The 90-Day Pre-Arrival Checklist for Indians Moving to Canada

A practical countdown of the essential steps Indians should take in the 90 days before arriving in Canada, from booking temporary accommodation and organizing documents to settlement funds and SIN preparation.

Summary

The 90 days before your move to Canada are critical. Completing these steps before arrival prevents costly delays, protects your health coverage, and accelerates your settlement into employment, housing, and the banking system.

60–90 Days Before Arrival

  • Book temporary accommodation (Airbnb, extended-stay hotel, or a newcomer hostel) for at least the first 2–4 weeks.
  • Organize your essential documents in a carry-on folder: passport, visa/PR confirmation, landing documents, birth certificates, marriage certificate, educational certificates with ECA, employment reference letters.
  • Research your destination city's neighborhoods for proximity to transit, South Asian groceries, and potential workplaces.
  • Notify your Indian bank to flag international debit card use to avoid blocks.

30–60 Days Before Arrival

  • Convert at least CAD $5,000–$10,000 for immediate settlement expenses.
  • Research no-fee newcomer bank accounts (Scotiabank StartRight, RBC Newcomer Advantage, Simplii, Tangerine).
  • Complete your IELTS or CELPIP if required for PR or employment licensing.
  • Apply for your ECA through WES if not already complete.
  • Inform your Indian bank: notify them you are becoming an NRI and begin the process of converting accounts to NRO/NRE status.

Final 30 Days Before Arrival

  • Purchase private interim health insurance for 3–6 months to cover the provincial waiting period (Ontario and BC impose up to 3 months).
  • Research your destination province's health card application process and required documents.
  • Download the IRCC Portal app and update your contact information.
  • Obtain reference letters from previous employers on company letterhead for housing rental applications.

First Week in Canada

  • Visit a Service Canada Centre to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — bring passport and PR card/landing document.
  • Apply for your provincial health insurance card.
  • Open a Canadian bank account and apply for a secured credit card.
  • Update your address with IRCC so your PR card is mailed to you.

NRI-Specific Steps

  • File your change of residency status with your Indian bank (convert to NRO/NRE).
  • Apply for OCI card at the Indian Consulate if not already done.
  • Consult a CA (Chartered Accountant) in India for filing obligations in your year of departure from India.

Official Resources

  • Service Canada (SIN): canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html
  • IRCC Pre-Arrival Services: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada.html
  • Consulate General of India Toronto: www.cgitoronto.gov.in