The first-month list

Apply for a SIN for every eligible family memberFirst week

Book one group appointment within the first days of landing and keep every number in one secure record.

Confirm the Canadian residential and mailing addressFirst week

One stable address for banking, health registration, PR cards, schools and benefits.

Track permanent resident card delivery

Check the mailing address on file and keep copies of all landing documents.

Activate Canadian phone numbersFirst week

Needed for banking verification, school contact and medical appointments.

Expect the resident cards in the first two to three months

Give one stable address on arrival and check the file if nothing has arrived by month three.

Register for provincial health coverageFirst week

Apply on the first working day after landing and check whether a waiting period applies in the chosen province.

Find a family doctor or health teamFirst week

Join local waiting lists immediately and note the nearest walk-in and urgent care.

Hand over medical records and imagingFirst week

Bring translated records, medication lists and referral letters for continuing care.

Set up a pharmacy and prescription plan

Confirm which medicines are available locally and what private cover is needed.

Finalise the first rental and utilitiesFirst week

Check bedrooms, parking, heating, internet, tenant insurance and school catchment.

Buy winter gear for all nine peopleFirst week

Insulated coats, waterproof boots, thermal layers, gloves, hats and boot traction.

Set up beds, essential furnishings and household basics

Plan delivery windows and avoid overbuying before the long-term housing choice is made.

Identify nearby mosques, halal groceries and community networks

Include Friday prayer access, youth programmes and family support networks.

Check the heating and arrange snow clearingFirst week

Test the furnace before the first cold week and put a snow-removal arrangement in place for the season.

Buy traction-rated winter boots for all nineFirst week

Insulated coats and grip-rated boots matter more than anything else in the first weeks.

Enrol the school-aged childrenFirst week

Transcripts, immunisation records, proof of address and a credit assessment request.

Request school-board credit assessmentsFirst week

This decides graduation timing for the secondary-school children.

Confirm post-secondary prerequisites and deadlines

Each adult child needs their own list of programmes, prerequisites and real dates.

Open the household bank accountsFirst week

Newcomer package, joint household account and cards for the adults.

Set up tax-agency and service accounts

Create access when eligible and organise tax, benefit and SIN records in one place.

Apply for child benefits where eligible

Apply as soon as residency allows; payments are not back-dated indefinitely.

Screen for provincial and disability benefits

Review eligibility for every family member who may qualify.

Arrange transport for nine in the first monthFirst week

The largest family vehicles seat eight, so plan a ride-share budget or a second vehicle from day one.

Buy and insure the family vehicleFirst week

Licence conversion, insurance history letters and winter tyres before the first snow.

Convert driving licences

Bring driving-history letters; they can reduce insurance cost significantly.

Set up transit passes and school routes

Work out how each person gets to school, campus, clinic and mosque in winter.