Moving to Canada From Bangladesh: Planning Guide

Family planning a move to Canada from Bangladesh

Before You Travel

Start the slow documents first

Education verification, police clearance, and transcripts sent directly to an assessor can take weeks. Starting them early keeps your immigration timeline moving and your first months in Canada calmer.

Start your educational credential assessment early, as transcripts can take weeks
Book IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, or PTE Core and plan for a retake
Apply for a Bangladesh police clearance certificate when IRCC asks for it
Plan how your savings will move to Canada within Bangladesh's rules
Research GTA neighbourhoods and schools before you book flights

Document Checklist

Documents to prepare before leaving Bangladesh

Your own IRCC instructions always come first.

Police clearance certificate: Bangladesh police clearance is applied for through the Bangladesh Police online system. Apply when your IRCC instructions ask for it, and get certificates for any other country where you lived six months or more since age 18.
Educational credential assessment (ECA): many pathways require one. Your university or education board may need to send transcripts directly to the assessor, so start early.
Language test: IRCC accepts approved tests such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, and PTE Core for most economic programs. Results are valid for two years.
Employment reference letters on company letterhead with job title, duties, hours, salary, and dates.
Proof of funds, if your program requires it, in the format IRCC asks for.
Civil documents for every family member, such as birth and marriage certificates, with certified English translations where needed.

Money, Housing & Daily Life

Bangladesh-specific decisions to make before you fly

Moving Money

Outward transfers from Bangladesh are regulated, so ask your bank early about what you can send and how. Keep records, especially for funds used as proof of funds.

Your First Budget

Living costs in the GTA are far higher than in Dhaka or Chattogram. Plan for deposits, temporary housing, winter clothing, and transit before your first paycheque.

Community Support

Toronto has an established Bangladeshi community, including the area around Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue, which can help with food, faith, and networks.

Driving in Ontario

Bangladesh is not on Ontario's licence exchange list. Bring an official authentication letter for your licence to get up to one year of experience credit.

Career Restart

Regulated professions such as engineering, nursing, and medicine need provincial licensing. Start your credential recognition plan before you land.

Building Credit

Your Bangladeshi banking history does not create a Canadian credit file. Open a bank account and a newcomer or secured card early.

First Month in Canada

Your first month after landing from Bangladesh

Week 1: apply for your SIN, open a bank account, and get a Canadian phone number.
Week 1 to 2: apply for OHIP at ServiceOntario if you live in Ontario.
Week 2: register children for school with your new address.
Weeks 2 to 4: sign a longer-term lease only after viewing in person and checking for rental scams.
Month 1: start your job search with a Canadian-format resume and connect with free settlement services.

Related Resources

Related guides for your move

Gulf & South Asia Guide

Compare planning across the region.

Open Regional Guide →

Moving From India

A related South Asia planning guide.

Open India Guide →

Proof of Funds

How much money you need and what counts.

Open Funds Guide →

Canadian Resume & Job Search

Restart your career in Canada.

Open Career Guide →

Questions People Ask

Common questions before moving from Bangladesh to Canada

Most applicants need a passport, police clearance certificates, an educational credential assessment for many programs, language test results, employment letters, proof of funds if required, and civil documents for each family member. Your IRCC checklist is the final authority.

Bangladesh police clearance certificates are applied for through the Bangladesh Police online system. Apply when IRCC asks for it, and keep the original safe because it has a limited validity period.

For most economic programs, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, and PTE Core. Check that the test is accepted for your specific program.

You can drive on a valid foreign licence for 60 days after becoming an Ontario resident. After that you need an Ontario licence through the graduated system, with up to one year of experience credit if you have an official authentication letter.

Many settle in Toronto's east end, around Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue, and across Scarborough, while others choose Mississauga, Brampton, and other GTA cities based on work and budget.

Planning your move from Bangladesh?

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Moving to Canada From Bangladesh: What to Plan Before You Leave