A practical checklist for banking, healthcare registration, housing, and schools after you land.
Moving to a new country is exciting, but your first few months can also feel overwhelming. There are documents to organize, services to register for, housing to find, and countless small tasks that aren't always mentioned in immigration guides.
The good news is that most newcomers go through the same process. If you know what to expect and tackle things in the right order, settling in becomes much easier.
This guide walks you through the first 90 days after arriving in Canada or Australia, highlighting the essential tasks, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips that can save you both time and money.
Before You Fly
A smooth arrival starts before you board your flight.
Keep these documents in your carry-on luggage—not your checked baggage:
- Passport
- Visa approval letter or permanent residence documents
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Educational certificates
- Skills assessment (Australia)
- Educational Credential Assessment (Canada), if you have one
- Driver's licence and International Driving Permit
- Vaccination records
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Employment reference letters
- Copies of important documents stored securely online
It's also a good idea to carry enough money to cover your first month of expenses. Although most businesses accept cards, you'll likely need some local currency for transportation or small purchases immediately after arrival.
Week 1: Get the Essentials Done
The first week should focus on the tasks you'll need before anything else.
1. Get a Local SIM Card
One of the first things you'll need is a local phone number.
You'll need it for:
- Opening a bank account
- Receiving verification codes
- Applying for jobs
- Renting accommodation
- Government registrations
Many airports have mobile providers with newcomer plans, but prices are often lower if you visit stores in the city.
2. Open a Bank Account
Open your bank account as soon as possible.
Most major banks in both Canada and Australia offer newcomer packages that include:
- No monthly account fees for the first year
- Debit card
- Online banking
- Mobile banking app
- Discounted international transfers
Bring:
- Passport
- Visa documents
- Local address (temporary accommodation is usually accepted)
- Local phone number
Pro tip: don't choose a bank simply because it's closest to you. Compare monthly fees, ATM availability, international transfer costs, credit card options, and mobile app quality. A bank with excellent digital services can make everyday life much easier.
3. Apply for Your Tax Number
Canada: apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Without it, you generally cannot work legally or access certain government services.
Australia: apply for a Tax File Number (TFN).
Employers use your TFN to calculate taxes correctly. If you delay getting one, you may pay a higher rate of tax until it's issued.
4. Register for Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the most important things to arrange after arrival.
Canada: healthcare is managed by each province.
Some provinces provide coverage immediately, while others have waiting periods before your public health insurance begins.
If your province has a waiting period, consider private health insurance during that time.
Australia: eligible permanent residents can enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system.
Register as soon as possible after arriving to avoid delays.
Pro tip: keep digital copies of all healthcare documents. You'll often need them when registering with clinics or changing your address.
Week 2–4: Finding a Place to Live
Many newcomers spend their first few weeks in:
- Hotels
- Hostels
- Short-term rentals
- Serviced apartments
- Staying with family or friends
Avoid signing a long-term lease before you've visited the neighborhood.
Pictures can be misleading.
Spend a few days exploring the area at different times of day.
Check:
- Public transport
- Grocery stores
- Schools
- Safety
- Commute times
- Parks
- Healthcare facilities
Understand Rental Costs
Many newcomers budget only for rent.
Remember to include:
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
- Internet
- Tenant insurance
- Parking
- Public transport
These costs can significantly increase your monthly expenses.
Build Your Rental Application
Landlords often ask for:
- Identification
- Employment offer (if available)
- Bank statements
- References
- Credit history
As a newcomer, you may not have local credit history.
Offering several months' rent in advance isn't always necessary or appropriate. Instead, provide proof of savings, employment, or other evidence that demonstrates your ability to pay rent.
Transportation
Don't rush into buying a car.
Many newcomers discover they can rely on public transport for the first few months.
Before buying a vehicle, calculate:
- Insurance
- Registration
- Fuel
- Maintenance
- Parking
- Repairs
In many cities, public transport is cheaper while you're settling in.
Can You Drive?
Many newcomers can use their overseas driver's licence for a limited period.
However, the rules differ by province, territory, or state.
Some countries have licence exchange agreements, while others require written or practical driving tests.
Check the rules where you'll be living before your arrival.
If You Have Children
One of your first priorities should be enrolling your children in school.
Public schools generally require:
- Passport
- Visa documents
- Proof of address
- Immunization records
- Birth certificate
Some school districts have waiting lists, so begin the process as soon as you have a permanent address.
Don't Forget Childcare
If your children are younger than school age, start researching childcare immediately.
In many cities, waiting lists for daycare can be several months long.
Start Looking for Work
Even if you already have savings, don't wait too long before starting your job search.
Update your résumé to match local expectations.
Canada and Australia often prefer concise résumés that focus on achievements rather than listing every responsibility.
Create or update your professional profile and begin networking with employers and recruiters in your industry.
Don't Ignore Volunteer Work
Many newcomers focus only on paid jobs.
Volunteering can help you:
- Improve local references
- Build professional networks
- Gain local experience
- Practice English
- Learn workplace culture
It may also lead to future employment opportunities.
Build Your Credit History
Your credit history affects much more than borrowing money.
It can influence:
- Credit card approvals
- Car loans
- Mortgage applications
- Some rental applications
- Mobile phone contracts
A simple way to begin building credit is by using a credit card responsibly.
Make small purchases and pay the full balance on time each month.
Avoid carrying unnecessary debt just to improve your score.
Learn the Local Cost of Living
The prices you're used to back home may not reflect your new country's costs.
Spend your first month tracking expenses such as:
- Rent
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Phone
- Internet
- Entertainment
- Utilities
- Insurance
Understanding your spending habits early helps you create a realistic budget.
Build Your Local Network
Moving countries can feel isolating.
Try to meet people early.
You can join:
- Community groups
- Professional associations
- Sports clubs
- Language exchange groups
- Cultural organizations
- Networking events
Many job opportunities come through personal connections rather than online applications.
Learn How Taxes Work
Many newcomers assume taxes are handled automatically.
Take time to understand:
- Income tax
- Tax returns
- Deadlines
- Tax deductions
- Superannuation (Australia)
- Retirement savings programs (Canada)
A basic understanding now can save you money later.
Create an Emergency Fund
Unexpected expenses happen during every international move.
Aim to keep enough savings to cover at least three months of essential expenses.
This provides a financial cushion while you're adjusting or searching for work.
Common Mistakes Newcomers Make
Many people repeat the same avoidable mistakes.
Try to avoid:
- Renting an apartment without seeing it first.
- Delaying healthcare registration.
- Waiting too long to apply for a tax number.
- Spending too much on a car immediately after arrival.
- Ignoring credit history.
- Applying for hundreds of jobs using the same résumé.
- Not networking with people in their industry.
- Underestimating the cost of furniture and household essentials.
- Forgetting to update their address with banks and government agencies after moving.
Your 90-Day Checklist
Week 1
- Get a local SIM card
- Open a bank account
- Apply for your SIN (Canada) or TFN (Australia)
- Register for healthcare
- Arrange temporary accommodation
Weeks 2–4
- Explore neighborhoods
- Find long-term housing
- Set up utilities and internet
- Register children for school or childcare
- Update your résumé
- Start applying for jobs
Month 2
- Build your credit history
- Learn public transport or driving requirements
- Join community or professional groups
- Create a monthly budget
Month 3
- Review your financial plan
- Continue networking
- Attend interviews or settle into work
- Build your emergency savings
- Update your address with any organizations if you've moved
Final Thoughts
The first 90 days in a new country are often the busiest. There will be paperwork, unfamiliar systems, and plenty of questions. That's completely normal.
Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on the essentials first: secure your finances, register for healthcare, find stable housing, and start building your professional and personal networks.
Remember that settling in is a process, not a race. Every account you open, every document you organize, and every new connection you make helps build the foundation for your new life.
Whether you've chosen Canada or Australia, preparing well and staying organized will make those first three months far less stressful—and set you up for long-term success.
← Back to blog