How to Move to Canada as a New Citizen: Complete 2026 Guide

Congratulations — you are now a Canadian citizen! Whether you have just taken the Oath of Citizenship or you received your citizenship by descent, this guide covers everything you need to do next. From getting your passport to setting up your life in Canada, here is your complete checklist.

Your citizenship certificate is proof of citizenship, but you will need a passport to travel internationally as a Canadian citizen.

How to Apply

1. In person: Visit a Service Canada office or passport office
2. By mail: Send your application to the Passport Program
3. Online: Some renewal applications can be done online

What You Need

• Completed passport application form (PPTC 153 for adults)
• Your citizenship certificate (original)
• Two identical passport photos
• A guarantor who has known you for at least 2 years
• Processing fee ($120 for a 5-year passport, $160 for a 10-year passport)

Processing Times

• In person: 10 business days
• By mail: 20 business days
• Urgent/Express: Available for additional fees

A SIN is a 9-digit number required for working in Canada, filing taxes, and accessing government programs.

How to Apply

• In person: Visit any Service Canada office with your citizenship certificate and a second piece of ID
• By mail: Send copies of your documents to Service Canada
• Processing: In-person applications are processed the same day; by mail takes about 20 business days

Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded but managed by each province. You need to register with your province's health insurance plan.

During the waiting period: Consider purchasing private health insurance to cover you until your provincial plan kicks in.

You will need a Canadian bank account for everyday transactions, receiving your salary, and building a credit history.

Major Canadian Banks

• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
• Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)
• Scotiabank
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

What You Need to Open an Account

• Government-issued photo ID (passport or citizenship certificate)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)
• Social Insurance Number (for interest-bearing accounts)

Building Credit in Canada

• Start with a secured credit card if you have no Canadian credit history
• Pay all bills on time
• Keep credit utilization below 30%
• Your Canadian credit history starts from scratch, regardless of your credit in other countries

As a Canadian citizen, you may be required to file a Canadian tax return. Key facts:

• The tax year runs January 1 to December 31
• Tax returns are due by April 30 each year
• File with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• You can file online using certified tax software
• If you are a tax resident of Canada (living in Canada), you must report worldwide income
• New citizens may be eligible for tax credits and benefits (GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit)

As a Canadian citizen, you have the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.

How to Register to Vote

• Federal elections: Register with Elections Canada (elections.ca)
• Provincial elections: Register with your province's election authority
• Municipal elections: Register with your municipality
• You can often register at the polling station on election day with proper ID

Renting

• Use websites like Rentals.ca, Kijiji, and Craigslist to find rentals
• Expect to provide references, proof of income, and a credit check
• First and last month's rent are typically required as a deposit
• Know your rights as a tenant under your province's residential tenancy act

Buying

• Work with a real estate agent
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage from a Canadian bank
• Budget for closing costs (1.5-4% of the purchase price)
• Consider the neighbourhood, commute, schools, and property taxes

After finding a home, set up:

• Electricity and gas — Contact your local utility provider
• Internet and phone — Major providers include Bell, Rogers, Telus, Shaw
• Water — Usually included in rent or managed by the municipality
• Postal service — Redirect your mail through Canada Post

Language

• If you need to improve your English or French, free language classes are available through settlement organizations
• Many provinces offer free language programs (LINC — Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)

Employment

• Update your resume to Canadian format
• Use job boards like Indeed.ca, LinkedIn, and the Canada Job Bank
• If you have foreign credentials, look into having them recognized in Canada
• Network through professional associations and community groups

Education

• If you have children, register them at your local school board
• Education is free and compulsory for children ages 6-16 (varies by province)
• Post-secondary education: Apply to colleges and universities through provincial systems

• [ ] Apply for Canadian passport
• [ ] Get Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• [ ] Register for provincial health insurance
• [ ] Open a Canadian bank account
• [ ] Set up a Canadian phone number
• [ ] File change of address with CRA
• [ ] Register to vote
• [ ] Find a family doctor
• [ ] Register children in school (if applicable)
• [ ] Explore your community — libraries, recreation centres, transit

Becoming a citizen is just the beginning. Welcome to Canada! For more resources and support:

• canada.ca — Services for new citizens
• Settlement.org — Ontario settlement services
• Local settlement organizations in your province

If you are still preparing for the citizenship test, CitizenPass has everything you need: 600+ practice questions, AI coaching, 80+ lessons, and bilingual support.