What to Expect in Your First Month Working in Canada: A Newcomer’s Survival Guide

Newcomer to Canada? Learn what to expect in your first month working in Canada, including workplace culture, banking, taxes, SIN number, renting, transportation, and daily life adjustments.

Introduction

Your first month working in Canada can feel exciting, overwhelming, and life-changing all at once. Whether you came through an LMIA-based job, a provincial program, or the Atlantic Immigration Program, your first 30 days will shape how quickly you adapt.

Canada’s work culture, banking system, tax structure, communication style, and daily living norms may be very different from what you’re used to. This guide helps foreign workers understand what to expect, what to prepare, and how to settle confidently into Canadian life.

1. Getting Your SIN Number (Your First Priority)

Before starting work in Canada, you MUST obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Where to get it:

  • Service Canada office
  • You must go in person (most applicants)

Documents needed:

  • Passport
  • Work permit
  • Proof of address (if available)

Your SIN is required for:

  • employment
  • taxes
  • opening a bank account
  • accessing government benefits

Never share your SIN except with your employer, bank, or government agencies.

2. Opening a Canadian Bank Account

Most employers in Canada pay via direct deposit, not cash or cheque.

Major banks used by newcomers include:

  • TD Bank
  • RBC
  • Scotiabank
  • CIBC
  • BMO

Documents required:

  • Work permit
  • Passport
  • SIN (sometimes optional on day 1)
  • Proof of address

Banks often offer newcomer packages, which include free accounts for 1 year and credit card options with no credit history required.

3. Understanding Your First Canadian Paycheque

Your earnings will be reduced by government deductions:

1. Income Tax

Deducted automatically based on salary.

2. CPP (Canada Pension Plan)

Mandatory retirement contribution.

3. EI (Employment Insurance)

Insurance in case you lose your job or go on maternity/parental leave.

Your pay stub will show:

  • hourly wage or salary
  • hours worked
  • overtime hours
  • deductions
  • net pay

4. Canadian Workplace Culture (What to Expect)

Canadian work environments value:

✔ Punctuality

Being on time (or early) is essential.

✔ Clear communication

Expect direct, polite communication.

✔ Professionalism

Respectful behaviour, even under pressure.

✔ Teamwork

Collaboration and inclusiveness are important.

✔ Safety

Workplace safety rules are taken seriously.

✔ Equality

Hierarchies exist, but managers are approachable.

5. Your First Day at Work (Canada-Style)

Most workplaces offer:

  • orientation
  • safety training
  • paperwork
  • schedule overview
  • introduction to colleagues

Don’t worry—Canadian employers are used to newcomers and often provide detailed onboarding.

6. Scheduling and Overtime Rules

Typical full-time hours: 30–40 hours per week
Overtime usually starts after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week, depending on the province.

You will also get:

  • breaks
  • lunch periods
  • paid/unpaid rest times

Some workplaces have rotating shifts (morning / afternoon / night).

7. Renting Your First Home in Canada

Common rental options:

  • basement apartments
  • shared accommodations
  • one-bedroom units
  • family homes

Documents landlords may request:

  • job offer letter
  • pay stubs
  • bank statement
  • references

Some provinces require first and last month’s rent upfront.

Housing can be expensive in:

  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Calgary (increasing)
  • Ottawa

More affordable in:

  • Winnipeg
  • Regina
  • Saskatoon
  • Saint John
  • Moncton
  • Halifax suburbs

8. Transportation: How Most Newcomers Commute

Public Transit:

  • Buses
  • Subways (only in some cities)
  • Trains
  • Rapid transit

Driving:

If you drive, you may need:

  • a provincial driver’s license
  • driving tests (varies by country)
  • car insurance (mandatory)

Walking and Cycling

Safe and common in smaller cities.

9. Weather and Clothing: Important Adjustments for Newcomers

Canada has four seasons, each very distinct.

✔ Winter (Dec–Mar):**

Temperatures can reach -20°C or colder in some provinces.
You will need:

  • winter jacket
  • gloves
  • boots
  • hat

✔ Summer (Jun–Aug):**

Ranges from 20–35°C.
Comfortable clothing is sufficient.

✔ Spring/Autumn:**

Mild, with fluctuating temperatures.

10. Mobile Phone & Internet Setup

Popular carriers:

  • Rogers
  • Bell
  • Telus
  • Freedom Mobile
  • Fido
  • Koodo

Many offer newcomer plans with discounted phones.

11. Grocery Shopping & Daily Essentials

Large supermarket chains include:

  • Walmart
  • Real Canadian Superstore
  • Loblaws
  • No Frills
  • Sobeys
  • Costco (membership required)

Prices vary significantly from province to province.

12. Building Your Credit Score (Very Important)

Credit scores affect:

  • renting
  • phone plans
  • getting loans
  • future mortgages

Newcomers should consider:

  • getting a secured credit card
  • paying bills on time
  • using credit responsibly

This will help you build financial stability.

13. Healthcare Access in Your First Month

Canada has public healthcare, but rules vary by province.

Some provinces offer immediate coverage:

  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Manitoba

Others have a waiting period (up to 3 months):

  • Ontario
  • Saskatchewan
  • Quebec

Until then, you should have private insurance.

14. Workplace Rights You Should Know

Canadian law protects all workers—foreign or local.

Rights include:

  • safe working conditions
  • paid overtime
  • rest breaks
  • protection against discrimination
  • right to refuse unsafe work
  • written job offer

If issues arise, you can file complaints with provincial labour boards.

15. Meeting People & Adjusting to Canadian Life

Canada is multicultural, and many newcomers find community through:

  • churches/mosques/temples
  • cultural associations
  • sports clubs
  • newcomer settlement agencies
  • language classes
  • meet-up groups

Social integration helps reduce loneliness and speeds up adjustment.

Conclusion

Your first month working in Canada will involve important administrative steps, new workplace expectations, and cultural adjustments. While many things may feel unfamiliar at first, Canada provides strong support for newcomers—from banking and housing assistance to workplace protections and community programs.

By understanding what to expect and preparing ahead of time, foreign workers can transition smoothly into Canadian life and begin building a stable, successful future.