Preparing for the BIG move

[merger]

Hello!

A bit early to ask this since I just received my PPR and submitted my passport today... But could anyone share how you are planning your move to Canada? In terms of what things to bring/pack, what to settle in your home country before leaving, any other form of preparation or planning you need to do?

I've been thinking of the ff:

1. Check which clothes I would bring.. I've read somewhere not to bring many 'summer' clothes..(Philippines is a tropical country and we don't have winter so almost all of my clothes are for warm weather) and I'm moving to Winnipeg!

2. List personal stuff to bring - health and beauty products for skin/body care regimen since some may not be readily available in Winnipeg and to avoid spending too much when I get there. Like a 6-month supply?? (

3. Organize and prepare medical records/docs - for any previous medical conditions/treatment/certificates for future reference

4. School documents like copy of diploma, transcript of records, school certification - I plan to study in the future. Are these docs needed to apply for work in Canada?

5. Computer files saved in portable hard drive? - important files and a thousand photos..

6. Update my resume/CV???

What else to pack and prepare?


Or would you know if there's a site or link that would direct me somewhere that would help me prepare? ???

 

[canadianwoman]

1. Check which clothes I would bring.. I've read somewhere not to bring many 'summer' clothes..(Philippines is a tropical country and we don't have winter so almost all of my clothes are for warm weather) and I'm moving to Winnipeg!

Winnipeg does have a summer, and it can get hot. You may not think it is very hot the first summer you are there, but I bet you will gradually adapt and will want your summer clothes. If you have room, I would bring all the clothes you have, because you can at least wear them in the summer, and clothes tend to be very expensive in Canada as compared to Asian countries. Just budget for the necessary winter clothes you will need to buy.

2. List personal stuff to bring - health and beauty products for skin/body care regimen since some may not be readily available in Winnipeg and to avoid spending too much when I get there. Like a 6-month supply?? (

These things are readily available in Winnipeg. If there is a specific brand you always use, it may not be. Try to find out if the brands you really like are sold in Winnipeg. If not, bring some. For general things a 6-month supply is not necessary. It would be best to get used to Canadian and American brands, and only bring things you love that you know won't be available.

3. Organize and prepare medical records/docs - for any previous medical conditions/treatment/certificates for future reference

4. School documents like copy of diploma, transcript of records, school certification - I plan to study in the future. Are these docs needed to apply for work in Canada?

It is a good idea to have both of these things. Even if you don't need something right now, you may need them in the future, and it will be harder to get them later.

 

[merger]

Winnipeg does have a summer, and it can get hot. You may not think it is very hot the first summer you are there, but I bet you will gradually adapt and will want your summer clothes. If you have room, I would bring all the clothes you have, because you can at least wear them in the summer, and clothes tend to be very expensive in Canada as compared to Asian countries. Just budget for the necessary winter clothes you will need to buy.These things are readily available in Winnipeg. If there is a specific brand you always use, it may not be. Try to find out if the brands you really like are sold in Winnipeg. If not, bring some. For general things a 6-month supply is not necessary. It would be best to get used to Canadian and American brands, and only bring things you love that you know won't be available.It is a good idea to have both of these things. Even if you don't need something right now, you may need them in the future, and it will be harder to get them later.

Hi canadianwoman,

Thanks so much for responding and sharing your thoughts! Appreciate it!

 

[TSauretBaxter]

I would add looking in the requirements to transfer over your driver's license if applicable. Prepare your B4 form for when you land. And also consider health insurance for the first 3 months after you arrive in Canada.

 

[TSauretBaxter]

Oh and research new immigrant services available in Winnipeg.

 

[CharlieD10]

You'd be surprised what you may be used to at home that is available in Canada. Definitely ask someone already in place, if you know such a person, what is and isn't available. I am not nearly as homesick food-wise as people made out I would be, moving to northern Ontario. I have found several familiar/Jamaican brands available in the supermarket here, as well as Jamaican foods and seasonings/spices.

In terms of toiletries, yeah, you don't need a 6 month supply. Quite apart from the weight restrictions for your baggage, again, it may be available locally where you are headed. My husband was able to purchase most of the brands he knew I used and stock the bathroom prior to my arrival, and what items he didn't find in a local drugstore, we were able to order online. Trust me, online ordering will be your friend for a lot of things if you are moving to a smaller city. Check out the offerings at sites like Well.ca and get an idea of what's out there online.

If you are arriving in fall/winter, DO get health insurance coverage to cover your waiting period. Our tropical bodies are not used to the temperatures and will get sick faster, and you don't want to be "left out in the cold", so to speak. It is not quite fall (4 or so more days to go) but already temperatures here are dropping down to regions I haven't felt in almost two decades, and although I have had 3 months already to adjust, I still feel the wind and cold very keenly. Today I ended up needing one of those hats with ear flaps because I lost the feeling in my ears from being outside in windy temperatures. Bring along your tropical weight clothing, but allocate funds for purchasing fall/winter gear soon after arrival.

 

[TSauretBaxter]

allocate funds for purchasing fall/winter gear soon after arrival.

Get your spouse to check around for sales. The best time to buy a winter jacket is in the summer. I just bought one for my hubby two weeks ago for 50% off. He will probably want it as soon as he steps off the plane of Friday

 

[JimM]

Oddly enough I just saw a help wanted ad for a Philippine specialty retailer expanding into Estevan SK, CMART. If Estevam has one I'm sure there has to be one around Winnipeg

 

[merger]

Oh and research new immigrant services available in Winnipeg.

Thanks TS!

glad you mentioned the health insurance thing.. I think i get sick easily due to sudden change in weather conditions. my husband bought me a parka! it was also on sale a few months ago i was also advised not to bring too many jackets bec those being sold here are of no match to the cold in canada.

And yes research about immigrant services.. I just started reading and im overwhelmed wd all the information to know!

 

[TSauretBaxter]

Thanks TS!

glad you mentioned the health insurance thing.. I think i get sick easily due to sudden change in weather conditions. my husband bought me a parka! it was also on sale a few months ago i was also advised not to bring too many jackets bec those being sold here are of no match to the cold in canada.

And yes research about immigrant services.. I just started reading and im overwhelmed wd all the information to know!

Yes, a good winter jacket is a must!! And in Winnipeg you are going to need it!

 

[merger]

You'd be surprised what you may be used to at home that is available in Canada. Definitely ask someone already in place, if you know such a person, what is and isn't available. I am not nearly as homesick food-wise as people made out I would be, moving to northern Ontario. I have found several familiar/Jamaican brands available in the supermarket here, as well as Jamaican foods and seasonings/spices.

In terms of toiletries, yeah, you don't need a 6 month supply. Quite apart from the weight restrictions for your baggage, again, it may be available locally where you are headed. My husband was able to purchase most of the brands he knew I used and stock the bathroom prior to my arrival, and what items he didn't find in a local drugstore, we were able to order online. Trust me, online ordering will be your friend for a lot of things if you are moving to a smaller city. Check out the offerings at sites like Well.ca and get an idea of what's out there online.

If you are arriving in fall/winter, DO get health insurance coverage to cover your waiting period. Our tropical bodies are not used to the temperatures and will get sick faster, and you don't want to be "left out in the cold", so to speak. It is not quite fall (4 or so more days to go) but already temperatures here are dropping down to regions I haven't felt in almost two decades, and although I have had 3 months already to adjust, I still feel the wind and cold very keenly. Today I ended up needing one of those hats with ear flaps because I lost the feeling in my ears from being outside in windy temperatures. Bring along your tropical weight clothing, but allocate funds for purchasing fall/winter gear soon after arrival.

thanks charlieD for sharing your experience.. yes we estimate that ill arrive during the winter!!

ill start asking my husband and his relatives about items i use and w/c ones are availabe in canada

 

[parker24]

Yes, a good winter jacket is a must!! And in Winnipeg you are going to need it!

Agreed. Winnipeg likes to go below 20 degrees C often. It's the coldest city in Canada!!

And I agree with Charlie on everything.

(PS Charlie, it made me giggle thinking of you wearing the ear flap hat! WELCOME TO CANADA! )

 

[CharlieD10]

(PS Charlie, it made me giggle thinking of you wearing the ear flap hat! WELCOME TO CANADA! )

;D Thank you, I think! Hahaha.

 

[rozeky_ara]

I would add looking in the requirements to transfer over your driver's license if applicable. Prepare your B4 form for when you land. And also consider health insurance for the first 3 months after you arrive in Canada.

Hi just want to ask about the b4... im really curious about b4?.. everyone seem talking about it but my friends who landed in Canada says it is not necessary to have it since the custom/IO will just ask for the paper the airplane stewardess provide before landing... I saw that you will land there very soon.. can you share your landing experience too?.. thanks!

 

[TSauretBaxter]

Hi just want to ask about the b4... im really curious about b4?.. everyone seem talking about it but my friends who landed in Canada says it is not necessary to have it since the custom/IO will just ask for the paper the airplane stewardess provide before landing... I saw that you will land there very soon.. can you share your landing experience too?.. thanks!

As far as I know you don't HAVE to fill out the B4 form before landing. But it does make getting processed through immigration quicker, as you will need to fill it out there.

This link is helpful:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-border.asp

It's my husband who will be landing soon. I'm the sponsor. And yes I will share his landing experience.