Loans for Immigrants and Newcomers to Canada

Borrow from $300 to $35,000
Rates from 9.99% - 34.99% APR
Newcomer-friendly approval process
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2M+
Canadians Served Since 2016
24-48hrs
Average Funding Time
90%+
Application Approval Rate
50+
Lending Partners

Why Choose Smarter Loans?

Our technology connects directly with lenders to submit your application where you're most likely to be approved - protecting your credit score and saving you time.

Faster Approvals

Apply where you're most likely to be approved. Our system analyses your profile against real lender criteria to find the best fit.

Protect Your Credit Score

One soft credit check instead of multiple hard inquiries. We match you with lenders before they pull your full credit report.

Done-For-You Applications

Our technology is integrated directly with lenders. We handle the paperwork and submit your application to the right places.

Built for Real Canadians

We work with lenders who support a wide range of credit profiles, helping borrowers with past challenges access realistic financing options.

How It Works

Get funded in three simple steps

1

Complete Your Application

Apply once through a secure online form in under 5 minutes. We'll ask about you, your funding needs, and basic financial information.

2

Get Approved

Our platform assesses your application against real lender criteria and routes it directly to the lender where approval is most likely.

3

Receive Your Funds

Once approved, funds are deposited directly into your bank account - often within 24-48 hours.


Apply Now – It Takes 5 Minutes

Get Approved for a Loan as a New Immigrant to Canada

Immigrating to Canada comes with major financial adjustments, especially when you are building credit from scratch. Whether you are covering initial living expenses, setting up your household, purchasing a vehicle, or managing short-term cash needs, accessing financing as a newcomer is more achievable than many people expect.

Smarter Loans helps new immigrants to Canada apply for loans even with limited or no Canadian credit history. Instead of relying solely on a credit score, many lenders assess factors such as employment income, length of residency, visa or permit status, and banking history. This makes it possible for newcomers to access personal loans designed specifically for immigrants and recent arrivals.

By applying through Smarter Loans, your application is assessed against lenders that work with newcomers across Canada, helping you move forward confidently as you establish your financial footing in your new home.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Active Canadian bank account
  • Proof of income or financial support
  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Canadian residency or newcomer status
  • Ability to make regular loan payments

Funding Solutions Available

One application gives you access to multiple financing options

Newcomer Personal Loans

Personal loans designed for recent immigrants with little or no Canadian credit history, often approved based on income, employment offers, or savings.

Newcomer Credit Cards

Starter credit cards from major banks that help build Canadian credit while providing access to short-term revolving credit.

Personal Lines of Credit

Flexible borrowing solutions for newcomers with employment or savings, allowing access to funds as needed while paying interest only on what’s used.

No Credit History Loans

Loans specifically designed for newcomers with no Canadian credit file, where approval is based on income, employment, or settlement funds instead of credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can immigrants get a loan in Canada without Canadian credit history?
Yes. While traditional banks rely heavily on Canadian credit history, many lenders offer newcomer and immigrant loans that assess other factors instead, such as employment income, length of time in Canada, residency status, and banking activity. Your credit history from another country does not transfer to Canada, so most newcomers start with a blank credit file.
How does credit work in Canada for new immigrants?
Canada uses a credit system tracked by Equifax and TransUnion, with credit scores ranging from 300 to 900. New immigrants must build credit from scratch after arrival. Without Canadian credit history, access to traditional loans is limited at first, but using newcomer-friendly products like credit cards or small personal loans can help establish a score over time.
Are there government loans available for immigrants?
Yes, in limited cases. The Immigration Loans Program (ILP) helps eligible refugees and protected persons cover relocation, settlement, and certain government fees. These loans must be repaid and are intended as a last resort. Skilled immigrants generally rely on non-government options instead.
What loan options are available to newcomers and immigrants?
Immigrants in Canada may qualify for Government-supported loans for refugees and protected persons, career-focused microloans for skilled immigrants, personal loans from alternative or online lenders, credit cards and lines of credit through newcomer banking programs and auto loans and mortgages with no prior Canadian credit history. Eligibility depends on your status, income, and time in Canada.
What is Windmill Microlending and who qualifies?
Windmill Microlending is a national non-profit that provides loans of up to $15,000 to skilled immigrants and refugees to support career advancement. Funds can be used for licensing, credential assessments, training, language education, and job-related relocation. Applicants must already be living in Canada with permanent status and meet strict eligibility criteria.
Can newcomers get loans from major Canadian banks?
Yes. Major banks such as Scotiabank, CIBC, RBC, and TD offer newcomer programs that may include credit cards without prior Canadian credit, chequing accounts with fee waivers, auto loans with reduced down payments, mortgages designed for newcomers. These programs are often time-limited and require opening bank accounts with the institution.
Can immigrants qualify for personal loans in Canada?
Yes. Personal loans are available to immigrants through alternative lenders and online platforms. These loans are flexible and can be used for living expenses, debt consolidation, vehicle purchases, or settling costs. Interest rates are typically higher for newcomers due to limited credit history, but consistent repayment helps build credit.
Can I get a loan without permanent residence (PR)?
In many cases, yes. Some lenders only require proof of residency and income rather than permanent resident status. Temporary residents, work permit holders, and protected persons may still qualify depending on lender criteria.
How can immigrants build credit in Canada faster?
Newcomers can build Canadian credit by opening a Canadian bank account, using a credit card responsibly and paying on time, taking a small personal or credit-builder loan, setting up and paying a mobile phone plan, paying all bills on time, including utilities and rent. Positive payment history is the fastest way to improve credit access and reduce borrowing costs over time.
Is it risky for immigrants to take loans early?
Loans can be helpful, but should be used carefully. Newcomers should avoid overborrowing, high-interest products they cannot repay, or lenders that lack transparency. A loan used responsibly can accelerate financial stability and credit building, but missed payments can set progress back significantly.

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