Returning to Canada - Proof of Address

[pete6256]

Hi, I'm a Canadian citizen returning to Ontario after living abroad for a couple of years.

I'm going to be staying with a friend when I get back and I want to apply for an OHIP card and mobile phone contract as soon as I arrive. The issue is that a lot of things require an Ontario proof of address before you can apply.

Obviously I'm not going to have a local proof of address until I arrive and update RBC address to my new Canadian address. Even then, it could take a month or so before I get a new bank statement that is reflective of my Canadian address.

Does anyone have any ideas about how I can get a Canadian proof of address as soon as I arrive (or at least ASAP after I arrive)? Is it possible to update my address with RBC before I physically arrive back in the province?

Thanks in advance!

 

[andrews17]

When I arrived in Canada as a newcomer, I stayed in an Airbnb for the first two weeks. During those two weeks, I got a mobile plan, opened a bank account, and enrolled in a few other things. I used the Airbnb address, no proof of address was requested. As soon as I rented my own place, I changed the address on those services.

I guess you could use your friend's address, just make sure you update your address as soon as you move to your own palce.

 

[pete6256]

Hi, thanks for the response. So you were able to get a mobile phone plan without a proof of address? I was planning to use my friends address from the day I arrive, but I thought a proof of address (like bank statement or utility bill) would be needed for setting up a phone contract. I guess not.

But for a lot of other services like OHIP, I'm pretty sure I do.

 

[steaky]

Does anyone have any ideas about how I can get a Canadian proof of address as soon as I arrive (or at least ASAP after I arrive)? Is it possible to update my address with RBC before I physically arrive back in the province?

Thanks in advance!

You can ask your friend's permission to use their address for you to update the address with RBC before you physically arrive back in the province. Or you can get one through, buy or rent.

 

[andrews17]

Hi, thanks for the response. So you were able to get a mobile phone plan without a proof of address? I was planning to use my friends address from the day I arrive, but I thought a proof of address (like bank statement or utility bill) would be needed for setting up a phone contract. I guess not.

But for a lot of other services like OHIP, I'm pretty sure I do.

If you just get a basic month-to-month plan, I don't think they'll ask for a proof of address. If you want to get a phone with the plan they'll want to run a credit check and they may need proof of address.