Download the Landing in Canada Checklist
Prepare for your first arrival in Canada with a practical step-by-step checklist covering airport procedures, proof of funds declarations, and your first month in the country.
Arriving in Canada as a new immigrant or permanent resident involves several important steps.
Many newcomers are unsure what to expect at the airport, what documents they must present during the landing interview, and what tasks should be completed during the first weeks after arrival.
The Landing in Canada Checklist helps you prepare for this transition by outlining practical steps for each stage of the process.
The checklist covers preparation before travel, the immigration landing process at the airport, and essential settlement tasks during your first weeks in Canada.
This guide is designed to help you organize important steps and avoid common mistakes when starting your new life in Canada.
Who This Checklist Is For
The Landing in Canada Checklist is designed for individuals who are preparing to arrive in Canada as permanent residents or new immigrants.
The checklist may be helpful if you are:
• approved for Canadian permanent residence
• preparing to travel to Canada for the first time
• planning your first weeks after arrival
• organizing settlement tasks such as banking, documentation, and housing
Whether you are landing in Canada alone or travelling with family members, preparing ahead of time can help ensure that your arrival process goes smoothly.
Many newcomers find that having a structured checklist makes it easier to track the important tasks that must be completed before and after arrival.
What the Checklist Covers
The checklist is organized into several stages of the immigration and settlement process.
Each stage highlights practical tasks that new immigrants commonly complete during their move to Canada.
Preparing documents and organizing your travel plans before leaving your home country.
Examples include:
- confirming immigration documents
- preparing proof of funds documentation
- organizing travel and arrival plans
- preparing lists of goods you are bringing to Canada
Understanding what happens during the immigration landing process.
The checklist explains steps such as:
- presenting your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- completing the landing interview
- answering basic immigration questions
New immigrants may need to declare funds when entering Canada.
The checklist explains:
- how to declare funds when arriving at a Canadian airport
- acceptable forms of settlement funds
- documentation to bring with you
Several important administrative tasks may be completed soon after arrival.
These may include:
- applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- opening a Canadian bank account
- obtaining essential identification documents
Settlement planning continues after the first few days.
The checklist outlines tasks such as:
- searching for housing
- preparing for employment opportunities
- registering for healthcare coverage
- accessing newcomer settlement services
Why Preparation Matters
Many new immigrants focus primarily on receiving their permanent residence approval.
However, the landing process itself involves several administrative and settlement steps that begin immediately after arriving in Canada.
Without preparation, new immigrants may encounter challenges such as:
• delays during airport immigration procedures
• missing documentation during the landing interview
• confusion about settlement services
• difficulty organizing initial living arrangements
Preparing ahead of time helps ensure that these tasks are completed smoothly.
A structured checklist provides a simple way to organize your preparation and make sure important steps are not overlooked.
What You Will Receive
After submitting the download form, you will receive the Landing in Canada Checklist PDF.
The checklist includes practical preparation guidance such as:
• pre-departure preparation steps
• immigration landing procedures
• proof of funds declaration guidance
• first-week settlement tasks
• first-month settlement planning
The guide is designed to be simple and easy to follow.
Many newcomers choose to print the checklist so they can use it while preparing for travel and during their first weeks in Canada.
Prepare for Your Arrival in Canada
Understanding what to expect when landing in Canada helps new immigrants begin their journey with confidence.
Preparing your documents, understanding airport procedures, and planning settlement tasks in advance can make the transition to life in Canada much smoother.
Download the checklist to ensure you are fully prepared before your arrival.
