Providing proof of residence in Canada is an important requirement for many different transactions such as applying for a passport, a bank account or even employment. As well, if you are applying for permanent residence status in Canada or renewing your Permanent Resident (PR) card, you will be required to provide proof of Canadian residency.
Proof of residency means providing an official document or piece of identification that shows that you live in Canada. It is required for almost all transactions where your identity needs to be verified. If you need to apply for a government-issued ID such as a passport, open a bank account, apply for a loan, enter a legally binding contract agreement, or get a job, proof of residency is often a must-have.
Proof of residency ensures that any communication by mail will be sent to the correct address. In case of any legal concerns, the authorities will also have accurate information about where you live. When you are applying for permanent residence in Canada, proof of residency is required to show the Canadian Government that you live in Canada.
A lot of documents can qualify as proof of residency. Some organizations may require originals, while others need a certified true copy notarized by a Notary Public. Proof of residency documents require that both your full name and your full address are indicated. Documents also should be issued by a government organization or a recognized Canadian company such as a bank, credit card, or utility company. Valid government issued identification containing your name, photo and address may also be accepted. Some organizations may also require that these documents be at most three months old at the time of submission.
• Bank Statements
• Billing Statements
• CRA Certificate of Residence
• CRA Notice of Assessment
• Driver’s License
• Lease Agreement
• Letter of Employment
• Mortgage Statements
• Passport
• Property Tax Receipt
• Provincial identification card (with home address)
• School Report Cards
• T4 Slips
Take note that you must bring along the original hard copy of these documents when you have certified true copies made by a Notary Public. The document needs to be a hard copy original, not a printout or digital copy. If you do not have an original hard copy of a document such as a bank statement, you can get a hard copy by going into your bank branch and asking for a copy of your bank/mortgage statement signed and dated by the bank manager, or even stamped by the teller.
Proof of residency documents can help verify that you are a legal resident of Canada and that you are living at the exact location that you declare. Providing this proof can help you do business with banks, apply for loans, and immigrate to Canada.
