Landing/Pre-landing queries - Pls help

[GargiS]

Hi all,

Firstly, my apology as this is going to be a long note and since I am pretty confused right now, so have too many queries on too many topics. So, pls excuse me for that. If you are aware that same/similar query/discussion is happening in some other thread, would be great if you can guide me to that thread/link.
Also, pls bear with me if you think some of the questions are ridiculous or very basic

I got my Visa in early Sep 2017 (Outland FSW) and I am planning to land in Toronto in end of April 2018. (Flying from India).

So here are the questions :

1) Proof of funds:

a. While submitting POF at the time of AOR, I had shown a combination of cash in bank + FDs etc - basically a combination of liquid and not so liquid assets like FD/PPF etc. There has been some movement in my balances ofcourse since then and will probably happen till I depart in April 18. Is it ok if this POF for landing is different than the one submitted earlier?

b. On POF for landing, what is the best way to carry money ? I need to carry around 16000 CAD. Carrying above 10,000 cash is anyways a problem with customs and more importantly I am really not comfortable carrying so much cash. So, then what is the best way to carry money ? Is there any minimum cash amount which one needs to carry? Can I carry 25-30% in cash and remaining can be in my home country in FD /PPF form and I can carry bank certificates for these balances in my India accounts? Travellers cheques - is it a good idea or encashing these is a problem in Canada? Any sharing of experiences will be helpful.

c. What is the best way to convert home currency to CAD? Before arriving in Canada or after?

d. Can I receive cash in my Canadian account (once i land and have one) from India in case I need that money if still unemployed after few months (Hope not!)? Or some tax/disclosure issue?

2) Other assets/money in home country: While I will carry the required amount of money when I land but there are certain assets which will still remain in my home country eg long term FDs, PF money, Jewellery, Property etc ....Read somewhere that if you don't bring along EVERYTHING when you land, these become taxable when later you bring them in to Canada. Is this true? Can anybody advise?

3) Banking :
a. Someone suggested deposit all the CAD 16000 that you need in Scotia bank branch in India (in Equivalent INR) and then once in Canada you can visit a local branch and transfer this money. Has anyone done this here? Is it a good idea and safe to transfer like that??
b. Can someone suggest which bank to open account in ? I read some good reviews of TD? Any special things to keep in mind while opening a bank account there?

4) School for kid: Any advise on how to go about finding a good school for kid...what to avoid and what to look for? which areas? what documents are needed from home country? Do they have any waiting period? If anyone can share their experience , that will be very helpful. My kid will be finishing 7th standard and starting 8th standard in Canada.

5) Regulated/Unregulated profession and Credential evaluation -

a. On all COPR and other documents received from CIC, they have mentioned that one must check whether one's profession is regulated or non-regulated by going on site www.credentials.gc.ca . Now, I have never been able to open this site till date, probably it has some technical issue. But what is the way to check my profession is regulated or non-regulated? Can someone pls suggest me appropriate links/websites.

b. As was needed under EE profile set up requirement, I got my credential evaluation done via WES long back. It is still valid. Some one said that to be able to apply to any job in Canada, you need to first get the credentials evaluation done and I must start the process of this from India before landing so that when I land I already have the evaluation report ready...Now, is this some different evaluation or I can use the previous evaluation done ( which is still valid for next few years) if needed by employers?

c. Do you need to carry transcripts of your degrees/certifcates when you land? Exactly where are these needed ? And if these are to be carried, then how many sets of these transcripts is a good idea?


6) Driving license : So, I got my driving license long back in my home country. However, really haven't driven much. I am aware getting a license in Canada is a time consuming process and a long wait. Can I get some document/permission from my home country which can be used to reduce the waiting time in Canada (If anyone from India can share their insight on this) ? Also, is there any thread/link/website where someone has explained or I can read Canadian DL process in detail?

7) Pre-arrival services - Has anyone used these? Any suggestions for the good ones?

8) Document checklist for landing - Is there any place I can find a document checklist for landing?


Any advise or insights on any of the above points will be very helpful.

Many thanks for your patience.

Regards,
G

 

[dipinderchadha]

Hi,

Hi all,

Firstly, my apology as this is going to be a long note and since I am pretty confused right now, so have too many queries on too many topics. So, pls excuse me for that. If you are aware that same/similar query/discussion is happening in some other thread, would be great if you can guide me to that thread/link.
Also, pls bear with me if you think some of the questions are ridiculous or very basic

I got my Visa in early Sep 2017 (Outland FSW) and I am planning to land in Toronto in end of April 2018. (Flying from India).

So here are the questions :

1) Proof of funds:

a. While submitting POF at the time of AOR, I had shown a combination of cash in bank + FDs etc - basically a combination of liquid and not so liquid assets like FD/PPF etc. There has been some movement in my balances ofcourse since then and will probably happen till I depart in April 18. Is it ok if this POF for landing is different than the one submitted earlier?

b. On POF for landing, what is the best way to carry money ? I need to carry around 16000 CAD. Carrying above 10,000 cash is anyways a problem with customs and more importantly I am really not comfortable carrying so much cash. So, then what is the best way to carry money ? Is there any minimum cash amount which one needs to carry? Can I carry 25-30% in cash and remaining can be in my home country in FD /PPF form and I can carry bank certificates for these balances in my India accounts? Travellers cheques - is it a good idea or encashing these is a problem in Canada? Any sharing of experiences will be helpful.

c. What is the best way to convert home currency to CAD? Before arriving in Canada or after?

d. Can I receive cash in my Canadian account (once i land and have one) from India in case I need that money if still unemployed after few months (Hope not!)? Or some tax/disclosure issue?

2) Other assets/money in home country: While I will carry the required amount of money when I land but there are certain assets which will still remain in my home country eg long term FDs, PF money, Jewellery, Property etc ....Read somewhere that if you don't bring along EVERYTHING when you land, these become taxable when later you bring them in to Canada. Is this true? Can anybody advise?

3) Banking :
a. Someone suggested deposit all the CAD 16000 that you need in Scotia bank branch in India (in Equivalent INR) and then once in Canada you can visit a local branch and transfer this money. Has anyone done this here? Is it a good idea and safe to transfer like that??
b. Can someone suggest which bank to open account in ? I read some good reviews of TD? Any special things to keep in mind while opening a bank account there?

4) School for kid: Any advise on how to go about finding a good school for kid...what to avoid and what to look for? which areas? what documents are needed from home country? Do they have any waiting period? If anyone can share their experience , that will be very helpful. My kid will be finishing 7th standard and starting 8th standard in Canada.

5) Regulated/Unregulated profession and Credential evaluation -

a. On all COPR and other documents received from CIC, they have mentioned that one must check whether one's profession is regulated or non-regulated by going on site www.credentials.gc.ca . Now, I have never been able to open this site till date, probably it has some technical issue. But what is the way to check my profession is regulated or non-regulated? Can someone pls suggest me appropriate links/websites.

b. As was needed under EE profile set up requirement, I got my credential evaluation done via WES long back. It is still valid. Some one said that to be able to apply to any job in Canada, you need to first get the credentials evaluation done and I must start the process of this from India before landing so that when I land I already have the evaluation report ready...Now, is this some different evaluation or I can use the previous evaluation done ( which is still valid for next few years) if needed by employers?

c. Do you need to carry transcripts of your degrees/certifcates when you land? Exactly where are these needed ? And if these are to be carried, then how many sets of these transcripts is a good idea?


6) Driving license : So, I got my driving license long back in my home country. However, really haven't driven much. I am aware getting a license in Canada is a time consuming process and a long wait. Can I get some document/permission from my home country which can be used to reduce the waiting time in Canada (If anyone from India can share their insight on this) ? Also, is there any thread/link/website where someone has explained or I can read Canadian DL process in detail?

7) Pre-arrival services - Has anyone used these? Any suggestions for the good ones?

8) Document checklist for landing - Is there any place I can find a document checklist for landing?


Any advise or insights on any of the above points will be very helpful.

Many thanks for your patience.

Regards,
G

Please find below my reply:

1. Proof of funds can change over due course. carry the proof of funds letter which you had submitted in EE along with you. This will serve your purpose. Best way to carry money depends on your comfort. Any currenccy above CAD 10000 please disclose it in your landing card. Better carry it in the form of cash and Forex card. Best way to convert currency is in India. you get a better deal and hassle is less once you travel there. carrying CAD is easier than carrying INR. You can receive the amount in your Canadian account after you land. Better carry proof of fund letter while leaving so that there is no problem in proving where the funds came from and in the 1st year this is exempted.

2. Yes everything that you plan to bring with you when you travel or in future needs to be listed and 2 copies of this list have to be taken with you. purpose of this is to wave of import duty while you get these items shipped. Be it crockery or clothes mention in a list and put approx value. you do not need to mention each garment but mention garments of value Rs. 20,000 Shoes of value Rs. 30000 etc. etc. In case of appliances and electronics mention each item separately with their makers name and model number. For jewellery go to a jeweller and get the evaluation done and tkae it from him in writing for each piece of ornament along with photograph of each ornament. Anything you miss to mention in this list might have you pay import duty on it when you import it later if duty is applicable on that product.

3. TD is a good bank. You can also deposit money in ICICI bank and go there to one of their branch and get your self verified to use the account. Better would be to go there and open an account depending on area where you live and which branch is closer to your place and what types of banking transaction charges are applicable.

4. No idea on this.

5. Carry you WES evaluation and transcript with you. Also carry all marksheets and certificates with certified copies of each document.

6. Yes this is a long process. To avoid a step and get G1 license you need to take an endorsement of your driving license from your RTO on their letter head with their signature and date. once in canada show this letter to them and its upto them to decide if they give you G1 license directly or you have to go through the normal process of G2 then G1 then full G license.

7. Yes very helpful. Check CIC website for the same. india2canada is good option.

8. You need your passport, COPR, proof of funds letter, local address, list of items.

 

[emamabd]

4) School for kid: Any advise on how to go about finding a good school for kid...what to avoid and what to look for? which areas? what documents are needed from home country? Do they have any waiting period? If anyone can share their experience , that will be very helpful. My kid will be finishing 7th standard and starting 8th standard in Canada.

Fraser institute ranks public schools across Canada, you can search for specific schools, view rankings as a list/or in a map format

https://www.fraserinstitute.org/school-performance
http://ontario.compareschoolrankings.org/elementary/SchoolsByAreaMap.aspx
http://ontario.compareschoolrankings.org/secondary/SchoolsByRankLocationName.aspx

Keep in mind that excellent public schooling drives property prices/rental prices up, however its a great investment - in your kids - if you can afford it.

When choosing residence, my recommendation is to avoid living in areas that are within close proximity to public housing/community housing ..no offence here.

 

[alok4best]

Hi all,

Firstly, my apology as this is going to be a long note and since I am pretty confused right now, so have too many queries on too many topics. So, pls excuse me for that. If you are aware that same/similar query/discussion is happening in some other thread, would be great if you can guide me to that thread/link.
Also, pls bear with me if you think some of the questions are ridiculous or very basic

I got my Visa in early Sep 2017 (Outland FSW) and I am planning to land in Toronto in end of April 2018. (Flying from India).

So here are the questions :

1) Proof of funds:

a. While submitting POF at the time of AOR, I had shown a combination of cash in bank + FDs etc - basically a combination of liquid and not so liquid assets like FD/PPF etc. There has been some movement in my balances ofcourse since then and will probably happen till I depart in April 18. Is it ok if this POF for landing is different than the one submitted earlier?

b. On POF for landing, what is the best way to carry money ? I need to carry around 16000 CAD. Carrying above 10,000 cash is anyways a problem with customs and more importantly I am really not comfortable carrying so much cash. So, then what is the best way to carry money ? Is there any minimum cash amount which one needs to carry? Can I carry 25-30% in cash and remaining can be in my home country in FD /PPF form and I can carry bank certificates for these balances in my India accounts? Travellers cheques - is it a good idea or encashing these is a problem in Canada? Any sharing of experiences will be helpful.

c. What is the best way to convert home currency to CAD? Before arriving in Canada or after?

d. Can I receive cash in my Canadian account (once i land and have one) from India in case I need that money if still unemployed after few months (Hope not!)? Or some tax/disclosure issue?

2) Other assets/money in home country: While I will carry the required amount of money when I land but there are certain assets which will still remain in my home country eg long term FDs, PF money, Jewellery, Property etc ....Read somewhere that if you don't bring along EVERYTHING when you land, these become taxable when later you bring them in to Canada. Is this true? Can anybody advise?

3) Banking :
a. Someone suggested deposit all the CAD 16000 that you need in Scotia bank branch in India (in Equivalent INR) and then once in Canada you can visit a local branch and transfer this money. Has anyone done this here? Is it a good idea and safe to transfer like that??
b. Can someone suggest which bank to open account in ? I read some good reviews of TD? Any special things to keep in mind while opening a bank account there?

4) School for kid: Any advise on how to go about finding a good school for kid...what to avoid and what to look for? which areas? what documents are needed from home country? Do they have any waiting period? If anyone can share their experience , that will be very helpful. My kid will be finishing 7th standard and starting 8th standard in Canada.

5) Regulated/Unregulated profession and Credential evaluation -

a. On all COPR and other documents received from CIC, they have mentioned that one must check whether one's profession is regulated or non-regulated by going on site www.credentials.gc.ca . Now, I have never been able to open this site till date, probably it has some technical issue. But what is the way to check my profession is regulated or non-regulated? Can someone pls suggest me appropriate links/websites.

b. As was needed under EE profile set up requirement, I got my credential evaluation done via WES long back. It is still valid. Some one said that to be able to apply to any job in Canada, you need to first get the credentials evaluation done and I must start the process of this from India before landing so that when I land I already have the evaluation report ready...Now, is this some different evaluation or I can use the previous evaluation done ( which is still valid for next few years) if needed by employers?

c. Do you need to carry transcripts of your degrees/certifcates when you land? Exactly where are these needed ? And if these are to be carried, then how many sets of these transcripts is a good idea?


6) Driving license : So, I got my driving license long back in my home country. However, really haven't driven much. I am aware getting a license in Canada is a time consuming process and a long wait. Can I get some document/permission from my home country which can be used to reduce the waiting time in Canada (If anyone from India can share their insight on this) ? Also, is there any thread/link/website where someone has explained or I can read Canadian DL process in detail?

7) Pre-arrival services - Has anyone used these? Any suggestions for the good ones?

8) Document checklist for landing - Is there any place I can find a document checklist for landing?


Any advise or insights on any of the above points will be very helpful.

Many thanks for your patience.

Regards,
G

All good replies so far. I will add my 2 cents:
1. Proof of funds:
You can do what you are comfortable with.
>You can either open an account at ICICI which has branches in Canada. Or you can open an account in Scotiabank, who have tie ups with Kotak Mahindra in India.
> You could alternatively get travelers cheques and encash them to your account here.
> Or you could do what I did 2 years back. I did not carry any cash or cheque, neither opened an account from India. I simply got a certified letter from my Indian bank saying how much money I had in my account and used that letter as POF. I then withdrew money as and when required using my debit card from India.
2. Assets back home:
Anything that you are not bringing now, but expect or plan to bring in future, like Jewelry etc can be declared as goods to follow. You can bring them over on your next trip, no tax implications.
3. Banking:
I have already covered a portion of this question under point 1. Honestly, all major banks are at par. You can come here, and then see which has best offer running for new Canadians. Banks also sometimes give freebies like iPads, TVs etc for new customers, so keep an eye on which bank has good promotions running. lol. Most major banks will give you an unlimited account for first 6 months, where you get all facilities, but do not have to maintain balance. After 6 months you can decide what sort of account you want to use.
4. Schools for Kid:
As posters above have mentioned, public schools are ranked by Fraser institute which you can use as a reference material. However, the best and the worst schools do not vary by much. They all have essentially same curriculum and teaching standards. It is just that most bright students get into better ranked schools, which in turn drives the ranking even higher.
5. Regulated profession:
Now this totally depends on what you do for a living. Professions like Doctors, Nurses, , Teachers are regulated. However, fields like IT, banking etc are not. It is a good idea to carry your degree certificates and transcripts, also any industry specific certifications that you might have. WES evaluation is pretty much useless for job hunt. It is only useful for immigration or if you wish to pursue higher studies.
6. Driving license:
You need to get an extract from the concerned RTO, which explains your driving experience in India. MTO here would evaluate that extract and then give you credit for foreign experience. This might help you avoid the wait between G1 and G2 which is usually 1 year.
All provinces have their own licensing mechanism, but since you are coming to Toronto, MTO is relevant to you. This is how the process goes:
i. You give a written test, and get a G1 license if you pass. This is kinda similar to learner's license in India. However, unlike India, you cannot drive on your own with a G1 license. You can only drive if you have either an accompanying driving instructor, or another driver who have had their full G license for at least 4 years. So as you can guess, G1 is pretty much useless for everyday driving. It is basically there for you to learn driving.
ii. Once you have waited for the required duration post G1, you give a road test which allows you to get a G2. This is practically a full license which allows you to drive independently.
iii. You again wait for a year after G2, and then you can give a road test for G license, which is a full license. The most practical difference between G2 and G is that G allows you to have some alcohol in your system. And you could also drive for services like Uber.
7. Pre arrival services:
How useful it is depends on how much effort you are willing to put. They do not add much value if you already know the process and are confident doing things on your own.
8. Document/ things to carry checklist:
Suggested items:
COPR and Passport.
Accompanying goods and goods to follow (I recall this is form B4)
Proof of funds (Bank statements/letter/cash/travelers etc)
An address in Canada(no proof required, you just need to tell them an address where PR cards could be sent).
Degree certificates, transcripts, certifications etc.
Mobile SIM with international roaming. Get a 10 day roaming package or something from your provider with some data. You would be using Google maps etc a lot in first few days.

 

[GargiS]

Fraser institute ranks public schools across Canada, you can search for specific schools, view rankings as a list/or in a map format

https://www.fraserinstitute.org/school-performance
http://ontario.compareschoolrankings.org/elementary/SchoolsByAreaMap.aspx
http://ontario.compareschoolrankings.org/secondary/SchoolsByRankLocationName.aspx

Keep in mind that excellent public schooling drives property prices/rental prices up, however its a great investment - in your kids - if you can afford it.

When choosing residence, my recommendation is to avoid living in areas that are within close proximity to public housing/community housing ..no offence here.

Many thanks for sharing the links. So basically from these list of schools , depending on where one is staying ( cost is not a comparison factor here I guess since I am assuming there is no cost involved in the public ones - supposedly free of cost ) current one , one needs to look for the schools that one want's to apply for and start applying - Looks like a task in itself. Difficult to decide before landing as I don't know my place of residence yet - you prefer the school to be close to the residence.

Do these schools reject one's application as well ? On what criteria? Any idea ?

 

[GargiS]

Hi,



Please find below my reply:

1. Proof of funds can change over due course. carry the proof of funds letter which you had submitted in EE along with you. This will serve your purpose. Best way to carry money depends on your comfort. Any currenccy above CAD 10000 please disclose it in your landing card. Better carry it in the form of cash and Forex card. Best way to convert currency is in India. you get a better deal and hassle is less once you travel there. carrying CAD is easier than carrying INR. You can receive the amount in your Canadian account after you land. Better carry proof of fund letter while leaving so that there is no problem in proving where the funds came from and in the 1st year this is exempted.

2. Yes everything that you plan to bring with you when you travel or in future needs to be listed and 2 copies of this list have to be taken with you. purpose of this is to wave of import duty while you get these items shipped. Be it crockery or clothes mention in a list and put approx value. you do not need to mention each garment but mention garments of value Rs. 20,000 Shoes of value Rs. 30000 etc. etc. In case of appliances and electronics mention each item separately with their makers name and model number. For jewellery go to a jeweller and get the evaluation done and tkae it from him in writing for each piece of ornament along with photograph of each ornament. Anything you miss to mention in this list might have you pay import duty on it when you import it later if duty is applicable on that product.

3. TD is a good bank. You can also deposit money in ICICI bank and go there to one of their branch and get your self verified to use the account. Better would be to go there and open an account depending on area where you live and which branch is closer to your place and what types of banking transaction charges are applicable.

4. No idea on this.

5. Carry you WES evaluation and transcript with you. Also carry all marksheets and certificates with certified copies of each document.

6. Yes this is a long process. To avoid a step and get G1 license you need to take an endorsement of your driving license from your RTO on their letter head with their signature and date. once in canada show this letter to them and its upto them to decide if they give you G1 license directly or you have to go through the normal process of G2 then G1 then full G license.

7. Yes very helpful. Check CIC website for the same. india2canada is good option.

8. You need your passport, COPR, proof of funds letter, local address, list of items.

Thanks for your reply @dipinderchadha.

1) POF : I get an idea. Thanks. Will carry some CAD and rest can carry as statement of funds in India. Will card money also be counted under that USD 10,000 limit of customs ? I guess its only for cash right ?

2) Goods accompanying and goods to carry - Is there any particular form/format for this ( eg from CIC) ?? or I can just make a list with description of item and current value? Also, any idea from where to check if any import duties on jewellary if not declared at the time of landing?

3) Banking : TD is TD Canada Trust or Bank ?? Google opens both. On ICICI - they dont have a branch in Toronto. I can just online transfer my INR in India in ICICI to the canadian account ( of some other bank) when I open that in Canada in CAD. I guess it gets converted on that day;s exchange rate from INR to CAD.

4) DL: What kind of endorsement is needed from my local RTO? Does it have a particular name / format?

5) Pre-arrival : I registered in few of these. But not sure which one is india2canada. Could you pls be so kind to send me the link. Thanks.

 

[GargiS]

All good replies so far. I will add my 2 cents:
1. Proof of funds:
You can do what you are comfortable with.
>You can either open an account at ICICI which has branches in Canada. Or you can open an account in Scotiabank, who have tie ups with Kotak Mahindra in India.
> You could alternatively get travelers cheques and encash them to your account here.
> Or you could do what I did 2 years back. I did not carry any cash or cheque, neither opened an account from India. I simply got a certified letter from my Indian bank saying how much money I had in my account and used that letter as POF. I then withdrew money as and when required using my debit card from India.
2. Assets back home:
Anything that you are not bringing now, but expect or plan to bring in future, like Jewelry etc can be declared as goods to follow. You can bring them over on your next trip, no tax implications.
3. Banking:
I have already covered a portion of this question under point 1. Honestly, all major banks are at par. You can come here, and then see which has best offer running for new Canadians. Banks also sometimes give freebies like iPads, TVs etc for new customers, so keep an eye on which bank has good promotions running. lol. Most major banks will give you an unlimited account for first 6 months, where you get all facilities, but do not have to maintain balance. After 6 months you can decide what sort of account you want to use.
4. Schools for Kid:
As posters above have mentioned, public schools are ranked by Fraser institute which you can use as a reference material. However, the best and the worst schools do not vary by much. They all have essentially same curriculum and teaching standards. It is just that most bright students get into better ranked schools, which in turn drives the ranking even higher.
5. Regulated profession:
Now this totally depends on what you do for a living. Professions like Doctors, Nurses, , Teachers are regulated. However, fields like IT, banking etc are not. It is a good idea to carry your degree certificates and transcripts, also any industry specific certifications that you might have. WES evaluation is pretty much useless for job hunt. It is only useful for immigration or if you wish to pursue higher studies.
6. Driving license:
You need to get an extract from the concerned RTO, which explains your driving experience in India. MTO here would evaluate that extract and then give you credit for foreign experience. This might help you avoid the wait between G1 and G2 which is usually 1 year.
All provinces have their own licensing mechanism, but since you are coming to Toronto, MTO is relevant to you. This is how the process goes:
i. You give a written test, and get a G1 license if you pass. This is kinda similar to learner's license in India. However, unlike India, you cannot drive on your own with a G1 license. You can only drive if you have either an accompanying driving instructor, or another driver who have had their full G license for at least 4 years. So as you can guess, G1 is pretty much useless for everyday driving. It is basically there for you to learn driving.
ii. Once you have waited for the required duration post G1, you give a road test which allows you to get a G2. This is practically a full license which allows you to drive independently.
iii. You again wait for a year after G2, and then you can give a road test for G license, which is a full license. The most practical difference between G2 and G is that G allows you to have some alcohol in your system. And you could also drive for services like Uber.
7. Pre arrival services:
How useful it is depends on how much effort you are willing to put. They do not add much value if you already know the process and are confident doing things on your own.
8. Document/ things to carry checklist:
Suggested items:
COPR and Passport.
Accompanying goods and goods to follow (I recall this is form B4)
Proof of funds (Bank statements/letter/cash/travelers etc)
An address in Canada(no proof required, you just need to tell them an address where PR cards could be sent).
Degree certificates, transcripts, certifications etc.
Mobile SIM with international roaming. Get a 10 day roaming package or something from your provider with some data. You would be using Google maps etc a lot in first few days.

Many thanks @alok4best for your detailed reply.

Few points:

1) POF: ICICI doesnt have branches in Canada. I will check out the Scotia bank option. Will visit them here first. I liked your idea of what you did for POF 2 years back. Carrying a statement is best - no hassles. Just one thing , how did you withdraw from your INR account directly through debit card? Is it possible with different currencies and different banks ?

2) Goods to follow : I plan to bring some jewelry but not in my next trip or even after multiple trips. Its a headache for me to keep stuff over there with me still unsettled. They r just fine in India atleast for few years. Do I still need to declare in goods to follow? If I dont , what are the implications?

3) Schooling - Thanks. So I should start applying to them and contacting right away or is it too early and I should only do once i land in Canada in april end?

4) Regulated /Unregulated profession - Is there any website I can check and confirm this for myself?

5) D L : Thanks this is very useful. Will check will my local RTO what they can provide. Also, I am not sure if one can get International Driving license in India and if this is possible, then will it be of any use in Canada.

6) Any idea where to get this Form B4 from ?

 

[canuck78]

Once you have secured somewhere to rent/buy, you should contact the local school or school board to arrange school placement test and enrollment. School choice is based on location but there are some special programs that you have to apply for. They are usually in high school like for example a program focused on the arts. You should decide whether you would like your child to go to an English, a French immersion, English catholic school or French immersion catholic school. If you are settling in Quebec your child must go to a French school.

 

[steaky]

Many thanks for sharing the links. So basically from these list of schools , depending on where one is staying ( cost is not a comparison factor here I guess since I am assuming there is no cost involved in the public ones - supposedly free of cost ) current one , one needs to look for the schools that one want's to apply for and start applying - Looks like a task in itself. Difficult to decide before landing as I don't know my place of residence yet - you prefer the school to be close to the residence.

Do these schools reject one's application as well ? On what criteria? Any idea ?

Thanks for your reply @dipinderchadha.

1) POF : I get an idea. Thanks. Will carry some CAD and rest can carry as statement of funds in India. Will card money also be counted under that USD 10,000 limit of customs ? I guess its only for cash right ?

2) Goods accompanying and goods to carry - Is there any particular form/format for this ( eg from CIC) ?? or I can just make a list with description of item and current value? Also, any idea from where to check if any import duties on jewellary if not declared at the time of landing?

3) Banking : TD is TD Canada Trust or Bank ?? Google opens both. On ICICI - they dont have a branch in Toronto. I can just online transfer my INR in India in ICICI to the canadian account ( of some other bank) when I open that in Canada in CAD. I guess it gets converted on that day;s exchange rate from INR to CAD.

4) DL: What kind of endorsement is needed from my local RTO? Does it have a particular name / format?

5) Pre-arrival : I registered in few of these. But not sure which one is india2canada. Could you pls be so kind to send me the link. Thanks.

1) You are entering Canada! So if you are bringing USD 10,000, you must declare because the USD exchange rate is stronger than CAD. Any monetary instruments greater than CAD 10,000 must be declared.

 

[emamabd]

Many thanks for sharing the links. So basically from these list of schools , depending on where one is staying ( cost is not a comparison factor here I guess since I am assuming there is no cost involved in the public ones - supposedly free of cost ) current one , one needs to look for the schools that one want's to apply for and start applying - Looks like a task in itself. Difficult to decide before landing as I don't know my place of residence yet - you prefer the school to be close to the residence.

Do these schools reject one's application as well ? On what criteria? Any idea ?

If you like a specific school/schools you'd first need to find accommodation within the school's coverage area, once you secure the accommodation - you just take your rental agreement/contract with you to the school, fill the application forms and that's it. In addition to accommodation you need immunization records for the kids, birth certificate..probably health card too (when it arrives) and a copy of your children's immigration documents.

Public schools are free of course, by "investment" i was referring to the expensive rent in neighborhoods close to excellent-ranked schools.

 

[GargiS]

1) You are entering Canada! So if you are bringing USD 10,000, you must declare because the USD exchange rate is stronger than CAD. Any monetary instruments greater than CAD 10,000 must be declared.

Ok - so you mean (cash in CAD + credit card balance + travelers cheques ) : If these in total exceed CAD 10,000 I need to declare with customs. Money not brought in but shown in statements for that in home country - is excluded from this CAD 10,000 cap since the money is still in home country.

Is my understanding correct?

Monetary instrument is actually a confusing term. So just want to be sure.

 

[GargiS]

If you like a specific school/schools you'd first need to find accommodation within the school's coverage area, once you secure the accommodation - you just take your rental agreement/contract with you to the school, fill the application forms and that's it. In addition to accommodation you need immunization records for the kids, birth certificate..probably health card too (when it arrives) and a copy of your children's immigration documents.

Public schools are free of course, by "investment" i was referring to the expensive rent in neighborhoods close to excellent-ranked schools.

Ok yeah, got your point , thanks. I was just trying to figure out if I need to start the process right away or after I land. After reading the posts I think its better to start it once there - since i can go and check out the places myself, check out housing / rates etc.

Just I can get the vaccination history before I leave from India. Hopefully, the doctor card that we have in India will be fine unless there is a special format/form in Canada for this as well !! Is there anything like that?

 

[GargiS]

Once you have secured somewhere to rent/buy, you should contact the local school or school board to arrange school placement test and enrollment. School choice is based on location but there are some special programs that you have to apply for. They are usually in high school like for example a program focused on the arts. You should decide whether you would like your child to go to an English, a French immersion, English catholic school or French immersion catholic school. If you are settling in Quebec your child must go to a French school.

Thanks. Got it. So basically this needs to be done post landing. Thanks for your inputs

 

[GargiS]

Btw is there any whatsapp group for people landing in Toronto in March/April/May 2018 ?? Is anyone aware or send me the link. Thanks.

 

[emamabd]

Ok yeah, got your point , thanks. I was just trying to figure out if I need to start the process right away or after I land. After reading the posts I think its better to start it once there - since i can go and check out the places myself, check out housing / rates etc.

Just I can get the vaccination history before I leave from India. Hopefully, the doctor card that we have in India will be fine unless there is a special format/form in Canada for this as well !! Is there anything like that?

Yes, you'll need to find a family doctor/or if you go to any walk-in clinic and show them the immunization records from your home country, the doctor should be able to fill in the local immunization card and provide it back to you.
You can still register your kids at school with your home country immunization record, but the school will likely give you a few weeks to provide the local card. Your kids may also be missing" vaccines which you'll need to catch-up on..etc.