NEWCOMERS
Navigate every step of your immigration with our support
See all our tips and information to help you throughout your transition
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We’ll help guide you along your journey
No matter your situation, you can count on our advice to lend a helping hand with your new life in Canada at every stage of your journey.
Canadian immigration guide:
essential to your success
Download our free practical guide for valuable information on finance, housing, work, and education.
Tailored-made banking products and services
Take advantage of our wide range of eligible banking products and services for newcomers. Whether you have short- or long-term projects, they may help you realize your ambitions.
The best bank for newcomers
National Bank of Canada has been named the Best Bank for Newcomers to Canada for 2024 by MoneySense.
We are one of the 6 largest banks in the country, with over 350 branches and 940 ABMs offering services in 6 different languages.
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.
My resources before immigrating
Prepare for your arrival in Canada. Whether you've already decided to come or still on the fence, we've got plenty of information on housing, finance and health to help you make the right decision.
My finances in Canada
Discover the unique features of Canada's financial system and learn
how to manage your money by choosing the right financial products for
your needs.
My education in Canada
Are you thinking of coming to Canada to study? There’s a lot to learn
before coming.
My employment in Canada
From administrative procedures to the intricacies of compensation, learn more about the world of employment in Canada to pursue your career with peace of mind.
My housing in Canada
Buy or rent? It’s a question that knows no borders. See how the real estate purchasing process works and choose the solution that best suits your needs.
My business in Canada
Do you want to start a business in Canada or simply work for
yourself? Here’s what you need to know to make informed
decisions.
Take advantage of our special offer for newcomers
Give your Canadian projects a boost! Take advantage of our promotion from April 1 to July 31, 2025, and get up to $550 in cashback: open a chequing account, then sign up for other eligible banking products and complete the required transactions.
Get $300 when you open a chequing account
+
Get an additional $100 when you sign up for a credit card
+
Get an extra $50 by activating systematic savings
+
Get another additional $100 by activating salary direct deposit
Choose our award-winning exclusive offer
Our industry awards
2025
National Bank of Canada received the award for "Best Bank Account" for newcomers to Quebec by Milesopedia in 2025.
2024
National Bank of Canada has been named the Best Bank for Newcomers to Canada for 2024 by MoneySense.
2023
The National Bank® of Canada mycreditTM Mastercard® credit card was named the best credit card for newcomers by Milesopedia in 2023.
Frequently asked questions
You’ll be able to open
a National Bank account within 90 days of your arrival in
Canada. Once you’ve opened your account, make an international
transfer before you arrive. You’ll then have access to your funds
in your new Canadian bank account.
Debit cards are a payment tool that allows you to make transactions
and purchases by taking money directly from your bank account.
Credit cards are another payment tool that allows you to make transactions. However, it provides you with access to credit, and you'll need to settle the amount upon receiving your monthly statement.
Read our article to learn more about these two cards.
When you use your credit card to pay for everyday purchases and pay
it off in part or in full by the due date, you
help build your credit report.
Your credit report could then be consulted, with your approval, before granting you financing for a car or before signing a lease, for example. If you manage your credit well, lenders will be more inclined to give you financing products for your projects.
Learn how to build your credit and use your credit card wisely.
There are several steps necessary for the purchase of a home in
Canada. To find out more, read
our practical guide for newcomers.
Contact us for personalized support
Connect with us on Messenger
If you have a Facebook® account, sign in and send us a message for assistance.
Need personalized support?
Schedule an in-person visit or call us. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Toll-free: 1-888-835-6281
Get our advice directly by email
Our monthly newsletter offers practical tips and advice to help you bring your projects to life.
Little details that matter
® Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Authorized user: National Bank.
™ The Messenger logo is a trademark of Facebook, Inc.
™ MYCREDIT is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.
National Bank of Canada was named the best bank for newcomers to Canada by MoneySense in 2024. MoneySense establishes its annual rankings by selecting some of the largest financial institutions and comparing them for fees, access to credit and services offered to newcomers.
National Bank's mycreditTM Mastercard® credit card has won the Milesopedia best credit card for newcomers in 2023. Each year, Milesopedia examines the credit card offers of the largest financial institutions and establishes its ranking according to more than 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offers, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
- Telephone assistance service offered by National Bank
Assistance Network, valid for 12 months from your account opening
date. The content of the packages and terms described are subject to
change.
- Our banking offer is available to newcomers from their home countries up to 90 days before arriving in Canada or at any point during your first 5 years in Canada. See the Details and conditions of the offer on the newcomers offer page for the full terms and conditions. The offer may be modified, extended or withdrawn, without prior notice, at any time. The offer may not be combined or used with any other National Bank offer, promotion or benefit. Fees may apply for transactions not included in the banking offer for newcomers. For more information on transaction fees, see our Fee Guide - Personal Banking Solutions [PDF].
- Credit card subject to credit approval by National Bank. Certain conditions apply. Eligible credit cards: mycredit, MC1, Allure, Syncro, Platinum, ECHO Cashback, World and World Elite.
- Guarantees may be required under certain circumstances.