Arriving in Canada means starting your credit history from zero — regardless of what your score looked like back home. Canadian lenders can't access foreign credit bureaus, so you're starting fresh.
Why it matters immediately
Within your first few months, you'll likely need to rent an apartment, set up utilities, or finance a vehicle. All of these involve credit checks. A thin credit file makes each of these harder and more expensive.
Step 1: Get a SIN and open a bank account
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is the anchor of your Canadian financial identity. Apply at a Service Canada office — it's free and usually takes 15–20 minutes. Then open a chequing account at one of the major banks (TD, RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO) or a credit union.
Step 2: Apply for a secured credit card
A secured card requires a deposit (usually $200–$500) that becomes your credit limit. Every on-time payment gets reported to the bureaus. Use it for one or two regular purchases (groceries, transit) and pay it in full every month.
Step 3: Become an authorized user
If you have a family member or trusted friend with good Canadian credit, ask to be added as an authorized user on one of their cards. Their positive history can immediately boost your thin file.
The 90-day rule
Most lenders want to see at least 3 months of Canadian credit history before making a lending decision. Start immediately — every month you delay is a month added to that clock.