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Canada from China.
China is a leading source of international students and family-class immigrants, with long-established communities in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.
CAD → CNY
How most Chinese newcomers immigrate.
Study to permanent residence
Study, get Canadian work experience, then apply for PR.
Learn moreFamily sponsorship
Citizens and permanent residents sponsor close family.
Learn moreExpress Entry
Canada’s main system for skilled workers, ranked by points.
Learn moreFirst-month priorities for Chinese newcomers.
On top of the usual first-30-days steps.
Plan how you’ll move savings
China limits how much foreign currency individuals can buy each year (commonly USD 50,000). Plan transfers well before you need the money.
Build Canadian credit
Your credit history in China doesn’t transfer. Start with a secured card in your first month.
Driving in Canada
Chinese licences generally can’t be exchanged directly; expect to take the knowledge and road tests.
Mandarin and Cantonese services
Many settlement agencies offer help in Mandarin and Cantonese in Vancouver and Toronto.
Your first 30 days in Canada from China.
A checklist for Chinese newcomers, in the order most people need it.
SIN, phone and your Chinese number
Get your Social Insurance Number (how to get a SIN) and a Canadian phone plan. Keep your Chinese number active: WeChat, Alipay and Chinese banks use it to verify you.
Bank account and a secured card
Open a Canadian account and apply for a secured credit card to start your credit history. See secured credit cards and building credit from zero.
Plan your savings transfers
China limits how much foreign currency each person can buy in a year. Plan transfers early and keep records of where the money came from. See bringing money to Canada.
Health card and private insurance
Apply for your provincial health card. In British Columbia, coverage starts only after the rest of your arrival month plus two months, so buy private insurance. See health cards by province.
Degree verification
Most Canadian assessors ask for Chinese degree verification reports from CHSI/CHESICC. Order them online if you have not already. See the ECA guide.
Driving tests
Chinese licences cannot be exchanged in Ontario or B.C. Book your knowledge test early, as road tests can have long waits. See the licence path finder.
Using your Chinese qualifications in Canada.
Degrees, licences and documents: what to start early.
Degree verification (CHSI/CHESICC)
Credential assessors such as WES usually require verification reports for Chinese degrees from the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC). Without them, your assessment can be delayed. See the ECA cost calculator.
Notarial certificates and apostille
Chinese civil documents, such as birth or marriage records, are usually provided as notarial certificates from a Chinese notary office with an English translation. China joined the Apostille Convention in November 2023 and Canada in January 2024, so apostilles from China’s foreign affairs authorities are now possible where a Canadian body requires one.
Regulated jobs
Engineers, nurses, doctors, teachers and accountants need a licence from the provincial regulator. Start early and take bridging programs if offered. See credential recognition and find your regulator.
Language for licensing
Most regulators require an English or French test score even if you studied in English. Check which test and score your regulator accepts before you book.
Sending money to China.
Compare what arrives in Chinese yuans, not just the fee: the exchange-rate markup is often the bigger cost. Check payout options your family can use easily, and how fast the money lands.
RemitBee sends from Canada to China. Check its live rate alongside your bank.
See RemitBee’s ratesRemitBee supports SettleCanada; we may earn a fee.
Where Chinese communities are strongest.
| City | Chinese community |
|---|---|
| Vancouver | Large Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking communities across the city and in Richmond and Burnaby. |
| Toronto | Communities in North York, Scarborough (Agincourt) and nearby Markham and Richmond Hill. |
| Mississauga | Chinese families across the city, with large Asian supermarkets. |
| Montreal | Chinatown downtown and a large community in Brossard on the South Shore. |
| Ottawa | Growing community linked to tech and universities. |
A starting point, not a ranking. Every large Canadian city has people from many countries.
Finding your Chinese community.
Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival are major events in Vancouver, Richmond, Toronto and Markham. Cultural centres, language schools and community associations are well established.
Settlement agencies can connect you with community organizations and services in your language. Ask when you visit, or call 2-1-1 in most provinces.
Guides for Chinese newcomers
Common questions from Chinese newcomers.
Can I keep Chinese nationality if I become Canadian?
China does not recognize dual nationality. Under China’s Nationality Law, a Chinese citizen who settles abroad and voluntarily acquires another nationality automatically loses Chinese nationality. Plan for your hukou, passport and property before you apply for Canadian citizenship.
How much money can I move from China to Canada each year?
Individuals in China generally have an annual foreign-exchange purchase quota of USD 50,000. Family members each have their own quota. Plan ahead and keep records of the source of funds for your Canadian bank.
Can I use WeChat Pay or Alipay in Canada?
Some stores in areas with large Chinese communities accept them, but most Canadian shops do not. You will need a Canadian debit card and, later, a credit card.
Can I drive in Canada with my Chinese licence?
Only for a short time. In Ontario it is 60 days after you become a resident. China has no exchange agreement with Ontario or B.C., so you take the knowledge and road tests. Bring an official letter confirming your licence history to get experience credit in Ontario.
Sources, checked October 5, 2026: IRCC: Educational credential assessment for Express Entry; ESDC: Foreign Credential Recognition Program; Ontario: Exchange an out-of-province driver’s licence; B.C.: MSP coverage wait period; HCCH: Apostille Convention status table.
Moving from China?
One practical email a week, including tips for your corridor.
