If you’re still in your home country and planning to immigrate to Canada, it’s worth looking at developing a relationship with a global bank. Scotiabank, for example, has banking packages aimed at those looking to move to Canada.
Once you arrive in Canada, try to get a credit card quickly. If you’re meeting with a bank manager, bring any documents that show you have a good track record for paying your bills. Some banks have multilingual staff who can assess foreign documents.
If you’re turned down, ask about getting a secured card, where you give the issuer a deposit. It’s also a bit easier to qualify for cards from department stores such as The Bay and Canadian Tire, but be sure to pay off the balance each month, as these cards have very high interest rates.