A foreign worker moving to Canada opened a Scotiabank newcomer account from India and asked whether his employer could wire a relocation bonus into it before he lands — given the bank's rule that funding must come from your own account in your country of residence. What the thread established:
- Relocation money is normally paid after you start. The standard route is the bonus arriving with your first paycheque (or as a cheque) once you're in Canada — banks and employers are set up for that flow.
- Third-party deposits may be accepted, but the money is locked. The poster confirmed with the bank's customer care: the bank can receive funds from a third party (like an employer), but you cannot withdraw anything until you activate the account in person after arrival.
- Activation requires a branch visit. Members reiterated that newcomer accounts opened from abroad only become fully usable once you present yourself at a branch in Canada.
- Don't expect the employer to reroute to a home-country account. A member noted companies usually refuse to pay a Canadian relocation bonus into an Indian account for tax reasons; the poster added the company would wire the bonus only after deducting taxes.
Practical takeaway: let the employer wire early if they insist — the funds will sit safely — but budget your landing costs from money you can actually access until the account is activated.