My Landing experience

[vensak]

I think I put there permanent resident (not sure anymore). But the solution is simple. Do not fill in that one and just ask at the counter. good luck

 

[mahi2020]

Hi Vensak,

Rental companies do they ask for brokerage ?
OR
Do you know how much usually is the avg brokerage real estate agents charge ?

Thanks

 

[131Flamingos]

Here is a brief summary to what I have experienced so far:
1. Pre-landing preparation
- I took one preparation course of how to prepare your resume and such.
- I brushed my Linkedin (I do not have premium, so I do not know if and how many potential Canadian employers did check the site). Most importantly I have contacted my colleagues for positive review and I have connected more people on my Linkedin (so that it looks nice and professional)
- I have decided on the city to live in Ontario - I am their PNP (I did not take to obvious choice of Toronto or Ottawa, but I went for a bit smaller city, which is still a nice city).
- I have some research about my future home (size, a bit of history and most importantly some organisations that are helping new immigrants). I went even so far as to contact some of them in advance and to ask for the first meeting
- I have signed up for the Meetup groups (if you have some hobbies or common interest then you go for such groups)
- I have booked first days at Airbnb.
- I have prepared most of the standard documents (except of the good to carry and goods to follow for customs). Seeing the oversea import costs I had no sense what so ever to bring some furniture and such stuff. And for the goods with you, they can help you on the airport so I did not bother either.

2. Landing
First plane to Amsterdam was late, but I planned gap which was big enough, so we could manage to change in time.
I have arrived around 4 pm to Toronto. There was huge queue on first passport check. It took like 90 minutes just to pass that one.
On the first counter, we showed our passports and stated the reason to come. The officer filled some details in the landing cards and then he sent us to the next queue.
Next one was much shorter (only app. 15 mins). We got just very few standard questions, and then were asked to sign our COPRs.
After that was the service Ontario counter, where we got some booklet and also our SIN numbers.
And only then we went to pick up our luggage (which was waiting a good bit there) and then direction customs clearance. Apparently they had busy day, so when they saw just 1 big suitcase per person they did not ask for any declaration paperwork.

So whole that fun part took us 3 hours in total (or almost). Then we went to the bus ticket counter and bought tickets to the final destination and the last part was to get a cab (with the help of the bus driver).
The whole fun ended for us at app. 10 pm (in the hosting family)

3. First steps
Next day we have visited the cultural center for newcomers (these organisation can have different names in different places, so the best is to check some websites and to be prepared), We got appointment for next week (it was Friday that day) and we did first shopping and stuff.

4. Long term accommodation
This was the trickiest part of all. We needed it very fast, but they were always asking for job and salary proof. At the end in one of those rental companies somebody helped us, so that the application was approved against our savings. So this was done within a week.

5. Job hunting.
We went to our first appointment with the cultural center and they have forwarded us to the next organisation for job hunting workshop. It was all starting from resume, then following presentation and interview and also how to follow up. And by that time I we started to send out resumes for job positions. We also went to another organisation for more appointments and help

6. Lucky hit at job
This week I was lucky and there was one urgent opening in my field of specialisation, They needed somebody fast and with lot of experience. That was the reason why I was contacted. They called and I went for the interview the next day. And the day after I got the job.

So far I am doing really well here.
Best luck to everybody and I hope this helps a little bit.

Wow,

This info is really helpful. Thank you for sharing. I am still in the baby baby stages of my application but like to read ahead. All the best to you and your family.

 

[vensak]

Hi Vensak,

Rental companies do they ask for brokerage ?
OR
Do you know how much usually is the avg brokerage real estate agents charge ?

Thanks

Where I will be renting, they do own whole property and then rent it out as a company together with services. What is requested is 1 month down payment and that is all. After that payment at the beginning of the month.

 

[mahi2020]

Where I will be renting, they do own whole property and then rent it out as a company together with services. What is requested is 1 month down payment and that is all. After that payment at the beginning of the month.

Thank you Vensak.

When you said your lease was approved against ur savings.

Did you show savings in CAD ?? like demand draft or travellers cheque ?
Or
Did you show ur home country bank stmt/term deposit ?

 

[vensak]

Thank you Vensak.

When you said your lease was approved against ur savings.

Did you show savings in CAD ?? like demand draft or travellers cheque ?
Or
Did you show ur home country bank stmt/term deposit ?

I had enough cash with me (that was in CAD). They did not ask about proof of funds. But in case just take latest bank statement in your currency (If it was accepted before why not now. And have idea about current exchange rate).
When it comes to cash under 10k per person, they might ask if it is split (like not one person is carrying all the money while others have none). I also do not know if same rule applies for minors (children).

 

[pinkie29]

Hi Vensak,

I planned to carry a demand draft of around 10k CAD and 2500 cad as cash at the time of landing. Will there be any problem for that

 

[vensak]

Hi Vensak,

I planned to carry a demand draft of around 10k CAD and 2500 cad as cash at the time of landing. Will there be any problem for that

technically no, just be aware that you might have to declare it that is all. so leave that part of your landing card opened and ask the first officer (the one who will be checking your passport. good luck

 

[rmwahab]

Congratulations Vensak.

I am traveling on 14 July so can any one help me with final checklist about the things I will take.

1- Passports
2- COPR
3- Proof Of Funds (last 6 months bank statements)
4- B4E form (accompanying goods) (two copies)
5- B4E Form (list of items that are arriving later) (two copies)

I have the following questions:
1- Do I still need to fill form IMM5444E (APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD)?
2- If I will hold the amount above 10,000 CAD, does this amount subject to taxation?

Thank you all in advance.

Regards,

Ramy

 

[vensak]

Congratulations Vensak.

I am traveling on 14 July so can any one help me with final checklist about the things I will take.

1- Passports
2- COPR
3- Proof Of Funds (last 6 months bank statements)
4- B4E form (accompanying goods) (two copies)
5- B4E Form (list of items that are arriving later) (two copies)

I have the following questions:
1- Do I still need to fill form IMM5444E (APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD)?
2- If I will hold the amount above 10,000 CAD, does this amount subject to taxation?

Thank you all in advance.

Regards,

Ramy

1. You do not have to fill it by landing, you can fill it later on (if you do not know your final address for example)
2. So far I know no, all you need is to declare it.
good luck

 

[Vivian_CND]

Many thanks Vensak for your helpful experience and your kindness to share with us.

As I know so far, we must declare all items we bring when crossing the border. I am filling this form: BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf186-eng.html
Did you do the same? If yes, please answer my few questions:

1/ Do they open our luggages to verify what we declare?
2/ Do we need to declare tiny details? (for example: do we declare only "cosmetic products", "electronic gagets" or do we need to list exactly "cream, shampooing...", "laptop, camera, hair dryer..." I cannot remember the price and serial number of all of them.
3/ This form doesn't have enough lines to declare all my items, do I have to print a full list in word?

 

[rmwahab]

Many thanks Vensak for your helpful experience and your kindness to share with us.

As I know so far, we must declare all items we bring when crossing the border. I am filling this form: BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf186-eng.html
Did you do the same? If yes, please answer my few questions:

1/ Do they open our luggages to verify what we declare?
2/ Do we need to declare tiny details? (for example: do we declare only "cosmetic products", "electronic gagets" or do we need to list exactly "cream, shampooing...", "laptop, camera, hair dryer..." I cannot remember the price and serial number of all of them.
3/ This form doesn't have enough lines to declare all my items, do I have to print a full list in word?

I did my landing just yesterday , to answer your questions:

1- No they do not open your luggages although we declared that we have food items
2- not needed
3- I mentioned the items categories and write (for details please see attached Excel sheet)

Hope this will help

 

[shazfa]

Where is the attached sheet ?

I did my landing just yesterday , to answer your questions:

1- No they do not open your luggages although we declared that we have food items
2- not needed
3- I mentioned the items categories and write (for details please see attached Excel sheet)

Hope this will help

 

[rmwahab]

Where is the attached sheet ?

It was attached to the form, just a normal Excel sheet stating the details, Serial numbers for electronics and the value in Canadian dollars

Regards,

 

[Vivian_CND]

Thank Rmwahab a lot. I'm glad that you landed safe and sound. Wish you good luck for the new Canadian adventure ahead.