Dear All,
DOs and DONTs that you must remember while you are in Pakistan (waiting for the next correspondence with VO) or you are in canada.
Any updation in the list or suggestion by any one would be most appreciated.
UPDATED VERSION
Updated points are in italic format
At the time of applying or after applying
Always say Bismillah or preferably namaz-e-hajat before doing any thing.
Try to make things or complete tasks in advance like photo-copies of documents, photos, translations, notarization (This will make your things little easier)
Always be proactive
Make a folder in which u keep all of your documents with one copy of a photostats.
If possible save some money and start collecting US$ or C$ (This will make ur good saving as rupee is depreciating day by day)
Try to maintain your bank balance (if applicable) atleast 50% - 60% of the amount that you need to show to VO
Always be honest with the VO
Always keep record of all the correspondence with the CIC like emails , letters etc
When sending your documents; try to arrange in an order of the documents (FormA or Applicant A,B,C.. then FormB of applicant A,B,C then DocumentA of Applicant A,B,C and so on.... ) This will help VO make decisions easy
When corresponding with the VO, always be polite and affirmative not aggressive
After applying and before or at the time of medicals
When you deem necessary and sure that your medical is near, prepare your latest photos and all other necessary documents
If in case they request you for the "Updating Forms (IMM0008)", that means your medical is a month away; try to take a medical date after one month at the moment. This will save your time after medical papers are in you hand
Try to take a time at 9AM for medicals, it is the best time because you need to give urine and blood samples.
When you are done with medicals; make sure you send the receipts to CIC via email and request for the acknowledgment
If in-case a medical of any person is missing; dont panic, just inform CIC.
Always try to do medicals of all family members together (it makes troublesome situation for VO)
Wait for at-least 2 months before making any correspondence with CIC (except sending the receipt)
It is better to see your family doctor before undertaking your exams. (In this case your FD will advice you what to do)
Dont ever give your file number to any one
After Medicals and before PPR1
Always pray and never lose hope
Your background checks may take some time, it can take up-to 6 months. So don't be afraid
If your PPR1 is taking too much time, do email them and mention "URGENT Bxxxxxxxxxx" in subject line
Again; since your PR is near try to save some money for canada
You can start shopping (not alot but reasonable)
After VISA is in hand
You will need lots of time for the shopping as your visa is in hand; therefore try to give some time to your family
Try to stay at home at your most atleast a week prior to your flight
Meet all your relatives as you'll need lots of dua at that moment
Never go for cheapest tickets with longest route if you have kids with you.
Try to make your NICOP at your earliest
Never handover your passport to any one
You can take your laptop with you as well
If you are not taking your laptop with you; make a backup of all of your documents and burn it on DVD/ external HDD
Start applying to your field jobs in your province mentioning that you're going to land on the specific month
Remember to convert your CV to canadian format and specially write your family member's contact info in your CV
Some websites like www.monster.ca , www.workopilis.ca, www.saskjobs.ca, www.kellyservices.ca etc etc could be very helpful
Make a list of things that you need to buy when ever they come in to your mind. This will be helpful when you go out for shopping
Try to buy some grocery items as well like pulses, spices etc. Initially it will be very helpful as you will not be in a position to spend lots of dollars in canada in buying kitchen items
Also you should buy the plastic plates or kitchen items because it will be very light and in-expensive. Could be very blessed thing for you
Time of Flight
Try to take the luggage allowed; in case you are alone or with your wife but with out kids and you are sure that you can handle excess baggage; then you can go for excess baggage OTHERWISE it will not be a wise option
You will give 100$ for one extra baggage and 50000 Rs for 100KG via courier; You can see your advantage according to rates
Always try to take the smallest possible flight
If you have a kid with you less than 3 yrs. A stroller/Pram will be very handy
Try to keep all your documents in your hand carry
Always keep your money in your pouch or your hand wallet or what ever you deem necessary BUT NOT in any luggage
Keep some Pakistani currency like 10000 with you all the times
If you are taking transit flight. Try to have some local currencies as well
Try to reach airport atleast 4 hrs prior to departure; since you are leaving your relatives and will not be able to see them for a long time; they'll take lots of your time at the airport (rona dhona and all this stuff -- u can understand )
Take some souvenirs for your canadian relatives like mithai or what ever they like (not from your local town but from the airport). It will be little expensive for you buy will be very handy in terms of weight
At the Canadian Airport
Be honest and polite with IO
Keep good advance count of all your money
Mention IO if you have any thing at disposal in your motherland.this will help him mentioning the amount you are going to have in
I am in process of making a list of things to be purchased. Will share with you in a while
Mention any thing if i have missed
Thanks for reading
