Hi, I have been an old member of this group and residing in Canada for more than 7 months now. I am logging in again after many months. Most of the members are now gone with their visas (i guess and i pray also). I want to share my experiences and want to give some advises to the people who are planning to come here.
1- Bring an authentication letter with the driving license because this is how they will consider your Pakistani experience and waive the long time period required to get a full license. Here in Canada, one can get the license in 3 stages first get a G1 license (that is like a learner's license of Pakistan) 2- G2 is the second stage and finally, after one year of the issuance of G1, you can apply for the "G" or the full license. If your Pakistani experience is considered (which is considered with the authentication letter) then the 2nd stage i.e. the G2 and the one year time period required to apply for the "G" license is waived. In other words, you can pass the written test (G1) and immediately apply for the "G" license. Driving license is very important in Canada because if you have a car, you can travel longer distances for the job otherwise, your opportunities are reduced.
2- Bring enough stock of daily medicines like panadol, cough syrup because in the initial 2 months, a new immigrant does not have the facility of the government free medical and even after that, you have to pay for the medicines which are very expensive.
3- If you have any friends here, ask them to arrange a basement in any house for the living of the first few months because an apartment requires a credit history (and obviously, a new immigrant does not have any credit history). The basement is usually rented out without any formal documentation because it is rented by the owner directly.
4- Start any job (either blue collar or white collar) immediately and don't think that it is not of my profession because here, in Canada everybody ask for the Canadian experience and even if you have an experience in any field in Canada, your next job is easier.
5- In Canada, almost every bank has a bank account package for the new immigrants (that includes the credit card). I advise all of you to apply for the credit card and start using it because this is the thing which makes your credit history and credit history is everything here.
6- Bring as much money as you can and dont expect that you will get the job and there is no need of excess funding. Better remain on the safe side.
7- Avoid coming to Canada in Winters (till march or even start of April) if possible specially if you have kids.
8- The winter clothing from Pakistan will not work here because its not that much warm and also, its rubbish in quality.
If any of you need any type of advise or help, you can contact me any time.
