MY EXPERIENCES IN CANADA

[TO DREAMLAND]

Hi friends,
At last I have made up my mind to share my life experiences in Canada for the last 7 months. I don't wish to discourage or encourage any body waiting to land.
Hi dear forum friends,
I don't know if some of you still remember me. However here is my time line
Appln filed: April 2010
Medical: January 2014, Visa: February 2014
Landed: July 2014
Noc: 4131, VO: NewDelhi
This is the first time I log into my account since I landed in Toronto, after 7 months. There are a number of reasons behind it. I was not sure what I should share, I found reality was entirely different from what I dreamt and I thought my experiences may not be encouraging to those waiting with great dreams but don't assume that it was that bad. Better you be the judge
Whatever they are, here I would like to share my experiences in brief with a wish it may turn an eye opener to at least a few. As many of you I too had waited more than 4 years to fulfillment since my application. During those years there were several times I lost myself, felt like end of the world and of course a few happy moments.
I landed in Toronto Pearson Intl. Airport all alone after a prolonged, tiring journey of 21.15 hours, just after one stop in London Heathrow. Landing was not smooth, only a few counters were open, waited for 30 minutes, and then had my “confrontation” with my immigration officer, because he found some discrepancies in my file about my previous work history. So, my first advice is: be always truthful with whatever you state/document or submit with the visa office. They always cross check every minute detail in our file. It doesn't mean that I was otherwise- there was a little further clarification about my job, they put aside to be cleared at the time of my entry/landing. After one hour with the officer, I could hear the words “WELCOME TO CANADA”
There was nobody waiting for me to receive, so I took a taxi to a hotel near Toronto airport where I spent 5 days. Meanwhile I searched for a room using KIJIJI and I could find one for $700/month, because it was a spacious basement with kitchen, laundry and wash. Now the real ordeal begins-the hunt for a job. I had not much strategy- may be my optimism dropped day by day as I realize the facts, though I was prepared to do any survival job with a number of different resume in hand. I spent too much time online, went directly to shops/ malls/restaurants/hiring agencies/new comer support employment agencies and what not. Then I realized my weak points which are to be discussed seriously.
1) Language: It is not easy to understand and respond with different types of pronunciations/slang
2) Experience: Every employer looks for Canadian experience- they just don't care what degrees we have or how much experience we have in our native place. They just look for the apt person, who they think will do the job exactly as they wish.
3) The work culture: Here the work culture is entirely different from India. Work means work, no free time just 30 minutes exact break in 8 hours shift, have to work every second, and no passive seconds, no chatting, no music. There are 3 shifts- day, evening and night, its round the clock. The minimum pay per hour is $11 assured
4) The field of work: It is very important. If you are in the IT field or any technically qualified, I think its easy for you to find a job. Look at my NOC, I was a college Asst Professor back home with more than 15 years' experience which I always hate to say to anybody here.
5) The Living Expenses: Here a coffee or tea costs you at least $3, a small breakfast 10. The rent minimum is $500 for a single room with shared bath. Its for a single person, not for a family. Canada is far more expensive than U.S or most of the countries.
It's time for me to leave for my work, so will continue when I get time

 

[canadamylove]

Hi friends,
At last I have made up my mind to share my life experiences in Canada for the last 7 months. I don't wish to discourage or encourage any body waiting to land.
Hi dear forum friends,
I don't know if some of you still remember me. However here is my time line
Appln filed: April 2010
Medical: January 2014, Visa: February 2014
Landed: July 2014
Noc: 4131, VO: NewDelhi
This is the first time I log into my account since I landed in Toronto, after 7 months. There are a number of reasons behind it. I was not sure what I should share, I found reality was entirely different from what I dreamt and I thought my experiences may not be encouraging to those waiting with great dreams but don't assume that it was that bad. Better you be the judge
Whatever they are, here I would like to share my experiences in brief with a wish it may turn an eye opener to at least a few. As many of you I too had waited more than 4 years to fulfillment since my application. During those years there were several times I lost myself, felt like end of the world and of course a few happy moments.
I landed in Toronto Pearson Intl. Airport all alone after a prolonged, tiring journey of 21.15 hours, just after one stop in London Heathrow. Landing was not smooth, only a few counters were open, waited for 30 minutes, and then had my “confrontation” with my immigration officer, because he found some discrepancies in my file about my previous work history. So, my first advice is: be always truthful with whatever you state/document or submit with the visa office. They always cross check every minute detail in our file. It doesn't mean that I was otherwise- there was a little further clarification about my job, they put aside to be cleared at the time of my entry/landing. After one hour with the officer, I could hear the words “WELCOME TO CANADA”
There was nobody waiting for me to receive, so I took a taxi to a hotel near Toronto airport where I spent 5 days. Meanwhile I searched for a room using KIJIJI and I could find one for $700/month, because it was a spacious basement with kitchen, laundry and wash. Now the real ordeal begins-the hunt for a job. I had not much strategy- may be my optimism dropped day by day as I realize the facts, though I was prepared to do any survival job with a number of different resume in hand. I spent too much time online, went directly to shops/ malls/restaurants/hiring agencies/new comer support employment agencies and what not. Then I realized my weak points which are to be discussed seriously.
1) Language: It is not easy to understand and respond with different types of pronunciations/slang
2) Experience: Every employer looks for Canadian experience- they just don't care what degrees we have or how much experience we have in our native place. They just look for the apt person, who they think will do the job exactly as they wish.
3) The work culture: Here the work culture is entirely different from India. Work means work, no free time just 30 minutes exact break in 8 hours shift, have to work every second, and no passive seconds, no chatting, no music. There are 3 shifts- day, evening and night, its round the clock. The minimum pay per hour is $11 assured
4) The field of work: It is very important. If you are in the IT field or any technically qualified, I think its easy for you to find a job. Look at my NOC, I was a college Asst Professor back home with more than 15 years' experience which I always hate to say to anybody here.
5) The Living Expenses: Here a coffee or tea costs you at least $3, a small breakfast 10. The rent minimum is $500 for a single room with shared bath. Its for a single person, not for a family. Canada is far more expensive than U.S or most of the countries.
It's time for me to leave for my work, so will continue when I get time

great experience to share with us all. definitely many of us dream of Canada like a bed of roses but now since last couple of years the people are embracing reality.....you said everything right about your job search experience, requirements of employers, the normal conditions of living and everything else.

yes its a struggling life to start with......we Asians are accustomed to a relaxed lifestyle......like u discussed how seriously they take work....no useless chit chats, no useless breaks......work to the point and no excuses........I think all these things looks negative to us about Canada....but actually all these hard negative things make Canada one of the top places people desire to live....due to these hard and fast rules Canada ranks number one....yes we have to work hard to earn a place in society and in our lives as well.

I believe if we work hard and keep up with our struggles.........there will come time that after some odd jobs we can get good jobs in our fields.....also some fields require some education upgrades.......so yes in the end for starters its not bed of roses and land of sweet green dreams......but yes we can make it a good bed if not bed of roses.........we can fulfill our dreams if not sweet green.....thanks a lot and good luck.

 

[dr-kk]

Thanks dear for sharing ur thoughts. +1 for ur.,, I agree wid u

 

[tbaba]

Hi friends,
At last I have made up my mind to share my life experiences in Canada for the last 7 months. I don't wish to discourage or encourage any body waiting to land.
Hi dear forum friends,
I don't know if some of you still remember me. However here is my time line
Appln filed: April 2010
Medical: January 2014, Visa: February 2014
Landed: July 2014
Noc: 4131, VO: NewDelhi
This is the first time I log into my account since I landed in Toronto, after 7 months. There are a number of reasons behind it. I was not sure what I should share, I found reality was entirely different from what I dreamt and I thought my experiences may not be encouraging to those waiting with great dreams but don't assume that it was that bad. Better you be the judge
Whatever they are, here I would like to share my experiences in brief with a wish it may turn an eye opener to at least a few. As many of you I too had waited more than 4 years to fulfillment since my application. During those years there were several times I lost myself, felt like end of the world and of course a few happy moments.
I landed in Toronto Pearson Intl. Airport all alone after a prolonged, tiring journey of 21.15 hours, just after one stop in London Heathrow. Landing was not smooth, only a few counters were open, waited for 30 minutes, and then had my “confrontation” with my immigration officer, because he found some discrepancies in my file about my previous work history. So, my first advice is: be always truthful with whatever you state/document or submit with the visa office. They always cross check every minute detail in our file. It doesn't mean that I was otherwise- there was a little further clarification about my job, they put aside to be cleared at the time of my entry/landing. After one hour with the officer, I could hear the words “WELCOME TO CANADA”
There was nobody waiting for me to receive, so I took a taxi to a hotel near Toronto airport where I spent 5 days. Meanwhile I searched for a room using KIJIJI and I could find one for $700/month, because it was a spacious basement with kitchen, laundry and wash. Now the real ordeal begins-the hunt for a job. I had not much strategy- may be my optimism dropped day by day as I realize the facts, though I was prepared to do any survival job with a number of different resume in hand. I spent too much time online, went directly to shops/ malls/restaurants/hiring agencies/new comer support employment agencies and what not. Then I realized my weak points which are to be discussed seriously.
1) Language: It is not easy to understand and respond with different types of pronunciations/slang
2) Experience: Every employer looks for Canadian experience- they just don't care what degrees we have or how much experience we have in our native place. They just look for the apt person, who they think will do the job exactly as they wish.
3) The work culture: Here the work culture is entirely different from India. Work means work, no free time just 30 minutes exact break in 8 hours shift, have to work every second, and no passive seconds, no chatting, no music. There are 3 shifts- day, evening and night, its round the clock. The minimum pay per hour is $11 assured
4) The field of work: It is very important. If you are in the IT field or any technically qualified, I think its easy for you to find a job. Look at my NOC, I was a college Asst Professor back home with more than 15 years' experience which I always hate to say to anybody here.
5) The Living Expenses: Here a coffee or tea costs you at least $3, a small breakfast 10. The rent minimum is $500 for a single room with shared bath. Its for a single person, not for a family. Canada is far more expensive than U.S or most of the countries.
It's time for me to leave for my work, so will continue when I get time

Thanks for sharing this info. That is why we need to be prepare before migrating, getting sort of certification in our respective field. The bbeginning might be tough but with time things will get more better

 

[steaky]

.we Asians are accustomed to a relaxed lifestyle......like u discussed how seriously they take work....no useless chit chats, no useless breaks......work to the point and no excuses........

I think it is the opposite. I used two international movers - One manned by Asian Canadians and other Caucasian. During the move, the caucasian takes more frequent breaks than their asian counterparts, made more useless chit chats and made excuses such the bed installation looks complicated.

 

[future_canadian]

Hi friends,
At last I have made up my mind to share my life experiences in Canada for the last 7 months. I don't wish to discourage or encourage any body waiting to land.
Hi dear forum friends,
I don't know if some of you still remember me. However here is my time line
Appln filed: April 2010
Medical: January 2014, Visa: February 2014
Landed: July 2014
Noc: 4131, VO: NewDelhi
This is the first time I log into my account since I landed in Toronto, after 7 months. There are a number of reasons behind it. I was not sure what I should share, I found reality was entirely different from what I dreamt and I thought my experiences may not be encouraging to those waiting with great dreams but don't assume that it was that bad. Better you be the judge
Whatever they are, here I would like to share my experiences in brief with a wish it may turn an eye opener to at least a few. As many of you I too had waited more than 4 years to fulfillment since my application. During those years there were several times I lost myself, felt like end of the world and of course a few happy moments.
I landed in Toronto Pearson Intl. Airport all alone after a prolonged, tiring journey of 21.15 hours, just after one stop in London Heathrow. Landing was not smooth, only a few counters were open, waited for 30 minutes, and then had my “confrontation” with my immigration officer, because he found some discrepancies in my file about my previous work history. So, my first advice is: be always truthful with whatever you state/document or submit with the visa office. They always cross check every minute detail in our file. It doesn't mean that I was otherwise- there was a little further clarification about my job, they put aside to be cleared at the time of my entry/landing. After one hour with the officer, I could hear the words “WELCOME TO CANADA”
There was nobody waiting for me to receive, so I took a taxi to a hotel near Toronto airport where I spent 5 days. Meanwhile I searched for a room using KIJIJI and I could find one for $700/month, because it was a spacious basement with kitchen, laundry and wash. Now the real ordeal begins-the hunt for a job. I had not much strategy- may be my optimism dropped day by day as I realize the facts, though I was prepared to do any survival job with a number of different resume in hand. I spent too much time online, went directly to shops/ malls/restaurants/hiring agencies/new comer support employment agencies and what not. Then I realized my weak points which are to be discussed seriously.
1) Language: It is not easy to understand and respond with different types of pronunciations/slang
2) Experience: Every employer looks for Canadian experience- they just don't care what degrees we have or how much experience we have in our native place. They just look for the apt person, who they think will do the job exactly as they wish.
3) The work culture: Here the work culture is entirely different from India. Work means work, no free time just 30 minutes exact break in 8 hours shift, have to work every second, and no passive seconds, no chatting, no music. There are 3 shifts- day, evening and night, its round the clock. The minimum pay per hour is $11 assured
4) The field of work: It is very important. If you are in the IT field or any technically qualified, I think its easy for you to find a job. Look at my NOC, I was a college Asst Professor back home with more than 15 years' experience which I always hate to say to anybody here.
5) The Living Expenses: Here a coffee or tea costs you at least $3, a small breakfast 10. The rent minimum is $500 for a single room with shared bath. Its for a single person, not for a family. Canada is far more expensive than U.S or most of the countries.
It's time for me to leave for my work, so will continue when I get time

What sort of job did you have that it was 3 8-hour shifts running 24/7?

 

[ttrajan]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Nowadays job market is very dull in Alberta due to slump in oil price. Most of my friends left canada. Try to do Phd in some university with stipend, then you can try for Asst. professor job in university. For teaching job, they will expect local qualifications.

 

[KRP]

After reading this post I need to put in my views:
1. No matter if you are a doctor, engineer, accountant etc you have to do further studies here to get in the system. No outside experience is accounted here.
2. When you land its advisable to get a little more money than what you declared since money could run out soon.
3. If you have relatives here do not expect any help as every one has a story to tell and its like a ragging process where one will say I did this and that and it took me 5 yrs to settle down. So no one is going to give someone or anyone a straight shortcut. This is the mentality of all earlier immigrants who have landed here and struggled a lot to come up. So come here to bear the struggle independently.
4. When you land here there are many agencies like safss.com etc who help get free furniture and beds from Furniture Bank. So if your budget is tight take advantage of these schemes if you do not mind using second hand goods and this way you could lower your initial expenses.
5. For people moving with small kids you can get upto $ 700 for 2 kids as Child Tax benefits and can put in some more to manage the rent in the initial period.
6. There is a scheme called OSAP where a qualified person who on landing does not wish to go to a factory and do labour jobs can take advantage of this scheme and get a Student loan to study in a college to upgrade. 30 percent of the course fees is waived and the balance needs to be paid back in small instalments after completion of the course. You will also get full support from govt like basic living expenses till you graduate out.
7. One can avail of Second career options if laid off a survival job or had a medical condition doing factory jobs. The govt pays your fees and you do not have to repay back but the criteria is very strict.
8. If you start with a survival job and make less than $ 20000 per year and have kids you can avail free dental care for the kids from community centers.
9. If one is weak in English you could go and do a free program called OSLT and get lots of help in integrating in the system.
10. Medicines are very costly here and if one needs to daily take prescription drugs then built a good rapport with family doctor who can help you with samples or else its Costco the best place to visit to get it cheaper.
11. Always see to it before renting a apartment whether its close to a bus stop this way you could survive initially without a car as insurance rates are very high.
12. If your profession is regulated the its best to not leave your current job and just land and move back , do the initial registration procedure for licensing and come back when closer to exams .
13. Nurses can study many courses and get a refund to maximum $ 1500 per year by registering in RNAO website.
14. The best store though its second hand in Toronto is National Thrift where you can still find unused clothes.
15. If not interested in factory jobs do volunteering as its always appreciated by employers.
16. For kids the education is totally free with school buses .
17. You can claim daycare expenses for kids if both parents are studying.
I can go on writing but one has to look in all the various supports the govt is extending rather than just complaining. I know its tough initially but never give up.

 

[dmac11]

After reading this post I need to put in my views:
1. No matter if you are a doctor, engineer, accountant etc you have to do further studies here to get in the system. No outside experience is accounted here.
2. When you land its advisable to get a little more money than what you declared since money could run out soon.
3. If you have relatives here do not expect any help as every one has a story to tell and its like a ragging process where one will say I did this and that and it took me 5 yrs to settle down. So no one is going to give someone or anyone a straight shortcut. This is the mentality of all earlier immigrants who have landed here and struggled a lot to come up. So come here to bear the struggle independently.
4. When you land here there are many agencies like safss.com etc who help get free furniture and beds from Furniture Bank. So if your budget is tight take advantage of these schemes if you do not mind using second hand goods and this way you could lower your initial expenses.
5. For people moving with small kids you can get upto $ 700 for 2 kids as Child Tax benefits and can put in some more to manage the rent in the initial period.
6. There is a scheme called OSAP where a qualified person who on landing does not wish to go to a factory and do labour jobs can take advantage of this scheme and get a Student loan to study in a college to upgrade. 30 percent of the course fees is waived and the balance needs to be paid back in small instalments after completion of the course. You will also get full support from govt like basic living expenses till you graduate out.
7. One can avail of Second career options if laid off a survival job or had a medical condition doing factory jobs. The govt pays your fees and you do not have to repay back but the criteria is very strict.
8. If you start with a survival job and make less than $ 20000 per year and have kids you can avail free dental care for the kids from community centers.
9. If one is weak in English you could go and do a free program called OSLT and get lots of help in integrating in the system.
10. Medicines are very costly here and if one needs to daily take prescription drugs then built a good rapport with family doctor who can help you with samples or else its Costco the best place to visit to get it cheaper.
11. Always see to it before renting a apartment whether its close to a bus stop this way you could survive initially without a car as insurance rates are very high.
12. If your profession is regulated the its best to not leave your current job and just land and move back , do the initial registration procedure for licensing and come back when closer to exams .
13. Nurses can study many courses and get a refund to maximum $ 1500 per year by registering in RNAO website.
14. The best store though its second hand in Toronto is National Thrift where you can still find unused clothes.
15. If not interested in factory jobs do volunteering as its always appreciated by employers.
16. For kids the education is totally free with school buses .
17. You can claim daycare expenses for kids if both parents are studying.
I can go on writing but one has to look in all the various supports the govt is extending rather than just complaining. I know its tough initially but never give up.

Nice information shared sir.. Thank you

 

[KRP]

dMac11,
You are most welcome Paare....

 

[Umer_Ali]

most of the professor we studied had doctorate from Canada or US, so a Phd is must in your field or need to change filed.....job market is down as compared to a 2-3 years ago......when you compare your life with one at home land then off-course it is tough as you have to start from scratch.....its huge transition.....my advice is dont compare and dont convert....you will be more happy

 

[jazibkg]

1) Language: It is not easy to understand and respond with different types of pronunciations/slang
2) Experience: Every employer looks for Canadian experience- they just don't care what degrees we have or how much experience we have in our native place. They just look for the apt person, who they think will do the job exactly as they wish.
3) The work culture: Here the work culture is entirely different from India. Work means work, no free time just 30 minutes exact break in 8 hours shift, have to work every second, and no passive seconds, no chatting, no music. There are 3 shifts- day, evening and night, its round the clock. The minimum pay per hour is $11 assured
4) The field of work: It is very important. If you are in the IT field or any technically qualified, I think its easy for you to find a job. Look at my NOC, I was a college Asst Professor back home with more than 15 years' experience which I always hate to say to anybody here.
5) The Living Expenses: Here a coffee or tea costs you at least $3, a small breakfast 10. The rent minimum is $500 for a single room with shared bath. Its for a single person, not for a family. Canada is far more expensive than U.S or most of the countries.
It's time for me to leave for my work, so will continue when I get time

Actually, work culture varies tremendously between company to company and the type of work you do. I work for a video games publishing company in Canada and the management doesn't care if you listen to music whilst you work (on your earphones of course). Time management is also relaxed, with a flex time. In fact, I even stream cricket matches during my office hours (minimized and for commentary, its world cup time of course!) here in Canada - and as long as my work is on time nobody minds around here. I used to work for a banking office in the UK and the work culture was quite rigid there. Couldn't have done that back in the UK although my manager used to be a big cricket fan so we always kept open a cricinfo scorecard tab on our browsers.

You can actually buy coffee for as little as $1.50. Living costs are easily accessible on the internet classified websites such as craigslist.

Language - again, every country and every region of that country has their own accents and lingua franca, you shouldn't have expected anything else either. In fact, the biggest problem I find in communicating is not that Canadian english is hard to understand (it is very easy to understand for me, also one of the more easier accents out there), the problem is how hardly anyone speaks good English here. I have to repeat simple phrases and slow down my english for people to understand (as the people you interact with, in the retail stores etc are usually migrants).

Only someone who speaks mandarin, punjabi as well as english/french can successfully communicate here.

 

[cusoonCA]

Thanks for all the inputs.

 

[lebeaupoissonrouge]

Hello

Thanks to To Dreamland.
I am very very interested by your recent experience.
We have 3 children who are 14, 10 and 8. We speak French. That's why my wife and I have chosen Toronto.
I have 18-year experience in civil engineering in my native country.
At the moment, I am waiting for the opening of my application (CC not charged yet).
We have numerous questions of course.
See you soon.

Bye.

Lebeaupoissonrouge

NOC 2131 civil engineer
Appl. received in Sydney on Dec. 31st
CC : not charged yet (still waiting...)

 

[mfawzy]

Thanks for all above participants, you made the image more clearer.
Just to recap; life is hard, we have to learn more in Canada, do not compare your new life with previous one.

waiting for part 2 dreamland