Canada Explained

[aliakbar.t]

Very well written. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[salmanahm]

GOOGLE
For me Google maps is the undisputed champion of tech resources available today. Without thisthis I would have been blind in this country. Its real time navigation, route planning and synchronized with transit systems and so many other features. I recommend a google phone to every new immigrant. It saves time and it saves fuel. Guaranteed its gonna save you more than it costs. Just buy Android phone and a data package, Google Maps is free. All you have to be is an expert Googler.
Tips and tricks
1- If Google tells you that you will b late then be sure you will be late for work or appointment or whatever. In this case NEVER EVER try to drive fast or over the limit. You will be risking accident or a ticket. So once again dont give any chance to insurance companies. Drive within limit and believe me or not driving fast saves you not more than 3 min over a journey of 1h.
2- Call your supervisor if you are late or expected to be late. Text him/her. This is very important because he/she has to know that either to wait for u or arrange someone else.
3- Now you can save 5-10 min by checking the best available route on Google. Park aside and explore the best routes. Be direction concious and never forget the next turn. Smart driving saves more time than fast driving.
4- I have interviewed many guys who got voilation tickets. 85% are over speeding. 10% drunk driving and 5% all other voilation. So control over speeding and save money on insurance and avoid tickets and save money on fuel as well.
5- Buy a 407 ETR transponder. If you are late then this the best you can do if this thing is in your route. Pay 50c/km and save time when you know that time us more important than money. If u entrr ETR without a transponder its gonna be way more costly than this.
6- Carpool with others having same destination. Enjoy the Left most Carpool lanes on highways and save time.
JOB HUNT TIPS
1- until u get something in ur own field or expertise consider youself as jobless. Dedicate 2 hours per day for filing applications. At least 10 per day.
2- Always use custom made resume and CL for every job. Employer should think that this resume and cover letter is speciallys for him so this guy must be interested.
3- If you don't have Canadian experience dont worry. start applying and you might hunt something while shooting in the air.
4- VERY IMPORTANT. Always apply for most recent openings first then go for older ones.
5- For every past experience include job description, achievements and skills used. Just like online resume builder on Indeed.ca.
6- I attended the IOM session. For me it was useless because this forum provides much more info than IOM sessions. If you have some specific unanswered questions then attend it and ask the presenter privately in lunch break.
I followed their instructions and highlighted my Canadian experience. They said that write whatever experience u have in resume and it will give an idea about ur job abilities to an employer.
The worst thing that happened to me was that I wrote my Canadian experience on Assembly line. With this thing on my resume I never got calls from anywhere else. So include only relevant experience on the Resume. Try to highlight the skills that employer might be interested in and keep it short.
7- If someone needs a specific subject of email, asks for a specific file format or wants an online resume be sure that it will be filtered out by a software bot. To defeat that bot read the job responsibilities again and look for keywords. Include those keywords in ur resume and at least some human eye will look at that thing for once.
8- Buy a handsfree bluetooth device. It is a very good investment. If u r caught driving and talking with hand set u might have to face license suspension and $2000 fine. On the other hand if u miss a call from an interested employer u might miss an opportunity. They will immediately call the next guy in line and if u call back later u will never find from the available extensions or operator that who called u and why. Happened To me a lot while driving for one interview and getting calls for another. So dont miss a call and dont touch ur hand set.

 

[DesiMan19]

Wow! Thank you. So informative

 

[salmanahm]

Thanks for appreciation. I have got a lot more to share from my personal diary. Hope that helps.

Wow! Thank you. So informative

 

[Talking_Silence]

Great Job Salman Ahmad, its really nice to read your experience. God bless you.

 

[khanbravo]

Assalaam o Alaikum,

I couldn't thank you enough! Words are inadequate to express my gratitude.
May Allah reward you with goodness.
Such a valuable and informative post.

We are landing in Feb 2016, Insha Allah.
Landing : Edmonton,AB
By the grace of Allah, no settling issues as my brother already lives there. We are 4 father,mother and twin brothers and got a family class PR visa.

I'll be really grateful to you if you guide me in my job hunt.
5 yrs exp in System & Network Engineering
Certifications: MCSE 2012, CCNA, CCNP, Vmware DataCenter Virtualization Certification VCP5-DCV
B.E. Computer Engineering in Computer Information Systems


Thanks,
Khan

 

[salmanahm]

Fortunately IT is the only sector which offers international certifications. Considering your acheivements I consider you are job ready. Nothing else required. Just make some good terms in ur home country because I know some guys who are earning millions by outsourcing data center configuration business to India. I dont know if Edmonton is the right place for u or not. search the web and start applying now. U ll get an offer soon.

Assalaam o Alaikum,

I couldn't thank you enough! Words are inadequate to express my gratitude.
May Allah reward you with goodness.
Such a valuable and informative post.

We are landing in Feb 2016, Insha Allah.
Landing : Edmonton,AB
By the grace of Allah, no settling issues as my brother already lives there. We are 4 father,mother and twin brothers and got a family class PR visa.

I'll be really grateful to you if you guide me in my job hunt.
5 yrs exp in System & Network Engineering
Certifications: MCSE 2012, CCNA, CCNP, Vmware DataCenter Virtualization Certification VCP5-DCV
B.E. Computer Engineering in Computer Information Systems


Thanks,
Khan

 

[khurrambhatti]

Dear Salman,

You paid Clinic fees because you haven't health insurance card at that time. So why you didn't get medical insurance before land there (for at least until getting health insurance card) ??
What do you suggest for new comers, specially for those with kids.

 

[salmanahm]

OHIP
I do consider Ontario Health Insurance program as a scam. It is uselss. U have to pay for the medication as it is not covered by OHIP. Just for a comparison a 100 rupee ventoline inhaler here cost $86 and erythromycin costs 95 CAD. Pharmacist takes at least 30 min to enter your data and deliver prescription medicine. So dont get sick here. Bring lot lot of antibiotics I mean one full dosage each of erythromycin, moxyfloxacin, cefexime, Azythromycin, Amoxilin and ciprofloxacin I mean whatever your family doctor back home tells u bring it. For the first 3 month you will not be covered by OHIP and I dont like to pay money to private insurance. Another interesting thing about private health insurance is that whenever u will go for some dental treatment the insurance company will say sorry sir this is not covered by us, u have to get our extended coverage plan for this. Nothing but moneymaking. A dentist may charge $1000 for a root canal and 2500 for an implant so better go back home and get it done from there. Health is way more expensive here and don't ever think it is free. America and Canada are first in number of travellers travelling outside of the country for medical treatment. India is offering cheap medical facilities under the logo of " first world healthcare facilities at third world prices" and US and Canada are the biggest customers. So if it is free then why ppl have to go abroad?
Second problem is the severe shortage of specialist doctors. U will get an appointment when your problem will either worsen or will be solved by then. For an example average time for an appointment by specialist doc in mississauga is 3 weeks. I know a Cancer patient who waited for 5 weeks and was not able to swallow anything due to throat tumor. God save us from such diseases especially here. My experience is that a healthy exercise routine keeps u away from all kinds of diseases so dont miss a daily routine of elevated heart rate activity.

If u r allergic to some thing consult ur family doc and bring anti allergic medication for one year or maximum expiry period. Some Antihistamines are availableavailable over the counter but Inhalers and other medication is really costly.

Get all your dental work done before u arrive here.

Payment of health insurance premium is way more costly than occasional doctor visits if u dont have some disease like diabetes. Insurance might charge more if they discover something in the blood test. For us this strategy worked. My wife is a pharmacist and we brought all necessary medication from home. Only thing we had to pay for was a $120 doctor visit and medication when my daughter was bitten by some insect.

Dear Salman,

You paid Clinic fees because you haven't health insurance card at that time. So why you didn't get medical insurance before land there (for at least until getting health insurance card) ??
What do you suggest for new comers, specially for those with kids.

 

[khanbravo]

Fortunately IT is the only sector which offers international certifications. Considering your acheivements I consider you are job ready. Nothing else required. Just make some good terms in ur home country because I know some guys who are earning millions by outsourcing data center configuration business to India. I dont know if Edmonton is the right place for u or not. search the web and start applying now. U ll get an offer soon.

Jazaak Allah brother u build my confidence level high.
Kindly also share with us about job interviews. whether they consider communication skills more than technical knowledge or whatelse?

 

[salmanahm]

I can proudly say that I have gone through more interviews than ppl living here since 6 years. As far as I recall its
2 in April because I had no car
4 in may
11 in june
2 in Aug becuase of Humber college
5 in sep
In all if these interviews one thing was common. No technical question. These were conducted by HR so whatever your experiences are discuss with them if they open technical topics. Just memorize answers for some common stupid HR questions they may ask.
1- Tell me about yourself.
2- why did u came to Canada?
3- how did u find here?
4- what are ur weaknesses?
5- why do u think u r a suitable candidate for this job?
The old book stuff. So tiring for me to repeat the same ratta again and again. I felt like Chatur in 3 idiots movie and they kept getting impressed with my answers.
If someone is calling u for an interview then u r almost selected. I failed only one.
Manager operations for Krauss flooring and she told me that we are looking for someone with specific skills in Carpet manufacturing. I had a general textile manufacturing experience so I was put on hold till they find a suitable candidate. Other than that I have secured an offer from every interview from call centers to automotive industry. From office administration to security guard.

Jazaak Allah brother u build my confidence level high.
Kindly also share with us about job interviews. whether they consider communication skills more than technical knowledge or whatelse?

 

[salmanahm]

I do consider a job in Home depot as a great achievement but a manager should not be ur aim. Go for certifications and I recommend property management certificate if u dont have a lot of experience from Pakistan. It will be a good investment if u have good communication and convincing skills.
Also consider moving to an apartment building as most of the basements are rented out by owners having financial troubles and money makes them forget ethics and morality. One bedroom apartment in mississauga might be available in the same rent.

Salman that's an excellent post and I am surprised how others never got after you to go back to Pakistan if you were facing such terrible situations, as I read in previous related topics where Immigrants faced difficulties and the comments on such posts were heartbreaking. Your post gives me courage to tell my story.
I came here on arranged employed through my family members who own a business here and I was supposed to work with them and also live in the same house,as it was my sister's house.But things never worked out as I thought and I had to move out to a basement apartment,which my cousin helped me to find it.after that my cousin also disappeared till I found myself a job.It was a big blow for me as I have had no thoughts "What if it doesn't work for in Canada"
I Don't have a specific field as I have only worked in self owned business in Pakistan.I just didn't know what to anyways,I'll continue my story onwards. The basement I rented had bathroom problems and the landlord had said that he will provide internet free of cost at$ 900 per month,when I complained about wash room,nothing was done to fix the issues and I was told to use it as it is. Oh well beggers
can't be chosers, so I ignored this petty issue and asked for wifi password and to my surprised I was asked for additional 25 $ per month.It was a bit much for me so I told them I wanna move out as soon I get another place.Upon which he(landlord) deducted my half month's rent whereas I stayed there only for a week.So Salman is absolutely right about Desi home owners here.
Without internet,life is at halt here.Luckily my college friend,settled in USA,had a friend here in Canada in the same locality where I am right now.(Mississauga)She helped to get another basement,which was newly renovated and was neat and clean but same problem the desi landlord wouldn't include the wifi in rent.I was left with no choice but arrange for my own internet.Which costs me $ 50 per month.After 20 days they asked me to leave the place as they got some guests coming from Pakistan and they would like them accommodate them in their basement.I was really in a fix,no internet connection yet so I would go to free wifi places look for basement rentals then get a bus to see them.Some English guy in the neighborhood told me that there is a basement apartment in the next door house where I was living but the lady is old(85 Years)and might not like to rent it but still give it a try.The landlady agreed to rent it without internet at $ 900 per month and I am here since then.But as Salman mentioned the home onwers are very petty here.I cant take off my shoes at foyer,instead I have to hop on the mats she has placed to get to the basement coz we share the same entrance.And the list goes on and on.
Its been one year I have been working in Home depot,and I have put in my every effort to make it up to the manager level,so far nothing positive has happened.
After looking for various options,Hvac,home renos courses,I opted for home inspection course and certification. I just hope this is the right choice as I don't have any particular field.
After one and half year I am still not settled here.I have G2 and yes insurance is $ 275 for me.Soon I will go for G test that will get my insurance 10% less. Still too high.
I am a female and struggling hard to live according to the standards I had back in Pakistan.I sold my house back home to get a place here but mortgage was refused as I don't have good income,inspite of having 20% down payment.
I would appreciate if no negative comment is given.
Thanks.

 

[khanbravo]

chatur
thank you brother
I'll keep in touch with your valuable support and looking after it in future.

Jazaak Allah Khayrun

I can proudly say that I have gone through more interviews than ppl living here since 6 years. As far as I recall its
2 in April because I had no car
4 in may
11 in june
2 in Aug becuase of Humber college
5 in sep
In all if these interviews one thing was common. No technical question. These were conducted by HR so whatever your experiences are discuss with them if they open technical topics. Just memorize answers for some common stupid HR questions they may ask.
1- Tell me about yourself.
2- why did u came to Canada?
3- how did u find here?
4- what are ur weaknesses?
5- why do u think u r a suitable candidate for this job?
The old book stuff. So tiring for me to repeat the same ratta again and again. I felt like Chatur in 3 idiots movie and they kept getting impressed with my answers.
If someone is calling u for an interview then u r almost selected. I failed only one.
Manager operations for Krauss flooring and she told me that we are looking for someone with specific skills in Carpet manufacturing. I had a general textile manufacturing experience so I was put on hold till they find a suitable candidate. Other than that I have secured an offer from every interview from call centers to automotive industry. From office administration to security guard.

 

[8Hannah8]

I would not be so harsh on employment agencies. Many big corporations reserve spaces for external conrtactors (temp-workers). Maybe my experience would not be relevant to your post, but I would still share it:
as a fresh grad I was recruited by employment agency and my salary for financial district was really minimal. I was on a contract for a year and a half, being really ripped off (what could I do, many companies hesitate offer full-time permanent jobs to foreingers). However, my managers really liked me and transitioned my position to permanent. Contract positions through agencies are generally good for getting to know a field from inside and networking. Plus, it also gives much desired "Canadian experience".
Considering "empty postings" for jobs. Those are usually the internal hires as employer is required to go through a process of posting a postion opening. Otherwise, I fail to understand why an employer would advertise for jobs that never existed.

 

[cknouman]

Thanks a lot for sharing this wealth of knowledge Salman bhai. It has been two months since I landed in Toronto so I can imagine full well how useful this thread will be for all new comers. Moving to Canada as an immigrant is a big deal and requires a lot of pre planning. And to plan effectively, one must understand what to expect in first few months in Canada. That's where information you shared will be highly beneficial for the new birds. And I can not over emphasis the fact of trying to avoid desi people, unless one needs a dose of discouragement and de motivation.
Hats off to you mate. +1