The UK-to-Canada landing checklist — what to do in your first 30 days
Your visa and PR confirmation get you to the airport. Your first 30 days in Canada decide whether the move feels chaotic or controlled. This newcomer checklist is built specifically for UK arrivals: what to do at the airport, in week one, week two, and by the end of the first month.
At the airport — landing day
- Present your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and UK passport to the border officer
- Declare all belongings, including the goods-to-follow list if you shipped containers
- Provide a Canadian mailing address — your PR card will be sent there
- Save your landing record stamp and digital confirmation; you will need both copies
- Collect SIM card or activate your roaming plan — set up a Canadian mobile number within 48 hours
Week 1 — administrative essentials
- Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada centre — bring PR card or work permit and UK passport
- Open a Canadian chequing account at a big-five bank with a newcomer package
- Register for provincial healthcare (OHIP, MSP, AHCIP, etc.) — note the 3-month waiting period in some provinces
- Buy private medical insurance to cover the provincial waiting period
- Get a Canadian SIM and number, ideally with a freedom-mobile or roam-friendly plan
Week 2 — settle the basics
- Confirm long-term rental and sign lease (after walking the neighbourhood)
- Set up utilities — hydro, gas, internet — in your name
- Register children for school: bring birth certificates, vaccination records and UK school reports
- Exchange UK driving licence for provincial licence (most provinces allow direct exchange — see our driving licence conversion guide)
- Apply for a Canadian newcomer credit card to start building credit history
Week 3 — work and money
- Start a Canadian-style CV — one page, NOC-aligned language, no photo
- Apply to roles using Indeed.ca, LinkedIn (Canada filter), JobBank and our Canada Central JobSearch service
- Register for an RRSP and TFSA account on arrival — both are tax-advantaged Canadian savings
- Set up direct debits and reorder UK direct debits cancelled before departure
- File HMRC P85 if you have not already done so
Week 4 — orientation and community
- Attend a settlement service orientation if you arrived under AIP or RCIP
- Join British-in-Canada community groups (Facebook, Reddit r/UKtoCanada, regional UK expat societies)
- Map your local family doctor and walk-in clinic options
- Order school uniforms, winter clothing, and household basics
- Plan your first Canadian winter — boots, jacket, gloves, snow tyres if driving
Documents to carry physically
- UK and Canadian passports (any Canadian-born children)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Job offer letter and Canadian employer contact
- UK bank statements (3 months)
- Marriage and birth certificates
- UK driving licence
- Vaccination records
- School reports and references for children
- UK ACRO police certificate
- NHS exemption certificate or medical records
Common UK-newcomer first-month mistakes
- Signing a 12-month lease the first week — wait until you have walked the neighbourhood
- Not opening a Canadian bank account for two weeks — you need it for SIN, employment and utilities
- Forgetting the provincial healthcare waiting period — buy private cover before you fly
- Letting UK ISAs and pensions run unattended — see our UK pension and tax guide
- Trying to import a car instead of buying locally — usually more expensive
How Canada Central helps once you land
Our packages include pre-landing orientation, post-landing concierge, and JobSearch support. Apply now for a Canada Central full settlement plan — visa, landing, first 30 days, and PR-to-citizenship roadmap.
