Moving logistics during COVID-19

[cicuser]

Hi all,

Sorry for the long question.

We (my spouse and 2 kids - 6 years and 3 years old) have completed our “soft-landing” in 2018 and are now planning to move to GTA from the US west coast in the middle of June. We understand that the economy would be challenging to find a job right away. We also understand that due to shelter in place order in most of the US, wrapping things and getting all the necessary documents (driving history from DMV, ensuring documents for importing cars, etc.) might be hard. But what we are most worried about are the immediate logistics that we would need to navigate once in Canada. Any information from the people who have landed recently or anyone who knows how things are on the ground would be very helpful.

• How easy would it be to secure a short term (1-2 months) rental (maybe through airbnb, kijiji, etc.) without being physically present in Canada? We heard that there are some new restrictions on rentals in Ontario. Would it be extremely hard to secure the rental without having any credit history in Canada (both me and my spouse have extremely long credit history in the US and may also be able to get a letter of reference from our current landlord of 6+ years).
• We heard that understandably the immigration officers are interested in knowing detailed plans for 2 weeks quarantine. How would such a quarantine work considering we have no help in Canada and would need to at least do the following before we can self-isolate:
  • Reach rental place (assuming we are able to secure one) from the airport
  • Get keys (maybe use a no-person check in option available on some airbnb rentals?)
  • Use public transport (or cabs?) to go to a supermarket and buy food to last us 2 weeks
• We are on H1 visa in the US and once we leave our jobs, we will not be in a position to reenter the US to warp things up (even if the US relaxes its current restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country), so we would need to ship our stuff and cars before leaving for Canada. Most likely we will get them inside the first 2 weeks of landing. How would we receive them while being in self-isolation?
• Considering that we safely navigate the initial 2 weeks of self-isolation period, at what level are things operating in GTA. Would we be able to switch out driving licences? Would we be able to apply for the Ontario public health plan? How about opening bank accounts, new cell phone plans, internet, etc.?

We know that this is not an ideal time to land, but given that no one really knows till when things will get back to “normal”, we are determined to make this move during the next couple of months.

Thank you

 

[canuck78]

Hi all,

Sorry for the long question.

We (my spouse and 2 kids - 6 years and 3 years old) have completed our “soft-landing” in 2018 and are now planning to move to GTA from the US west coast in the middle of June. We understand that the economy would be challenging to find a job right away. We also understand that due to shelter in place order in most of the US, wrapping things and getting all the necessary documents (driving history from DMV, ensuring documents for importing cars, etc.) might be hard. But what we are most worried about are the immediate logistics that we would need to navigate once in Canada. Any information from the people who have landed recently or anyone who knows how things are on the ground would be very helpful.

• How easy would it be to secure a short term (1-2 months) rental (maybe through airbnb, kijiji, etc.) without being physically present in Canada? We heard that there are some new restrictions on rentals in Ontario. Would it be extremely hard to secure the rental without having any credit history in Canada (both me and my spouse have extremely long credit history in the US and may also be able to get a letter of reference from our current landlord of 6+ years).
• We heard that understandably the immigration officers are interested in knowing detailed plans for 2 weeks quarantine. How would such a quarantine work considering we have no help in Canada and would need to at least do the following before we can self-isolate:
  • Reach rental place (assuming we are able to secure one) from the airport
  • Get keys (maybe use a no-person check in option available on some airbnb rentals?)
  • Use public transport (or cabs?) to go to a supermarket and buy food to last us 2 weeks
• We are on H1 visa in the US and once we leave our jobs, we will not be in a position to reenter the US to warp things up (even if the US relaxes its current restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country), so we would need to ship our stuff and cars before leaving for Canada. Most likely we will get them inside the first 2 weeks of landing. How would we receive them while being in self-isolation?
• Considering that we safely navigate the initial 2 weeks of self-isolation period, at what level are things operating in GTA. Would we be able to switch out driving licences? Would we be able to apply for the Ontario public health plan? How about opening bank accounts, new cell phone plans, internet, etc.?

We know that this is not an ideal time to land, but given that no one really knows till when things will get back to “normal”, we are determined to make this move during the next couple of months.

Thank you

You will essentially be allowed to go from the airport to your housing and you can’t leave for 14 days. You will have to have anything you need delivered to your door. There will be no going out. Most facilities are closed so you likely have to delay getting IDs, etc. Some are arranging things on the phone. Movers are often cancelling because they won’t enter someone’s home and be in close quarters. The only positive thing is that you can currently get OHIP without a waiting period. That could change. You can’t actually see most doctors at this point so it is only useful for emergencies. Very hard to say what will happen 2 months from now.

 

[TOOLHead]

Hi all,

Sorry for the long question.

We (my spouse and 2 kids - 6 years and 3 years old) have completed our “soft-landing” in 2018 and are now planning to move to GTA from the US west coast in the middle of June. We understand that the economy would be challenging to find a job right away. We also understand that due to shelter in place order in most of the US, wrapping things and getting all the necessary documents (driving history from DMV, ensuring documents for importing cars, etc.) might be hard. But what we are most worried about are the immediate logistics that we would need to navigate once in Canada. Any information from the people who have landed recently or anyone who knows how things are on the ground would be very helpful.

• How easy would it be to secure a short term (1-2 months) rental (maybe through airbnb, kijiji, etc.) without being physically present in Canada? We heard that there are some new restrictions on rentals in Ontario. Would it be extremely hard to secure the rental without having any credit history in Canada (both me and my spouse have extremely long credit history in the US and may also be able to get a letter of reference from our current landlord of 6+ years).
• We heard that understandably the immigration officers are interested in knowing detailed plans for 2 weeks quarantine. How would such a quarantine work considering we have no help in Canada and would need to at least do the following before we can self-isolate:
  • Reach rental place (assuming we are able to secure one) from the airport
  • Get keys (maybe use a no-person check in option available on some airbnb rentals?)
  • Use public transport (or cabs?) to go to a supermarket and buy food to last us 2 weeks
• We are on H1 visa in the US and once we leave our jobs, we will not be in a position to reenter the US to warp things up (even if the US relaxes its current restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country), so we would need to ship our stuff and cars before leaving for Canada. Most likely we will get them inside the first 2 weeks of landing. How would we receive them while being in self-isolation?
• Considering that we safely navigate the initial 2 weeks of self-isolation period, at what level are things operating in GTA. Would we be able to switch out driving licences? Would we be able to apply for the Ontario public health plan? How about opening bank accounts, new cell phone plans, internet, etc.?

We know that this is not an ideal time to land, but given that no one really knows till when things will get back to “normal”, we are determined to make this move during the next couple of months.

Thank you

Hi, We are also planning to make our move and are from Oregon, thought it would be benefecial to both of us if we could coordinate and share our plans of making as smooth of an entry as possible. Please message me if interested.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi all,

Sorry for the long question.

We (my spouse and 2 kids - 6 years and 3 years old) have completed our “soft-landing” in 2018 and are now planning to move to GTA from the US west coast in the middle of June. We understand that the economy would be challenging to find a job right away. We also understand that due to shelter in place order in most of the US, wrapping things and getting all the necessary documents (driving history from DMV, ensuring documents for importing cars, etc.) might be hard. But what we are most worried about are the immediate logistics that we would need to navigate once in Canada. Any information from the people who have landed recently or anyone who knows how things are on the ground would be very helpful.

• How easy would it be to secure a short term (1-2 months) rental (maybe through airbnb, kijiji, etc.) without being physically present in Canada? We heard that there are some new restrictions on rentals in Ontario. Would it be extremely hard to secure the rental without having any credit history in Canada (both me and my spouse have extremely long credit history in the US and may also be able to get a letter of reference from our current landlord of 6+ years).
• We heard that understandably the immigration officers are interested in knowing detailed plans for 2 weeks quarantine. How would such a quarantine work considering we have no help in Canada and would need to at least do the following before we can self-isolate:
  • Reach rental place (assuming we are able to secure one) from the airport
  • Get keys (maybe use a no-person check in option available on some airbnb rentals?)
  • Use public transport (or cabs?) to go to a supermarket and buy food to last us 2 weeks
• We are on H1 visa in the US and once we leave our jobs, we will not be in a position to reenter the US to warp things up (even if the US relaxes its current restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country), so we would need to ship our stuff and cars before leaving for Canada. Most likely we will get them inside the first 2 weeks of landing. How would we receive them while being in self-isolation?
• Considering that we safely navigate the initial 2 weeks of self-isolation period, at what level are things operating in GTA. Would we be able to switch out driving licences? Would we be able to apply for the Ontario public health plan? How about opening bank accounts, new cell phone plans, internet, etc.?

We know that this is not an ideal time to land, but given that no one really knows till when things will get back to “normal”, we are determined to make this move during the next couple of months.

Thank you

To be very clear, quarantine means you don't get to go ANYWHERE but where you are staying. No checking out rentals, NO SUPERMARKETS, no stores, no going out for walks, no nothing. You go straight from the airport to the place you are staying and don't leave for 14 days. You have to have everything you need delivered to you during that time. If you can't do that, don't come to Canada right now.

 

[cicuser]

@canuck78 @canuck_in_uk : Thank you for your replies. We certainly plan to observe the strictest isolation. So far what we have understood is that if we can take a cab from airport to a reserved airbnb and get groceries delivered there (instacart maybe?), it should be fine as long as we stay inside the house at all times for the initial 14 days. The rest (IDs, receiving goods/car, banking, cellphone plans, etc.) have to wait till the initial 2 weeks period is over.

@TOOLHead : I will send you a personal message to connect.

 

[jddd]

@canuck78 @canuck_in_uk : Thank you for your replies. We certainly plan to observe the strictest isolation. So far what we have understood is that if we can take a cab from airport to a reserved airbnb and get groceries delivered there (instacart maybe?), it should be fine as long as we stay inside the house at all times for the initial 14 days. The rest (IDs, receiving goods/car, banking, cellphone plans, etc.) have to wait till the initial 2 weeks period is over.

@TOOLHead : I will send you a personal message to connect.

hi, just a note that most grocery delivery services often have no slots available. You may want to join groups in Facebook where you can ask. In Toronto, I have heard that the wait time is about 2 weeks to get a delivery slot. If you could do groceries before crossing the border to last you 2 weeks is better I think. Good luck.

 

[canuck78]

@canuck78 @canuck_in_uk : Thank you for your replies. We certainly plan to observe the strictest isolation. So far what we have understood is that if we can take a cab from airport to a reserved airbnb and get groceries delivered there (instacart maybe?), it should be fine as long as we stay inside the house at all times for the initial 14 days. The rest (IDs, receiving goods/car, banking, cellphone plans, etc.) have to wait till the initial 2 weeks period is over.

@TOOLHead : I will send you a personal message to connect.

There are volunteer groups that will likely pick-up and drop off your groceries. The government has started to talk about providing a safe shuttle service from the airport if people don’t have their own transportation. It is unclear whether that will actually happen. The next issue is to talk to your movers. I have seen some recent news pieces where movers quit because they have to go in and out of someone’s home. They would not be able to unload until after quarantine.

 

[cicuser]

@jddd : Thank you for the heads up regarding the delivery times.

@canuck78 : Volunteers for groceries sounds very thoughtful and generous. We will try to get more information regarding this. Will also keep an eye out regarding shuttle service.
Since we are planning to stay at some airbnb for the initial month or so, we should not need any of our stuff initially. We will plan to carry anything that we might need on our person and will check with the moving company if it can hold onto the stuff till it is okay for us to receive it safely. When you mention that they may not be able to unload till after quarantine, do you mean the initial 2 weeks or till the "shelter in place" orders are at least partially lifted for Ontario?

 

[canuck78]

@jddd : Thank you for the heads up regarding the delivery times.

@canuck78 : Volunteers for groceries sounds very thoughtful and generous. We will try to get more information regarding this. Will also keep an eye out regarding shuttle service.
Since we are planning to stay at some airbnb for the initial month or so, we should not need any of our stuff initially. We will plan to carry anything that we might need on our person and will check with the moving company if it can hold onto the stuff till it is okay for us to receive it safely. When you mention that they may not be able to unload till after quarantine, do you mean the initial 2 weeks or till the "shelter in place" orders are at least partially lifted for Ontario?

Saw on the news that movers in Toronto were cancelling at the last minute because of close contact with other people and their homes. Poor families were of course quite panicked. Not a lot of friends who can also help out. Unfortunately it is such a fluid situation that it is really hard to plan in advance. Will guarantee that you’ll find a helping hand to pick up a grocery order. Lots of good deeds going on and we actually got grocery pick-up In the past year and really recently got instacart but not many slots. Would offer myself but for health reasons I am stuck inside hiding from others. Best of luck! Don’t want to jinx Canada but we have been less affected than the US minus the nursing homes. If the wait lists were long before they are going to be extremely long after so many appointments, tests, surgeries, etc.

 

[cicuser]

Yes, it is heartwarming to see the generosity of people in helping those who are in the need. Tough times indeed bring the best out of people

 

[cansha]

Hi all,

Sorry for the long question.

We (my spouse and 2 kids - 6 years and 3 years old) have completed our “soft-landing” in 2018 and are now planning to move to GTA from the US west coast in the middle of June. We understand that the economy would be challenging to find a job right away. We also understand that due to shelter in place order in most of the US, wrapping things and getting all the necessary documents (driving history from DMV, ensuring documents for importing cars, etc.) might be hard. But what we are most worried about are the immediate logistics that we would need to navigate once in Canada. Any information from the people who have landed recently or anyone who knows how things are on the ground would be very helpful.

• How easy would it be to secure a short term (1-2 months) rental (maybe through airbnb, kijiji, etc.) without being physically present in Canada? We heard that there are some new restrictions on rentals in Ontario. Would it be extremely hard to secure the rental without having any credit history in Canada (both me and my spouse have extremely long credit history in the US and may also be able to get a letter of reference from our current landlord of 6+ years).
• We heard that understandably the immigration officers are interested in knowing detailed plans for 2 weeks quarantine. How would such a quarantine work considering we have no help in Canada and would need to at least do the following before we can self-isolate:
  • Reach rental place (assuming we are able to secure one) from the airport
  • Get keys (maybe use a no-person check in option available on some airbnb rentals?)
  • Use public transport (or cabs?) to go to a supermarket and buy food to last us 2 weeks
• We are on H1 visa in the US and once we leave our jobs, we will not be in a position to reenter the US to warp things up (even if the US relaxes its current restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country), so we would need to ship our stuff and cars before leaving for Canada. Most likely we will get them inside the first 2 weeks of landing. How would we receive them while being in self-isolation?
• Considering that we safely navigate the initial 2 weeks of self-isolation period, at what level are things operating in GTA. Would we be able to switch out driving licences? Would we be able to apply for the Ontario public health plan? How about opening bank accounts, new cell phone plans, internet, etc.?

We know that this is not an ideal time to land, but given that no one really knows till when things will get back to “normal”, we are determined to make this move during the next couple of months.

Thank you

Honestly, things are changing quite rapidly. And given the situation right now is too early to plan for June. Rules could be quite different by mid June. I'm presuming you want to move by mid June because your H1 is expiring by then. If not, may be push your move for later.

 

[Pripan]

Hi all,

Sorry for the long question.

We (my spouse and 2 kids - 6 years and 3 years old) have completed our “soft-landing” in 2018 and are now planning to move to GTA from the US west coast in the middle of June. We understand that the economy would be challenging to find a job right away. We also understand that due to shelter in place order in most of the US, wrapping things and getting all the necessary documents (driving history from DMV, ensuring documents for importing cars, etc.) might be hard. But what we are most worried about are the immediate logistics that we would need to navigate once in Canada. Any information from the people who have landed recently or anyone who knows how things are on the ground would be very helpful.

• How easy would it be to secure a short term (1-2 months) rental (maybe through airbnb, kijiji, etc.) without being physically present in Canada? We heard that there are some new restrictions on rentals in Ontario. Would it be extremely hard to secure the rental without having any credit history in Canada (both me and my spouse have extremely long credit history in the US and may also be able to get a letter of reference from our current landlord of 6+ years).
• We heard that understandably the immigration officers are interested in knowing detailed plans for 2 weeks quarantine. How would such a quarantine work considering we have no help in Canada and would need to at least do the following before we can self-isolate:
  • Reach rental place (assuming we are able to secure one) from the airport
  • Get keys (maybe use a no-person check in option available on some airbnb rentals?)
  • Use public transport (or cabs?) to go to a supermarket and buy food to last us 2 weeks
• We are on H1 visa in the US and once we leave our jobs, we will not be in a position to reenter the US to warp things up (even if the US relaxes its current restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country), so we would need to ship our stuff and cars before leaving for Canada. Most likely we will get them inside the first 2 weeks of landing. How would we receive them while being in self-isolation?
• Considering that we safely navigate the initial 2 weeks of self-isolation period, at what level are things operating in GTA. Would we be able to switch out driving licences? Would we be able to apply for the Ontario public health plan? How about opening bank accounts, new cell phone plans, internet, etc.?

We know that this is not an ideal time to land, but given that no one really knows till when things will get back to “normal”, we are determined to make this move during the next couple of months.

Thank you

When are you planning to arrive? PM me if you would like short term rental from June to August in Toronto

 

[boatyyo]

@cicuser, @TOOLHead would you mind connecting with me too? My family is also planning to move from Northeast to Montreal in June.

 

[steaky]

@cicuser, @TOOLHead would you mind connecting with me too? My family is also planning to move from Northeast to Montreal in June.

Perhaps you would like to connect with this poster instead:

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/3-bedroom-duplex-to-rent-in-montreal.686590/

GTA and Montreal are different cities and provinces.

 

[cicuser]

@boatyyo : Sure, please send me a personal message to connect.