How to Get Settled - Financial Services & Taxes

Open a Bank Account

To open a bank account, you have to go to the bank in person and show acceptable identification.

  • Settlement.org’s How Do I Open a Bank Account
  • Government of Canada’s Financial Rights and Responsibilities – your rights and responsibilities when dealing with financial institutions
  • Canadian Bankers Assocation’s Banking for Newcomers to Canada – some characteristics of Canada’s banking system
  • Ontario Photo Card – a wallet-sized card that provides government-issued identification to those who do not have a driver’s licence, making it easier for them to do things such as open a bank account or any other activities that require official identification
  • Government of Canada's Money Information for Newcomers - general information about Canadian currency and exchanging foreign money into Canadian currency.

Canada's Major Banks

Your First Tax Year

If you left another country to settle in Canada, the the Government of Canada's taxation guide for immigrants and returning residents will introduce you to the Canadian tax system and help you to complete your first income tax and benefit return as a resident of Canada. This information only applies for the first tax year that you are a new resident of Canada for income tax purposes; after your first tax year in Canada, you are no longer considered a newcomer for income tax purposes.

Topics to Explore:

For more information on what to expect in the first few weeks of coming to Canada, see the Government of Canada’s publication – Welcome to Canada: What You Should Know.