Find the interactive checklist at movingtovancouver.ca/moving-to-vancouver-checklist
This Moving to BC Checklist covers everything—from visas to finding an apartment in Vancouver. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth move. This list was super helpful for my move, so sharing it with the world.
Before Moving to BC Checklist
Get everything ready for your visa application
IEC Visa Requirements
Apply for your visa
IEC Visa Canada: Get an IEC Visa for Canada | Working Holiday Visa Guide (2025)
Start saving
Cost of Living in Vancouver for 2025
Renew your passport (if necessary)
If you have pets, contact the airport and prepare for their travels
Bringing pets to Canada
Book your flight
Find a temporary stay in Vancouver
Temporary accommodation in VancouverTop 10 Best Vancouver Neighbourhoods
What to do 1 month before moving to BC
Get rid of things you don’t need
Pack
Cancel internet
Cancel accounts
Get extended medications for the first 3-6 months
Inform your landlord you are moving out in writing
Print off all your documents
Write + get recommendation letter from your landlord
What to 2 weeks before moving to BC
Get travel health insurance in case you need medical care in the first 3 months - 2 years
Health insurance for Visa (Required)
Start creating your “Tenant Resume”
Start search for apartment to arrange viewings
Rent an apartment in Vancouver (Updated for 2025)
Get a letter from your car insurance to get an ICBC (local car insurance) discount
Bring driver records from NDLS so you can get car sharing subscriptions
Buy the right power adapters
Power sockets and voltage in Canada
What to do on your 1st day in BC
Order a Lyft from the airport
Car Sharing and Ride-Hailing in Vancouver (2025)
Get SIN card
What is a SIN Card? How to Get a SIN Number in Vancouver (2025) - Full Guide
Register for MSP
MSP Canada: How to Apply & Check Eligibility for Canadian Healthcare in Vancouver 2025
Get phone plan
Phone plans & SIM cards in BC
Settling into life in BC after your arrival
Look for a job
Is it Easy to Get a Job in Vancouver?
Get SIN number
What is a SIN Card? How to Get a SIN Number in Vancouver (2025) - Full Guide
Set up bank account
Open a bank account
Visit apartments
Transfer money from your current bank, to your Canadian bank account
Transfer stocks/other
Change my brokerage
Find friends
How to Make Friends in Vancouver (2025) – 15 Ways to Meet People
Steps for after getting an apartment in BC
Get tenants insurance
Renters Insurance in Vancouver
Set up utilities in new apartment
BC Hydro (Electricity) in Vancouver
Purchase necessary furniture and appliances
Apartment furnishing checklist for living in Vancouver
Update address for all subscriptions and memberships
Set up internet services
Internet in Vancouver
Register at local municipality/city hall
Trade in your driver’s license
How to Get a BC Driver’s License (2025) - Exchange & New Applications
Buy some groceries
Where to Find Cheap Groceries in Vancouver (2025) - Price Comparison
3 months after moving to BC
(After you have MSP)
Find new Psychiatrist
Find a Psychiatrist in Vancouver – Urgent & Ongoing Mental Health Care (2025)
Find doctor
Find a Family Doctor or Walk-In Clinic in Vancouver