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Open a Chequing Account in Canada (Newcomer)
Document Checklist
Valid passport
Required: Original (not expired)
Cost: Free if already held
All three banks accept a foreign-issued passport as primary photo ID. RBC requires 'government-issued original documents, not photocopies.'
Status document (one of)
Accepted at TD: Permanent Resident Card; Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing (IMM Form #1000); Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM Form #5292/5688); Temporary Work Permit (IMM Form #1442/1102); Study Permit (IMM Form #1208)
Required: Original
RBC asks for the 'permanent residency (PR) card/work permit'. Scotiabank's StartRight programme accepts the same federal IRCC document set; verify the current list on scotiabank.com or with a branch advisor.
Secondary government-issued ID
Accepted at TD: A valid passport; Canadian Driver's License; or Canadian Government ID Card
Required: Original
If the passport is being used as primary ID, a Canadian driver's licence or provincial photo card serves as the second piece. New arrivals without a Canadian licence can typically present a foreign driver's licence at a branch — confirm before the appointment.
Proof of Canadian address
Where to get: Lease agreement, utility bill, or signed letter from a host
Required: Original or printed copy
RBC's newcomer page states 'you must be 18 years or older and live in Canada' — banks need a Canadian address on file before activation. A short-term lease, hostel receipt, or friend's address is usually accepted at branch.
Proof of post-secondary enrolment (international students only)
Where to get: Designated learning institution (DLI)
Required: Original letter or printout
TD requires 'Proof of enrollment in a post-secondary program' for the international-student stream of the New to Canada Banking Package. RBC and Scotiabank request equivalent documentation when opening a student-tier account.
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