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
