Hello everyone! I am thinking of moving to Canada for permanent residence. But while I am preparing the documents, I want to sort out the bank accounts in advance. I read that different banks in Canada have different requirements: some open an account for tourists with a passport and visa, while others require PR or at least a work permit. Has anyone actually opened an account before receiving the status? Are there any banks that are more relaxed about foreigners, such as Scotiabank, RBC or TD? And what about the commissions, are there any hidden fees that should be taken into account?

I was able to open an account with just a passport and visa. Many banks offer special packages for new residents - the conditions are simpler and the fees are lower. It's better to check about such programs in advance.

As far as I know, it is possible to open an account, but you need to understand that most major banks require a personal visit. When I was looking for options, I came across a discussion about how can a us citizen open a bank account in canada. It states that some banks allow you to initiate the process online and only visit the bank in person for final confirmation. The main thing to keep in mind here is that non-residents are often only offered basic accounts without credit options. So it's best to compare packages and fees in advance.