Queries from a new comer.

[optimus1509]

Hello people,

I may be travelling to Canada soon and have some initial queries with regards to place of stay and facilities. I plan to come with my family which includes my wife and one child (infant).

I am thinking of staying in Mississauga, coz thats where my office is; however, my child will soon start going to play school. Is this a good place to stay given the facts? Are there good play schools in Mississauga? Or should i consider staying elsewhere and commute to office?

How much would a 1 Bedroom furnished condo apartment cost to rent in Mississauga? What's usually included in the rent?
Given that i will be a new comer with no credit history, how does the rental market work? Do i have to pay a deposit/first and last months rental upfront?

Does Mississauga have good options for commuting?

I will be on work permit, so will I be able to avail healthcare benefits on landing?

I also believe that education is free. But does this apply only to residents and citizens?

I am also clueless as to how i should go about ensuring that i have a place to stay on landing. I want to avoid staying in a hotel and want to settle in as soon as possible, but if i don't get a decent place to stay then i will utilise this option as a last resort.

Any tips on the above will be much appreciated.

 

[optimus1509]

Anyone...?

 

[optimus1509]

cmon guys, so many views and not one response?

 

[CDNPR2014]

i am not familiar with the area, sorry! Might I suggest finding an immigrant service agency in Mississauga? The can be instrumental in helping your family settle. If any of them ask for money, don't pay them. There are many non-profit agencies that offer services for free.

for research on apartment prices - you can always check out www.kijiji.ca. It is like Canada's craiglist, and you might be able to see what's available. be aware that you'll probably want to see the area/apartment first before committing to anything. dont' send money upfront - as they can be scams. calling the local police office can help you figure out which areas are better to look in.

Good luck!

 

[optimus1509]

i am not familiar with the area, sorry! Might I suggest finding an immigrant service agency in Mississauga? The can be instrumental in helping your family settle. If any of them ask for money, don't pay them. There are many non-profit agencies that offer services for free.

for research on apartment prices - you can always check out www.kijiji.ca. It is like Canada's craiglist, and you might be able to see what's available. be aware that you'll probably want to see the area/apartment first before committing to anything. dont' send money upfront - as they can be scams. calling the local police office can help you figure out which areas are better to look in.

Good luck!

Thank you for the response and the tips. I will look for immigrant services. Would you have any idea on the my question regarding healthcare and schooling?

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[torontosm]

I am thinking of staying in Mississauga, coz thats where my office is; however, my child will soon start going to play school. Is this a good place to stay given the facts? Are there good play schools in Mississauga? Or should i consider staying elsewhere and commute to office?

How much would a 1 Bedroom furnished condo apartment cost to rent in Mississauga? What's usually included in the rent?
Given that i will be a new comer with no credit history, how does the rental market work? Do i have to pay a deposit/first and last months rental upfront?

Does Mississauga have good options for commuting?

I will be on work permit, so will I be able to avail healthcare benefits on landing?

I also believe that education is free. But does this apply only to residents and citizens?

I am also clueless as to how i should go about ensuring that i have a place to stay on landing. I want to avoid staying in a hotel and want to settle in as soon as possible, but if i don't get a decent place to stay then i will utilise this option as a last resort.

Mississauga is now a large city, and like any other city, has good and bad areas. There are plenty of very nice, family-oriented neighborhoods that I'm sure you and your family will appreciate. Similarly, there are some great public schools in the good areas, and some not so great ones as well.

I have no idea about rental costs, but you can check online at mls.ca, viewit,ca, kijiji, etc.

As for healthcare, I believe you will have to wait 3 months to become eligible for OHIP (at least citizens and PR's do). Education should also be free so long as your work permit is valid.

Finally, don't rush your housing decision. Spend the money on a hotel and find a neighborhood and house that you are happy with. In the long run, it will definitely be worth it.

 

[jomz]

Mississauga is now a large city, and like any other city, has good and bad areas. There are plenty of very nice, family-oriented neighborhoods that I'm sure you and your family will appreciate. Similarly, there are some great public schools in the good areas, and some not so great ones as well.

I have no idea about rental costs, but you can check online at mls.ca, viewit,ca, kijiji, etc.

As for healthcare, I believe you will have to wait 3 months to become eligible for OHIP (at least citizens and PR's do). Education should also be free so long as your work permit is valid.

Finally, don't rush your housing decision. Spend the money on a hotel and find a neighborhood and house that you are happy with. In the long run, it will definitely be worth it.

Mississauga has some very nice areas and it is a good place to settle for a family. Rent cost varies, but for a 1 bedroom condo average price is $1500 which will likely include everything except electricity which is billed separately and cable phone which you must set up yourself. Also you may have a hard time renting furnished with an infant baby as most owners would be concerned with possible damage while the child gets older.

As for school, elementary and junior and high school is free (starting at age 6+) there is also preschool which is half day school for kids ages 3-5. If you need to enrol your child in daycare which usually accept kids 1 year+ you will need to pay for it and cost varies from $800-$1200 monthly.

You would qualify for OHIP, however there is a waiting period of 3 months until it kicks in so best to have travel insurance to cover you and the family in case of emergency during the 3 months wait period.

 

[optimus1509]

jomz,torontosm thank you for all the information.If furnished accommodation is hard to find i may just go for unfurnished rental and buy the necessities. I think it will be better in the long run.

You mentioned there are some nice family oriented areas in Mississauga. Can you suggest which ones? so i can keep these in mind when house hunting.

I dont think the waiting period for OHIP will be a big deal for me. So i may just wait it out for 3 months.

Thanks again.

 

[jomz]

jomz,torontosm thank you for all the information.If furnished accommodation is hard to find i may just go for unfurnished rental and buy the necessities. I think it will be better in the long run.

You mentioned there are some nice family oriented areas in Mississauga. Can you suggest which ones? so i can keep these in mind when house hunting.

I dont think the waiting period for OHIP will be a big deal for me. So i may just wait it out for 3 months.

Thanks again.

I would say location in Mississauga would depend where you office is located. During rush hour to get from east to west Mississauga can take in excess of 1 hour. If your office will be in central area you can look at square one area for housing. If you don't mind a 20-30 minute commute try looking at streetsville or meadowvale. There are beautiful areas in south Mississauga (Port Credit) but commute may be challenging if your work will be all the way in North Mississauga and condo rents in port credit area will be a bit higher but there are nice apartment buildings that are clean and charge approx $1100 for one bedroom but as its apartments you have to use shared laundry in the building which is not ideal with a baby.