Life in BC without a PR card

[wyho007]

Will be landing soon, what life is like without the PR card?

I know I can get a temporary DL without the PR card, can apply for library card, can open bank account, apply SIN (thus start work).

How about supermarket membership cards? Costco membership? What else?

 

[Andynd1uk]

Will be landing soon, what life is like without the PR card?

I know I can get a temporary DL without the PR card, can apply for library card, can open bank account, apply SIN (thus start work).

How about supermarket membership cards? Costco membership? What else?

Is your questions based on the fact that you have to wait a certain period before the PR card is issued to you? If so it doesn't matter as long as you have your COPR. My COPR was sufficient proof for SIN, Alberta Health Card, bank account etc. I received my PR Card around 8 weeks after landing and to be perfectly honest it's been gathering dust in my drawer. All you really need your PR Card for is for re-entering Canada and some employers may ask for it as proof of permanent residency but I've never had any issues thus far.

 

[NetMecca]

I arrived originally on a work permit (no PR) and only received my PR about 1 year later.

Pretty much for any services that you will need there are two things they will ask for. Photo ID and sometimes just and ID, and proof of residence. Where do you live essentially. (a copy of your rental contract or hydro bill with your name on will suffice) Generally they do not care what kind of photo id. The COPR will help further, but for most things even that will prove unnecessary (I did not have one when I landed just a work permit (visa) in my foreign passport.)

Even some loans are possible without, however a little more complicated.

If you can however, and are planning to stay in a hotel for any period of time, get a credit even if from your home country. A lot of hotels are not excited about offering services without a credit card on record. That is pretty much the only biggish challenge I experienced.

Good luck..

 

[foodie69]

Will be landing soon, what life is like without the PR card?

I know I can get a temporary DL without the PR card, can apply for library card, can open bank account, apply SIN (thus start work).

How about supermarket membership cards? Costco membership? What else?

You worry too much.. Your PR card has NOTHING to do with supermarkets or Costco. Do your landing and enjoy life here, lighten up.

 

[jazibkg]

As an ID document in BC, this works better, the BC Services Card:-

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bc-services-card

If you need a secondary photo ID, some people also obtain it - it is called BCID - although the BC Services Card is sufficient proof of BC Residency:-

http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/Pages/Apply-for-an-enhanced-licence-ID-or-BCID.aspx

The BC Driver's License & Services Card can be combined into a single ID card as well, which then becomes an all encompassing identity card:-

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bc-services-card/how-to-get-your-card/bc-driver-s-licence-services-card

I only carry my single ID, a combined BC Drivers License & Services Card on me. I leave the PR Card in a secured envelope inside my home and only take it with me when I'm taking a flight outside Canada or driving south of the border to USA - that is the only purpose of a PR Card although once you have it, it works as a primary ID as well.

My advice to obtain a combined BC Driver's License & Services Card on first attempt is to get a driver's license once you're registered with MSP and they send you the letter to enroll for a BC Services Card with ICBC to get your photo taken. Do these things together, and you'll get that card on first go.

Please note, you only need a BC Drivers after 90 days of arriving in BC and are able to drive using your drivers license from another country before 90 days period have expired after arrival into BC. However, after 90 days, you must obtain a BC Driver's License if you want to continue to drive.

 

[wyho007]

Thank you for all the inputs. I plan to stay at Airbnb for a month while looking for a rental. Just heard people say a photo ID (ie. BCID or BC driver's license) with address is needed on almost everything (e.g.sign up for memberships) to proof identity, so wondering how much inconvenience should I account for.

The one thing I know for sure is that COPR is not accepted as a valid identification document at BC drivers licensing office, thus only a temporary driver's license will be issued (not sure if it comes with a photo and address, which are essential).

I just want to make sure my life in Canada for the first 2 months can be as smooth as possible.

 

[foodie69]

The temp license in BC is just a yellow paper with your address and no picture. You can extend it several times until you get your plastic card license.

 

[wyho007]

The temp license in BC is just a yellow paper with your address and no picture. You can extend it several times until you get your plastic card license.

Good to know. Thank you!

 

[Andynd1uk]

Kinda sucks that the COPR doesn't qualify as identification for a licence. I hope everythng falls into place for you, good luck, dude.

 

[NetMecca]

Your passport is a good id, especially when combined with some other documents. Just a thought.

 

[wyho007]

How about setting up new services with Utilities, e.g. BC Hydro or Shaw cable? Work with just passport and COPR?

 

[steaky]

How about setting up new services with Utilities, e.g. BC Hydro or Shaw cable? Work with just passport and COPR?

You don't need your passport and COPR. Just phone and decline to check credit (because you have none).

 

[wyho007]

You don't need your passport and COPR. Just phone and decline to check credit (because you have none).

Don't know I can still be approved when I decline a credit check request...

 

[NetMecca]

Most of the organisations that you will need services from, will require you to put down a deposit (if you have no credit history). I was able to get hydro, phone even credit card with a deposit and no credit history. Just plan for the extra setup cost, and you should be fine getting accounts.

Good luck

 

[wyho007]

Most of the organisations that you will need services from, will require you to put down a deposit (if you have no credit history). I was able to get hydro, phone even credit card with a deposit and no credit history. Just plan for the extra setup cost, and you should be fine getting accounts.

Good luck

Thank you! Good to know.