Moving from Ukraine to Canada — Your Finance Guide (2026)
30,000+ since 2022 (CUAET program). Here is what every newcomer from Ukraine needs to know about banking, credit, taxes, and money in Canada.
Top things Ukraine newcomers wonder about
- →CUAET extension options (2024–2025)
- →How to open a bank account without PR
- →Ukrainian-speaking settlement services
- →Free dental care options in Canada
Does your Ukraine credit score transfer to Canada?
Ukrainian credit scores do not transfer to Canada. Canada's credit system is independent. Many Ukrainian newcomers arrive under CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) and should start credit-building immediately. KOHO is highly accessible with no credit history required.
Learn more: Complete Canadian Credit Guide for Newcomers →
Banking in Canada for newcomers from Ukraine
PrivatBank and Monobank (popular Ukrainian digital banks) are not available in Canada. Several Canadian credit unions in Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario have Ukrainian-speaking staff due to historic Ukrainian-Canadian communities.
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 Ukraine
Wise supports CAD→UAH corridors. Western Union has extensive Ukraine cash pickup coverage. Note: some Ukrainian banking infrastructure was disrupted by the 2022 conflict — verify your recipient's bank is operational.
Ukraine community in Canada
Manitoba (Winnipeg, Dauphin) has the strongest historic Ukrainian-Canadian community. Many newer Ukrainian arrivals have also settled in Edmonton, Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa. Numerous Ukrainian community organizations and cultural centres exist across Canada.
Most cities offer IRCC-funded settlement services in multiple languages. Search for Ukrainian-speaking settlement agencies in your city at IRCC's settlement service finder.
Tax treaty: Ukraine and Canada
Canada and Ukraine have a tax treaty (in force since 1996). Provides relief from double taxation. CUAET holders are considered Canadian residents for tax purposes for their full period of stay.
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 Ukraine newcomers settle in Canada
Most newcomers from Ukraine initially settle in Winnipeg and Manitoba. Established communities mean more Ukrainian-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