Moving to Vancouver

Everything on moving to BC! Get your visa, find a job, housing tips, healthcare, and everything else you need for relocating to BC.

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Moving to Vancouver Checklist

I’m sharing my Vancouver checklist that I made for myself, that includes everything from applying for your visa to meeting friends in Vancouver. →

Start your moving to Vancouver checklist →

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Cost of living in Vancouver

Vancouver is expensive. Make sure to save up for the high cost of living in Vancouver before you arrive. See our full breakdown. →

Learn more about cost of living in Vancouver →

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Best neighbourhoods in Vancouver

From the hip cafés and artistic culture of Mount Pleasant, to the beaches of Kitsilano, or the vibrant nightlife of Yaletown, find what suits your vibe. →

Learn about the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver →

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All about relocating to Vancouver

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Getting a Canadian visa

The IEC visa is the easiest option for younger adults. For PR you might consider Express Entry. Read our full guide. →

Learn more about how to get a Canadian Visa →

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Open a bank account

Banks like RBC, TD, and Scotiabank offer newcomer-friendly accounts. Bring ID, visa documents, and proof of address. →

Open a bank account in Vancouver →

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Getting Canadian healthcare

MSP is British Columbia's public health insurance program that covers medically required healthcare services. You can apply online through the BC Government website or at a Service BC office. →

Learn more about Healthcare in BC →

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Get a SIN number

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) allows you to work and access government services. You'll need it immediately. →

How to get a SIN number in Canada to work→

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Exchange your driver’s license

You can use your foreign license for up to 90 days, after which you must get a BC license. It is easy to exchange at ICBC. →

Get your BC Driver’s License →

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Find an apartment

You can find an apartment on Craigslist, Padmapper or Facebook. Use a “tenant resume” to get accepted. Try it out. →

Find an apartment in Vancouver →

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Moving to BC from another province

If you're moving to BC from another province in Canada, the process is easier than moving internationally, but there are still a few things to figure out that a re a bit different:

Finding a place to live: It’s hard to find an apartment so start your search early. You might have to wait to arrive here to see the spots, but can schedule them in advance. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and PadMapper are good places to check.
Changing your address: Update your address with Canada Post, your bank, employer, and any government services you use.
If you’re bringing a car: You’ll need to update your driver’s license and car registration.
Exchanging your license: You have 90 days to switch your driver’s license to a BC license. ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is the province’s only auto insurance provider, so expect higher rates than in some other provinces.
Healthcare: Apply for MSP as soon as you move. There’s usually a 3 month waiting period, so you’ll need to keep your previous provincial health coverage or get private insurance in the meantime
Moving van/trucks: Many people drive or rent a U-Haul to move across Canada.
Finding friends: Make sure to join groups, go to meetups, and get an in-person job if possible.

Pros and cons of moving to Vancouver

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Pros

I love Vancouver!
Vancouver is surrounded by mountains, forests, and the ocean, offering stunning views and easy access to outdoor activities.
Access to the outdoors like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, biking, kayaking, climbing, you name it.
Unlike Toronto or Montreal, Vancouver has mild, snow-free winters with comfortable temperatures.
Vancouver is culturally diverse and inclusive.
It’s very safe and clean. </aside>