Moving to Canada: Top 10 Pre-Arrival Checklist (Part 1)

Moving to a new country is a big step and being well-prepared can make all the difference. If you're planning a move to Canada, there are a lot of things to consider before you arrive, from gathering the necessary documents to finding a place to live and preparing for employment.

To help you make a smooth transition, we've put together a two-part series on the top 10 things you should do before moving to Canada. In this first installment, we'll cover the first five items on the checklist.

1) Gather All Your Documents

Before you leave for Canada, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. This includes customs declaration forms and passports for each family member traveling with you. Remember not to pack these documents in your luggage. Keep them with you at all times.

For a complete list of documents required for entry, visit the Government of Canada's website.^[i]

2) Get Your Work Credentials Assessed

If you plan on working in Canada, you will need to have your credentials assessed. This will help determine what kind of jobs you are qualified for and what additional training you may need. More information on credential assessment for newcomers to Canada can be found on this . You can also find more information at the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)^[ii]. They provide information and services to help newcomers integrate into the Canadian workforce.

3) Prepare for Employment

One of the most important things to consider when moving to Canada is finding employment. The Government of Canada's Job Bank offers a variety of resources for newcomers, including job listings, information on the job market, and tips on writing resumes and cover letters.^[iii]

4) Prepare Yourself Financially

Moving to a new country can be expensive, so it is important to prepare yourself for the economic impact. Be sure to familiarize yourself with financial information on the cost of living in Canada, including housing, transportation, and healthcare.^[iv] TD offers a for newcomers to help you plan and manage your finances before and after your arrival in Canada.^[v]

5) Enhance Your Language Skills

Canada is a bilingual country, with both English and French being official languages. If you are not fluent in one or both languages, it is important to improve your language skills before you arrive. Explore the Canadian government’s , including language classes and language assessment tests that are available.^[vi]

Click here to read Part 2 of this series.

Why Choose TD?

150 years helping Canadians:

TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 150 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.

With over a thousand branches and a reputation for excellence in financial services, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.

TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD has more than 1,100 branches and can also serve you in more than 50 languages . TD is open longer hours for your convenience. TD has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking quickly and easily.

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