My expriences so far ... first two days in Toronto!!!
- Thread starter CharlotteJ
- Start date
humsafar
Hero Member
- Jun 2, 2010
- 47
- Category........
- Visa Office......
- London
- NOC Code......
- 1233
- Job Offer........
- Pre-Assessed..
- App. Filed.......
- 11-01-2011
- Doc's Request.
- Sent with initial application
- IELTS Request
- Sent with initial application
- File Transfer...
- IN PROCESS 19-10-2011
- Med's Request
- 20-07-2012
- Med's Done....
- 25-08-2012 received in London 31-08-2012
Hi Charlote.
Ur experience log or diary is realy a learning experience.
If it is not too personal. Would u tell how much is ur monthly expenditure so far. It will help us evaluating and budjeting the fund we requie
Ur experience log or diary is realy a learning experience.
If it is not too personal. Would u tell how much is ur monthly expenditure so far. It will help us evaluating and budjeting the fund we requie
Rent + Grocery + TV/Internet/wireless/home phone + Hydro = 1700$
I for one hardly cook or eat and if I go out, my friends all pay for me, at work, I lunch if I really have the time for it and it shall be something light and cheap, I use not much hydro since I am very much into environment and saving for the future generations. Yet again, Canada, Toronto is particular is an expensive place.
I don't have a car and don't commute or use subway, since I work around the corner.
I for one hardly cook or eat and if I go out, my friends all pay for me, at work, I lunch if I really have the time for it and it shall be something light and cheap, I use not much hydro since I am very much into environment and saving for the future generations. Yet again, Canada, Toronto is particular is an expensive place.
I don't have a car and don't commute or use subway, since I work around the corner.
i had fun reading your post...i'm also half-way through my FSW1 application and only God knows what will happen in the next days. i admire your determination and positive attitude..good luck in your endeavors! 
One of my latest findings these past couple of days, there are indeed many immigrants who come here, can't get used to the life here, can't find jobs, lose a lot of money and get depressed and return to their home land again.
So, whatever you do, do it 200% better and more and change your attitude if you really want to succeed in your endeavour here.
It is a big competition ongoing out there and only the GOOD ones can find their way.
So, whatever you do, do it 200% better and more and change your attitude if you really want to succeed in your endeavour here.
It is a big competition ongoing out there and only the GOOD ones can find their way.
CharlotteJ said:
Hi again Char, just curious how many weeks/months do i get an acknowledgement from my Visa office after i submitted the full application?CharlotteJ said:
Shaukat57
Hero Member
- Nov 3, 2010
- 24
- Category........
- Visa Office......
- London
- NOC Code......
- 3131
- Job Offer........
- Pre-Assessed..
- App. Filed.......
- 23-02-2011
- Doc's Request.
- Submitted with Application
- AOR Received.
- 29-03-2011
- IELTS Request
- Submitted along with application
- File Transfer...
- 08-04-2011(RBVO) ,In-process with processing date:18 -o6-12
- Med's Request
- April 02,2013.
- Med's Done....
- 29-April-2013
- Interview........
- Waived,Alhamdulillah
- Passport Req..
- PPR-1 at 09-10-13, PPR-2 at 24-10-13
- VISA ISSUED...
- On-line Status:Decision Made at 26-10-13
- LANDED..........
- Planning
humsafar
Hero Member
- Jun 2, 2010
- 47
- Category........
- Visa Office......
- London
- NOC Code......
- 1233
- Job Offer........
- Pre-Assessed..
- App. Filed.......
- 11-01-2011
- Doc's Request.
- Sent with initial application
- IELTS Request
- Sent with initial application
- File Transfer...
- IN PROCESS 19-10-2011
- Med's Request
- 20-07-2012
- Med's Done....
- 25-08-2012 received in London 31-08-2012
Thismeans we can safely budget the expenses at 2000 for a couple. Am I right in my estimates. Ofcourse thi is with economical life styleCharlotteJ said:
u mentioned those living n working in usa cities have ease of adjusting here
i was in usa for about 5 years before moving to vancouver n now its been almost 1.7 yrs n still find it hard to adjust here
i came here to join some family from india but i still doubt my decision of leaving states everyday
i like yr experiences
keep going
i was in usa for about 5 years before moving to vancouver n now its been almost 1.7 yrs n still find it hard to adjust here
i came here to join some family from india but i still doubt my decision of leaving states everyday
i like yr experiences
keep going
Humasfar: Oh sure, I suppose you can make the ends meet if you spend wisely and only consume that what you and your wife really need and just be patient. Ok?
I have to admit that these are really poor economical times and although you see people work and spend, yet again, that is the top of the iceberg. Many companies are only hiring temps just as in USA and if they do hire permanently, that will take a lot of time, patience and am sure one showing them the right papers, degree's, job experiences etc to land the job and jump on board.
...
Getting used to the life/lifestyle etc here in Canada shouldn't be tough for people from any ethnic background or culture I should admit, as long as one knows the rules and regulations.
I can give you an example:
In the Netherlands, it is very common that co-workers joke around and tease each other in their team, even make sexist comments that are not to harm anybody etc, is just meant to make the workplace a bit more fun and bring smiles to each other's faces, we don't have cubicals and everybody is working together and really having fun at work and specific comments or conduct won't lead to the person being fired on spot etc. One can complain about harrassements etc, but that way the person will only isolate himself/herself and harm himself/herself, but here in Canada, just as in USA I suppose, one should be really truly careful with certain behaviour and/or comments and don't speak up your mind like I say. Just do your job and be good. Which isn't bad either after all.
Just what I do now, there are quite a few people at my work who don't like me for reasons such as see me as a threat to their jobs or are just jealous etc, but I stand out and keep my head on the shoulders and just talk to them, connect with them and try to smile/laugh with them when the opportunity does show up as to build a stronger relationship with them, but I am also smart to notice certain "tactics" of some of them to see what I will say or how my reaction will be so they can use it against me! ... so, if you land a job, then be very careful not to fall victim to their games. Ok?
These are the differences between here and my home country. I 've been into plenty of similar situations in my previous jobs but none of which ever resulted in me getting fired or anybody else getting/being fired, we just ignored each other and get along until peace was back at workplace etc etc.
But then again, I am afraid, for one, to announce here that these are really difficult times to find jobs here in Canada! ... Anywhere in Canada I suppose.
One of the reasons for the labour market worsening as of now and more so probabely in 2011 will be the Chinese economy to be slowing down and due to the fact that Canada is more focused on China and other emerging markets in the past few years than to USA only and I suppose we will see USA starting to improve its position from this point on and less so for China! :'( ... it isn't easy, let me be honest, it IS NOT easy to find a job here.
So be prepared for pretty much some disappointments and harsh reality out there. If you already have a job in your own country and can wait this whole landing process out for like another year, then please do so and don't give up your job and get yourself into a situation you don't know when it will land you a new job and a solid source of income.
Many of us, come over here being a PR and that means we ll be given some time to get things organised and make the big move. IF you want to apply for a citizenship, then you should be able to have lived and worked here for 3 years out of 5 and if you want your PR card to be extended, this should be 2 years as I 've understood, so out of 5 years as of the date your PR card is issued, you go and figure when is the best time to make the big move, ok?
I myself am still balancing between these thoughts of going back or stay! and I mean this ... I don't know ...I am confused all the time but probabely because of my own personality of being "non-chalante" and "easy-going", I go with the flow and live day by day and see where it lands, that is why I am here, I don't have kids and am not forced to finance and support a whole family etc, like in most cases you do, being the only person working in the family or sometimes together with the wife or husband as to make the ends meet and have your children or other family members provided with a good life.
So I can stay and go anywhere I want, anytime. I am waiting for my bf to come over but since I know how important it is for him to land a job or secure a job here first, now I am here myself, I tell him NOT to give up and come over and go looking for a job when he already has one.
I don't know ...
It isn't easy ...
But one thing is for sure, such move, such step in 'life", is a good way to rediscover yourself, mature up and realise what is really the most important thing in life. (Family)
I guess most of us are already blessed with plenty of such but only don't realise it, we 've a lot at risk and to lose when we make such a move. I myself had been romantisizing Canada because of my trips and shopping and fun contacts etc, but also willing to be closer to my family, but now, none of that is really comply to this new life and am really surviving rather than living. I had a living in The Netherlands, here, I am just trying to survive for the time being and am patient to see what else will be held for me in future.
I am not feeling sad or disappointed as to say so, but now, when I look back, I rather wish I had my previous job, the boring one like I so much hated it, having to go to work 4 or max. 5 days a week, come back home, have a BIG home with a few rooms that were just empty, enough money to spend on expensive luxuary travels and stuff and pay off my 'aweful" mortgage but not even complain about it. Now, living in a mouse hole that I rent, paying 120% of my income on rent only, paying grocery and all with my savings and living alone and waiting for some employer to finally say " hey, Charlotte, welcome on board".
Anyway ... wishing you all the best ...
One day off today and I better go and relax instead of writing.
God Bless You all.
I have to admit that these are really poor economical times and although you see people work and spend, yet again, that is the top of the iceberg. Many companies are only hiring temps just as in USA and if they do hire permanently, that will take a lot of time, patience and am sure one showing them the right papers, degree's, job experiences etc to land the job and jump on board.
...
Getting used to the life/lifestyle etc here in Canada shouldn't be tough for people from any ethnic background or culture I should admit, as long as one knows the rules and regulations.
I can give you an example:
In the Netherlands, it is very common that co-workers joke around and tease each other in their team, even make sexist comments that are not to harm anybody etc, is just meant to make the workplace a bit more fun and bring smiles to each other's faces, we don't have cubicals and everybody is working together and really having fun at work and specific comments or conduct won't lead to the person being fired on spot etc. One can complain about harrassements etc, but that way the person will only isolate himself/herself and harm himself/herself, but here in Canada, just as in USA I suppose, one should be really truly careful with certain behaviour and/or comments and don't speak up your mind like I say. Just do your job and be good. Which isn't bad either after all.
Just what I do now, there are quite a few people at my work who don't like me for reasons such as see me as a threat to their jobs or are just jealous etc, but I stand out and keep my head on the shoulders and just talk to them, connect with them and try to smile/laugh with them when the opportunity does show up as to build a stronger relationship with them, but I am also smart to notice certain "tactics" of some of them to see what I will say or how my reaction will be so they can use it against me! ... so, if you land a job, then be very careful not to fall victim to their games. Ok?
These are the differences between here and my home country. I 've been into plenty of similar situations in my previous jobs but none of which ever resulted in me getting fired or anybody else getting/being fired, we just ignored each other and get along until peace was back at workplace etc etc.
But then again, I am afraid, for one, to announce here that these are really difficult times to find jobs here in Canada! ... Anywhere in Canada I suppose.
One of the reasons for the labour market worsening as of now and more so probabely in 2011 will be the Chinese economy to be slowing down and due to the fact that Canada is more focused on China and other emerging markets in the past few years than to USA only and I suppose we will see USA starting to improve its position from this point on and less so for China! :'( ... it isn't easy, let me be honest, it IS NOT easy to find a job here.
So be prepared for pretty much some disappointments and harsh reality out there. If you already have a job in your own country and can wait this whole landing process out for like another year, then please do so and don't give up your job and get yourself into a situation you don't know when it will land you a new job and a solid source of income.
Many of us, come over here being a PR and that means we ll be given some time to get things organised and make the big move. IF you want to apply for a citizenship, then you should be able to have lived and worked here for 3 years out of 5 and if you want your PR card to be extended, this should be 2 years as I 've understood, so out of 5 years as of the date your PR card is issued, you go and figure when is the best time to make the big move, ok?
I myself am still balancing between these thoughts of going back or stay! and I mean this ... I don't know ...I am confused all the time but probabely because of my own personality of being "non-chalante" and "easy-going", I go with the flow and live day by day and see where it lands, that is why I am here, I don't have kids and am not forced to finance and support a whole family etc, like in most cases you do, being the only person working in the family or sometimes together with the wife or husband as to make the ends meet and have your children or other family members provided with a good life.
So I can stay and go anywhere I want, anytime. I am waiting for my bf to come over but since I know how important it is for him to land a job or secure a job here first, now I am here myself, I tell him NOT to give up and come over and go looking for a job when he already has one.
I don't know ...
It isn't easy ...
But one thing is for sure, such move, such step in 'life", is a good way to rediscover yourself, mature up and realise what is really the most important thing in life. (Family)
I guess most of us are already blessed with plenty of such but only don't realise it, we 've a lot at risk and to lose when we make such a move. I myself had been romantisizing Canada because of my trips and shopping and fun contacts etc, but also willing to be closer to my family, but now, none of that is really comply to this new life and am really surviving rather than living. I had a living in The Netherlands, here, I am just trying to survive for the time being and am patient to see what else will be held for me in future.
I am not feeling sad or disappointed as to say so, but now, when I look back, I rather wish I had my previous job, the boring one like I so much hated it, having to go to work 4 or max. 5 days a week, come back home, have a BIG home with a few rooms that were just empty, enough money to spend on expensive luxuary travels and stuff and pay off my 'aweful" mortgage but not even complain about it. Now, living in a mouse hole that I rent, paying 120% of my income on rent only, paying grocery and all with my savings and living alone and waiting for some employer to finally say " hey, Charlotte, welcome on board".
Anyway ... wishing you all the best ...
One day off today and I better go and relax instead of writing.
God Bless You all.
CharlotteJ,
I try to understand your point of view. Yes, indeed!!! It´s very complexed and one must fully understand that living and surviving it´s not the same.
As I said before, I have three kids and think must of my time about them, but also, I think about me... What if... What if... However, I agree with you that family is the most important thing in life. I can only hope God would give us enough strengh to overcome all this fear.
Let´s fight the good fight with all thy might.
Enjoy your day off...
BTW Merry Xmas.
SFD
I try to understand your point of view. Yes, indeed!!! It´s very complexed and one must fully understand that living and surviving it´s not the same.
As I said before, I have three kids and think must of my time about them, but also, I think about me... What if... What if... However, I agree with you that family is the most important thing in life. I can only hope God would give us enough strengh to overcome all this fear.
Let´s fight the good fight with all thy might.
Enjoy your day off...
BTW Merry Xmas.
SFD
Welcome everyone!
Here is a site of a friends personal experiences with immigrating to Canada. He offers some great insight.
http://www.immigrationexpertise.com/2005/12/welcome.html
Careego.com also has valuable information for anyone job searching in Canada. Learn all the protocols and business processes for the Canadian marketplace.
http://careego.com/CareerResources/ImmigrationJobSearch/JobSearchStrategies/tabid/325/language/en-CA/Default.aspx#
Here is a site of a friends personal experiences with immigrating to Canada. He offers some great insight.
http://www.immigrationexpertise.com/2005/12/welcome.html
Careego.com also has valuable information for anyone job searching in Canada. Learn all the protocols and business processes for the Canadian marketplace.
http://careego.com/CareerResources/ImmigrationJobSearch/JobSearchStrategies/tabid/325/language/en-CA/Default.aspx#
Interested in expenditure!
1 bedroom appartment between 670-785 inclusive( alway go for inclusive if you can, hydro or all utilities can be a night mare for you being new in country)
2 bedroom apartment between 750 - 800 inclusive (though now some are increasing to 830. This is just in my small city like kitcher and waterloo
- Car Insurance - approx between 175 - 240 depends with your driving skills. If just fresh G2 start from the above.
- Rogers cable tv, internet and phone approx 125 for basic. (cable and internet only 85 approx.)
- Fuel/gas - 40 dollar per other two weeks - depends on distance and how much you travel alot.
- Groceries - it depends - I buy weekly fruits for 20 dollars a wk (bananas, apples, mangoes and strawberies. Vegetable I buy frozen one and occassionally fresh for weekly groceries.
the rest you should buy in bulk as one off budge which will varry considering you might need a lot to settle.
- Not to make you feel poor but if you thing budget is too high there is always places you can go to get food like in Foodbank, you wont get everything but its for the purpose of those who find it hard buying food.
1 bedroom appartment between 670-785 inclusive( alway go for inclusive if you can, hydro or all utilities can be a night mare for you being new in country)
2 bedroom apartment between 750 - 800 inclusive (though now some are increasing to 830. This is just in my small city like kitcher and waterloo
- Car Insurance - approx between 175 - 240 depends with your driving skills. If just fresh G2 start from the above.
- Rogers cable tv, internet and phone approx 125 for basic. (cable and internet only 85 approx.)
- Fuel/gas - 40 dollar per other two weeks - depends on distance and how much you travel alot.
- Groceries - it depends - I buy weekly fruits for 20 dollars a wk (bananas, apples, mangoes and strawberies. Vegetable I buy frozen one and occassionally fresh for weekly groceries.
the rest you should buy in bulk as one off budge which will varry considering you might need a lot to settle.
- Not to make you feel poor but if you thing budget is too high there is always places you can go to get food like in Foodbank, you wont get everything but its for the purpose of those who find it hard buying food.