This may sound like a dumb question, but...

[pegasusyt]

My (Canadian) boyfriend and I are considering applying for my residency as common law partners, and we understand this involves giving a lot of proof that you have a genuine relationship. Now, we have plenty of proof of our relationship - emails, chat logs, cards, gifts, plane ticket, photos, and we have a phone bill in both our names.

However as I'm only here on temporary resident (visitor) status, he's not allowed to put me on the lease for our apartment. (they require that you be a resident to be able to rent). Also, not sure if we can open a joint bank account - wouldn't they ask for proof that you are a resident in order to do so? We're going to the bank to find out this week.

I'm concerned that us not having the joint rental and joint bank accounts will be a problem?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ColorMePanda]

Check out RBC because that is what my partner and I are getting ready to do.
We checked out Scotiabank and BMO but neither would accept me because of needing proof of permanent residence.

THIS CAME FROM THE RBC SITE OF IDENIFICATION YOU NEED TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT

What Identification do You Need to Open an Account?

To open a Canadian dollar account with RBC Royal Bank, you must show two pieces of identification — one from List A and and second one from List A or List B.

List A

* Permanent Resident Card or Citizenship and Immigration Form IMM1000, IMM1442 or IMM5292
* Canadian or foreign passport
* Canadian or U.S. driver’s licence
* Canadian Social Insurance Number card
* Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization in the form of a paper document or card (but not a commemorative issue)
* Canadian or U.S. birth certificate
* Canadian Old Age Security card
* Provincial Health Insurance card for any province except Ontario, Manitoba or P.E.I.

List B

* Employee photo identity card
* Canadian credit card
* Canadian university or college photo student card
* Senior Citizen Privilege card
* Confirmation of identity by a client in good standing with RBC Financial Group or by an individual of good standing in the community where the bank is situated, in the opinion of RBC
* Introduction letter, with signature, from previous bank.

If you do not have any of the documents listed above, you may still be able to open an account. Please call 1-800-ROYAL 1-1 (1-800-769-2511) for assistance.

I also went to the RBC here and told them my situation, the misses then called the manager and reassured me that I should be able to open an account as long as I have a valid foreign driver's license and passport. And as long as my partner as two pieces of identification as well.

Hope this helped.

 

[pegasusyt]

Thanks! My boyfriend has an account with RCB, I have a foreign passport and I suppose my boyfriend could do the "Confirmation of identity by a client in good standing with RBC etc" ??

 

[ColorMePanda]

Yeah. Definitely sounds like you are set to go.

 

[fallenstar831]

We opened an account at CIBC for my husband and I... the clerk looked REALLY confused. But he had an international passport, that is enough ID, don't let them forget that...

 

[Baloo]

HSBC opened an account for a visitor, all they wanted was a copy of the passport (main page) and an address.
Did not even have to deposit a cent.

 

[pegasusyt]

thanks guys, this helps a lot.