Life can feel hectic after moving to a new province. Whether you’re unpacking your own boxes or having your movers do it for you, make sure to set aside some time for the steps that will make the move official.
Use this moving-to-a-new-province checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. We’ll guide you through the essentials of establishing your residency and plugging in to your new community.
One of your first steps after moving into a new home should be to apply for a new provincial health card. Each province or territory manages its own health insurance plan, and some have a wait period of up to 3 months, so apply as soon as you arrive. You can access the health care administration for each province here.
Most provinces allow 30–90 days to update your driver’s licence after moving. Each province sets its own rules, so be sure to check your new province’s deadline. At the same time, update your address with your auto insurance provider.
Government systems don’t share information, so you’ll need to update your address with each department or agency separately. You can find a full list of agencies and instructions here. Some essentials include:
Residency rules vary by province. While many provinces offer 60–90-day windows to update your information, don’t wait until month two or three to start. Start the process within the first 30 days to avoid delays.
Province | Driver’s Licence | Vehicle Registration | Health Care |
Ontario | Must be exchanged within 60 days. | Must be registered within 30 days. | OHIP: 3-month waiting period for coverage. |
British Columbia | Must be exchanged within 90 days. | Must be registered and insured with ICBC within 30 days. | MSP: 3-month waiting period for coverage. |
Alberta | Must be exchanged within 90 days. | Must be registered within 90 days. | AHCIP: No waiting period for coverage. |
Quebec | Must be exchanged within 6 months. | Must be registered within 90 days. | RAMQ: 3-month waiting period for coverage |
Nova Scotia | Must be exchanged within 90 days. | Must be registered within 90 days. | MSI: No waiting period for coverage. |
Manitoba | Must be exchanged within 30 days. | Must be registered within 90 days. | Manitoba Health: 3-month waiting period for coverage. |
Saskatchewan | Must be exchanged within 90 days. | Must be registered within 90 days. | Saskatchewan Health: 3-month waiting period for coverage. |
For other provinces or territories, check local government sources for up-to-date information to complete your moving-to-a-new-city checklist.
Wondering what to update when moving to a new address? Here’s your checklist!
First, make sure your new home is set up with hydro, gas, water, and internet services. You may also need to contact home security and waste collection agencies to start service. If possible, do this before moving in to avoid interruptions. At the same time, be sure to contact your previous utility providers and cancel service.
Next, update your address with your bank, credit cards, investment accounts, insurance providers, and employer. If you need mail forwarding, Canada Post offers 4- and 12-month services for a fee.
Finally, update any delivery subscriptions and online shopping addresses.
When moving to a new province, notify your previous insurer to cancel service. Next, register for a health card from your new provider. Most provinces require a 3-month waiting period (often counting the remainder of the month of your move) to register for health care. Once you’re registered, ask for local recommendations or follow your insurer’s programs to find a family doctor in your area.
Call your local school board during the first week after your move to register your children. They’ll inform you what proof of address, transcripts, custody documents, and immunization records they need.
Make a list of the addresses and phone numbers of the closest hospital, urgent care clinic, pharmacy, library, recreation centre, grocery store, vet, and mechanic in your area. If your community doesn’t provide garbage, recycling, and snow clearing services, you may need to set them up yourself.
Moving to a new province involves a lot of moving parts, but there’s no need for your move to feel hectic. Use this checklist to keep your first few weeks organized:
Planning a relocation? Start your “moving to a new province” checklist right by contacting Allied Van Lines. As Canada’s trusted long-distance movers since 1928, we offer top-rated household moving support for households throughout the country. Explore our moving services and request a free quote today.
Your checklist for moving to a new address should include updating your information with CRA, Elections Canada, and other government agencies. Register for a new health card, exchange your driver’s licence, and register your vehicle. Within the first month, update your bank, insurance, employer records, and any subscriptions or shipping addresses.
Your first steps after moving into a new home should include activating utilities and unpacking essentials. Next, register for health coverage, check the local licence and vehicle registration deadlines, update your address, and register children for school or childcare.
Most provinces have a 3-month waiting period to receive your new health card, which often includes the remainder of the month in which you moved plus two full months.
Each province sets its own driver’s licence rules, but typically you need to exchange it within 30–90 days.
Yes. A checklist for moving to a new country will include immigration documents, work or study permits, switching banks and insurance, and full compliance with customs restrictions and any other legal requirements.
