Halifax Nova Scotia - 2017 New Immigrants

[mdzakir1]

Dear All,

I have applied for PNP Nova Scotia and got Nomination . And waiting for PR . I need to know the current status in Halifax and other cities in Nova Scotia . I have 6 yrs experience as a IT Administrator . I would like to know the basic things to get started in NS i.e

1) Cost of living in Halifax for both bachelor and Couple (Housing 1br,groceries and other bills ...electricity,,internet,,mobile)
2) IT Job market and chance to secure to good packages in Halifax.
3) Big IT companies in Nova Scotia and which IT sector is in demand i.e testing,java,oracle,networking,SAP and other things .
4) Indian majority in Halifax and any contact details if we want to share housing when we arrive there for few months .
5) Indian stores and Indian restaurants currently available in 2017
6) Which area we have to avoid to live in nova scotia due to bed bugs and criminal activities.

Waiting for those who are currently living in Nova scotia Halifax to respond and give the current status.

Thanks in advance

Zakir

 

[NetMecca]

I live in Halifax now for almost 7 years

1) Cost of living in Halifax for both bachelor and Couple (Housing 1br,groceries and other bills ...electricity,,internet,,mobile)
Couple $2800 - $3800 depending on lifestyle and how you pay for accommodation.

2) IT Job market and chance to secure to good packages in Halifax.
Not sure about IT jobs. There are jobs, however it may take a while for you find a job that you like or want. May have to start in something else until you do.

3) Big IT companies in Nova Scotia and which IT sector is in demand i.e testing,java,oracle,networking,SAP and other things .
IBM has an office, not sure about anybody else.

4) Indian majority in Halifax and any contact details if we want to share housing when we arrive there for few months .
?

5) Indian stores and Indian restaurants currently available in 2017
Not a whole lot unfortunately and sadly.

6) Which area we have to avoid to live in nova scotia due to bed bugs and criminal activities.
Bed bugs not a big issue in Halifax that I know of. Crime is not a really big issue in Halifax. Some parts of Preston is reputed to have some gang activity. Most of Halifax is pretty decent live and safe enough by any standard.

 

[mdzakir1]

I live in Halifax now for almost 7 years

1) Cost of living in Halifax for both bachelor and Couple (Housing 1br,groceries and other bills ...electricity,,internet,,mobile)
Couple $2800 - $3800 depending on lifestyle and how you pay for accommodation.

2) IT Job market and chance to secure to good packages in Halifax.
Not sure about IT jobs. There are jobs, however it may take a while for you find a job that you like or want. May have to start in something else until you do.

3) Big IT companies in Nova Scotia and which IT sector is in demand i.e testing,java,oracle,networking,SAP and other things .
IBM has an office, not sure about anybody else.

4) Indian majority in Halifax and any contact details if we want to share housing when we arrive there for few months .
?

5) Indian stores and Indian restaurants currently available in 2017
Not a whole lot unfortunately and sadly.

6) Which area we have to avoid to live in nova Scotia due to bed bugs and criminal activities.
Bed bugs not a big issue in Halifax that I know of. Crime is not a really big issue in Halifax. Some parts of Preston is reputed to have some gang activity. Most of Halifax is pretty decent live and safe enough by any standard.

Thanks a lot for your response .

Where did you stayed there upon your arrival ?

Expenses for Bachelors ?

Cost for getting SIN number and duration ?


Hope to see you soon in Halifax .

 

[NetMecca]

Where did you stayed there upon your arrival ?
I did not land in Halifax originally (landed in BC and relocated to Halifax about 1.5 year later). Though did have to stay in a hotel for a short bit. There are several hotels around Halifax. I stayed in Comfort in. There are some motels around (a little cheaper) and not terrible if you need. If you intend to stay in a hotel for a little longer than a day or two, ask for a weekly or monthly rate. Most of the hotels will give you a discount. You can also try Premier Suites if you need accommodation for a a bit longer. You can also try airbnb. some nice options there for fairly inexpensive

Expenses for Bachelors ?
The only difference is really slight smaller accommodation and less food. Food for one person about $500 - $700. Al round if you are very frugal single you could probably get by with about $2000/month. Be tight though.


Cost for getting SIN number and duration ?
Not aware of any cost. Did not cost me anything. If you are PR you get your permanent SIN which never changes and once issued is yours for life. Does not expire (the SIN number) your PR card may expires but your SIN does not. If there is a cost it will be very small processing fee, though I would be surprised if any.

Good luck

 

[Qamhus]

Hello everyone,
Please guide me for accommodations in Halifax, i.e. for new immigrants. I have a limited budget approx 500 per month for rent max.
I have some questions,
1) Do i have to notify CIC about my new address for PR card right away after arriving, or should i wait to get settled in some long term accommodation and then inform them. After all i would have to checkin some hotel first.
2) Are there any Muslim communities in halifax? any specific neighborhood? You know halal stuff etc.
3) Is it wise to book a rental apartment before arriving or should i come to Halifax first and then search for an apartment.
Please guide
Regards