Arrival Guide

Landing in Canada at Toronto Pearson: Your First Day

Your first day in Canada is a mix of paperwork and logistics. Knowing what to carry, what the border officer will ask, and how to get from Toronto Pearson to your first address makes it far less stressful.

Toronto skyline on a newcomer's first night in Canada

Before You Board

Keep your key documents in your hand luggage

Never pack immigration documents in checked bags. The border officer will need them, and lost luggage can delay everything else.

Passport and your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or permit approval letter
A list of goods you are bringing now and goods that will follow later
Proof of funds documents, if your program required them
Your first Canadian address and contact details
Copies of education, employment, and family documents

At the Border

What happens at the border

A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer completes your landing or entry.

Questions and documents: the officer checks your passport and COPR or permit documents and may ask about your plans, address, and funds.
Permanent residents: the officer confirms your permanent residence. Your PR card is mailed to your Canadian address, so give a correct address or update it online later.
Workers and students: you receive your work or study permit at the border. Check that the details are correct before you leave the counter.
Declare your goods: list the personal and household items you bring now and those that will follow later. Items listed now can usually enter later without duty.
Declare money: you must report currency and monetary instruments worth CAD 10,000 or more.

Leaving the Airport

Getting from Pearson to your first address

UP Express

The UP Express train connects Pearson to Union Station in downtown Toronto, linking to the subway and GO Transit.

Transit & GO

Local buses and GO Transit connect Pearson to other GTA cities. A PRESTO card works on most systems.

Taxi & Rideshare

Licensed taxis, limousines, and rideshare pick-up areas are available, which is easier with large luggage and children.

Phone & Data

Buy a Canadian SIM or eSIM at the airport or in the city, so you can receive verification codes and stay in touch.

Your First 24 to 72 Hours

What to do in your first days

Rest and get your bearings at your temporary accommodation.
Apply for your SIN online or at Service Canada.
Open a bank account and set up mobile banking.
Plan your OHIP application at ServiceOntario if you live in Ontario.
Contact a settlement agency for free orientation, and book a consultation with us for a personalized plan.

Arriving With Family

Tips for landing with children and lots of luggage

Pack a Carry-On Kit

Keep medicines, a change of clothes, snacks, chargers, and warm layers in hand luggage, in case checked bags are delayed.

Dress for the Weather

From late fall to early spring, have coats and boots within reach before you leave the terminal.

Book the First Nights

Have confirmed accommodation for at least your first week, close to transit, so you can focus on paperwork.

Carry Some Cash and a Card

Have a small amount of Canadian cash and a card that works internationally for your first purchases.

Related Resources

Related guides for your move

Packing Checklist

What to bring when moving to Canada.

Open Packing Guide →

First 30 Days in Canada

Your month-one plan.

Open Checklist →

Get Your SIN

Your first government task.

Open SIN Guide →

Pre-Arrival Planning

Plan everything before you fly.

Open Planning Guide →

Questions People Ask

Landing in Canada: common questions

Carry your valid passport, your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and, if required, your permanent resident visa, plus a list of goods you are bringing and goods to follow. Keep them in your hand luggage.

Your PR card is mailed to your Canadian address after you land. Make sure the border officer has your correct address, or update it online if you move.

Yes, if you are carrying currency or monetary instruments worth CAD 10,000 or more. Failing to declare can lead to seizure and penalties.

A list of personal and household items that will arrive after you, given to the border officer when you land. Listing them can let them enter later without duty.

The UP Express train runs between Pearson and Union Station. Taxis, rideshare, and transit are other options.

Want a stress-free arrival?

Book a pre-arrival consultation and we will help you plan your landing, first address, and first-week tasks.

Book Consultation View Planning Guide