Address to use when landing

[wyho007]

When I land, I plan to book a place to stay for 1 months via Airbnb. During that month, will look for a place to rent (1 year lease).

My questions is, what address should I use when applying for :

1. PR card,
2. MSP (health care) card, and
3. Drivers license?

I have a relative there and can use his residence as mailing address. I won't be residing at his place though.

 

[Meya06]

If you don't know or decide where to stay permanently after landed, I would suggest use your relative residence for mailing address first. However, you can change address later upon received PR card, health care, driver license. etc,

All the best

 

[Tri-Cities]

Hi,
you should be able to find a place within a month - good luck and be careful, meaning take your time!

If you need your PR card asap than I would use my reltaives address. But if you don't wait until you got your own place.

When it comes to MSP BC there are two options you should think about. You can get a single MSP health care card or you can get a drivers license - MSP - all-in-one card.

There is a waiting period of 3 month for MSP btw.

When I had to renew my DL I was asked if I want an all-in-one (DL) card or stay with separate cards (DL and MSP card). I decided to go with separate cards. The reason is, that the DL and MSP cards are used to identify yourself. I know that the new all-in-one (DL) card option is supposed to make things easier and it's supposed to be acknowledged as two single cards. But it doesn't really work that way. There are situations when you'll need a second ID and if you do not have a MSP card you'll need your passport or another ID.
I like those cards, easy to handle.

I'm not sure if ICBC takes care of that for newcomers but it's possible since they get in touch with the service centre.
When you go to ICBC to exchange your DL I would also use your relatives address - it's fine, no one cares. What counts is that you'll get your mail!

When you move into your new place just go to ICBC and let them know, they'll change the address on the DL right away. The longest waiting time at ICBC that I expierenced has been 15 minutes! Sweet

You'll have to let MSP BC also know when you change your address.

You don't have to let Service Canada (where you have to apply for a SIN) know about change of address.

Hope that helps & good luck!
TC

 

[wyho007]

Good to know, thanks!

I originally thought I must use my physical address for everything (PR card, DL and MSP card) and later change address one by one within a month when I find a more permanent place to stay.