- May 27, 2010
- 0
- Category........
- Visa Office......
- New Delhi
- Job Offer........
- Pre-Assessed..
- App. Filed.......
- 12-06-2009
- Med's Done....
- 15-11-2013
- Interview........
- Waived
- Passport Req..
- 25-04-2014
- VISA ISSUED...
- 19-08-2014
- LANDED..........
- 27-09-2014
Hi All,
This forum had been an invaluable asset in my application and preparation process. I just wish to share my experience hoping it would help others like me. I am detailing the phases briefly below.
Process:
----------------------------
I started the process back in 2009 when I got my evaluations done online and through Campbell Cohen under Federal Skilled Worker program with NOC 0213. It was a two step process wherein I submitted my documents to Nova Scotia office first and later to New Delhi visa office in India.
This included forms, mark sheet transcripts, Police Clearance Certificates from all countries I stayed in for over 6 months, experience certificates and IELTS score.
I got my passport request in Nov 2013 but since I got married around the same time, due to mandatory requirement, I had to include my wife in the application. We had to submit her education transcripts, Police Certificates and fees.
We got passport requests from New Delhi visa office but being in US, requested a file transfer. New York visa office then requested passports and returned them with temporary visas / COPR within 3 days.
Our visas were valid for 3 months. Time to make a move!
Planning the move:
----------------------------
Being on east coast within 5 hours driving distance from Toronto, I decided to rent a car instead of flying out. Since our visas were valid for just 3 months, I resigned from my job and started preparations.
Form B4:
If you plan ahead, the landing would be a seamless experience. Form B4 has just 8 fields to declare your goods. We didn’t have any goods to follow so just one form was enough.
Based on Quorax’s invaluable posts, I created a spreadsheet with different tabs for following:
1) Apparel
2) Electronics, gadgets and mobiles
3) Kitchen appliances
4) Jewellery
5) Books
We need to list Canadian Dollar value for these groups. On each sheet, I listed the value separately and took a final sum. On form B4, for all 5 categories, I mentioned the final sum.
Created two bundles for following documents each:
1) Form B4
2) Spreadsheets as addendum to B4
3) Photographs of jewellery (very important). Make sure they are not shaky and color photographs.
I rented a car so no need to declare anything in ‘Conveyances’ section. It’s good if you have relative’s address or if you rented a property before arriving. Include that in ‘Importer’s address’.
If you have goods to follow, same package as above.
Two copies are necessary since one will be held by customs and second copy will be stamped and returned to you.
Form IMM 5444 – (Application for PR cards) – NOT REQUIRED!
I also created inventory of items in our bags. Spreadsheets for each bag. Clearly listed items in each bag. In hindsight, this was on overkill. We didn’t need these. But I wanted to ensure I know exactly where my stuff is and in which bag. Just in case.
For proof of funds, I had my US bank made out two cashier’s checks in USD and some cash in CAD. This was accepted without issues.
Moving:
----------------------------
If you are going to drive a rental (in my case through Avis, most trusted and well known), make sure you have rental agreement and insurance card provided free of cost. This would come in handy if CBSA official wants a proof that car doesn't belong to you.
We loaded everything up, said goodbyes and drove off.
Our path was via Buffalo through Peace Bridge. I also used an app (Canadian Border Wait Times) to check out of the 4 which crossing is the least congested. Fortunately, Peace Bridge itself had a wait time of just 5-10 minutes.
We took I-90 East towards Peace Bridge and exited U.S on a Saturday evening at 6pm EDT. The booth officer asked reason to visit. I said we are new permanent residents landing for the first time. He smiled, said ‘Welcome to Canada’, gave us a yellow piece of paper mentioning a code and asked us to park our vehicle in one of the slots and make our way to the adjoining building.
Once we were in, we were directed to immigration official who was stern and very professional. He took our passports, POF and COPR. We were asked usual questions on whether we are carrying firearms, if we were ever deported from Canada and if we have criminal records. He asked for our Canadian postal address and immediately said our PR cards will me mailed at the same address. Hence, no requirement for IMM 5444 at least at the US-Canada border crossing.
Then he read out the practiced speech on Welcome to Canada, applying for SIN card and OHIP. Never broke into a smile. Yet, no complaints of course.
Next, we just turned around and went to see the custom’s officer. Since I had two separate packages ready, she just had us sign a form to declare that all information is correct. Stamped both set of documents, returned one for our records and well, ‘Welcome to Canada’. She also handed over a form to declare the funds exceeding CAD 10,000. This was done at the third counter which was right at the entrance.
That’s it. Nothing more. In 25-30 minutes we were done!
At last we were given another yellow slip and were asked to hand it over to officer outside. When we went out, there was no one. I searched and finally found one near the entrance and he was clueless. But, he said, 'Alright, no problem, you can leave '. So we did.
We officially are the permanent residents.
First day in Canada:
----------------------------
Bank:
We got up early and had our relative drive us out to nearby mall to open an account with TD Bank.
Canadian banks, unlike US or Indian banks are not fighting to keep customers. Everything is charged for. So you have to find an account type which offers free services. That will carry minimum funds requirement. I would suggest to go for it. Peace of mind!
TD bank in particular waives minimum funds requirement for the first 6 months. Other reason why I chose this was because the branches are open on Saturday/Sunday as well.
SIN:
Next we drove off to Service Canada centre and applied for SIN cards. The kind lady at the counter just took our passports and looked at stapled COPR document on it. We were asked a few questions to confirm our identity against the information we provided in application process. Like in Schedule A while applying for PR. Example: Mother’s maiden name.
SIN cards are not mailed or even provided anymore. They would just print a piece of paper with a number on it. I made another note of it (took a snap).
Again: To make sure your landing is smooth; keep your documents in clearly marked envelopes. If you plan it well, immigration would be a breeze.
That’s the journey so far guys. I am applying for jobs these days. I was also asked to appear for an in-person interview which seemed to have gone well. It’s a waiting game now. My early impression of Canada is that of relatively "laid back attitude" as opposed to US. People are more family oriented. But due to high immigration job market is extremely competitive. A job which I would have passed upon in the US is a holy grail here.
We were extremely fortunate to have relatives who have been very kind and supportive. But of course we have to be on our soon.
I’d be happy to share more if anyone has questions. Good luck to you all.
Regards, SWA
This forum had been an invaluable asset in my application and preparation process. I just wish to share my experience hoping it would help others like me. I am detailing the phases briefly below.
Process:
----------------------------
I started the process back in 2009 when I got my evaluations done online and through Campbell Cohen under Federal Skilled Worker program with NOC 0213. It was a two step process wherein I submitted my documents to Nova Scotia office first and later to New Delhi visa office in India.
This included forms, mark sheet transcripts, Police Clearance Certificates from all countries I stayed in for over 6 months, experience certificates and IELTS score.
I got my passport request in Nov 2013 but since I got married around the same time, due to mandatory requirement, I had to include my wife in the application. We had to submit her education transcripts, Police Certificates and fees.
We got passport requests from New Delhi visa office but being in US, requested a file transfer. New York visa office then requested passports and returned them with temporary visas / COPR within 3 days.
Our visas were valid for 3 months. Time to make a move!
Planning the move:
----------------------------
Being on east coast within 5 hours driving distance from Toronto, I decided to rent a car instead of flying out. Since our visas were valid for just 3 months, I resigned from my job and started preparations.
Form B4:
If you plan ahead, the landing would be a seamless experience. Form B4 has just 8 fields to declare your goods. We didn’t have any goods to follow so just one form was enough.
Based on Quorax’s invaluable posts, I created a spreadsheet with different tabs for following:
1) Apparel
2) Electronics, gadgets and mobiles
3) Kitchen appliances
4) Jewellery
5) Books
We need to list Canadian Dollar value for these groups. On each sheet, I listed the value separately and took a final sum. On form B4, for all 5 categories, I mentioned the final sum.
Created two bundles for following documents each:
1) Form B4
2) Spreadsheets as addendum to B4
3) Photographs of jewellery (very important). Make sure they are not shaky and color photographs.
I rented a car so no need to declare anything in ‘Conveyances’ section. It’s good if you have relative’s address or if you rented a property before arriving. Include that in ‘Importer’s address’.
If you have goods to follow, same package as above.
Two copies are necessary since one will be held by customs and second copy will be stamped and returned to you.
Form IMM 5444 – (Application for PR cards) – NOT REQUIRED!
I also created inventory of items in our bags. Spreadsheets for each bag. Clearly listed items in each bag. In hindsight, this was on overkill. We didn’t need these. But I wanted to ensure I know exactly where my stuff is and in which bag. Just in case.
For proof of funds, I had my US bank made out two cashier’s checks in USD and some cash in CAD. This was accepted without issues.
Moving:
----------------------------
If you are going to drive a rental (in my case through Avis, most trusted and well known), make sure you have rental agreement and insurance card provided free of cost. This would come in handy if CBSA official wants a proof that car doesn't belong to you.
We loaded everything up, said goodbyes and drove off.
Our path was via Buffalo through Peace Bridge. I also used an app (Canadian Border Wait Times) to check out of the 4 which crossing is the least congested. Fortunately, Peace Bridge itself had a wait time of just 5-10 minutes.
We took I-90 East towards Peace Bridge and exited U.S on a Saturday evening at 6pm EDT. The booth officer asked reason to visit. I said we are new permanent residents landing for the first time. He smiled, said ‘Welcome to Canada’, gave us a yellow piece of paper mentioning a code and asked us to park our vehicle in one of the slots and make our way to the adjoining building.
Once we were in, we were directed to immigration official who was stern and very professional. He took our passports, POF and COPR. We were asked usual questions on whether we are carrying firearms, if we were ever deported from Canada and if we have criminal records. He asked for our Canadian postal address and immediately said our PR cards will me mailed at the same address. Hence, no requirement for IMM 5444 at least at the US-Canada border crossing.
Then he read out the practiced speech on Welcome to Canada, applying for SIN card and OHIP. Never broke into a smile. Yet, no complaints of course.
Next, we just turned around and went to see the custom’s officer. Since I had two separate packages ready, she just had us sign a form to declare that all information is correct. Stamped both set of documents, returned one for our records and well, ‘Welcome to Canada’. She also handed over a form to declare the funds exceeding CAD 10,000. This was done at the third counter which was right at the entrance.
That’s it. Nothing more. In 25-30 minutes we were done!
At last we were given another yellow slip and were asked to hand it over to officer outside. When we went out, there was no one. I searched and finally found one near the entrance and he was clueless. But, he said, 'Alright, no problem, you can leave '. So we did.
We officially are the permanent residents.
First day in Canada:
----------------------------
Bank:
We got up early and had our relative drive us out to nearby mall to open an account with TD Bank.
Canadian banks, unlike US or Indian banks are not fighting to keep customers. Everything is charged for. So you have to find an account type which offers free services. That will carry minimum funds requirement. I would suggest to go for it. Peace of mind!
TD bank in particular waives minimum funds requirement for the first 6 months. Other reason why I chose this was because the branches are open on Saturday/Sunday as well.
SIN:
Next we drove off to Service Canada centre and applied for SIN cards. The kind lady at the counter just took our passports and looked at stapled COPR document on it. We were asked a few questions to confirm our identity against the information we provided in application process. Like in Schedule A while applying for PR. Example: Mother’s maiden name.
SIN cards are not mailed or even provided anymore. They would just print a piece of paper with a number on it. I made another note of it (took a snap).
Again: To make sure your landing is smooth; keep your documents in clearly marked envelopes. If you plan it well, immigration would be a breeze.
That’s the journey so far guys. I am applying for jobs these days. I was also asked to appear for an in-person interview which seemed to have gone well. It’s a waiting game now. My early impression of Canada is that of relatively "laid back attitude" as opposed to US. People are more family oriented. But due to high immigration job market is extremely competitive. A job which I would have passed upon in the US is a holy grail here.
We were extremely fortunate to have relatives who have been very kind and supportive. But of course we have to be on our soon.
I’d be happy to share more if anyone has questions. Good luck to you all.
Regards, SWA
