Immigrant - Queries

[guptarahul275]

Hi,


I am a PNP candidate and immigrating to Ontario in May 2018. I am looking for job opportunities in IT field (.Net Developer) and have applied on many job portals such as Workopolis, Randstad, indeed.ca, Job bank, Glassdoor, Monster.ca but haven’t found any job offers till date. However, I am flooded with job posting alerts from each portal in my email inbox. I am unable to figure out, where I am wrong ! and what should I follow?.

I am having 4 years 11 months of experience.


1. I have researched some places (Brompton, Mississauga) but I am unsure for jobs to look forward in the area

Any Suggestions


2. I want to know the best places to hunt the job in Ontario.

Any Suggestions


3. What is the formal dress code for interviews?


4. Things to keep in mind before immigrating to Canada from India.

Checklist


5. Rent (price of rooms on an average for sharing/single) any good website

Steps to hunt for accommodation


6. Price of Car (1st or 2nd Owner) on an average. Where to look for

Steps to own a car


7. Best cheap city/place to reside and opportunity for IT jobs(Trends, Salary)

Steps to hunt for IT jobs


8. How will I get my license (I heard about G1, G2)?

I have my International Driving Licence from India

Steps to get the Canadian license


9. I researched it's better to land at Pearson International Airport (for immigrants)?

Steps further for immigration like documents check, etc, etc


10. How to wire transfer my funds in Scotia bank from Indian bank account( I have already opened an account with the Scotia bank online)

steps?


11. How to get PR Card, Health Card or any other?


12. Basic Clothes to Purchase from India as per Canadian weather?


13. How much weight can I carry in each bag before boarding/flight?

Please correct

Handbag 1 - 10 kg

Luggage Bag 2 - 23 kg each


14. Employee Rights and Law

In case, whom to approach


15. The checklist which I prepared keeping in my to save money and also once I land I do not have to hustle in Canada for basic cooking essentials and others

My checklist​

Basic Utensils

Thongs

Cooker

Kadai (Indian wok)

Small Bowls

Glass

Knife

Rolling pin


Spices (for how many months should I stock)

Cardamon, Indian bay leaves, clove, cinnamon, dals, tamarind, Garam Masala powder, coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric powder


Medicines

Multivitamins (prescription required ?)

Any other


Things to be kept in Hand Baggage

medicines (including for air-sickness)

sweater

original important documents (admit letter, visa, tickets ...)

enough money (little cash, travelers' checks)

address book/phone book (Indian & US)

copies of your photo (passport size)

enlisted steps to be followed in case of emergency (accident, theft, etc)

things to survive for a week in case luggage gets misplaced (two sets of clothes, valuables like calculator, addresses etc)


Clothes

Thermals Top

Thermals Bottom


Please help and guide me. I am confused a lot.

 

[qureishi]

most of your questions have answer in this forum but you need to spend some time and search for it !

 

[guptarahul275]

Employee Rights and Law
https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/makeclaim

Basic Clothes to Purchase from India as per Canadian weather
https://www.ilac.com/packing-tips-for-your-trip-to-canada/

Best cheap city/place to reside and opportunity for IT jobs(Trends, Salary)
https://www.quora.com/What-cities-in-Canada-have-the-best-software-engineers
https://thecorridor.ca/
https://www.workintech.ca/jobs/?kw=.net+developer
https://hired.com/x/4pfov

https://www.quora.com/How-good-is-Canada-for-software-programmer-jobs
Toronto-Waterloo
Richmond Hill
Ottawa
Waterloo and the surrounding areas.

Weight and size restrictions - all itineraries
Maximum weight per bag 50 lb (23 kg)
Maximum linear dimensions per bag 62 in (158 cm)

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/weight-of-luggage-to-carry-to-canada.57117/
20 kilos per luggage, max. of 2 per passenger is the free baggage allowance for philippine airlines, cathay-pacific, air canada, korean air.
generally 23 kg 2 bags for check in and one hand bag with necessary stuff like docs and laptop. every extra kilo you pay charge around 1200/-(depends on airlines) Do check with your airline if the give discount and extra allowance for student visa.

Basic Clothes to Purchase from India as per Canadian weather /Things to keep in mind before immigrating to Canada from India.
https://www.quora.com/Which-things-should-be-carry-before-moving-to-Canada-from-India

1. A pair of inner thermals
2. Shoes- leather, casual and anti-skid ( Leather shors are a bit expensive in Canada) and all related accessories, shoe polish, additional pair shoe laces, etc.
3. Caps / hats (also expensive)
4. Leather Jacket
5. If you cook, a pressure cooker and Indian spices
6. Pyjamas

All the above-listed items are available in Canada, but I suggested them keeping savings in mind!


Rent (price of rooms on an average for sharing/single) any good website
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Toronto
https://www.kijiji.ca/b-room-rental-roommate/gta-greater-toronto-area/c36l1700272
https://ca.easyroommate.com/ontario/toronto-roommate

How will I get my license (I heard about G1, G2)?
https://www.thinkinsure.ca/insurance-help-centre/ontario-graduated-g-g1-g2-licence-system-guide.html

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/g1-driving-license.128506/
The G1 license is valid for 5 years, you have to pass your G2 within this time frame, the G2 is valid for 5 years and you have to pass the G2 test before you get your G license. The validity that you mention for 3 months is only your temporary G1 license before you get the real G1 license which is like a plastic card and not a paper one. You'll be receiving it in mail in about 4 to 6 weeks

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/how-to-get-canadian-driving-license-for-newcomers.39566/
Step-2 -After you 'Land':
In such cases we are called 'Out of Country Drivers' and we can skip the G2 'waiting period' and get the G2 license immediately [with that 24 months letter] or a G1 driving license [if we only have the above 12 months letter].

Now for the Ontario driver's licence are required to;
1. Present a valid foreign Driver's License*,
2. Provide an acceptable Proof of Identity [SIN, PR card etc.]
3. Pay all applicable Fees,
4. Pass a Vision Test
5. Pass the Written Knowledge Test -regarding Ontario's traffic rules.
*If it is not in English or French, it is to be accompanied by a written translation from a qualified translator; [we got that, as the Authentication Letter]

Note: Applicants are required to provide adequate proof of foreign driving experience. However, if it is not there, the ministry will accept applicants' declaration of their foreign driving experience on the driver's licence application for up to a maximum of 12 months experience. In that case we get the G1* license only.

Step-3 -The Tests to take:
Based on the 24 months Authentication Letter the ministry will recognize the applicant's foreign driving experience as certified on the authentication letter AND,

1. After Step-2, we can attempt the G2*Exit Road Tests (mandatory wait times are waived).
2. Upon successfully passing the G2* Exit Road Test, we get the G2* license.
3. After few months of driving under G2* we can apply for a G*Licence.
4. If we 'only' have the 12 months letter & not the 24, we qualify for G1* Road Test & the G1* driving license only.
5. If we don't provide any letter, we must pass the G1* road test and have a 12-month wait period for taking G2* road test.

*The License Grading Explained [G1, G2 & G]:
-G1 License has certain limitations like we have to always drive alongwith a G license holder. It is thus, useless for us, who have good & adequate driving experience under similar driving conditions & system as that of Canada [read 'left-hand drive' experience & similar road/traffic management conditions].
-G2 License is as good as G, except that we cannot drive on the Highway at certain times (Midnight Rush Hrs. when truck movement starts).
-G License is the 'full fledged' driving license.


How to get PR Card, Health Card or any other
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=054&top=10

Landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident FAQ
https://www.canadavisa.com/landing-in-canada-as-a-permanent-resident-faq.html
1. Do I become a Permanent Resident of Canada as soon as my Canada Immigration Visa is issued?
No. You will only become a Permanent Resident of Canada when you cross a Canadian port of entry with your valid passport and your valid Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa. This is referred to as 'landing in Canada'.
5. What documents do I need with me when I first land in Canada?
When you first land in Canada, you will need your valid passport containing your unexpired Canada Immigration Visa and a document titled Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Your accompanying dependents, if applicable, will need the same. It is a good idea to also have evidence of your settlement funds and an inventory of all personal belongings in your possession, as well as other items that you now own but intend to bring to Canada at a later date.

Prepare to arrive -
provinical nominees: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/prepare-arrival.html
Express Entry: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/prepare-arrival.html
If you are outside Canada
When you arrive in Canada, you will be greeted by an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The officer will ask to see your passport and other travel documents. Make sure they are not packed in your luggage, and that you have them with you. This will help speed up your entry to Canada.

When you arrive, you must have:

Your valid passport and/or travel documents. Your passport must be a regular, private passport. You cannot immigrate to Canada with a diplomatic, government service or public affairs passport.
Your valid permanent resident visa (if you are from a country that requires visas) and your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). The officer will make sure you are entering Canada before or on the expiry date shown on your visa. Please note that this document cannot be extended; therefore, you should make sure to use it before it expires.
Proof that you have the funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.
The officer will ask you a few questions to make sure you still meet the terms to immigrate to Canada. They will be similar to the ones you answered when you applied.

You will not be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information. After completing your COPR, the officer will allow you to enter Canada as a permanent resident. The officer will also confirm your Canadian mailing address. Your permanent resident card will be mailed to you at this address.

If you change your address within 180 days of arriving in Canada, you must notify IRCC using this online tool.

Disclosure of funds
If you arrive in Canada with more than CAN$10,000, you must tell this to the CBSA officer. If you don’t tell them, you could be fined, and your funds could be seized.

These funds could be in the form of:
cash
cheques
bankers’ drafts
travellers’ cheques or money orders
securities that belong to you, such as:
stocks
bonds
debentures
treasury bills

International Travel Insurance for 6 months
Tata AIG

 

[Bs65]

Very rare to get any job offers until you land as a PR given until that point companies are too used to people changing their minds or going somewhere else.

Declare all food items spices included although never really understand the need to bring anything given availability in Canada.

For medicines only a 90 day supply is allowed and prescription medicines should be accompanied with the prescription. You cannot by the way have any medicines mailed/ couriered to you from outside of the country.
No idea if multi vitamins are included in restriction but assume they would be.

 

[guptarahul275]

Best cheap city/place to reside and opportunity for IT jobs(Trends, Salary)

In Canada all cities are not same for tech job, specifically Toronto is great place for that kind of job, beside this Vancouver, Edmonton and Waterloo are creating new opportunities for software engineer.

Waterloo
1. hosting two universities and a massive tech company campus, the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge tri-city.(https://www.immigroup.com/news/top-8-worst-places-move-canada)
2. Its economy is also rich in employment opportunities in a wide range of industry sectors from technology and manufacturing.(https://5moversquotes.com/top-12-choice-cities-for-immigrants/)
3. http://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/en/study-and-work/can-i-work-in-canada.aspx


As of Mar 2016, the average pay for a Software Developer is C$25.73/hr and people comprising the development teams are pretty young, making it a good fit for programmers. and if you want to stay on the top, you will have to keep yourself upto date with the new and latest technologies

 

[guptarahul275]

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/landing-in-canada-all-you-need-to-know.36735/

 

[emamabd]

Hi,

I am a PNP candidate and immigrating to Ontario in May 2018. I am looking for job opportunities in IT field (.Net Developer) and have applied on many job portals such as Workopolis, Randstad, indeed.ca, Job bank, Glassdoor, Monster.ca but haven’t found any job offers till date. However, I am flooded with job posting alerts from each portal in my email inbox. I am unable to figure out, where I am wrong ! and what should I follow?.
I am having 4 years 11 months of experience.

Where things went wrong - with regards to job applications, could be any of the below/or a combination of all:

- The resume style, do you have a Canadian resume? and is it customized to each post you apply for i.e. highlighting your key skills, IT certifications, positions held, and accomplishments (not responsibilities)
- Your foreign address and phone number (canadians like to do face to face interviews before making a hiring decision, the fact that you are abroad, suggests you won't be able to meet them face to face, also having not completed your landing formalities suggests that you aren't eligible to work in Canada yet)
- Are any of the employers you worked for recognized internationally? Or did the company you work for service any well known-international clients? if yes, you should list that in your resume
- Is your resume addressing each "skill" highlighted in the job posting? Always treat the job posting as the "Questions/Exam paper" and your Resume as the "answer sheet". Make sure each skill they are looking for is clearly highlighted in your resume with accomplishments attached to it.
- There are other possible reasons that could be beyond your control at the moment, such as "canadian experience, canadian education, lack of a canadian professional network, don't worry about it while abroad, but have a plan in place to address those gaps when you arrive. Here are some suggestions:

• You could attend a short course/training program related to your field at a local university, it looks good to have a locally recognizable name
• You can explore options to gain local experience, by looking for a coop program/ hands-on training course/ volunteering opportunity/ or even a short term contract..anything that could gain you a local reference could be helpful.
• Go out and meet people, talk to people from your community, neighbors, landlord, anyone you meet. Let "Canada" know you exist, and what skills you can offer (your neighbor might be running a retail shop, but his wife or best buddy could be an IT professional...the people you get to know, can refer you the people they know who might know people who can help you )
• Join a bridging program in your field, you'll get to meet other like minded professionals, and can exchange job search tips, and help each other in your job search

Try working on all the above on your first three months after landing, if all the efforts don't lead fruitful results, by then you'll know more about what could work for you and will be able to come up with your own plan for the next 3 months and so on.

 

[vensak]

Also be very careful with spices. There are some restriction on certain type of food. Especially meat, milk and plants.
And spices are nothing else than parts of plants. So you might want to check upon that one first.

 

[guptarahul275]

All You Need to Know About Landing...

Hi friends,

As these queries keep coming repeatedly in this forum (& I get many PMs as well), I thought to summarize all into one thread. This post shall quench most of our doubts. I hope it helps...

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/landing-in-canada-all-you-need-to-know.36735/

Products allowed into Canada from countries other than the United States

Herbs, spices, tea, coffee, condiments
entry permitted
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990#a2

How do I prepare for a job interview?
1. Men
Suit*: Style of your choice but with a modern touch. If you do not wish to purchase a suit, a clean pair of pants, with a matching top and tie will suffice.
Note: Colour should be black, navy blue,or gray.

Shirt: White or light blue

Tie: Simple style that coordinates with shirt and suit

Socks: Black business socks only

Shoes: Black business shoes It is imperative that your clothes are clean pressed and in impeccable condition. Do not forget to shine your shoes, although you will not fail the interview for not doing this, it leaves a good impression.
https://canadiangovernmentjobs.ca/what-men-should-wear-for-an-interview-with-the-government-of-canada/
2. https://settlement.org/ontario/employment/find-a-job/job-interviews/how-do-i-prepare-for-a-job-interview/

Packing for canada from india
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/items-one-should-carry-from-india.36176/

 

[Bs65]

Products allowed into Canada from countries other than the United States

Herbs, spices, tea, coffee, condiments

• entry permitted

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990#a2

As stated in the link always declare absolutely anything that can be classified as digestible then customs will decide whether they will allow or not especially if in a significant quantity. If in doubt declare is always best policy regardless of any guidelines.

 

[guptarahul275]

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/shopping-list-and-instructions.157575/

PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Clothes:

Jeans:3-4 pairs TRY to bring atleast 1-2 old jeans. after coming here they play a major role when you go for work...
Shorts: 6-8. Get those ones, which are, long and go a 2-3 inches beyond knees.
T-shirts: 6-8
Cotton shirts: 4-5(no multicolored patterns, they are not in vogue in US). Cotton clothes are good in warmer places.
Night clothes: 2-3 pairs
Formal suit & Ties - 1-2 pairs. You rarely need them...once in a year or so on occasions like Convocation ceremony and interviews.
Undergarments...a lot of them...10-15 pairs we stress upon this because you may go to the laundry once in two weeks!!
Socks...5 to 10 pairs you can bring even more because you would be wearing shoes most of the time. Do not take nylon socks. Cotton ones are better.
Sweaters. a couple - full sleeved advisable
Get a muffler and monkey cap and woolen gloves and windcheater.
Leather jacket...1 they are rather poor protection in the north. But you may consider getting one woolen Jacket.
Handkerchiefs-1 dozen
2-3 belts one formal leather belt and others as you please. But you might want to know that one rarely tucks in the casual dresses.
Kurta-payjamas-These would be good during Cultural meets etc. If you have fancy for one, don't forget extra naadi then.
2 Turkish towels and two napkins.
Sports shoe
Leather shoe
Chappals

Personal accessories:

Hangers for clothes,
Wallet - one that has space for cards - you normally don't carry much cash with you.
Shaving kit & Blades. Brush & toothpaste.
Soap (get a couple of bars of bathing soap till you go for the first groceries in UK).
Combs & hair oil.
Small mirror (just in case even if you are not a narcicist!).
Nail cutter.
Small scissors, Safety pin bunch. Mini-sewing kit with some buttons.

1) Bedsheets 2 thick + 2 thin

2) Pillow 1 no.

3) Comb

4) Nail cutter

5) Rubber band

6) Scissors

7) Calculator

8) Pass port and stamp size snaps 36 each,

9) Medicines + first aid kit

10) Digital diary

11) Books

12) Back pack

13) Key Chains

14) Torch Alarm clock.

Utensils:

Depends on whether you guys plan to cook alone or with your housemates, since most people don't get time to cook daily, stuff is generally prepared for two days at a go - so keep this in mind when you buy vessels, etc.


Typical stuff you may want is:

2-3 plates,
Glasses
Cups and bowls
Forks (2 each)
Serving spoons
Couple of cooking vessels
Pressure cooker - 3 liters
Cooker containers and spares (rings and valves)
Non-stick frying pan with turner
Tongs and knives
Cutting board for vegetables
2-3 patella’s that fit into each other and that preferably have handles
1 pressure pan (Prestige), ask your prospective roommate to get one too
Utensils holder
Plates (2-3 steel plates, beaker size and 2-3 plastic plates of both beaker and normal size)
2-3 plastic bowls (katories)
6 spoons and a couple of steel glasses
Serrated knife.

Summarizing your Utensils list:

1) Cooker 1 no. + spares

2) Cookers Containers 2 no.(with their lids)

3) Kadai 1 no.

4) Non stick tawa 1 no.

5) Spoons 6 no.

6) Grip 1 no.

7) Chapati fork/tong 1 no.

8) Laddle for poori 1 no.

9) Spatula types used while making roti) 1 no.

10) Knife 2 no.

11) Peeler 1 no.

12) Serving spoons (for dal, curry and rice) 3 no.

13) Knife& Fork 6 no.

14) Sauce pan 2 no.

15) Steel containers to heat food 2 no. (with lid)

16) Rolling Pin/ Belan (to make rotis) 1 no.

17) Plate 1 no.

18) Katori 3 no.

19) Glass 2 no.

20) Cutting board 1 no.

21) Eating knives 2 no.

22) Coffee spoon for salt etc 3 no.

23) Small size plastic spoons for masala 1 no


Food Items:
Some of the common food items that students carry are:


Spices, Tealeaves, Masalas, Haldi, Dhania, red chilly, Instant masalas, etc.
Mustard packet.
Tamarind paste
Different dals in small quantity for initial use.
Asafoetida powder.
Indian instant coffee + Indian tea (it takes time to get used to the bristish stuff)
Elaichi, clove, cinnamon
Masalas and tea/coffee powder, if you are a regular drinker
Get a couple of bags each of haldi, red chilly powder, Garam masala, Dhania, Pickle bottles (if you have enthu, but preferably get sealed ones), rice, Moong Dal. Bring approx. 1-month supply of masalas.

Stationary list:

1) White sheets

2) Pencils

3) Erasers

4) Blade

5) Stapler

6) Stapler pins

7) Pens

8) Scribbling Pad

9) Glue stick

10) Pencil Box

11) Ruler - 12"

12) Stick on pad

13) Cello tape

14) Ink pen

15) Needle

16) Thread

17) Safety pins