happy-go-lucky said:
Hi Arman,
I understand that you have settled in Vancouver since the last 3 years or so. We usually get to hear some bad experiences about immigrants who are not able to make it well in Canada which makes us a little anxious. How would you say your experience has been in Vancouver and Canada in totality? ;D
How is the climate there?
I and my spouse are from HR background. Do you think we will get jobs in Vancouver? How much should be an average monthly income to survive in Vancouver knowing that it is one of the most expensive cities of the world
We would love to hear a settler's view point
Well, I landed 2 year back in vancouver but moved in here for good early this year. Everyone has their own stories and experiences..To be honest, it all depends on Al Mighty God and on you... how well you are prepared. For my part, I do not have any regrets leaving settled permenent good paid job in UAE...
Canada is a place where u can live for permenent and you can call your home... Unfortunately Canada is undergoing recession period due to low oil prices (canada is world 5th high energy producer) but still there are jobs and country is going well. Vancouver is nice and beautiful place to live. Weather is awesome especially in winters as compare to rest of states and cities.. But it is expensive in terms of gas, housing and other taxes...
In spite of being in recession, there are many jobs available in the BC market ... I always say; when you start your new life in canada; bring as much as your savings and dont focus more on salaries initially when you moved in here. Canadian experiences counts a lot... Canadian experience, canadian references are key in getting jobs.. But still people do get jobs..I got job in 4 month time after I moved in here... You really need to search pretty well on websites to search available jobs... Updating your educational skills are also very important and one should seriously think about it, although it cost but it is the investment you putting on yourself for future better job opportunities...
While I was searching for jobs, I saw many various jobs related to HR so there are bright chances to get a job in your field. You need to have strong references from your previous employees. (This is very much important and key before job offering). It is very unlikely to get job without previous references... Bring all your educational documents, experience certificates, credential evaluation, original transcripts etc ....
Vancouver is expensive as compare to other states (second to toronto) in terms of housing but it depends on what you require, your preferences, no of bedrooms, location, your family size etc... Living around vancouver downtown is hell expensive. So people (esp newly immigrants) prefer to live around Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, (nearby cities/town) to Vancouver... you can check criaglist.com (vancouver) to get some idea about housing prices ..Usually it takes $1500-1800 for townhouse in Surrey but in same price you can hardly get one bedroom flat (condo) in downtown vancouver... So, it all depends on your family size, your budget and which part of the city you want to live in. Some people prefer to live in basement suits which can be cheaper ($800-1000) in Surrey...
Gas prices are expensive in BC as compare to rest of the country. Food items are reasonable and not taxable... You cant get away from monthly payments of your health insurance $72.00 per month per member (MSP) , Auto Insurance; $210 per month (ICBC), food, Gas and house rent...
One thing i must say and I adore, there is no racism factor exist, it could be at individual level, but at whole you wont feel being discrimated on the basis of your race...Thats what I like most. In terms of employment, they would see your interview skills, your resume, your qualification, experience NOT your race... Even in your daily life you wont come across such thing in here.... People are nice, helpful and friendly...
No one can answer you, if you or your spouse will get jobs in Vancouver...as earlier I mentioned it depends on how well you are prepared, your thorough search, your resume presentation, your experience, qualification... All I would say, there are opportunities and you shouldnt be scared from people with bad experiences; everyone has their own fate...it more depends on you.. BUT same time you must be mentally prepared to struggle, which is normal when you are moving to new country. This is not Middle East, where you can live on the basis of pre-arranged employment... So have your savings as much as you can arrange, and come with better planning, positive approach , dont be dishearten and try to meet people with good and successful stories, which will motivate you....
I cant reply exactly how much average monthly income should be enough to survive, it depends on your needs, and your expenditures... If suppose your monthly income is $4000, but you may get around $31-3200 instead ( rest income tax deduction(federal & provincial), employment insurance etc). As soon as you land, open your account and you should register your children for Universal Child Tax Benefit (monthly payment for children-depend on child age and no of children)...
Good Luck with your plans...
