Moving to Canada

A place to call home

Start planning your new life

Congratulations! You’ve decided to immigrate to Canada. This is the start of a great adventure, and you’ve got a lot of planning to do. We'll help you ask yourself the right questions to decide where you want to live and how to make it happen.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

- Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher

4 questions before you start

Two children holding a Canadian flag

Where do you want to live?

Canada is a vast, multicultural nation with vibrant urban centres, charming rural communities and breathtaking scenery. Learn more about Canada's provinces to figure out which is best suited to your interests, goals and budget.

Did you know?

At just under 10 million kilometres squared, Canada is the second largest country in the world.
 

Further reading

Which city should you choose for your move to Canada?

Two women and man looking at documents

What is your objective?

There are different immigration programs based on your reasons for coming to Canada (school, work, to start a business, etc.). Learn about the different types of visas, the documents required, the fees involved and getting your credentials recognized.

Further reading

Starting a new life in Canada

Two women and man looking at documents
Two women and man looking at documents
Two women and man looking at documents
Man writing in notebook with child looking at laptop

Do you have savings?

You will need a financial cushion while you're looking for work and housing in Canada. Draw up a realistic list of your expenses and create a budget to help you put money away before your departure.

Make a budget

Further reading

What You Need to Know about Insurance in Canada

Woman speaking on the phone with laptop on her lap

Can you access your money?

Opening a bank account and transferring money to it before you leave is a practical measure for your peace of mind. Learn how to open an account online.

Opening an account

Further reading

The Canadian banking system: what you need to know

Woman speaking on the phone with laptop on her lap
Woman speaking on the phone with laptop on her lap
Woman speaking on the phone with laptop on her lap

Ready to move to Canada?

Open your account online from your country and enjoy no flat monthly fees for up to 3 years.

Discover the offer

Already in Canada?

Two young adults moving into their apartment

Starting a new life in Canada

Little details that matter

  1. Our banking offer for newcomers is available to immigrants who have been living in Canada for less than 5 years. See the Details and conditions of the offer 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 [PDF].
  2. Financing subject to credit approval by National Bank. Certain conditions apply. Eligible credit card: Platinum.
  3. Financing subject to credit approval by National Bank. Certain conditions apply.

Need advice?

Talk to one of our experts to get tailored advice.

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