FSWP2014 Applicants from India with files transferred to Warsaw visa office.

[Money11]

There is no defined time limit for reply of CSE.

It actually depends upon urgency of your matter. Urgency is something which is subjective matter and extent of urgency/priority is decided by the VO. Something you think as urgent might not be that urgent for vo.

One thing is for sure. Every CSE reached to VO and is read by the VO. There are the instances of CSE being responded within a day. Sometimes, there is never a reply.

I had raised CSE for 2 times during the whole process. One for changing of email id and the other one for general inquiry. The first one was answered within 4 days and the other one was never answered.

Can you please let me know how to raise CSE from Outside canda?

Thanks

 

[sarkar13]

[/quote]
I appreciate the efforts of Harrysandhu. Keep up your good work.

I have made following observations from working pattern of WVO:

1. They are processing applications based on Last In First Out (LIFO). They are issuing DM/PPR in more numbers from Wednesday-Friday looking at the trend of last 3-6 weeks, so don't wait for Tuesdays now on those who are waiting for DM/PPR.

2. They are clearly giving priority to December/November/October/September applicants.

3. That is the reason why majority of December/November applicants have received DM/PPR.

4. The applicants who have completed century(>100 days) awaiting DM/PPR are mostly October/September applicants and were the first to receive MR/TLU.

5. It can't be the case that most of the above applicants are having any problem in background/security checks. I believe that the applicants whose file are transferred to WVO are scoring high on points and have represented their file in an organized and well-prepared way.

6. The only thing I can't understand is the reason for the delay. One logic is Bring forward Date (BFD) but considering a waiting period of (>100 days) such days would have come for at least 2-3 times in these 3 months. So they should be in position of taking decision. I think so because many of December/November applicants have got DM/PPR within 30-90 days after MR/TLU. So what is the fault of these October/September applicants?

7. The maximum time frame I think within which they should clear the files should be around 12-14 months from date of application received. So they should clear it before Diwali i.e. November.

8. I hope and am optimistic that those applicants who have completed century(>100 days) awaiting DM/PPR should get it by this month end or before mid September. It is enough of wait and suffering that they have tolerated and should get the recognition of all hard work they have done in application in form of visa at the earliest.

9. I can understand the wait and frustration of them as I am too awaiting MR like fairu.

10. Best wishes to these Waiting Passport Visa Forum (WPVF) and may the luck be your side by this weekend specially this Friday.

 

[jj_ind]

FYI

The link to the waiting list (only ppl waiting for DM/PPR)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxJoiCKYznqLOVlqMDRzMV90MVE/view?usp=sharing


rgds

Thanks Harry bhai! Will check

 

[navi2235]

I appreciate the efforts of Harrysandhu. Keep up your good work.

I have made following observations from working pattern of WVO:

1. They are processing applications based on Last In First Out (LIFO). They are issuing DM/PPR in more numbers from Wednesday-Friday looking at the trend of last 3-6 weeks, so don't wait for Tuesdays now on those who are waiting for DM/PPR.

2. They are clearly giving priority to December/November/October/September applicants.

3. That is the reason why majority of December/November applicants have received DM/PPR.

4. The applicants who have completed century(>100 days) awaiting DM/PPR are mostly October/September applicants and were the first to receive MR/TLU.

5. It can't be the case that most of the above applicants are having any problem in background/security checks. I believe that the applicants whose file are transferred to WVO are scoring high on points and have represented their file in an organized and well-prepared way.

6. The only thing I can't understand is the reason for the delay. One logic is Bring forward Date (BFD) but considering a waiting period of (>100 days) such days would have come for at least 2-3 times in these 3 months. So they should be in position of taking decision. I think so because many of December/November applicants have got DM/PPR within 30-90 days after MR/TLU. So what is the fault of these October/September applicants?

7. The maximum time frame I think within which they should clear the files should be around 12-14 months from date of application received. So they should clear it before Diwali i.e. November.

8. I hope and am optimistic that those applicants who have completed century(>100 days) awaiting DM/PPR should get it by this month end or before mid September. It is enough of wait and suffering that they have tolerated and should get the recognition of all hard work they have done in application in form of visa at the earliest.

9. I can understand the wait and frustration of them as I am too awaiting MR like fairu.

10. Best wishes to these Waiting Passport Visa Forum (WPVF) and may the luck be your side by this weekend specially this Friday.

Nice write up after a great R&D gives a strong beam of hope, look forward for a bank this week

 

[Rendezvous70]

Hi Rendezvous

Are you single applicant or family applicant?

Hi Vijay ,

We are family of four . what about you ?

 

[akkinikka]

HELLO EVERYONE.! I need your help guys... I have received a PPR, but still i have not read a line that states "medical results have been received". And the status in ECAS still IN PROCESS.. I am ready to send tomorrow my passport , updated info chart phots and Appendix A.. But i am still worried, i have read somewhere that a PPR is not 100% approval that a visa will be issued.. What do u think? What does PASSPORT REQUEST REALLY MEAN. Thank u so much guys for taking time read hopefully u can shed light to my situation. Thank you very much.

 

[navi2235]

be optimistic, you have croosed the ocean and reached your destination,your mission is accomplished, Bon Voyage

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

HELLO EVERYONE.! I need your help guys... I have received a PPR, but still i have not read a line that states "medical results have been received". And the status in ECAS still IN PROCESS.. I am ready to send tomorrow my passport , updated info chart phots and Appendix A.. But i am still worried, i have read somewhere that a PPR is not 100% approval that a visa will be issued.. What do u think? What does PASSPORT REQUEST REALLY MEAN. Thank u so much guys for taking time read hopefully u can shed light to my situation. Thank you very much.

I don't think that the embassy would request you to submit your passport and then reject you. They would be embarrassing themselves if they do that. Just hope that you are through! I wish you all the very best . Keep us posted .

 

[jj_ind]

HELLO EVERYONE.! I need your help guys... I have received a PPR, but still i have not read a line that states "medical results have been received". And the status in ECAS still IN PROCESS.. I am ready to send tomorrow my passport , updated info chart phots and Appendix A.. But i am still worried, i have read somewhere that a PPR is not 100% approval that a visa will be issued.. What do u think? What does PASSPORT REQUEST REALLY MEAN. Thank u so much guys for taking time read hopefully u can shed light to my situation. Thank you very much.

Hello Friend,
I feel Passport request is for positive news only. If the visa office is asking you to send passport along with photographs you should be happy. Please don't read too much into your ECAS now. It will also be eventually get updated!

 

[karamjeeet]

Hi guys,
Can anybody please send me the link of thread "landing in Canada, all you want to know" started by qorax

 

[amit.synergy]

qorax:
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...

REFERENCE THREADS:
Can we Land in Any City:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t35499.0.html
Which City to Land for Jobs:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t31291.0.html
Landing Forms:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t30178.0.html
Job's In Perspective:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t31106.0.html

WHEN SHOULD WE 'LAND':
After getting the PR visa, we are supposed to complete our 'record of landing', on or before the Visa Expiry Date [mentioned on the visa]. The visa Expiry Date is related to EITHER*:
a) 1yr. from the meds, or
b) Passport expiry date of the PA or anyone of his/her accompanying Dependents
*Whichever of the above 2 is earlier.

WHO SHOULD LAND FIRST:
It is the obligation of the PA to 'land' first. Which can be 'alongwith' one or more or all the accompanying family members. Let it be clear that the PA's dependents CANNOT land first.

PROCEDURE AT THE POE:
Irrespective of which city we chose to land, the 'landing' per se, is a simple process. Before debarking the a/craft we'll be provided with a 'Disembarkation Card/Form'. We take that form & first go to the 'Passport Control'.

At the Passport Control:
Here we need to inform the IO that we have come to do our 'landing'. The IO will check our Disembarkation Card and our passport/s & visa. S/he will then direct us to "Newly Landed Immigrants' Counter".

At the Immigration Counter:
The IO here will scrutinize our Passport/s & COPRs. He would [sometimes may not] ask to see our POF. Most of the times the officer will not count the 'actual' money & accept what we say. But, no false pretensions there. S/he will then fill some portions of the COPR & ask us to sign it, wherein it'll be attached on our passport. We'll be asked to fill-in the 'PR Card Application Form' & give an address where our PR cards will be forwarded within 3-6 weeks. Thereby, s/he would 'Welcome us to Canada' and direct us to another office.

At the Services Canada Office:
The Services Canada section is for assisting the Newcomers' settlement moves. Here we'll get lots of books/pamphlets, that'll provide all the crucial info on Canada and our Settlement plan here. From here will be directed to the CBSA counter.

At the CBSA [Customs] Office:
This is an important location. We are required to present (1) List of Items Accompanying; (2) List of Goods to Follow; (3) Currency Declaration [We'd have to 'declare' any amount of $10K or more]. Lists-1 & 2 must be brought in 2 copies, one would be retained by CBSA and the 2nd copy will be returned back to us. We'll need the 2nd copy when our shipments come-in.

Note: [1] If we are not bringing-in any goods later, we don't need the 'goods to follow list'. [2] At a random the CBSA might 'actually' check the POF here. Thus, no complacency is acceptable. [3] If there are 'jewelry' involved, do not forget to bring 'Printed Photographs' of the same (details later).

BTW: All the officers are extremely friendly, very understanding, cheerful and helpful. We'll encounter 'Welcome to Canada' many a times. If all the docs are pre-printed & available with us; and there is not much of a queue, we will be out of the a/port in 40mins-1hr. flat. Which includes the walk-distance, baggage collection etc.

FORMS REQUIRED FOR THE 'LANDING':
Even if you stay ONLY for a day at Canada, you will need the following:

1. Passport with stamped Visa. -off course
2. COPR (IMM 5292B)
3. POF. [for cases "without" AEO & family class] (details below)
4. Passport size photos. -2 or 3 for PRC (may not be needed, but good to have)
5. PR Card Application (IMM 5444E). -carry it filled pre-printed, for ease
6. Goods to Follow List (Form B4 / B4A). -carry it filled pre-printed, for ease
7. Goods Accompanying List. -as above, a table of things u r carrying on person (value & Totaled)
Forms required later
8. SIN Card Apps Form (NAS 2120). -Not Needed at the A/port [later at Services Canada]
9. Kids Immunization Record. -Not Needed at the A/port [later for School Admission]
10. If you are Driving your Car. -read below

NOTE: The more you are organized before hand, the better 1st impression you deliver and the IO/CBSA officer shall be happier. (BTW: smooth & fast processing). U'll be out faster. Go to your accom & relax for the day, you had a long journey, haven't you?

SHORT STAY ACCOMMODATION:
For sure you must arrange a 'short-stay' accommodation prior to your landing. The necessity of which cannot be overemphasized more. If you have friends/relatives, they can be approached for the same, if you do not have anyone, the following is recommended:

Toronto:
1) http://www.safehomestay.com/
2) http://www.staystudio6.com/
*Both provide a/port pick-up services. The places are used by many satisfactorily.

Calgary:
Not much such places are available. However, this ad by a service-provider caught my eye...
"Furnished rooms with high speed internet are available for newcomers & immigrants. Close to all aminities. Pick up & drop off services also available. Call Girish # 403-255-8582 [or email: taradale @ live.ca] for more info".
Source: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/shared-accomodation-in-calgary-ne-t31430.0.html

Vancouver:
a) http://www.budgetpathotel.bc.ca/
b) http://www.ywcahotel.com/

Some other important sites on Vancouver are:
1) http://www.welcomebc.ca
2) http://www.rentbc.com

NOTE: Except for ppl with enough $$$ to spend, avoid Hotels & Motels. They are far costlier. Also, if you must take a hotel, avoid the ones close to the A/port -for obvious reasons.

HOUSE RENTAL:
The best way to do house hunting [long-term accom.] is to land at Canada & then start searching. Word of mouth & Bulletin Boards are a great ‘real-time' source. However, we cannot condone the importance of the web. Some of the good sites [there are many] could be:
a) http://www.hometrader.ca (Good site)
b) http://www.capreit.com (Property Management Services)
c) http://www.kjiji.ca/ (Good Classifieds site)
d) http://www.mls.ca (Mother of all)

MONEY: PROOF OF LANDING FUNDS:
What Proofs Are Acceptable?
If you are carrying more than C$10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form of:
• Cash
• Securities in bearer form (for eg, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
• Negotiable instruments in bearer form (for eg, B/drafts, Cheques, TCs or MOs).
Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/funds.asp

How Much Funds Can I Carry?
There is no Max limit... we can take Millions, if we can prove its legitimate source & declare anything at/or more than $10,000 [that's the CBSA regulation]. There is a Minimum limit though... we must carry at least or more than what CIC requirement states, vis-a-vis for the no. of pax in the family [accompanying].

Tax & Duties Component:
The funds we bring inside Canada are Non-Taxable. It is only the 'interest' earned on that which is taxed. The moment our funds start accruing interest [while lying in a Canadian Bank a/c] the bank will start deducting tax 'on source'. The same applies for any 'investment' in Canada that we make with these funds.

BANKING:
Though most international banks operate in Canada, the 3 main Canadian Banks are presumably the best, in terms of their presence, availability & location of ATM machines, branches etc.:
1) Scotiabank,
2) TD Bank, &
3) CIBC

Besides, you can also pre-open a Canadian Bank a/c from your home country [not all, Dubai, India etc.] thru Scotiabank, SBI & *ICICI Bank. I have posted details about it earlier here:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t34013.0.html

*ICICI Bank offers one of the cheapest a/c charges. But unfortunately, both ICICI & SBI have very limited presence in Canada.

AIRLINE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Usually BA & KLM change places frequently for their "lowest fares" to Canada. More often it'd be BA [especially from the UK, Dubai, Europe & the Gulf sector]. U can also ask your travel agent to select between multiple carriers to provide multiple-halt choices. But, from the UK actually that might not be required. Check BA today, it'll do the trick... Dubai-Heathrow-Toronto : AED 3,860/pp return.

However, personal choise prevails. Sometimes other carriers place envious promotions too. Emirates has recently commenced the A380 [Dreamliner] service. And all their flights are 'long-haul' -Non Stop.

NOTE: If our $$$ are a consideration, avoid 'non-stop' flights. They obviously are costlier. A single-stop flight is highly recommended. Also, we might avoid travel agents as well, the 'online' reservation of all the prominent carriers are absolutely good. I did mine thru BA & it was fantastic. Paid, printed and became an 'Executive Club' member -all thru the net. The e-ticket shall be delivered, on-the-spot, in your email in-box.

PR CARDS (PRC):
Your PR Card application (IMM 5444E) shall be done at the POE itself. It is part of the PR package [free] and the photos & details will be the same as you supplied for the PPR. Our PR Card/s come back to us via regular post mail, in 3-6 weeks, avg. 4 weeks. It is 'advisable' to stay in Canada for at least 45 days, collect our PRC and then return back [if you must].

If you leave the country before it arrives, u'll have to make arrangements for its collection & forward delivery to you, overseas, thru a friend/relative [Not a Recommended Action], however, done all the time by ppl. But there is a danger of losing it in transit. And if that happens, we'll have a tedious process to get new ones made.

How To Enter Canada W/Out A PR Card:
As per IATA & CBSA regulations, we cannot enter Canada w/out a PRC. However, if we are entering thru a Border Post by road, it doesn't matter -our COPR is enough for entry/exit. But, if we are travelling by an airline & boarding/entering thru an a/port we will Not be Permitted. At the embarkation port itself we will be Stopped by the airline staff.

The process in such cases is to apply for a 'PRTD-A31 (3)' [Temporary 'PR Travel Document'] at the local CHC [abroad]. It costs Ca$50. Details of it is provided at the 'Manual for Permanent Resident Card' (ENF 27).

Procedure Of PR Card Application:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5445E.PDF

NOTE: The PRC is probably the 'most important' document after we are thru with our PR application process. This is valid for 5 yrs. First time: Free; Renewals cost $50/card.

SIN CARDS:
After 'landing' we'll have to visit the nearest Services Canada Office for the SIN Card. We get the SIN No. immediately as a 'print-out' -signed & stamped upon applying, the same day, the same time. That'd suffice for all our further actions in Canada, viz Job Search, Bank a/c, House Hunting etc. The card shall come to us in approx 3 weeks. For its collection -ditto applies as above, for the PR Cards.

NOTE: Remember, we don't need the SIN Card for anything. Only the SIN No. Which we'll get the same time as we apply for it. It'd be wise to visit Services Canada Office the very next day upon arrival.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Both PR Card & SIN Cards are Federal documents. Meaning? One card for the entire nation -Canada.

HEALTH CARDS:
Health is a provincial matter. It is NOT FEDERAL. Thus, if you change provinces, u'll have to AGAIN get that province's Health Card. And again the waiting period* shall apply. Off course, a previous province's health card remains valid for few days/months in another province, but not all benefits could be availed.

*The Waiting Period:
As I know, Alberta [eg. Calgary, Edmonton etc] & Manitoba [eg. Winnipeg] are the Only provinces where there is NO WAITING period for the Health Insurance. Rest in all provinces there is some waiting time to get the Health Benifits. In Ontario [eg. Toronto, Ottawa etc.] it is 3 months.

Eg.: If Calgary Is My Destination Should I Get The H/Card In Toronto?
If Calgary is your Final Destination, but you are 'initially' landing in Toronto for a few days stay [Permitted action], I suggest you should first land in Calgary [get the health card] and then visit Toronto. Why? Mainly 'coz, you can get the Calgary health card immediately, but in Toronto you'll not. That Calgary health card will be valid in Toronto for a few days. Not the vice-versa. Secondly, if you land first in Toronto, you'll be staying w/out any health coverage.

Temp. Health Coverage:
It's wise to obtain a 'temporary' health coverage before you fly. Off course not required if you are going to Alberta or Manitoba. That temp. coverage shall come in the way of "Travel Insurance", which you can obtain from ANY insurance company in your homeland. The costs depands on the length of coverage. Usually we should take it for 3-4 months, as that is the waiting time in all provinces.

NOTE: It'll be a good idea to obtain the Travel Insurance from home country. For 2 reasons: [1] You are covered from day-1 even before landing. [2] In Canada it will be costlier & you'll be covered only from the day you apply. What if you get to do it later, as you'll be busy in the initial days? What if something goes wrong in between?

DRIVING LICENSE:
There is a way to obtain at least the Ontario G2 Driving Lincense immediately, if not the G1. For that some pre-arranged actions are needed, before you fly. I've written in detail on it. Check out this link:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/issue-with-ontario-drivers-licence-strike-t30236.0.html

HOW TO BRING CARS INTO CANADA:
Firstly, it is Not wise to bring-in Cars from any other country into Canada. Why? Cars are quite compititively priced in Canada. It's only its maintenance & the cost of Gas that'll kill you. Secondly, Canadian models are made specifically to withstand the 'extreme' cold conditions there. Our imported cars might not [less the ones from Europian or similar countries].

Thirdly, there are laws for Tire, Radiator etc. modifications, before we can register it in Canada. Why would we like to take that trouble? Fourthly, the transportation costs? It might just not be worth to bring-in cars from far-flung countries.

Import Cars From The Us:
Yes, be free to bring your car/s from the US by all means. But 'remember', we need to first 'export' the car from the US and again 'import' it into Canada, after we get-in. Documentations... documentations... However, quite a good detail about it is provided in this website:
http://www.auto-broker-magic.com/Canada_Import.html

ITEMS TO CARRY FROM HOMELAND:
Very debatable... I would say, do your maths first. Is the extra baggage costs worth the effort? Most items are readily available in Canada, also at very reasonable price.

Ditto for Indian Food & Spices [Rice, Dal, Pickles, Papad (?) etc.] And ditto for Italian [Pasta, Lasagna etc.], Japanese [Sushi, Tapanyaki, Teriyaki etc.], Tex-Mex, you name it.

Besides, many items are also not permitted entry. And there is otherwise a quality/quantity restriction as well. Check the CBSA website for those. Moreover, hiring a container full of goods? I'd say No... No. It may not be worthwhile at all.

What To Take? [Purely My Advise]:
1. Personal effects [for imdt use, large quantities... No]
2. General clothing [some warm ones also]
3. Laptop [no desk top, printer etc.]
4. Digicam / Camcorder
5. Heirlooms [heritage collections, murals, artifacts etc.] -Check CBSA rules.
6. Original Certificates / Documents
7. Prescription Medicines
8. Books & DVDs
9. Mobile Phone* [non CDMA] -a NA charger will be needed
*Only GSM850-1900MHz models [that's the Canadian frequency -not all countries have that]

What "Not" To Take? [Purely My Advise]:
1. Furniture [whatever, small or big]
2. TV [even if it's an LCD], Fridge, Washing machine etc.
3. Curtains, Bedspreads, Pillows & linens
4. Cars, Bikes etc.
5. Large-sized Toys of kids
6. Food [Perishable or Non-perishable] items
7. Over-the-Counter Medicines
8. Meat or Meat products [including Fowl, Fish etc.]

NOTE: Asian make electronic/electrical items won't work in Canada. [read 230 vs 110 Volts]

GOODS LISTS [FORM B4 / B4A]:
All goods that we carry, either 'on person' or 'following' needs to be 'listed' in form B4 / B4A, separately. These forms are available in the CBSA website, link given below:
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf

It is the same form for 'Goods Accompanying' & 'Goods to follow'. We should club similar items in groups [eg. DVDs: Qty-98, Books: Qty-42 etc.].

The entire list should be priced against each group & totalled in the end. We should carry 'original' invoices for high-end items [Diamonds -MUST]. Others can be broadly/generally priced, but appropriate.

Jewelry items MUST be listed [each item wise]; and should carry their "photographs". We should print-out the pics under similar groups [eg. Rings -all in one or more pages, Necklaces -in another page etc.]

We'll need 2 copies of each form, as one would be kept by the CBSA & one would be returned to us, for 'customs' clearance. This 2nd copy will be signed & stamped by the CBSA at the POE.

NOTE: All goods brought for 'landing' are non-taxed. If we were to bring-in goods 'later', either by personal carriage or thru a transporter, this list MUST be stamped on the 1st Landing. Else, they will be 'dutiable'. No compromise on that is possible. That's the law.

ABOUT KID's SCHOOLING:
Canada has 2 types of schools -the 'Public Schools' & the 'Catholic Schools'. There are some 'ethnic' schools as well, but not for regular education. Most of our kids [say 70%] go to the Public Schools -this education is FREE. The Catholic Schools are Fee-Paid [payable by us].

Usually, our kids will be accepted imdtly into the *neighborhood school, whether we arrive mid-term or during a new session. There can be an 'entry test', but that's not for rejection -but for assessment of the extra care that the school need to provide to a kid.

Even if our kids are not very good in either of the 2 Canadian official languages -English &/or French, by law a school is required to provide admission to our kids.

*Each neighborhood will have their own Public School/s; and our kids are required to ONLY be admitted there. We have no choice on that. The only way out [if we think that a particular school is better] is to move our residence to that area [neighborhood]. We have to provide our 'residency contract' for this purpose.

School Websites:
Each province [& some cities] has its own 'school District Board'. All information can be viewed in those websites.
1) An example is the 'Toronto Dist. School Board', check this link:
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/
2) For a 'ranking' overview of Canadian schools, you may like to check the following link:
http://www.fraserinstitute.org/reportcards/schoolperformance/

NOTE: Do not be hooked by the thought that the Catholic Schools are better than the Public Schools. Both are equally compititive in Edu-care. In fact some of the Public Schools are 'excellent' & remember, 70% Canadian kids study in them.

***
I hope I've addressed most issues, if not all... to ease the process of our landing. If I missed out anything or if something is wrongly put, plz notify. Also other members who have more info to add may kindly post theirs under this thread, for the benefit of everyone.

All the best, buddies !
QORAX

 

[Harry_Putter]

Came across this new on Toronto Star. Looks very interesting and hope no one is a victim again.

[size=10pt]Would-be immigrant from India awarded $3,000 over a lost email[/size]
D.C. Patel’s application was rejected because he didn’t respond to an email he never got — and Ottawa can’t prove ever existed.



By: Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter, Published on Sun Aug 16 2015

Call it the case of the vanishing email.
Canada’s federal court has awarded a prospective immigrant from India $3,000 — and a second shot at coming here — over “a failed email communication” on the part of Immigration Canada.
In granting the appeal in the man’s favour, the court ruled that the responsibility of ensuring the delivery and receipt of immigration correspondence falls squarely on the sender and recipient, and laid out the conditions whereby one party should be held accountable for the lost email.
With Citizenship and Immigration Canada moving toward paperless online applications, an increasing number of cases seem to be cropping up in which lost communication led to applicants being rejected (though no statistics are available).
In the Indian man’s case, the court found there had been “a breach of procedural fairness” in turning him down because he hadn’t responded to an email he never received.
“The judge just asked both parties, ‘Where’s the email?’ And there was nothing,” said lawyer Karen Kwan Anderson, who asked the court to review the rejection of her client’s application under the skilled workers program.
“Email could be efficient and fast in sending information, but there’s the black hole of email where it just disappeared. Over-reliance on technology can be dangerous.”
The first court cases centred on lost emails came at least as early as 2010, said Anderson, who has encountered situations in her own practice where she and her clients “didn’t receive email requests for further information, or received email (intended) for someone else.”
The applicant in this case, Dharmendrakumar Chandrakantbhai Patel, applied for immigration to Canada in June 2010 as a computer and information systems manager.
In February 2014, immigration officials refused his application on the grounds that he “had not supplied any of the documents allegedly requested on August 20, 2013.”
Rakesh Goel, a program assistant at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi, claimed to have sent the emailed request for updated application forms and police clearances on that day, and to have given the applicant 45 days to respond.
However, Patel, who declined to be interviewed for this story, said neither he nor his lawyer ever received the email. Justice M. Boswell requested to see the email, but the immigration department was unable to produce a copy of it in the government’s “certified tribunal record” (CTR).
Anderson said her office had inquired about the status of the client’s application in October, after the said email was sent, but no outstanding issues were revealed by immigration officials.
Her subsequent request to the visa post to reopen the case and reconsider the application was denied.
“The respondent has not even supplied a copy of the alleged email, and Mr. Goel’s affidavit does not include a printout of his sent box which could confirm that any email was sent to the correct address,” Boswell wrote in the judgment issued in July.
“The respondent cannot simply rely on electronic notes to prove that a document has been sent to the correct address. Since the respondent has not proven that the email was sent, it is a breach of procedural fairness.”
The immigration department said it uses contact info provided by applicants at their preference and does not use the confirmation of receipt.
“It would double the volume of messages received and the resources required to manage emails. However, our email system does notify officers of email addresses for which the delivery of emails has failed,” said department spokesperson Nancy Chan.
“In those instances, officers try to contact applicants by other means, such as telephone and regular mail. It is the applicant’s responsibility to keep their contact information up-to-date, including their email address, if provided.”
In ordering Ottawa to reopen Patel’s case and awarding the man the unprecedented $3,000 in costs, the judge said the responsibility of a failed communication shifts to the immigration applicant only if officials can show an email was sent, and that they have no reason to believe otherwise — a test the department failed in the Patel case.
Boswell advised the immigration department to adopt email programs that has mechanisms requiring recipients to acknowledge receipt of an email.
“While it may be reasonable to imagine that there will be mistakes made by immigration officers when dealing with thousands of visa applications from around the world, where the evidence readily shows that there has been a mistake, it should be rectified,” the judge wrote.
“If the application had been reopened as requested by the applicant and as this court has exhorted the respondent to do on several occasions, this hearing before the court would not have been necessary.”
The court decision cannot be appealed because the judge did not certify any question.

http://www.thestar.com/news/immigration/2015/08/16/would-be-immigrant-from-india-awarded-3000-over-a-lost-email.html

 

[harrysandhu22]

Dear All,

The waiting list along with days since MR is given below for your reference please-

Sr no.	Name	MR Date	TLU Date	NOC	Days from MR
1	adritth	07-Apr-15	20-Apr-15	311	135
2	saurin j	13-Apr-15	1-May-15	112	129
3	canadaraj	20-Apr-15	2-Jun-15	2172	122
4	Bansri Shah	21-Apr-15	8-May-15		121
5	spades	22-Apr-15	9-May-15	2174	120
6	rashpace40	24-Apr-15	21-May-15	2281	118
7	Cool Canada	27-Apr-15	15-May-15	113	115
8	satbsi	27-Apr-15	10-Jun-15		115
9	CANADA DREAMZ	02-May-15	20-May-15	111	110
10	abraham.t	05-May-15	20-May-15	2241	107
11	prags03ic24	06-May-15	20-May-15	911	106
12	vcns	06-May-15	20-May-15	111	106
13	Kanou	06-May-15	28-May-15	2131	106
14	mamuthebug	06-May-15	2-Jun-15	1123	106
15	sunakshi278	06-May-15	22-May-15		106
16	DHILLON0	07-May-15	19-May-15		105
17	bhaibhai	08-May-15	26-May-15	2133	104
18	jj_ind	08-May-15	10-Jun-15	3011	104
19	P3142	08-May-15		3142	104
20	aaryanaworld	09-May-15	21-May-15	1212	103
21	amar_gahir	09-May-15	4-Jun-15	2281	103
22	APS15	09-May-15	12-May-15	2172	103
23	Bkamalshri	09-May-15	20-May-15	112	103
24	can2133	09-May-15	2-Jun-15	2133	103
25	canfsw	09-May-15		2241	103
26	ESAKAUR	09-May-15	4-Jun-15	2241	103
27	Harry_Putter	09-May-15	20-May-15	113	103
28	Jas_Gill	09-May-15	25-May-15	2241	103
29	JFKDELHI	09-May-15	25-May-15		103
30	johny Walker	09-May-15	21-May-15		103
31	Mahitha	09-May-15	20-May-15	112	103
32	Mdesai	09-May-15	25-May-15		103
33	Mission_2015	09-May-15	26-May-15	1114	103
34	Monty75	09-May-15	6-Jun-15	4214	103
35	Mr FSW	09-May-15	21-May-15		103
36	niravedash	09-May-15	18-Jun-15	1212	103
37	rahuldhawanFSW	09-May-15	12-Jun-15	2172	103
38	Reena Ahuja	09-May-15	21-May-15	112	103
39	Shybi	09-May-15	30-May-15	2281	103
40	virkdaman	09-May-15	18-May-15	4011	103
41	Virleen	09-May-15	21-May-15		103
42	yogisaman	09-May-15	26-May-15	1123	103
43	harrysandhu22	10-May-15	6-Jun-15	121	102
44	Baagga	11-May-15	6-Jun-15	911	101
45	Rohitl	12-May-15	2-Jun-15	1212	100
46	canada15#$	13-May-15	6-Jun-15		99
47	Mastram	13-May-15	26-May-15		99
48	xyz86	14-May-15	30-May-15	4214	98
49	chiragkdave	15-May-15	6-Jun-15	2241	97
50	Dhruv.271	15-May-15	16-Jun-15		97
51	pks0884	15-May-15	2-Jun-15	2232	97
52	Canada Aspirant	16-May-15	5-May-15	2243	96
53	mohcanada	16-May-15	5-May-15	121	96
54	aliakbar.t	19-May-15	11-Jun-15	2131	93
55	amit.synergy	19-May-15	9-Jun-15	711	93
56	beacondel	19-May-15	9-Jun-15	1212	93
57	meenu89	21-May-15	10-Jun-15	3011	91
58	navi2235	22-May-15		2235	90
59	preet77	22-May-15	7-Jun-15	4214	90
60	jainp01	23-May-15	13-Jun-15		89
61	mehtab_kaka	25-May-15		2241	87
62	dineDSP	26-May-15	10-Jun-15		86
63	kalpeshmak	26-May-15	12-Jun-15	4214	86
64	vyaasa	26-May-15	10-Jun-15	2113	86
65	pritz	27-May-15	3-Jun-15	2232	85
66	nonasingh	28-May-15	15-Jun-15	1212	84
67	Vicky1207	28-May-15	23-Jun-15	15	84
68	Dipgandhi	29-May-15	23-Jun-15		83
69	niks283	01-Jun-15			80
70	Neil08	02-Jun-15	16-Jun-15	1212	79
71	kovurs	03-Jun-15	20-Jun-15	911	78
72	SardarJI	10-Jun-15	23-Jun-15	121	71
73	aquablue8086	07-Jul-15		112	44
74	milsv	07-Jul-15		13	44
75	tkshak	07-Jul-15		1212	44
76	ibo_jayu	08-Jul-15	28-Jul-15	1212	43
77	rahulk9	08-Jul-15			43
78	Kam123	09-Jul-15		4151	42
79	prinipmp	14-Jul-15			37
80	psgh	14-Jul-15	28-Jul-15		37
81	shettyss	15-Jul-15		112	36
82	anilkumarchow	17-Jul-15		3142	34
83	rameshc11	20-Jul-15	4-Aug-15	112	31
84	rupshikha	25-Jul-15	4-Aug-15	3233	26
85	binny_31	30-Jul-15		2172	21
86	A man			3215
87	agiegirl01			4214
88	Chahal491			311
89	fairu			1123
90	gulshanbatra			13
91	harry1082		24-Apr-15	2172
92	HR0112			112
93	jatin229			2172
94	J S DHILLON
95	mk84			3011
96	Ncs77			113
97	parminderk		2-Jul-15
98	piku			111
99	Quina			112
100	samandp			2172
101	sarkar13			4011
102	Sherzod			1114
103	smilingpari			1114
104	ssbv			4011
105	s-kaur			4214
106	vansharora			121
107	xneelx			1212
108	Yash		29-Apr-15

Those of us who have either received DM/PPR are requested to please update the list.

Lets hope that this list is shortened by week-end.

Cheers

 

[JS DHILLON]

Dear All,

The waiting list along with days since MR is given below for your reference please-

Sr no.	Name	MR Date	TLU Date	NOC	Days from MR
1	adritth	07-Apr-15	20-Apr-15	311	135
2	saurin j	13-Apr-15	1-May-15	112	129
3	canadaraj	20-Apr-15	2-Jun-15	2172	122
4	Bansri Shah	21-Apr-15	8-May-15		121
5	spades	22-Apr-15	9-May-15	2174	120
6	rashpace40	24-Apr-15	21-May-15	2281	118
7	Cool Canada	27-Apr-15	15-May-15	113	115
8	satbsi	27-Apr-15	10-Jun-15		115
9	CANADA DREAMZ	02-May-15	20-May-15	111	110
10	abraham.t	05-May-15	20-May-15	2241	107
11	prags03ic24	06-May-15	20-May-15	911	106
12	vcns	06-May-15	20-May-15	111	106
13	Kanou	06-May-15	28-May-15	2131	106
14	mamuthebug	06-May-15	2-Jun-15	1123	106
15	sunakshi278	06-May-15	22-May-15		106
16	DHILLON0	07-May-15	19-May-15		105
17	bhaibhai	08-May-15	26-May-15	2133	104
18	jj_ind	08-May-15	10-Jun-15	3011	104
19	P3142	08-May-15		3142	104
20	aaryanaworld	09-May-15	21-May-15	1212	103
21	amar_gahir	09-May-15	4-Jun-15	2281	103
22	APS15	09-May-15	12-May-15	2172	103
23	Bkamalshri	09-May-15	20-May-15	112	103
24	can2133	09-May-15	2-Jun-15	2133	103
25	canfsw	09-May-15		2241	103
26	ESAKAUR	09-May-15	4-Jun-15	2241	103
27	Harry_Putter	09-May-15	20-May-15	113	103
28	Jas_Gill	09-May-15	25-May-15	2241	103
29	JFKDELHI	09-May-15	25-May-15		103
30	johny Walker	09-May-15	21-May-15		103
31	Mahitha	09-May-15	20-May-15	112	103
32	Mdesai	09-May-15	25-May-15		103
33	Mission_2015	09-May-15	26-May-15	1114	103
34	Monty75	09-May-15	6-Jun-15	4214	103
35	Mr FSW	09-May-15	21-May-15		103
36	niravedash	09-May-15	18-Jun-15	1212	103
37	rahuldhawanFSW	09-May-15	12-Jun-15	2172	103
38	Reena Ahuja	09-May-15	21-May-15	112	103
39	Shybi	09-May-15	30-May-15	2281	103
40	virkdaman	09-May-15	18-May-15	4011	103
41	Virleen	09-May-15	21-May-15		103
42	yogisaman	09-May-15	26-May-15	1123	103
43	harrysandhu22	10-May-15	6-Jun-15	121	102
44	Baagga	11-May-15	6-Jun-15	911	101
45	Rohitl	12-May-15	2-Jun-15	1212	100
46	canada15#$	13-May-15	6-Jun-15		99
47	Mastram	13-May-15	26-May-15		99
48	xyz86	14-May-15	30-May-15	4214	98
49	chiragkdave	15-May-15	6-Jun-15	2241	97
50	Dhruv.271	15-May-15	16-Jun-15		97
51	pks0884	15-May-15	2-Jun-15	2232	97
52	Canada Aspirant	16-May-15	5-May-15	2243	96
53	mohcanada	16-May-15	5-May-15	121	96
54	aliakbar.t	19-May-15	11-Jun-15	2131	93
55	amit.synergy	19-May-15	9-Jun-15	711	93
56	beacondel	19-May-15	9-Jun-15	1212	93
57	meenu89	21-May-15	10-Jun-15	3011	91
58	navi2235	22-May-15		2235	90
59	preet77	22-May-15	7-Jun-15	4214	90
60	jainp01	23-May-15	13-Jun-15		89
61	mehtab_kaka	25-May-15		2241	87
62	dineDSP	26-May-15	10-Jun-15		86
63	kalpeshmak	26-May-15	12-Jun-15	4214	86
64	vyaasa	26-May-15	10-Jun-15	2113	86
65	pritz	27-May-15	3-Jun-15	2232	85
66	nonasingh	28-May-15	15-Jun-15	1212	84
67	Vicky1207	28-May-15	23-Jun-15	15	84
68	Dipgandhi	29-May-15	23-Jun-15		83
69	niks283	01-Jun-15			80
70	Neil08	02-Jun-15	16-Jun-15	1212	79
71	kovurs	03-Jun-15	20-Jun-15	911	78
72	SardarJI	10-Jun-15	23-Jun-15	121	71
73	aquablue8086	07-Jul-15		112	44
74	milsv	07-Jul-15		13	44
75	tkshak	07-Jul-15		1212	44
76	ibo_jayu	08-Jul-15	28-Jul-15	1212	43
77	rahulk9	08-Jul-15			43
78	Kam123	09-Jul-15		4151	42
79	prinipmp	14-Jul-15			37
80	psgh	14-Jul-15	28-Jul-15		37
81	shettyss	15-Jul-15		112	36
82	anilkumarchow	17-Jul-15		3142	34
83	rameshc11	20-Jul-15	4-Aug-15	112	31
84	rupshikha	25-Jul-15	4-Aug-15	3233	26
85	binny_31	30-Jul-15		2172	21
86	A man			3215
87	agiegirl01			4214
88	Chahal491			311
89	fairu			1123
90	gulshanbatra			13
91	harry1082		24-Apr-15	2172
92	HR0112			112
93	jatin229			2172
94	J S DHILLON
95	mk84			3011
96	Ncs77			113
97	parminderk		2-Jul-15
98	piku			111
99	Quina			112
100	samandp			2172
101	sarkar13			4011
102	Sherzod			1114
103	smilingpari			1114
104	ssbv			4011
105	s-kaur			4214
106	vansharora			121
107	xneelx			1212
108	Yash		29-Apr-15

Those of us who have either received DM/PPR are requested to please update the list.

Lets hope that this list is shortened by week-end.

Cheers

Sandhu Sabh, in my case, my wife is a main applicant & her MR date is 19th May & my details were added in her file at bit later stage. Hence I have got MR on 17th June & TLU 2nd July 15, accordingly you can update in the list. Even I am also confused whether VO will consider my MR or my wife's MR date to issue PPR/DM. If any idea please let me know.
Our docs including PCC reached Warsaw by 12/06/15

Very Good efforts Mr. Harry Sandhu

 

[karamjeeet]

qorax:
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...

REFERENCE THREADS:
Can we Land in Any City:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t35499.0.html
Which City to Land for Jobs:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t31291.0.html
Landing Forms:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t30178.0.html
Job's In Perspective:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t31106.0.html

WHEN SHOULD WE 'LAND':
After getting the PR visa, we are supposed to complete our 'record of landing', on or before the Visa Expiry Date [mentioned on the visa]. The visa Expiry Date is related to EITHER*:
a) 1yr. from the meds, or
b) Passport expiry date of the PA or anyone of his/her accompanying Dependents
*Whichever of the above 2 is earlier.

WHO SHOULD LAND FIRST:
It is the obligation of the PA to 'land' first. Which can be 'alongwith' one or more or all the accompanying family members. Let it be clear that the PA's dependents CANNOT land first.

PROCEDURE AT THE POE:
Irrespective of which city we chose to land, the 'landing' per se, is a simple process. Before debarking the a/craft we'll be provided with a 'Disembarkation Card/Form'. We take that form & first go to the 'Passport Control'.

At the Passport Control:
Here we need to inform the IO that we have come to do our 'landing'. The IO will check our Disembarkation Card and our passport/s & visa. S/he will then direct us to "Newly Landed Immigrants' Counter".

At the Immigration Counter:
The IO here will scrutinize our Passport/s & COPRs. He would [sometimes may not] ask to see our POF. Most of the times the officer will not count the 'actual' money & accept what we say. But, no false pretensions there. S/he will then fill some portions of the COPR & ask us to sign it, wherein it'll be attached on our passport. We'll be asked to fill-in the 'PR Card Application Form' & give an address where our PR cards will be forwarded within 3-6 weeks. Thereby, s/he would 'Welcome us to Canada' and direct us to another office.

At the Services Canada Office:
The Services Canada section is for assisting the Newcomers' settlement moves. Here we'll get lots of books/pamphlets, that'll provide all the crucial info on Canada and our Settlement plan here. From here will be directed to the CBSA counter.

At the CBSA [Customs] Office:
This is an important location. We are required to present (1) List of Items Accompanying; (2) List of Goods to Follow; (3) Currency Declaration [We'd have to 'declare' any amount of $10K or more]. Lists-1 & 2 must be brought in 2 copies, one would be retained by CBSA and the 2nd copy will be returned back to us. We'll need the 2nd copy when our shipments come-in.

Note: [1] If we are not bringing-in any goods later, we don't need the 'goods to follow list'. [2] At a random the CBSA might 'actually' check the POF here. Thus, no complacency is acceptable. [3] If there are 'jewelry' involved, do not forget to bring 'Printed Photographs' of the same (details later).

BTW: All the officers are extremely friendly, very understanding, cheerful and helpful. We'll encounter 'Welcome to Canada' many a times. If all the docs are pre-printed & available with us; and there is not much of a queue, we will be out of the a/port in 40mins-1hr. flat. Which includes the walk-distance, baggage collection etc.

FORMS REQUIRED FOR THE 'LANDING':
Even if you stay ONLY for a day at Canada, you will need the following:

1. Passport with stamped Visa. -off course
2. COPR (IMM 5292B)
3. POF. [for cases "without" AEO & family class] (details below)
4. Passport size photos. -2 or 3 for PRC (may not be needed, but good to have)
5. PR Card Application (IMM 5444E). -carry it filled pre-printed, for ease
6. Goods to Follow List (Form B4 / B4A). -carry it filled pre-printed, for ease
7. Goods Accompanying List. -as above, a table of things u r carrying on person (value & Totaled)
Forms required later
8. SIN Card Apps Form (NAS 2120). -Not Needed at the A/port [later at Services Canada]
9. Kids Immunization Record. -Not Needed at the A/port [later for School Admission]
10. If you are Driving your Car. -read below

NOTE: The more you are organized before hand, the better 1st impression you deliver and the IO/CBSA officer shall be happier. (BTW: smooth & fast processing). U'll be out faster. Go to your accom & relax for the day, you had a long journey, haven't you?

SHORT STAY ACCOMMODATION:
For sure you must arrange a 'short-stay' accommodation prior to your landing. The necessity of which cannot be overemphasized more. If you have friends/relatives, they can be approached for the same, if you do not have anyone, the following is recommended:

Toronto:
1) http://www.safehomestay.com/
2) http://www.staystudio6.com/
*Both provide a/port pick-up services. The places are used by many satisfactorily.

Calgary:
Not much such places are available. However, this ad by a service-provider caught my eye...
"Furnished rooms with high speed internet are available for newcomers & immigrants. Close to all aminities. Pick up & drop off services also available. Call Girish # 403-255-8582 [or email: taradale @ live.ca] for more info".
Source: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/shared-accomodation-in-calgary-ne-t31430.0.html

Vancouver:
a) http://www.budgetpathotel.bc.ca/
b) http://www.ywcahotel.com/

Some other important sites on Vancouver are:
1) http://www.welcomebc.ca
2) http://www.rentbc.com

NOTE: Except for ppl with enough $$$ to spend, avoid Hotels & Motels. They are far costlier. Also, if you must take a hotel, avoid the ones close to the A/port -for obvious reasons.

HOUSE RENTAL:
The best way to do house hunting [long-term accom.] is to land at Canada & then start searching. Word of mouth & Bulletin Boards are a great ‘real-time' source. However, we cannot condone the importance of the web. Some of the good sites [there are many] could be:
a) http://www.hometrader.ca (Good site)
b) http://www.capreit.com (Property Management Services)
c) http://www.kjiji.ca/ (Good Classifieds site)
d) http://www.mls.ca (Mother of all)

MONEY: PROOF OF LANDING FUNDS:
What Proofs Are Acceptable?
If you are carrying more than C$10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form of:
• Cash
• Securities in bearer form (for eg, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
• Negotiable instruments in bearer form (for eg, B/drafts, Cheques, TCs or MOs).
Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/funds.asp

How Much Funds Can I Carry?
There is no Max limit... we can take Millions, if we can prove its legitimate source & declare anything at/or more than $10,000 [that's the CBSA regulation]. There is a Minimum limit though... we must carry at least or more than what CIC requirement states, vis-a-vis for the no. of pax in the family [accompanying].

Tax & Duties Component:
The funds we bring inside Canada are Non-Taxable. It is only the 'interest' earned on that which is taxed. The moment our funds start accruing interest [while lying in a Canadian Bank a/c] the bank will start deducting tax 'on source'. The same applies for any 'investment' in Canada that we make with these funds.

BANKING:
Though most international banks operate in Canada, the 3 main Canadian Banks are presumably the best, in terms of their presence, availability & location of ATM machines, branches etc.:
1) Scotiabank,
2) TD Bank, &
3) CIBC

Besides, you can also pre-open a Canadian Bank a/c from your home country [not all, Dubai, India etc.] thru Scotiabank, SBI & *ICICI Bank. I have posted details about it earlier here:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t34013.0.html

*ICICI Bank offers one of the cheapest a/c charges. But unfortunately, both ICICI & SBI have very limited presence in Canada.

AIRLINE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Usually BA & KLM change places frequently for their "lowest fares" to Canada. More often it'd be BA [especially from the UK, Dubai, Europe & the Gulf sector]. U can also ask your travel agent to select between multiple carriers to provide multiple-halt choices. But, from the UK actually that might not be required. Check BA today, it'll do the trick... Dubai-Heathrow-Toronto : AED 3,860/pp return.

However, personal choise prevails. Sometimes other carriers place envious promotions too. Emirates has recently commenced the A380 [Dreamliner] service. And all their flights are 'long-haul' -Non Stop.

NOTE: If our $$$ are a consideration, avoid 'non-stop' flights. They obviously are costlier. A single-stop flight is highly recommended. Also, we might avoid travel agents as well, the 'online' reservation of all the prominent carriers are absolutely good. I did mine thru BA & it was fantastic. Paid, printed and became an 'Executive Club' member -all thru the net. The e-ticket shall be delivered, on-the-spot, in your email in-box.

PR CARDS (PRC):
Your PR Card application (IMM 5444E) shall be done at the POE itself. It is part of the PR package [free] and the photos & details will be the same as you supplied for the PPR. Our PR Card/s come back to us via regular post mail, in 3-6 weeks, avg. 4 weeks. It is 'advisable' to stay in Canada for at least 45 days, collect our PRC and then return back [if you must].

If you leave the country before it arrives, u'll have to make arrangements for its collection & forward delivery to you, overseas, thru a friend/relative [Not a Recommended Action], however, done all the time by ppl. But there is a danger of losing it in transit. And if that happens, we'll have a tedious process to get new ones made.

How To Enter Canada W/Out A PR Card:
As per IATA & CBSA regulations, we cannot enter Canada w/out a PRC. However, if we are entering thru a Border Post by road, it doesn't matter -our COPR is enough for entry/exit. But, if we are travelling by an airline & boarding/entering thru an a/port we will Not be Permitted. At the embarkation port itself we will be Stopped by the airline staff.

The process in such cases is to apply for a 'PRTD-A31 (3)' [Temporary 'PR Travel Document'] at the local CHC [abroad]. It costs Ca$50. Details of it is provided at the 'Manual for Permanent Resident Card' (ENF 27).

Procedure Of PR Card Application:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5445E.PDF

NOTE: The PRC is probably the 'most important' document after we are thru with our PR application process. This is valid for 5 yrs. First time: Free; Renewals cost $50/card.

SIN CARDS:
After 'landing' we'll have to visit the nearest Services Canada Office for the SIN Card. We get the SIN No. immediately as a 'print-out' -signed & stamped upon applying, the same day, the same time. That'd suffice for all our further actions in Canada, viz Job Search, Bank a/c, House Hunting etc. The card shall come to us in approx 3 weeks. For its collection -ditto applies as above, for the PR Cards.

NOTE: Remember, we don't need the SIN Card for anything. Only the SIN No. Which we'll get the same time as we apply for it. It'd be wise to visit Services Canada Office the very next day upon arrival.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Both PR Card & SIN Cards are Federal documents. Meaning? One card for the entire nation -Canada.

HEALTH CARDS:
Health is a provincial matter. It is NOT FEDERAL. Thus, if you change provinces, u'll have to AGAIN get that province's Health Card. And again the waiting period* shall apply. Off course, a previous province's health card remains valid for few days/months in another province, but not all benefits could be availed.

*The Waiting Period:
As I know, Alberta [eg. Calgary, Edmonton etc] & Manitoba [eg. Winnipeg] are the Only provinces where there is NO WAITING period for the Health Insurance. Rest in all provinces there is some waiting time to get the Health Benifits. In Ontario [eg. Toronto, Ottawa etc.] it is 3 months.

Eg.: If Calgary Is My Destination Should I Get The H/Card In Toronto?
If Calgary is your Final Destination, but you are 'initially' landing in Toronto for a few days stay [Permitted action], I suggest you should first land in Calgary [get the health card] and then visit Toronto. Why? Mainly 'coz, you can get the Calgary health card immediately, but in Toronto you'll not. That Calgary health card will be valid in Toronto for a few days. Not the vice-versa. Secondly, if you land first in Toronto, you'll be staying w/out any health coverage.

Temp. Health Coverage:
It's wise to obtain a 'temporary' health coverage before you fly. Off course not required if you are going to Alberta or Manitoba. That temp. coverage shall come in the way of "Travel Insurance", which you can obtain from ANY insurance company in your homeland. The costs depands on the length of coverage. Usually we should take it for 3-4 months, as that is the waiting time in all provinces.

NOTE: It'll be a good idea to obtain the Travel Insurance from home country. For 2 reasons: [1] You are covered from day-1 even before landing. [2] In Canada it will be costlier & you'll be covered only from the day you apply. What if you get to do it later, as you'll be busy in the initial days? What if something goes wrong in between?

DRIVING LICENSE:
There is a way to obtain at least the Ontario G2 Driving Lincense immediately, if not the G1. For that some pre-arranged actions are needed, before you fly. I've written in detail on it. Check out this link:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/issue-with-ontario-drivers-licence-strike-t30236.0.html

HOW TO BRING CARS INTO CANADA:
Firstly, it is Not wise to bring-in Cars from any other country into Canada. Why? Cars are quite compititively priced in Canada. It's only its maintenance & the cost of Gas that'll kill you. Secondly, Canadian models are made specifically to withstand the 'extreme' cold conditions there. Our imported cars might not [less the ones from Europian or similar countries].

Thirdly, there are laws for Tire, Radiator etc. modifications, before we can register it in Canada. Why would we like to take that trouble? Fourthly, the transportation costs? It might just not be worth to bring-in cars from far-flung countries.

Import Cars From The Us:
Yes, be free to bring your car/s from the US by all means. But 'remember', we need to first 'export' the car from the US and again 'import' it into Canada, after we get-in. Documentations... documentations... However, quite a good detail about it is provided in this website:
http://www.auto-broker-magic.com/Canada_Import.html

ITEMS TO CARRY FROM HOMELAND:
Very debatable... I would say, do your maths first. Is the extra baggage costs worth the effort? Most items are readily available in Canada, also at very reasonable price.

Ditto for Indian Food & Spices [Rice, Dal, Pickles, Papad (?) etc.] And ditto for Italian [Pasta, Lasagna etc.], Japanese [Sushi, Tapanyaki, Teriyaki etc.], Tex-Mex, you name it.

Besides, many items are also not permitted entry. And there is otherwise a quality/quantity restriction as well. Check the CBSA website for those. Moreover, hiring a container full of goods? I'd say No... No. It may not be worthwhile at all.

What To Take? [Purely My Advise]:
1. Personal effects [for imdt use, large quantities... No]
2. General clothing [some warm ones also]
3. Laptop [no desk top, printer etc.]
4. Digicam / Camcorder
5. Heirlooms [heritage collections, murals, artifacts etc.] -Check CBSA rules.
6. Original Certificates / Documents
7. Prescription Medicines
8. Books & DVDs
9. Mobile Phone* [non CDMA] -a NA charger will be needed
*Only GSM850-1900MHz models [that's the Canadian frequency -not all countries have that]

What "Not" To Take? [Purely My Advise]:
1. Furniture [whatever, small or big]
2. TV [even if it's an LCD], Fridge, Washing machine etc.
3. Curtains, Bedspreads, Pillows & linens
4. Cars, Bikes etc.
5. Large-sized Toys of kids
6. Food [Perishable or Non-perishable] items
7. Over-the-Counter Medicines
8. Meat or Meat products [including Fowl, Fish etc.]

NOTE: Asian make electronic/electrical items won't work in Canada. [read 230 vs 110 Volts]

GOODS LISTS [FORM B4 / B4A]:
All goods that we carry, either 'on person' or 'following' needs to be 'listed' in form B4 / B4A, separately. These forms are available in the CBSA website, link given below:
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf

It is the same form for 'Goods Accompanying' & 'Goods to follow'. We should club similar items in groups [eg. DVDs: Qty-98, Books: Qty-42 etc.].

The entire list should be priced against each group & totalled in the end. We should carry 'original' invoices for high-end items [Diamonds -MUST]. Others can be broadly/generally priced, but appropriate.

Jewelry items MUST be listed [each item wise]; and should carry their "photographs". We should print-out the pics under similar groups [eg. Rings -all in one or more pages, Necklaces -in another page etc.]

We'll need 2 copies of each form, as one would be kept by the CBSA & one would be returned to us, for 'customs' clearance. This 2nd copy will be signed & stamped by the CBSA at the POE.

NOTE: All goods brought for 'landing' are non-taxed. If we were to bring-in goods 'later', either by personal carriage or thru a transporter, this list MUST be stamped on the 1st Landing. Else, they will be 'dutiable'. No compromise on that is possible. That's the law.

ABOUT KID's SCHOOLING:
Canada has 2 types of schools -the 'Public Schools' & the 'Catholic Schools'. There are some 'ethnic' schools as well, but not for regular education. Most of our kids [say 70%] go to the Public Schools -this education is FREE. The Catholic Schools are Fee-Paid [payable by us].

Usually, our kids will be accepted imdtly into the *neighborhood school, whether we arrive mid-term or during a new session. There can be an 'entry test', but that's not for rejection -but for assessment of the extra care that the school need to provide to a kid.

Even if our kids are not very good in either of the 2 Canadian official languages -English &/or French, by law a school is required to provide admission to our kids.

*Each neighborhood will have their own Public School/s; and our kids are required to ONLY be admitted there. We have no choice on that. The only way out [if we think that a particular school is better] is to move our residence to that area [neighborhood]. We have to provide our 'residency contract' for this purpose.

School Websites:
Each province [& some cities] has its own 'school District Board'. All information can be viewed in those websites.
1) An example is the 'Toronto Dist. School Board', check this link:
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/
2) For a 'ranking' overview of Canadian schools, you may like to check the following link:
http://www.fraserinstitute.org/reportcards/schoolperformance/

NOTE: Do not be hooked by the thought that the Catholic Schools are better than the Public Schools. Both are equally compititive in Edu-care. In fact some of the Public Schools are 'excellent' & remember, 70% Canadian kids study in them.

***
I hope I've addressed most issues, if not all... to ease the process of our landing. If I missed out anything or if something is wrongly put, plz notify. Also other members who have more info to add may kindly post theirs under this thread, for the benefit of everyone.

All the best, buddies !
QORAX

Dear this is first page of thread, there are further information posted by others,,, so if anybody have link of the thread "landing in Canada, all you need to know" started by qorax