Official proof of residence
You will need this document everywhere before you get your first local documents, and it will make it much easier to get all the others.
Rental agreement
If you are staying with a guarantor, it is best to draw up a rental agreement. Don't be afraid of this step - the process is very simple, even if you are not paying rent and are staying with friends. It is recommended that you draw up a free-form agreement specifying a minimum rental period, for example 2-3 months, and a conditional payment of $100 per month. You can also specify that the landlord (your guarantor) may not accept payment under certain conditions, and provide for the possibility of extending or terminating the contract by agreement of both parties.
Basic requirements for the contract:
Sample contracts can be found on the website.
The great advantage of this type of agreement is that it officially begins your rental history, and your guarantors can confirm to future landlords that you are a reliable tenant who has always paid your rent.
Utility Bill
This bill is also accepted by all government agencies as proof of residency. It is suitable for people who are already renting but are unable to sign a lease. The bill must be in your name.
Mobile phone bill
Go to your operator's office, give them your address and ask them to send you a paper bill. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it may take some time to generate the bill and you may not receive it until next month.
Letters and packages from services such as Amazon are not proof of address. They may only be accepted at non-governmental institutions such as food banks, but often a simple verbal statement is sufficient.
Here are the priority documents that should be issued.
Rental agreement
If you are staying with a guarantor, it is best to draw up a rental agreement. Don't be afraid of this step - the process is very simple, even if you are not paying rent and are staying with friends. It is recommended that you draw up a free-form agreement specifying a minimum rental period, for example 2-3 months, and a conditional payment of $100 per month. You can also specify that the landlord (your guarantor) may not accept payment under certain conditions, and provide for the possibility of extending or terminating the contract by agreement of both parties.
Basic requirements for the contract:
- The contract must be printed on a printer, not handwritten.
- It must include the address of the residence.
- Be sure to include the landlord's name and contact information, as well as information about you and any family members living with you.
- The lease must have an expiration date and must not have expired.
Sample contracts can be found on the website.
The great advantage of this type of agreement is that it officially begins your rental history, and your guarantors can confirm to future landlords that you are a reliable tenant who has always paid your rent.
Utility Bill
This bill is also accepted by all government agencies as proof of residency. It is suitable for people who are already renting but are unable to sign a lease. The bill must be in your name.
Mobile phone bill
Go to your operator's office, give them your address and ask them to send you a paper bill. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it may take some time to generate the bill and you may not receive it until next month.
Letters and packages from services such as Amazon are not proof of address. They may only be accepted at non-governmental institutions such as food banks, but often a simple verbal statement is sufficient.
Here are the priority documents that should be issued.