How to settle in Montreal in 30 days

Quick answer: The 5 most critical first-week tasks for any newcomer to Montreal are (1) Social Insurance Number (SIN), (2) bank account, (3) RAMQ health card application, (4) cell phone/SIM, (5) Canadian credit card. Without these you can’t sign a lease, get paid, or access healthcare. Do them in order — each requires the previous.

The 3-month RAMQ wait — what to do

Federal economic immigrants (PR, work permit) face a 3-month waiting period for RAMQ coverage. International students and refugee claimants are covered immediately. During the wait, buy private health insurance ($60–$150/month) — Croix Bleue, Sun Life, and Manulife offer newcomer plans. Without coverage, an ER visit can cost $1,000+.

French class is free — and pays you

Quebec’s francisation program (mifi.gouv.qc.ca) offers free French courses for newcomers, plus a $220/week stipend for full-time learners. 30-week programs at MIFI-approved schools across Montreal. Even working professionals can take part-time evening classes.

Schools and Bill 101 — what English schooling requires

Under Bill 101, English schools in Quebec are restricted: children whose parent received English education in Canada are eligible. Newcomers without that history must enroll in French schools (CSSDM, Centre de service scolaire de Montréal). Private English schools (Sacred Heart, Selwyn House) are exempt but cost $20,000–$30,000/year.

Tax tip newcomers always miss

File a tax return your first year in Canada even if you earned $0. It unlocks: ý GST/HST credit ($500/year), Quebec solidarity credit ($1,300/year), Canada Child Benefit if you have kids. Use a free clinic in your first year (CRA Community Volunteer Tax Program) if income is low.

Newcomer to Montreal FAQ

How long does it take to get a SIN in Canada?

A Social Insurance Number is issued same-day at any Service Canada office. Bring your passport plus work permit, study permit, or PR card. Free. The downtown Service Canada at Complexe Guy-Favreau (1010 René-Lévesque) accepts walk-ins.

How do I get a RAMQ health card as a newcomer?

Register with Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) within your first 3 months. For PR holders and work permit holders, coverage starts after a 3-month waiting period. Register at ramq.gouv.qc.ca or in person at a RAMQ office. Bring passport, immigration document, lease, and a Quebec address.

Which is the best bank for newcomers in Canada?

All Big 5 banks offer newcomer accounts with no monthly fees for the first year and access to credit cards without a Canadian credit history. RBC and Scotiabank are most active in newcomer marketing. Desjardins (Quebec credit union) is well-located in Montreal with a strong newcomer program. Tangerine is the best no-fee online option after you’re settled.

Can I drive in Quebec with my foreign license?

Yes, for up to 6 months. After that, you need a Quebec license. Some countries (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Austria, Germany, UK, Taiwan, US states with reciprocity) allow direct exchange without a road test. Others require the full theory + road test. Check saaq.gouv.qc.ca/exchange.

How do I get my kids into school in Montreal?

Contact your local school service center (CSSDM for French, EMSB for English). Most newcomer children attend French schools under Bill 101 unless they have a parent who received English education in Canada. Welcome classes (classes d’accueil) help non-French-speaking kids transition. Registration is free for residents.

What’s the cheapest phone plan in Montreal?

Fizz (a Vidéotron subsidiary) offers Canada-wide plans from $20/month with 5 GB data. Public Mobile and Lucky Mobile are similar. The Big 3 (Rogers, Bell, Telus) start around $45/month. All accept eSIM. You can sign up online and use immediately without a Canadian credit card (Fizz accepts foreign cards).

What documents should I bring to Montreal as a newcomer?

Bring originals + 5 copies of: passport, work/study/PR permit, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), reference letters from previous employers, university transcripts (notarized), driver’s license, vaccination records, and your most recent tax return from home country. Translate non-French/English documents via a certified translator.

Related Montreal tools

• Quebec Lease (Form F) Checker
• Quebec Income Tax Calculator
• French Level Self-Test
• Neighborhood Match Quiz

Sources: Service Canada, RAMQ, MIFI Québec, SAAQ. Last updated May 2026. Information for general orientation only — verify each program on its official website.