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Immigrating to Canada: resources and advice

See all our tips and information to help you throughout your transition

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Your immigration to Canada: we’re here to support you

Are you immigrating on a work permit or as an international student? Or are you arriving as a refugee or asylum seeker?

No matter your situation, you can count on our advice to help simplify the transition to your new life.

Our team at your service

National Bank of Canada is one of the 6 largest banks in the country. We Have more than 350 branches and 940 ABMs across Canada offering services in 6 different languages.

Legal support service

For 12 months, get legal information at no charge on a variety of everyday topics¹ by speaking directly with a lawyer.

Financial products tailored to your projects

Travel, cars, education, housing: get settled in your new country and discover all our financing solutions designed to help bring your projects to life.

Discover our offer for newcomers

2 min 16 Transcript

Advice for your immigration to Canada

You go through many steps while immigrating to another country: obtaining a visa, finding a home, choosing the best bank for you, adapting your lifestyle, etc.

Our articles provide practical information to guide you through every step of your new life.

Settling in Canada →

From the cost of living, to work permits and healthcare, find a wealth of information to help you prepare for life in your new country.

My finances in Canada →

Savings, investments, credit, and more: learn how Canada’s financial system works and how to manage your money here.

My education in Canada →

My employment in Canada →

Housing in Canada →

My business in Canada →

More resources for your new life in Canada

Canadian immigration guide

Take advantage of our practical guide to support you every step of the way as you build your new life in Canada.

Check out our guide

Housing: buy or rent?

Determine if owning a home would be more profitable for you in the long run.

Use our calculator

Take advantage of our special offer for newcomers

Simplify your banking in Canada thanks to the many advantages of our offers, designed just for you.

OFFER FOR NEWCOMERS

Your first bank account and credit card in Canada

Enjoy a bank account with no fixed monthly fees for up to 3 years² along with a National Bank of Canada Mastercard^® credit card with no credit history.^3-4

Discover the offer

GIC FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Picto of a plant with money growing from it

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) for international students

Our GICs for international students can help you meet the eligibility criteria for your Student Direct Stream program application process with the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Discover the GICs

Choose our award-winning exclusive offer

2024

National Bank of Canada has been named the Best Bank for Newcomers to Canada for 2024 by MoneySense.

2023

National Bank^® of Canada mycredit^TM Mastercard^® credit card was named the best credit card for newcomers by Milesopedia in 2023.

Frequently asked questions

You’ll be able to open a National Bank account within 90 days of your arrival in Canada. Once you’ve opened your account, make an international transfer before you arrive. You’ll then have access to your funds in your new Canadian bank account.

Debit cards are a payment tool that allows you to make transactions and purchases by taking money directly from your bank account.

Credit cards are another payment tool that allows you to make transactions. However, it provides you with access to credit, and you'll need to settle the amount upon receiving your monthly statement.

Read our article to learn more about these two cards.

When you use your credit card to pay for everyday purchases and pay it off in part or in full by the due date, you help build your credit report.

Your credit report could then be consulted, with your approval, before granting you financing for a car or before signing a lease, for example. If you manage your credit well, lenders will be more inclined to give you financing products for your projects.

Learn how to build your credit and use your credit card wisely.

There are several steps necessary for the purchase of a home in Canada. To find out more, read our practical guide for newcomers.

Contact us for personalized support

Connect with us on Messenger

If you have a Facebook^® account, sign in and send us a message for assistance.

Chat directly

Need personalized support?

Schedule an in-person visit or call us. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Make an appointment

Find a branch

Toll-free: 1-888-835-6281

Little details that matter

At National Bank of Canada, we are committed to guiding you as you settle in your new country.

Did you know? National Bank of Canada is one of the 6 largest banks in the country. It counts more than 360 branches all over Canada and more than 940 automated banking machines offering services in 6 different languages.

Our objective? To make banking easier when you arrive in Canada.

We support you before and after your arrival.

Before your arrival: first, open your account online in just a few clicks! Then, we’ll schedule an appointment to complete the process together at a branch when you arrive.

Need to transfer money? You can do it from your home country to your new bank account before you leave.

Already in Canada? Open your bank account in a few minutes entirely online! Or visit a branch and speak with an advisor.

Take advantage of a great offer for newcomers that includes up to 3 years of no fixed monthly fees. The offer is valid up to 5 years after your arrival.

In Canada, it’s important to build your credit history and we can help you achieve this by giving you access to a credit card.

Need to make an international transfer? Several options are available to you depending on the destination. Take advantage of our rates starting at $5.95 for certain countries.

Do you need to talk to a lawyer?

Get answers to your questions regarding immigration, housing, or employment with our legal assistance service, free of charge through our Assistance Network. This service is available 7 days a week for the first year.

Manage your finances with confidence in Canada.

In addition to our legal assistance service, a banking advisor will assist you as soon as you arrive to help you realize the projects you care about. Buying a car, buying a property, saving for retirement, saving for your children, and much more.

Our National Bank of Canada family wishes to give you real peace of mind by helping you manage your finances and build a life in Canada.

We are here to answer your questions.

® Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Authorized user: National Bank.

™ The Messenger logo is a trademark of Facebook, Inc.

™ MYCREDIT is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.

National Bank of Canada was named the best bank for newcomers to Canada by MoneySense in 2024. MoneySense establishes its annual rankings by selecting some of the largest financial institutions and comparing them for fees, access to credit and services offered to newcomers.

National Bank's mycreditTM Mastercard^® credit card has won the Milesopedia best credit card for newcomers in 2023. Each year, Milesopedia examines the credit card offers of the largest financial institutions and establishes its ranking according to more than 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offers, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.

Telephone assistance service offered by National Bank Assistance Network, valid for 12 months from your account opening date. The content of the packages and terms described are subject to change.
Our banking offer is available to newcomers from their home countries up to 90 days before arriving in Canada or at any point during your first 5 years in Canada. See the Details and conditions of the offer on the newcomers offer page 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 - Personal Banking Solutions [PDF].
Credit card subject to credit approval by National Bank. Certain conditions apply. Eligible credit cards: mycredit, MC1, Allure, Syncro, Platinum, ECHO Cashback, World and World Elite.
Guarantees may be required under certain circumstances.