Settling in Canada. Everything you need on day one.
Your first 30 days in British Columbia simplified with direct guides and step-by-step checks.
Service Canada — Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Apply on arrival to secure your tax ID. SIN is required before clinic billings can be processed.
- Apply at any Service Canada office
- Bring passport + work permit
- Issued same-day in person
BC Services Card & MSP enrolment
Enrolls you in BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP). Covers doctor visits and hospital treatments.
- Apply immediately on arrival
- 3-month statutory wait period
- Requires private interim coverage
ICBC — Driver's licence & car insurance
Swap your UK driver's licence for a BC Class 5 licence under reciprocity rules.
- Exchange within 90 days of arrival
- No road test or theory required
- Surrender original UK photocard
Banking — opening a Canadian account
Set up checking, savings, and credit cards with newcomer-specific packages.
- Open account with passport + work permit
- No local credit history required
- Secured/unsecured credit cards available
CRA — Canada Revenue Agency & tax
Register for Canadian taxes and apply for family benefits like Canada Child Benefit.
- File taxes annually (April deadline)
- Apply for Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Declare worldwide income details
Enrolling your children in school
Register with your local school district (e.g. Surrey or Langley districts) based on address.
- Register at school board office
- Tenancy agreement / home title required
- Excellent public & private choices
Housing — renting then buying
Start with temporary rental housing before committing to long-term tenancy or purchase.
- Rent initially for credit history
- Langley/Surrey rents: $3.5k–$5.5k
- Buy after 1-2 years of local history
Mobile phone & home internet
Acquire local SIM cards and configure home fiber internet with local providers.
- Prepaid / postpaid SIM cards
- Plans typically cost $40–$120/mo
- Fiber setup options available
Your 30 / 60 / 90 day checklist
Days 1 – 30: Landing & Core Setup
Secure your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada. Enrol for the BC Services Card/MSP and purchase private interim health insurance. Open bank accounts and register children for schools based on your initial tenancy.
Days 31 – 60: Mobility & Housing
Exchange your UK driver's licence at an ICBC office for a Class 5 licence. Purchase or lease a vehicle, register for auto insurance, and transition from temporary lodging into your permanent tenancy or purchased home.
Days 61 – 90+: Professional Transition
Transition from supervised practice to independent licensing. Set up your CRA tax account to manage personal taxes and family child benefits. Complete your medical billing registration.
Need someone to walk you through this in person?
Our operational team supports you through school district coordination, ICBC exchanges, and bank introductions.
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