First 30 Days in Canada, What New Immigrants Need to Know

Arriving in Canada as a new immigrant is a huge, exciting step, and the first month is when you lay the groundwork for your new life. Knowing what to do makes it far less daunting. Here is what Nigerians need to know for their first 30 days in Canada.

Get your Social Insurance Number

One of the first things to do is apply for your Social Insurance Number, or SIN. You need it to work in Canada and to access government services. You can apply on arrival, and it is straightforward, but do it early, as you cannot start work without it.

Apply for your health card

Healthcare in Canada is run by the provinces, so apply for your provincial health card as soon as you can. There may be a short waiting period before coverage begins in some provinces, so consider interim health insurance to cover the gap. Sorting this protects you from day one.

Open a bank account

Open a Canadian bank account early, as you need it for pay and daily life. Many banks have newcomer packages designed for new immigrants, sometimes with no fees for a period. Bring your passport and immigration documents. Our guide on opening a bank account abroad helps.

Get a phone and internet

Sort a Canadian phone number and internet quickly, as you need them for everything from job hunting to banking. Compare providers and plans, as prices vary. Being connected is essential to getting everything else done in your first weeks.

Prepare for the weather

Canadian winters are seriously cold, far colder than anything in Nigeria, with heavy snow. If you arrive in the colder months, having proper winter clothing, a heavy coat, boots, gloves and layers, is not optional, it is essential. Do not underestimate the cold.

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Find longer term housing

If you arrived to temporary accommodation, start looking for a longer term home. Understand how renting works in Canada, what documents and deposits are needed, and choose an area that suits your work and budget. Housing can be competitive in some cities, so start early.

Understand the cost of living

Get to grips with the cost of living in your city, set a budget, and learn how everyday payments work. Costs vary a lot between cities, so plan accordingly. Understanding your finances early helps you settle without stress.

Start your job search

If you are looking for work, start early. Adapt your CV to the Canadian style, use job sites and networks, and consider the Nigerian and professional communities for leads. Understanding how hiring works in Canada helps you present yourself well.

Learn the transport

Learn your city’s public transport, from buses to trains, and how to pay, usually with a transit card. In smaller places you may need a car. Knowing how to get around gives you independence as you settle in.

Connect with the community

Find the Nigerian community in your city for support, friendship and familiar culture. Our guide on finding the Nigerian community abroad shows you how. A network makes settling in a new country far easier and warmer.

Look after yourself

Moving to Canada is a big adjustment, made harder by the cold and the distance from home. Be patient with yourself, expect some culture shock, stay in touch with loved ones, and reach out when you need support. Our guide on culture shock can help.

Frequently asked questions

What is a SIN and why do I need it? The Social Insurance Number lets you work and access services in Canada. Apply for it early, as you cannot work without it.

Is healthcare free in Canada? Public healthcare is covered by your province, but apply for your health card early, and consider interim cover for any waiting period.

How cold does it get? Very cold in winter, with snow. Proper winter clothing is essential if you arrive in the colder months.

Adapting to Canadian life

Beyond the practical setup, give yourself time to adapt to daily life in Canada, from the way things are done to the pace and the culture. Small things feel different at first, but they become familiar quickly. Staying open and curious helps you settle in and enjoy your new home.

Support for newcomers

Canada has many services designed to help new immigrants settle, from settlement agencies to community programmes offering advice on jobs, housing, language and more. These are often free, so make use of them. You do not have to figure everything out alone.

Take it one step at a time

The first month brings a long list of tasks, and it can feel overwhelming. Tackle it one step at a time, starting with the essentials like your SIN, health card and bank account. Each task you complete makes the next easier, and before long you will feel settled.

Your first 30 days in Canada set the foundation for your new life. Sort your SIN, health card, bank account and the essentials, prepare for the cold, and build your community, and you will settle in well. Still planning your move? Start your journey with Hadey.