employer work permits and family sponsorship. No advice, just official p...
VerifiedLanguage tests and ECA for Canada, explained
Many routes ask for an approved language test and some ask for an education credential assessment (ECA). What each is, who does it and what to know.
VerifiedPolice certificates for Canada, explained
A police certificate shows you have no criminal record, or shows it. Here is who may need one, how to get it, why timing matters and how to submit it.
VerifiedMoney & proof of funds 1
Health insurance 1
Housing 1
Banking & forex 1
Arrival 4
Driver’s licence for newcomers to Canada
Driver’s licences are issued by each province and territory. How exchanges and tests work, why car insurance matters and where to start in your provin...
VerifiedFree settlement services and language classes
Federally funded settlement services help with jobs, language and housing, and some can be used before you land. Who is eligible and why to start earl...
VerifiedLanding in Canada: documents and border steps
What to carry in your hand baggage, the lists of goods the border officer asks for, what to declare and what the port-of-entry interviews cover.
VerifiedYour 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.
VerifiedWork & careers 1
Taxes & benefits 1
Family & schools 1
Good to know 1
Want these as a checklist with deadlines?
StudentFlow turns the guides into your own plan for moving to Canada, with a deadline on every step and your landing date as the anchor.
Free to plan. No card needed. Not legal or immigration advice.