New PRs coming from Pakistan (or elsewhere) have two practical options for getting funds into a Canadian account:
- Open an account before landing. Apply directly with a bank like Scotiabank through their newcomer-to-Canada program prior to arrival, using your COPR/landing documents.
- Or simply open an account once you land. Group members described this as a quick, roughly 30-minute in-branch process, so pre-arranging isn't strictly necessary if you'd rather handle it in person.
- Once the account exists, transfer funds via wire transfer or an authorized money-transfer service. Check both your Pakistani bank's outward remittance rules and the Canadian bank's requirements for receiving international transfers.
- Compare transfer costs and exchange rates across your bank and money-transfer services before moving a large sum.