Members shared experiences opening a Canadian bank account from India, before physically landing.
- Newcomer programs allow remote account opening at some banks. One member used Scotiabank's 'Right Start' program via its India branch — they opened the account and deposited money from India, then withdrew after landing.
- Not every bank supports fully remote opening. Another member found Scotiabank did not allow remote account opening for their situation, and instead opened an account with RBC, which they described as easier and doable entirely over phone/email.
- Shop around between banks. Since experiences varied even for the same bank (Scotiabank), it's worth checking directly with each bank's newcomer program rather than assuming the process is identical everywhere.
Takeaway: newcomer-to-Canada banking programs (Scotiabank Right Start, RBC's newcomer account) can let you open an account and pre-load funds before landing, but confirm the remote-opening process with the specific bank first since availability seems to vary.