BC - driver's license, PR card, MSP, SIN

[wyho007]

After landing,

1. PR card - How long does it take to be received? Can I leave the country before receiving the card?

2. Driver's license - Is it right that I can't apply for the driver's license (start from taking the knowledge test, as BC doesn't accept transfer from my country of origin) until PR card is received?

3. MSP - Am I eligible to apply for coverage before PR card is received? I was told MSP is combined with DL in one card (BC service card, i think that's called) and so even after the 90 day wait and MSP coverage is effective, if DL is still in the works, one can still not have access MSP benefits. Is that right?

4. SIN - This I know can get day one after landing. Can one start to work with just SIN and passport while PR card/DL/MSP are still not ready?

 

[keypad]

1. Currently, it is taking 53 days to process a new PR card application. You can check it here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/

2. No, you can apply for DL before getting your PR card. You can show your passport and COPR in original. Though, you will only be issued a paper DL and when you get your PR card just go to ICBC and ask them for a permanent DL.

3. Yes, you are eligible for MSP without PR card. Combining BC Services Card with DL is an option. You can opt in/ opt out of combining them.

4. Yes, ofcourse.

 

[martha1901]

For BC MSP, there is a 90 day waiting period before you can avail of the free healthcare, so make sure you have insurance coverage. Healthcare can be very expensive if you don't have any insurance.

 

[wyho007]

1. Currently, it is taking 53 days to process a new PR card application. You can check it here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/

2. No, you can apply for DL before getting your PR card. You can show your passport and COPR in original. Though, you will only be issued a paper DL and when you get your PR card just go to ICBC and ask them for a permanent DL.

3. Yes, you are eligible for MSP without PR card. Combining BC Services Card with DL is an option. You can opt in/ opt out of combining them.

4. Yes, ofcourse.

Thank you so much for the info!

When I land, I plan to rent a temporary place via Airbnb for a month while using this month to look for something permanent (1 year lease). With just the COPR, passport and SIN in the first month, do you think it's enough for the landlord? Or, should I plan for a 3 month stay via Airbnb instead? Is that enough?

 

[Tri-Cities]

Hard to tell.

I would think you're good to go with two month (vacation rental).

Landlords usually want references, they want to know what kinda job you're doing, how many persons want to move into the place and they might ask for a credit check. There are lots of places you can rent, take your time and look at a few different rentals. Most of the time you'll have to sign a one-year lease, so it's good if you find something you really like.

I find renting extremely difficult. So take your time.

I was never asked for my COPR or SIN (keep the SIN to yourself, exception: job, bank) by a Landlord. More important are references.

Good luck!

 

[keypad]

It depends on the landlord. If you have any references/ friends/ relatives, you can get accommodation without giving any proof or anything and even before landing. Again, it depends person to person.

Thank you so much for the info!

When I land, I plan to rent a temporary place via Airbnb for a month while using this month to look for something permanent (1 year lease). With just the COPR, passport and SIN in the first month, do you think it's enough for the landlord? Or, should I plan for a 3 month stay via Airbnb instead? Is that enough?

 

[Tri-Cities]

Just in case:

You can apply for the two-in-one DL / MSP card but you don't have to!

When applying for the DL you'll get a paper DL and usually it takes about 10 days to get the DL card. ICBC is pretty fast - I find.

You can apply for MSP right away! They will work on your application right away, and you'll get your first bill shortly before the waiting period is up.

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol

There you'll find the application pdf for enrolment!

Happy landing

 

[wyho007]

Just in case:

You can apply for the two-in-one DL / MSP card but you don't have to!

When applying for the DL you'll get a paper DL and usually it takes about 10 days to get the DL card. ICBC is pretty fast - I find.

You can apply for MSP right away! They will work on your application right away, and you'll get your first bill shortly before the waiting period is up.

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol

There you'll find the application pdf for enrolment!

Happy landing

Thank you! It will be months before I'll land. I'm a returning resident, my partner is the new immigrant.

We want to buy a car asap. How long do you think it takes? As a returning citizen, I would think I can get my DL reinstate immediately. I will need to rent a car at the beginning, of course, want to make this period as short as possible so as to save cost. Any advice?

 

[Tri-Cities]

Yes, you can get your DL right away. You'll get a yellow paper DL, and you can use it as a normal DL.

Buying a car is the tricky part. As usual it depends on what you're looking for and how much you want to spend, if you buy private or at a dealer. Start looking before coming back. Reason for that is you get a little pic of the market.

If I would have to buy a used car I would look up craigslist and start emailing the seller asking for a day / time for a test drive. Like, if you come back on a Friday email the seller on Wednesday asking for a weekend appointment.

Same thing with an apartment. Email the LL shortly before you're back and ask for a viewing / appointment.

Take care TC