Your first week in Vancouver: SIN, MSP and driver's licence

Source: Service Canada, SIN documents; B.C. government, how to apply for MSP; B.C. government, driving without a valid licence, checked 2026-10-17.

• How to apply: online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada office; there is no fee. In person, if everything is in order, you get your SIN during the visit. For temporary residents, online takes about 5 business days and mail about 20.
• Documents: permanent residents bring a PR card or a COPR issued within the last year; temporary residents bring a work or study permit that says you "may work" or "may accept employment". You also need one ID showing your full name and date of birth, such as a passport. In person or by mail, bring originals.
• Temporary residents: your SIN starts with 9 and expires on the same date as your work permit, study permit or visitor record.

Source: Service Canada, apply for a SIN; Service Canada, SIN for temporary residents; Service Canada, required documents, checked 2026-10-17.

• Who can apply: permanent residents; some holders of a work or study permit valid for six months or more may be deemed residents. You must be in B.C. at least six months in a calendar year.
• Wait period: the rest of the month you become a B.C. resident, plus two more months. For example, arriving on 2026-10-12 means coverage from 2027-01-01. Family members arriving on different dates each have their own wait period.
• When to apply: as soon as you arrive in B.C.; do not wait until the end of the wait period.
• During the wait: the B.C. government advises arranging health insurance before you arrive and keeping it until MSP starts. Most private insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy.
• BC Services Card: most adults 18 years and six months and older visit an ICBC driver licensing office for a photo; holders of temporary documents receive a non-photo card by mail from HIBC.

Source: B.C. government, MSP wait period; B.C. government, MSP eligibility; B.C. government, how to apply for MSP, checked 2026-10-17.

• Visitors: may drive in B.C. for up to 6 months on a valid foreign or out-of-province licence.
• New residents: may use a valid outside licence for 90 days after moving to B.C.; after 90 days it is not valid in B.C.
• The B.C. government advises applying for a B.C. licence as soon as you move.

Source: B.C. government, driving without a valid licence, checked 2026-10-17.

Your SIN is confidential. Those who need it are your employer (once you are hired, for tax reporting), financial institutions (to report interest and dividends) and government programs (tax returns and benefits). Do not use your SIN as identification. You do not have to give it for a rental application, a job application, a credit or mortgage application, or a phone or internet account; if asked, explain that it is not required and offer another ID.

Source: Service Canada, protecting your SIN, checked 2026-10-17.

How long can I drive in B.C. on my licence from China?

Visitors up to 6 months. If you move to B.C. on a work permit or as a permanent resident, it is valid for 90 days after you arrive; after that you need a B.C. licence.

I have not found a home yet. Should I wait before applying for MSP?

Apply as soon as you arrive in B.C. and do not wait for the end of the wait period; MSP is for people who make their home in B.C.

Source: B.C. government, driving without a valid licence; B.C. government, MSP wait period, checked 2026-10-17.

Work permit details are on the work permit page.