NEWCOMERS

Immigrating to Canada: resources and advice

See all our tips and information to help you throughout your transition

Your immigration to Canada: we’re here to support you

Are you immigrating on a work permit or as an international student? Or are you arriving as a refugee or asylum seeker?

No matter your situation, you can count on our advice to help simplify the transition to your new life.

 Picto of a pair of hands forming the shape of a heart

Our team at your service

National Bank of Canada is one of the 6 largest banks in the country. We Have more than 350 branches and 940 ABMs across Canada offering services in 6 different languages.

Picto of a scale of justice

Legal support service

Picto of a house and a stack of coins

Financial products tailored to your projects

Travel, cars, education, housing: get settled in your new country and discover all our financing solutions designed to help bring your projects to life.

Discover our offer for newcomers

2 min 16    Transcript

Advice for your immigration to Canada

You go through many steps while immigrating to another country: obtaining a visa, finding a home, choosing the best bank for you, adapting your lifestyle, etc.

Our articles provide practical information to guide you through every step of your new life.

Picto of an airplane

From the cost of living, to work permits and healthcare, find a wealth of information to help you prepare for life in your new country.

Picto of a piggy bank

Savings, investments, credit, and more: learn how Canada’s financial system works and how to manage your money here.

More resources for your new life in Canada

Picto of a dollar sign

Canadian immigration guide

Take advantage of our practical guide to support you every step of the way as you build your new life in Canada.

Housing: buy or rent?

Determine if owning a home would be more profitable for you in the long run.

Take advantage of our special offer for newcomers

Simplify your banking in Canada thanks to the many advantages of our offers, designed just for you.

OFFER FOR NEWCOMERS

Picto of flags with dollar signs on them, with a plus symbol, and a credit card

Your first bank account and credit card in Canada

Enjoy a bank account with no fixed monthly fees for up to 3 years2 along with a National Bank of Canada Mastercard® credit card with no credit history.3-4

GIC FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Picto of a plant with money growing from it

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) for international students

Our GICs for international students can help you meet the eligibility criteria for your Student Direct Stream program application process with the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Choose our award-winning exclusive offer

2023

National Bank of Canada has been named the Best Bank for Newcomers to Canada for 2023 by MoneySense.

2023

National Bank® of Canada mycreditTM Mastercard® credit card was named the best credit card for newcomers by Milesopedia in 2023.

Frequently asked questions

Contact us for personalized support

Picto of the Facebook Messenger logo

Connect with us on Messenger

If you have a Facebook® account, sign in and send us a message for assistance.

Picto of a person and the National Bank logo

Need personalized support?

Schedule an in-person visit or call us. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Little details that matter

At National Bank of Canada, we are committed to guiding you as you settle in your new country.

Did you know? National Bank of Canada is one of the 6 largest banks in the country. It counts more than 360 branches all over Canada and more than 940 automated banking machines offering services in 6 different languages.

Our objective? To make banking easier when you arrive in Canada.

We support you before and after your arrival. 

Before your arrival: first, open your account online in just a few clicks! Then, we’ll schedule an appointment to complete the process together at a branch when you arrive. 

Need to transfer money? You can do it from your home country to your new bank account before you leave. 

Already in Canada? Open your bank account in a few minutes entirely online! Or visit a branch and speak with an advisor.

Take advantage of a great offer for newcomers that includes up to 3 years of no fixed monthly fees. The offer is valid up to 5 years after your arrival.

In Canada, it’s important to build your credit history and we can help you achieve this by giving you access to a credit card.

Need to make an international transfer? Several options are available to you depending on the destination. Take advantage of our rates starting at $5.95 for certain countries.

Do you need to talk to a lawyer? 

Get answers to your questions regarding immigration, housing, or employment with our legal assistance service, free of charge through our Assistance Network. This service is available 7 days a week for the first year. 

Manage your finances with confidence in Canada. 

In addition to our legal assistance service, a banking advisor will assist you as soon as you arrive to help you realize the projects you care about. Buying a car, buying a property, saving for retirement, saving for your children, and much more. 

Our National Bank of Canada family wishes to give you real peace of mind by helping you manage your finances and build a life in Canada.

We are here to answer your questions.