Any possibility to open a bank account in canadian bank before landing...

[uak786]

Hi Guys…

I have the landing papers and visa stamped on my passport. I am planning to move in March 09.

I wanted to know if there is any possibility to open a bank account in Canada before landing ? is there any Canadian bank offer such services in Dubai ?

If I am able to open an account in Canadian bank while living in Dubai, I will transfer all my funds before landing in Canada to that account and will show the statement at the border. I also wanted to know if they will accept the statement of a Canadian bank or I have no other choice but to carry cash/draft/travelers cheque.

Waiting for the response.

Best Regards,

U.A.Khan

 

[MarkCan]

If you live in Dubai, I am pretty sure there are some Canadian banks or at least multinational banks that operate in Canada too. As long as you can show at least 3 months (including the latest) of bank statements at the border (to be on the safer side), you can get by without any issues. If there is a Canadian bank operating in Dubai, it is best to use their services. All this information will be available on the Internet.

Mark

 

[zulkfal]

Some countries have branches overseas, RBC operates in Indian, Dubai and KSA. you can open an account there as I opened an account before i land at YYZ but that was a student account, because my address was confirmed with university for one year and they used my accommodation confirmation as my proof of address don't know what they will do in PR case may be they open the account but to activate they may ask you for proof of address in Canada, they have to do this by law.

 

[Naavy100]

HSBC ...the worlds local bank

 

[sweetberry]

Hi Guys...

I have the landing papers and visa stamped on my passport. I am planning to move in March 09.

I wanted to know if there is any possibility to open a bank account in Canada before landing ? is there any Canadian bank offer such services in Dubai ?

If I am able to open an account in Canadian bank while living in Dubai, I will transfer all my funds before landing in Canada to that account and will show the statement at the border. I also wanted to know if they will accept the statement of a Canadian bank or I have no other choice but to carry cash/draft/travelers cheque.

Waiting for the response.

Best Regards,

U.A.Khan

There are few banks which offer Migrant Bank accounts( I have done it for Australia, No clue though for Canada). You can can apply it online sitting in your current country and you would need to validate it once reach the particular country. Check online , if any Banks give out Migrant Bank Accounts in Canada.

 

[qorax]

Hi Guys...
I have the landing papers and visa stamped on my passport. I am planning to move in March 09. I wanted to know if there is any possibility to open a bank account in Canada before landing ? is there any Canadian bank offer such services in Dubai ? If I am able... Best Regards, U.A.Khan

Hi Khan,

I guess u missed the Gulf News article few days back:
-Title: Canadian Bank offers immigrants smart services.
-Date: 05.12.2009
-Paper: Gulf News

Jist of that article is that 'Scotiabank' has a 'StartRight' program, which is tailored for us, immigrants. Under this scheme, we can open an a/c from Dubai, they are giving us 'one yr' free service, including a 'free locker'. U may like to log on to: www.startright.scotiabank.com and have a look.

Yes, all the intl banks here can do that for u as well (HSBC, Stanchart, RBS etc.), however each has some limitations & some heavy charges. While Scotiabank is quite compititive, besides with a tailormade program for us. It is also one of the most highly visible banks in Canada (alongwith CIBC & TD Bank) branches wise, ATM wise.

Hope that helps.

 

[uak786]

Hi Guys...

Thanks for all your quick comments really appreciated.

Well yes saw that article in gulfnews and same day i tried to find branch office or agent in dubai who can help me to open the account but unfortunately we have misunderstood the whole article. i got to know once i called on the toll free no and spoke to agent. they are only offering this account to those who just landed there which means you will have to land in Canada fist to avail this offer.

best regards,
U.A.Khan

 

[Leon]

HSBC seems to let you open an account before you arrive, see http://www.hsbc.ca/1/2/en/personal/immigration-canada/new-to-canada/financial-services-new