New to Canada

New to Canada? Take the first step to owning a home

Dream of owning a home in Canada? If you’re a Canadian citizen, applying for a mortgage is a fairly simple process. However, individuals who have recently moved to the country and aren’t yet citizens can still get a mortgage. The process is just more complex and the documentation needed is more extensive.

All three mortgage default insurance companies (CMHC, Sagen and Canada Guaranty) provide their own New to Canada Program, making insured-mortgage financing available to borrowers with permanent and non-permanent residence status (subject to federal eligibility requirements).

There are a few factors that ultimately determine what kind of mortgage you’ll qualify for as a newcomer to Canada. 

Newcomer to Canada

Factors that determine what kind of mortgage you'll qualify for as a newcomer to Canada

residency status

Whether you’re a permanent resident or a temporary resident of Canada

Downpayment

You can qualify with as a little as 5% down payment, 10% in some cases

Credit score

Your credit score is a determining factor if you are new to Canada

Overhaul your Financial Situation

possible scenarios for a newcomer

There are five different scenarios a newcomer can fall into when it comes to a mortgage application. Let’s take a look at them

House with the flag of Canada. Immigration to Canada.
Canada flag with Canadian rocky mountain at the background
Canada
Canadian Pug
Childrens holding flag of Canada on winter landscape.

Program Requirements

What you need to qualify for the new to canada program

Some people who have recently moved to this country may not qualify for a regular mortgage, but may still be eligible under the New to Canada Program offered by the three mortgage insurers. In order to qualify for the New to Canada Program, you have to demonstrate that you have good credit. This can be achieved in a number of ways:

Credit card

Consistently using and paying off a credit card in full

Loans

Making on-time payments for any loans

Bills

Paying all bills (such as cell phone and utility bills) on time

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