Moving from Philippines to Canada — Your Finance Guide (2026)
55,000+ per year (second largest source country). Here is what every newcomer from Philippines needs to know about banking, credit, taxes, and money in Canada.
Top things Philippines newcomers wonder about
- →How to send money home to Philippines
- →How to get a driver's licence in Canada
- →KOHO vs secured credit card for newcomers
- →Healthcare coverage — does OHIP cover dental?
Does your Philippines credit score transfer to Canada?
Your Philippines credit history (BancNet, Credit Management Association of the Philippines) does not transfer. Canada's credit system is completely separate. Many Filipino newcomers start credit building through KOHO's credit builder or Capital One Secured Mastercard within their first month of arrival.
Learn more: Complete Canadian Credit Guide for Newcomers →
Banking in Canada for newcomers from Philippines
Philippine National Bank (PNB) Canada has branches in major Filipino communities. You can open a Scotiabank or TD account soon after arriving with your passport, work/study permit, and proof of Philippine address.
Once in Canada, use a Big Six newcomer banking program for your main chequing account:
- • Scotiabank StartRight — can apply from outside Canada before you land
- • BMO NewStart — strong newcomer onboarding in most cities
- • TD New to Canada — dedicated newcomer advisors
- • CIBC Smart Start — up to $400 bonus for newcomers with direct deposit
Sending money from Canada to Philippines
Remitly is particularly popular for Philippines remittances — cash pickup is available through partner networks including Palawan Pawnshop. Wise is competitive for bank-to-bank transfers. Western Union still has wide cash pickup coverage.
Philippines community in Canada
Winnipeg has one of the highest concentrations of Filipino Canadians. Toronto (Scarborough, North York), Vancouver (Burnaby), Calgary, and Edmonton also have large Filipino communities with Filipino grocery stores and churches.
Most cities offer IRCC-funded settlement services in multiple languages. Search for Tagalog, Filipino-speaking settlement agencies in your city at IRCC's settlement service finder.
Tax treaty: Philippines and Canada
Canada and Philippines do not have a comprehensive tax treaty. This can create double-taxation risk on Philippine income. Consult a tax professional about your worldwide income reporting obligations in your first year.
All Canadian residents must file an annual tax return with CRA by April 30. Even if you arrived mid-year, filing your first return may make you eligible for the GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit. Read our complete tax guide for newcomers →
Where Philippines newcomers settle in Canada
Most newcomers from Philippines initially settle in Winnipeg and Ontario. Established communities mean more Tagalog, Filipino-speaking services, familiar foods, cultural organizations, and job networks.
See city-specific guides: Newcomer city guides →
Your first 90 days financial checklist
- 1Get your SIN at Service Canada (free, same day)
- 2Open a newcomer chequing account at a Big Six bank
- 3Get a KOHO credit builder card to start your Canadian credit file
- 4Register for provincial health coverage
- 5Set up CRA My Account online
- 6Apply for GST/HST Credit (CRA form RC151 if no T4 yet)
- 7Open a TFSA at Wealthsimple — start saving, even $25/month
- 8File your first tax return by April 30