CANVINCHENG said:
Hi Mr. Qorax,
Me and my wife will be landing on January of next year and plan to stay there only for 2 weeks. I have some few questions, I hope you guys could help me out.
1. Regarding the goods that we bring, I know that we should be declaring those both that are to be brought during the landing and the ones that are to follow. I plan to buy some jewelry before I leave UAE for good (which is on November next year), is it possible to declare it prospectiveky, if yes, how. I mean, the photos and all.
2. I know january will be one of the coldest month, we plan to buy few winter clothes from here in UAE is it advisable to buy from here or is it cheaper if we buy in Canada? I mean, we can buy a few sets here then buy the others there if its cheaper (sorry but Im just being frugal! )
3. Regarding the POF, I am having a citibank account do i need to convert it to a dollar account or its alright to keep it in UAE dirhams and just ask for a bank statement indicating its equivalence in Canadian Dollars? Furthermore, is a bank statement a good form of POF, of course Ill be carrying some cash. I mean should I rely on bank statement or better to bring a demand draft instead?
4. I have been invited to attend a CIIP seminar, what's it all about? (sorry for the ignorance) Will I benefit from it? should we go and attend? Is it compusary.
Im sorry for flooding you with questions some maybe silly but will really appreciate it if you'll give me your feedbacks.
Thanks in advance!
1. As abhihappy mentioned, the items you want to bring to Canada duty-free must be in your possession and be declared in your goods to follow list. Whatever is not listed in your original B4 will not be eligible for duty-free importation later on.
2. The most important thing in Canada is to dress in layers. It is very cold outside, but indoor areas are very well-heated, and you'll find you'll want to shed those layers. Having a good winter coat (and gloves) for outdoors is important. Of course where you're landing matters (severity of winter weather varies).
In general, you can find much better deals for winter coats/clothing in Canada than Dubai. You can get great prices at Walmart. The Bay, which is another department store has good deals (and brands also). If you'll be in Toronto you can check Winners (downtown - Yonge Street). It's a discount store with good deals.
3. You will have to have your settlement funds with you upon landing. Your UAE bank account is not considered acceptable proof of funds. abhihappy mentioned acceptable forms.
4. Attending the CIIP seminar is not compulsory. The CIIP is a free pre-departure orientation program for Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominees, and spouses in their final immigration stages. It is funded by the Canadian government. It aims to give you information on how to achieve economic success in Canada (job prospects, credential assessment, licensure, job search, etc.). They also provide planning and online support, and connect you to their partners in Canada.
We attended it, and found it very useful. It's a one-day seminar, and they'll also schedule a personalized planning session for you. Based on your profession/professional interests and where you want to settle (which provinces), you'll receive information on online resources, and introductions to settlement organizations, bridging programs, and mentoring organizations. You'll get email introductions to individuals in partner organizations in Canada (colleges, settlement organizations, job search networks, and professional licensing bodies).
So essentially, we found it to be a great way to focus our job search and get a head start on things before landing, connect with people, and get your questions answered. It's up to you to make the most of the information, and the networking opportunities. We found it to be an excellent resource.
Good luck!
