Moving Between Provinces in Canada: A Complete Guide for Newcomers

Canada is a federation of provinces and territories, each with its own set of rules, programs, and government services. When you move from one province to another, you are essentially moving between jurisdictions, and many of the documents and registrations you hold in your current province will not automatically transfer to your new one. For newcomers who may have already gone through the challenging process of setting up their lives in one province, the prospect of doing it all over again can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down every major step you need to take when moving between provinces, so you can handle the transition with confidence.

Health Card Transfer: Switching Provincial Health Insurance

One of the most important steps when moving to a new province is transferring your health insurance. Each Canadian province and territory operates its own public health insurance plan. When you move, you need to cancel your coverage in your old province and register for coverage in your new province. In most cases, your old province's coverage will continue for a waiting period (usually up to three months) while your new province's coverage kicks in. However, this varies by province, and some provinces have eliminated the waiting period entirely.

How to Transfer Your Health Card

To register for health coverage in your new province, visit the provincial health ministry's website or a local Service Centre. You will typically need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, proof of residency in the new province (such as a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement), your current health card from your previous province, and valid photo identification. In Ontario, you register with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) through a ServiceOntario location. In British Columbia, you enrol in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) through the BC Ministry of Health. In Alberta, you register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). In Quebec, you apply for a new health card through the Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ).

The Waiting Period

Most provinces impose a waiting period of up to three months before new residents become eligible for provincial health coverage. During this time, you may still be covered by your previous province's plan, depending on the agreement between the two provinces. However, this is not always the case. British Columbia eliminated its MSP waiting period in 2020, providing coverage from your first day of residency. Ontario and Alberta still maintain a waiting period. It is critical to check the specific rules for both your departing and arriving provinces. For a comprehensive overview of healthcare in your new province, read our guide to healthcare in British Columbia or look for a healthcare guide for your specific province on our blog.

Driver's License Exchange

When you move to a new province, you must exchange your current provincial driver's license for one issued by your new province. Most provinces require you to do this within 60 to 90 days of establishing residency. The good news is that Canadian provinces have reciprocal agreements that allow you to exchange your license without retaking any tests, as long as your license is valid and in good standing.

How to Exchange Your License

Visit the driver licensing office in your new province (for example, ICBC in British Columbia, ServiceOntario in Ontario, or a registry agent in Alberta). Bring your current valid driver's license from your previous province, proof of identity (passport, permanent resident card, or citizenship card), proof of your new address, and payment for the licensing fee. Your driving record will typically be transferred to your new province, and you will receive a license equivalent to the class you held in your previous province. If you also have an international driver's license or a license from another country, the rules for exchange may differ. Check our guide to getting a driver's license in Canada for more details.

Vehicle Registration and Insurance

If you are bringing a vehicle to your new province, you will need to re-register it and obtain insurance in your new province. Vehicle insurance in Canada is handled differently in each province. Some provinces have government-run insurance programs (British Columbia through ICBC, Saskatchewan through SGI, Manitoba through MPI, and Quebec through SAAQ for injury coverage), while others use private insurance companies (Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador). You may also need to have your vehicle inspected to meet the safety standards of your new province. Contact your new province's motor vehicle office for specific requirements.

School Transfers for Children

If you have children, transferring them to a new school in your new province is a priority. Education in Canada is administered at the provincial level, so curricula, grading systems, and school structures may differ between provinces. To transfer your child, contact the school board in your new area to find out which school serves your neighbourhood. You will need to provide your child's previous school records, report cards, and proof of your new address. Most school boards have registration offices that can guide you through the process. If your child has special education needs or an Individual Education Plan (IEP), work with both the old and new school to ensure continuity of support. If your child was in French immersion or a specialized program, check availability in your new area early, as spots may be limited.

Provincial Differences in Education

Be aware that each province has its own curriculum, so your child may need to adjust to different course content, grading scales, and graduation requirements. For example, Ontario requires 30 credits for a high school diploma, while British Columbia requires 80 credits under a different credit system. Alberta has its own diploma exam system. If your child is in high school, it is especially important to meet with a guidance counsellor at the new school to map out how credits from the previous province will be recognized. For more on education for newcomer families, see our guide to the Canadian education system.

Updating Your Address with Government Agencies

When you move between provinces, you need to update your address with several federal and provincial agencies. The most important ones include the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Service Canada (for Employment Insurance, CPP, OAS, and your Social Insurance Number records), Elections Canada, your bank and financial institutions, your employer, and any federal benefits programs you are enrolled in. You can update your address with the CRA online through My Account or by calling 1-800-959-8281. For Service Canada programs, update your address through My Service Canada Account. You should also update your address with Canada Post and consider setting up mail forwarding to ensure you do not miss important correspondence during the transition.

Voter Registration in Your New Province

If you are a Canadian citizen, you have the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. When you move to a new province, you need to update your voter registration to reflect your new address. For federal elections, you can update your information with Elections Canada online, by mail, or at the polling station on election day. For provincial elections, you need to register with your new province's electoral agency. Your voter registration determines your electoral riding for both federal and provincial elections, so updating it ensures you can vote for the candidates in your new area.

Provincial Electoral Agencies

Each province has its own electoral agency responsible for provincial elections. In Ontario, it is Elections Ontario. In British Columbia, it is Elections BC. In Alberta, it is Elections Alberta. In Quebec, it is Elections Quebec. Visit the relevant website or call their office to update your registration. If you are a newcomer who recently became a Canadian citizen, congratulations, and make sure to register to vote as soon as possible. For a complete guide to voting, see our guide to voting in Canadian elections.

Banking and Financial Considerations

Moving between provinces generally does not require you to change banks, as Canada's major banks operate nationally. However, there are a few things to consider. If you use a credit union, your membership may not transfer to a new province, as credit unions are provincially regulated. You may need to join a new credit union in your new province. If you have a provincial savings or investment program, check whether it is transferable. Update your address with all financial institutions promptly to ensure statements, tax documents, and correspondence reach you at your new address. If you use online banking, you can usually update your address through the app or website.

Other Important Steps When Moving Between Provinces

Beyond the major items covered above, there are several other administrative tasks to complete when moving to a new province. Cancel or transfer your home insurance, renter's insurance, and any provincial utility accounts. If you have a professional license or certification (such as for nursing, engineering, teaching, or trades), check whether your credentials are recognized in your new province or whether you need to register with a new regulatory body. Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new area and find new healthcare providers, including a family doctor, dentist, and any specialists. Update your address with subscription services, loyalty programs, and any organizations you belong to.

Final Thoughts on Moving Between Provinces

Moving between provinces in Canada is a significant undertaking, but with proper planning and a systematic approach, you can ensure a smooth transition. Start by making a checklist of all the documents and registrations that need to be updated, and tackle them in order of priority. Health coverage and driver's license exchanges should be at the top of your list, followed by school transfers, address updates, and voter registration. Do not hesitate to seek help from settlement agencies, which can assist with many of these tasks. Give yourself time to adjust to your new province, its culture, and its systems. Every province in Canada has something unique to offer, and moving between them is an opportunity to experience more of what this country has to offer.

WelcomeAide is here to help you navigate every step of your move within Canada. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for instant, personalized guidance on provincial transfers and settlement steps. Explore our blog for more newcomer guides, learn about our mission, or discover how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.