Moving to Newfoundland
The Complete Checklist
Your step-by-step guide to a smooth relocation
Download • Print • Check Off • Succeed
About This Checklist
This comprehensive checklist is designed specifically for immigrants moving to Newfoundland and Labrador. Each timeline includes realistic deadlines to keep you organized and reduce stress during your relocation.
How to Use:
□ Print this checklist
□ Check off completed items
□ Keep it handy throughout your move
□ Contact DayOneNL.ca for personalized support
6+ MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
Immigration & Legal Documents
□ Research Provincial Nominee Program eligibility
□ Gather educational diplomas and transcripts
□ Collect work experience certificates
□ Complete Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
□ Take language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
□ Obtain police clearances from all countries
□ Schedule required medical examinations
□ Submit immigration application
□ Consult immigration lawyer if needed
Research & Planning Phase
□ Study Newfoundland neighborhoods online
□ Research job market in your profession
□ Join Newfoundland Facebook groups
□ Connect with professional associations
□ Calculate moving budget and costs
□ Learn about local culture and customs
□ Research schools for children
3-6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
Employment Preparation
□ Update resume to Canadian format
□ Research professional credential recognition
□ Start networking with NL professionals
□ Create Canadian-focused LinkedIn profile
□ Apply for jobs (if no job offer yet)
□ Register with recruitment agencies
□ Practice Canadian-style interviewing
Housing & Location Research
□ Research St. John’s rental market
□ Contact real estate agents
□ Schedule virtual property tours
□ Understand tenant rights in NL
□ Research utility costs and providers
□ Plan temporary accommodation
Financial Planning
□ Research Canadian banking options
□ Understand Canadian credit system
□ Calculate total moving expenses
□ Research currency exchange rates
□ Plan settlement funds requirement
□ Research vehicle financing options
1-3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
Official Documentation
□ Apply for Social Insurance Number (if eligible)
□ Research Medical Care Plan (MCP) registration
□ Organize documents in accessible folder
□ Get international driving permit
□ Research vehicle insurance requirements
□ Plan phone and internet services
Shipping & Moving Logistics
□ Get quotes from moving companies
□ Decide what to ship vs. buy new
□ Research customs regulations
□ Start decluttering belongings
□ Plan shipping timeline
□ Consider climate when packing
Family Preparation
□ Research and contact schools
□ Transfer medical records
□ Research childcare options
□ Plan pet relocation (if applicable)
□ Notify current schools/employers
2-4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
Final Moving Arrangements
□ Confirm housing arrangements
□ Book temporary accommodation
□ Finalize shipping details
□ Confirm flight bookings
□ Arrange airport transportation
□ Notify banks of address change
□ Set up mail forwarding
Essential Shopping Research
□ Research winter clothing stores
□ Locate grocery stores and shopping centers
□ Find Canadian Tire and Costco locations
□ Research furniture stores
□ Locate ethnic grocery stores
Winter Preparation Planning
□ Research winter clothing requirements
□ Order essential winter items online
□ Understand home heating systems
□ Research snow removal requirements
FIRST WEEK IN NEWFOUNDLAND
Immediate Government Services
□ Apply for Social Insurance Number at Service Canada
□ Open Canadian bank account
□ Register for Medical Care Plan (MCP)
□ Get local phone plan
□ Register children for school
□ Apply for Canada Child Benefit
□ Set up utilities (if not included)
Essential Services Setup
□ Find family doctor (join waiting lists)
□ Locate nearest walk-in clinic
□ Register with local library
□ Find nearest pharmacy
□ Locate grocery stores
□ Identify public transportation routes
Transportation Planning
□ Research vehicle purchase options
□ Get vehicle insurance quotes
□ Understand driver’s license process
□ Download transit apps
□ Research winter tire requirements
FIRST MONTH IN NEWFOUNDLAND
Government Registration
□ Apply for Newfoundland driver’s license
□ Register to vote
□ Apply for provincial health card
□ Update address with federal agencies
□ Apply for GST/HST credit
□ File change of address with Canada Post
Professional Development
□ Apply for professional licenses/certifications
□ Attend networking events
□ Join professional associations
□ Update professional certifications
□ Connect with industry contacts
Community Integration
□ Visit local community center
□ Explore volunteer opportunities
□ Join recreational clubs
□ Attend cultural community events
□ Explore local attractions
FIRST 3 MONTHS IN NEWFOUNDLAND
Financial Establishment
□ Build Canadian credit history
□ Research mortgage options
□ Set up RRSP/investment accounts
□ Find accountant for taxes
□ Understand provincial tax obligations
□ Adjust budget based on actual costs
Healthcare & Education Setup
□ Complete children’s school registration
□ Schedule routine medical checkups
□ Find dentist and optometrist
□ Research specialist services
□ Understand prescription coverage
□ Register for adult education classes
Long-term Settlement
□ Evaluate housing and plan next steps
□ Research home buying process
□ Plan family/friend visits
□ Research travel options to home country
□ Build emergency fund
□ Prepare for first winter
WINTER PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Complete by November
Essential Winter Gear
□ Winter coat (rated for -20°C)
□ Waterproof winter boots
□ Warm gloves and hat
□ Thermal underwear
□ Warm socks and scarves
Vehicle Winter Preparation
□ Install winter/snow tires
□ Purchase ice scraper and snow brush
□ Stock emergency car kit
□ Learn winter driving techniques
□ Check battery and antifreeze
Home Winter Preparation
□ Understand heating system operation
□ Stock emergency supplies for outages
□ Purchase snow shovel
□ Budget for heating costs ($2000-3000/year)
□ Insulate windows if needed
IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO SAVE
Emergency Services
Emergency: 911
Health Line: 811
Local Police (non-emergency): ___________
Local Hospital: ___________
Government Services
Service Canada: ___________
Provincial Health: ___________
Motor Registration: ___________
Canada Revenue Agency: ___________
Utilities
Newfoundland Power: ___________
NL Hydro: ___________
Water/Sewer: ___________
Waste Management: ___________
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Keep these easily accessible
Immigration Documents
□ Passport and visa
□ Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
□ Provincial Nominee Certificate
□ Work permit (if applicable)
Personal Documents
□ Birth certificates
□ Marriage certificate
□ Educational transcripts and diplomas
□ Professional licenses/certifications
□ Medical and vaccination records
□ Home country driving license
Financial Documents
□ Bank statements
□ Credit history documentation
□ Employment letters and pay stubs
□ Previous tax returns
□ Insurance policies
MOVING BUDGET PLANNER
One-Time Costs
Immigration fees: $__________
Moving/shipping: $__________
Flights: $__________
Temporary accommodation: $__________
Vehicle purchase: $__________
Furniture/household: $__________
Winter clothing: $__________
Setup fees: $__________
Total One-Time: $__________
Monthly Living Costs
Rent/mortgage: $__________
Utilities: $__________
Groceries: $__________
Transportation: $__________
Phone/internet: $__________
Insurance: $__________
Healthcare: $__________
Entertainment: $__________
Total Monthly: $__________
SUCCESS TIPS FOR NEWFOUNDLAND
🕐 Start Early Immigration processes take 6-12 months
🤝 Network Actively Relationships are key to success in NL
❄️ Prepare for Winter Don’t underestimate the climate impact
📋 Stay Organized Keep documents easily accessible
🏠 Embrace the Culture Newfoundlanders appreciate genuine interest
❓ Ask for Help Locals love helping newcomers succeed
👥 Join Communities Both professional and social connections matter
⏰ Be Patient Full adjustment takes 12-24 months
SETTLEMENT RESOURCES
Key Organizations
Association for New Canadians (ANC)
NL Immigrant Serving Agencies
Local community centers
Settlement workers
Professional Development
Professional Engineers NL (PEGNL)
Registered Nurses’ Union
Teachers’ Association
Industry-specific bodies
Community Resources
Public library system
Recreation centers
Cultural organizations
Religious communities
Volunteer organizations
NOTES SECTION
Important Local Contacts:
Questions for Locals:
Personal Reminders:
Lessons Learned:
NEED HELP WITH YOUR MOVE?
This checklist covers the essentials, but every move is unique.
DayOneNL.ca provides personalized guidance from someone who has successfully made this journey.
✓ One-on-one consultation
✓ Customized moving timeline
✓ Local connections and referrals
✓ Ongoing support throughout your transition
Contact us for personalized moving assistance:
🌐 Website: dayonenl.ca
📧 Email: info@dayonenl.ca
Your trusted resource for settling in Newfoundland
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