Question: What documents do I need to gather before I arrive in Canada?
Answer: Long before you leave your home country, make sure you begin to gather the following documents:
•Birth certificates for all family members
•Adoption papers.
•Marriage certificates, separation and divorce papers. School diplomas and degrees and/or trade or professional papers and certificates.
•School reports, transfer certificates and college transcripts.
•Certified immunization records for all children under 16, which are required in all school districts before children can be registered to attend school.
•Driver's licence, which will usually be valid for up to six months in Canada. You might also want to obtain an international driver's licence before you leave home, as it will also be valid for six months.
•If you have a history of safe driving, ask for a letter of reference or history from your insurance company attesting to your “no claim” status. This could save you money on future car insurance premiums.
•Medical records including X-rays, test results, known allergies and perhaps even a recent history of medication taken by every one in your family. It is also recommended that you bring a good supply of prescription and over-the-counter drugs you use. Make sure you keep these drugs in their original bottles.
•Dental records and optical prescriptions.
•Reference letters from companies for whom you have worked or volunteered.
•List of goods to be imported in duplicate, including full descriptions, serial numbers, makes and models. For jewelry and heirlooms, you might also want to attach photographs of the items. If you have receipts for the more expensive items, attach them to the list. The list should note which items are being imported at the time of landing and which goods will follow at a later date. Or you can make two separate
While all the documents above constitute your “official papers,” don't forget to gather the phone numbers, addresses, fax numbers and emails of all your friends and relatives. It is far easier to put this list together before you leave town than to try to do so afterward. It is also advisable to carry one copy of this list of documents with you and have a second copy tucked into your luggage somewhere or have it carried by your spouse.(By Nick Noorani June 23, 2011)
Can we bring in money to the country in the form of a draft or wire transfer?
Question: As a new immigrant, I have declared to bring in $10,000, which I did bring in when I landed. Now, the question is can we bring in more money in the country in the form of a draft and/or wire transfer? And, if yes, then is there any limitation on the amount per transaction? Is so, what is that limit? Also, do we have to pay tax on this amount and how much would it be approximately?
Answer: There is no limit to what you can bring into the country as an immigrant. The $10,000 value is what you must declare to any Financial Institution (FI) because of anti-money laundering (AML) considerations. The issue with AML is source of funds. Each FI needs to confirm the source.
The concept of taxation in Canada is based on income. There is no income being generated here at the start when the funds are brought in Canada. Once it is invested here, however, then there will be taxation based on the type of income generated, (e.g. interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.).
There may however be a tax in the country from which a person(s) is immigrating from (i.e. departure tax). You should check with your country for any specific levies. Overall, there are no taxes to be paid here in Canada until the person invests the funds. (By Winnie Go
June 16, 2011)
Choosing the right embassy when applying for your visa
So you know you want to immigrate to Canada and you even know what class of application you wish to file, but do you know where to file it?
One of the most common mistakes and, in some cases, missed opportunities that I see in my practice is when an immigration applicant files an application at the wrong visa office.
One of the cornerstones of immigration policy in Canada is the notion that a person wishing to immigrate to Canada must apply for their immigrant visa prior to arriving in Canada. Although Canada does have a number of “in-Canada” streams (refugees, humanitarian and compassionate grounds applications, spouse-in Canada class, etc.), the vast majority of applications must be filed at an immigration office outside of Canada.
ARRIVING
Assessing and budgeting for your immediate costs
During your first month in Canada, you'll want to assess your budget before you start taking action. Figure out how much you have to spend before you start making purchases and prioritize you and your family's needs. Spending your money conservatively and wisely will this transition period a little less stressful.
Assess your needs by considering how much each of the following will cost you during the first month:
*groceries*transportation*rent and utilities*landline or cellular phone*clothing*processing fees for registration and documentation
*Take the time to write down what you need to spend money on and consider the duration it may take for you to become employed. You may need to keep a strict budget past the first month, so be sure to discuss this fact with your spouse and children so that everyone is in agreement about spending.
Biggest challenge most new immigrants face is studying English
Free English courses for immigrants are available under a program called English Language Services for Adults (ELSA). Basic English classes — levels one to three — for new immigrants, have been available for many years.
Recently, the government has made funds available to add higher levels for free at a few locations. Basic English skills are not always enough, especially for more specialized careers. Many employers report gaps in recent immigrants' workplace language skills and vocabulary.
Applying for your SIN card, health care card and more
Along with all the tasks we have covered so far, applying for documentation such as your Permanent Resident card, your social insurance number, driver's licence and health card will be important to cover during your first month in Canada.
Let's start with the Permanent Resident card ...
Receiving your Permanent Resident card
When you arrive in Canada, you'll have to give an address for where your Permanent Resident card is to be sent. This card gives proof of your residency in Canada If you don't have an address, CIC's website will provide you will instructions on how to get your card. If you don't get your Permanent Resident card within 30 days of being in Canada (and having provided CIC with a mailing address), you should call them at 1-888-242-2100 (it's toll free).
You should note that if you don't receive your card within 180 days of the day you entered the country, you'll have to reapply for the card and pay a fee. Make sure you take care of this identification document before any others in your first month in Canada.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) card
The next documentation you will want to secure is a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card. You will require a SIN card to work legally in Canada. Your SIN is a nine-digit number — it's a good idea to memorize it when you get your card. To get an application for a SIN card, just visit the nearest provincial human resources centre or contact CIC at 1-888-242-2100 for more information. Your local settlement agency or post office will also be able to supply you with a SIN cardapplication form.
Finally, you can download the form online from servicecanada.gc.ca. All you have to do is fill it in and submit it online with this option. Human Resources Canada will send you your SIN card in the mail. Note that there is a processing fee for requesting a SIN card.
Health insurance card
Another very important form of documentation that you will want to secure in your first month is a health card. Each member of your family will need his or her own health card — this includes small children and newborn babies. Each province has its own healthinsurance card, so you will have to apply for one via your provincial ministry of health office.
To apply, you'll need to show your birth certificate or Confirmation of Permanent Residence and your passport. You can also use your Permanent Resident card as well. Before applying, check to see what documentation your province requires and ensure you have it on hand when applying.
Also note that in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and New Brunswick, you will have to wait for 90 days before you can apply to a healthinsurance card. If you are settling in one of these provinces, it's highly advisable that you secure private healthcare insurance in the interim. There are many options available to you, so do discuss this with a settlement agency representative or contact your provincial ministry of health office for advice on the bestinsurance company options to meet your needs.
You can also go to any doctor's office, walk-in clinic, pharmacy or hospital to obtain a form. It's advisable that you connect with a settlement agency representative to help you fill out the form if you are unclear on any element of it, as this is a very important document.
Your health insurance card will cover the following things:
hospital care,treatment and examinations performed by your family doctor,many types of surgery,many types of laboratory tests, almost all immunizations, X-rays
However, your health insurance card will not cover:
various prescription drugs,dental care,prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses (in some provinces, your health insurance card will not cover visits to an optometrist, a.k.a. eye doctor)
ambulance services
Note: when you gain employment, ask if your company offers a health benefits package, as many cover all or a portion of the cost associated with the services mentioned above that your provincial healthinsurance card does not cover.
Driver's licence
In order to operate a motor vehicle in your province, you must obtain a driver's licence. It's the law — so if you do want to drive, get your driver's licence first. You can use an international or foreign driver's licence for up to 60 days in all provinces, but after that you will have to obtain a provincial driver's licence.
To start, you will want to contact the ministry of transportation in your province. Just go online and do a search for your province and “ministry of transportation” or call 1-800-387-3445 for general information on driver's licences.
Depending on the province, you may be subjected to going through training or a graduated system of testing (most provinces require this). Depending on your country of origin, you may or may not be subject to going through the fullapplication process for a driver's licence.
Note that the government does not pay for driver's training and you may have to go to an accredited driving school in order to learn to drive if you do not know already (or if you do not have a friend or relative with a full licence who can teach you).
Also note that in order to drive in any province, by law, you must have driver's insurance from an accredited car insurance company. It's also wise to keep a record of your car insurance from your country of origin that you will want to present to the insurance company when you apply for insurance, as many will note your experience and if you have a good driver's record, it can help you get a better monthly payment rate. Yes,car insurance is costly, but know that it protects you and the other driver in case of an accident. (By Gloria Suhasini
May 24, 2011)
Welcome to Canada — Foreign credentials check
You may have heard about this little problem we have in Canada called the “lack of recognition of foreign credentials.” In other words, Canadian employers don't understand what a masters degree in engineering from India is equivalent to in Canada.
They don't know and don't have the time or inclination to find out. So that engineer from India probably won't get hired in his field easily.
Therefore, there are a few of things you need to do upon landing in Canada:
Get your educational transcripts and as much information about your university and degree from your homeland. Hopefully you thought to bring those with you before immigrating, as it can often be difficult to get that from overseas.
Get your degree evaluated by one of the Canadian educational evaluation services.
In B.C., that would be the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) at the B.C. Institute of Technology (contact 604-432-8800 or see its website at bcit.ca/ices.)
In Toronto, it's the World Education Services (WES) (contact or see www.wes.org) or the Comparative Education Service (CES) at the University of Toronto. (contact 416-978-2190 or see www.adm.utoronto.ca/ces).
There is usually a fee for these services. Visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's new website – www.credentials.gc.ca — or one of its new Foreign Credentials Referral Offices to learn more about how your profession is regulated or handled in Canada. The website's “Working in Canada” tool will explain the challenges you face in your particular profession.
The newcomer's checklist
Once you've stepped off the plane, follow this to-do list to guide your essential first steps in Canada.
Before you leave the airport, check out the newcomer welcome centre. At the Toronto Pearson International Airport, look for the Immigrant Reception and Information Services (IRIS) kiosks in Terminals 2 and 3. At the Vancouver International Airport, go to the Community Airport Newcomers Network (CANN) kiosk in the immigration landing room of the international arrivals area. These kiosks will have pamphlets and resources to help you in your first days in Canada.
Find temporary accommodation for your first few nights after landing and then start looking for a longer-term rental. Check the Canadian Immigrant Housing Guide for everything you need to know.
Obtain a good street map, a telephone book and the Yellow Pages. These resources will be important tools in your first days as you get to know your neighbourhood and search out local services.
Visit a local immigrant settlement agency. Such non-profit organizations receive government funding to offer newcomers services, such as free ESL training, settlement counselling, employment workshops and more. They also often have host programs that buddy up newcomers with volunteers who help guide them through their first few months in Canada. See cic.gc.ca for a list of agencies across the country.
Get your permanent resident (PR) card, a wallet-sized, plastic status card that replaces your paper IMM 1000 Record of Landing document. It's convenient proof of your permanent resident status.
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card. Without it, you cannot get a job or apply for any government assistance or credit. Applications for a SIN card can be made through a Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) office —check the blue pages of your local telephone book under Government of Canada.
Apply for your official health care card. Application forms for these cards are available from doctor's offices, hospitals and most pharmacies, or by calling the provincial medical services authorities. Since there is a three-month waiting period for coverage in Ontario, B.C. and some other provinces, don't delay in your application. Ensure you have temporary private health coverage to cover your family during the waiting period.
Open an account at a bank or credit union near your home. It's important to start a relationship with a bank as soon as possible, so you can manage your money, pay your bills and begin building a credit history.
Validate your professional credentials. Contact a local foreign credentials assessment service, such as World Education Services (wes.org) in Toronto or the International Credential Evaluation Service in B.C. (bcit.ca/ices).
Get your Canadian driver's licence. An international licence is only valid for a few months. Check with your provincial motor vehicle branch on the rules in your province.
Enrol your kids at school. Every child between the ages of five and 16 is entitled to, and in fact required to, attend school. Ask at schools in your neighbourhood or contact the local school board for guidance
Settlement agencies directory
Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES)
489 College St., Suite 100, Toronto
Ph: 416-921-1800
Afghan Women's Counselling & Integration Community Support Organization
789 Don Mills Rd., Suite 312, Toronto
416-588-3585
African Training and Employment Centre
1440 Bathurst St., Suite 110, Toronto
416-653-2274
Bradford Immigrant and Community Services
11 Holland St. East, Box 1564, Bradford
905-775-3343
Brampton Neighbourhood Resource Centre
50 Kennedy Rd. South, Unit 24, Brampton
905-452-1262
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
194 Jarvis ST., 2nd Floor Toronto
416-363-1066
Catholic Community Services of York Region
21 Dunlop St., Richmond Hill
905-770-7040
Chinese Family Services of Ontario
3330 Midland Ave., Suite 229, Scarborough
416-979-8299
Cornwall and District Immigrant Services Agency
55 Water St. West, Suite LL30, Cornwall
613-933-3745
COSTI Immigrant Services
1710 Dufferin St., Toronto
416-658-1600
Council of Agencies
Serving South Asians
1992 Yonge St., Suite 205, Toronto
416-932-1359
Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre
1420 Burnhamthorpe Rd. East, Suite 315, Mississauga
905-629-1873
Enhanced Language Training for Immigrant Women
3660 Midland Ave., Scarborough
416-396-4436
Job Start
219 Dufferin St., Suite 1C, Toronto
JVS Toronto
2255 Sheppard Ave. East, Suite W307, Toronto
416-491-0552
Guelph & District Multicultural Centre
926 Paisley Rd., Unit 4, Guelph
519-836-2222
Halton Multicultural Council
635 Fourth Line, Unit 48, Oakville
905-842-2486
Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services
3050 Confederation Pky., 4th Floor, Suite 401, Mississauga
905-273-4884
JVS Toronto
74 Tycos Dr., Toronto
Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre
102 King St. W. Kitchener
Malton Neighbourhood Services
3450 Morning Star Dr., Malton
905-677-6270
Mississauga Community Connections
6790 Century Ave., Suite 401, Mississauga
905-814-8406
New Canadians' Centre of Excellence Inc.
660 Ouellette Ave., Suite 206, Windsor
519-258-4076
New Canadians Centre of Peterborough
205 Sherbrooke St., Unit D, Peterborough
705-743-0882
Newcomer Services for Adults
2870 Ellesmere Rd., Scarborough
416-393-0285
Newcomer Services for Youth
3424 Weston Rd., North York
416-395-2045
Newcomer Women's Services Toronto
745 Danforth Ave., Suite 401, Toronto
416-469-0196
North York Community House
700 Lawrence Ave. West, Suite 226, Toronto
416-784-0920
Ontario Inter-Cultural Community Services
1454 Dundas St. East, Unit 104, Mississauga
905-279-0481
Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization
959 Wellington St. West, Ottawa
613-725-0202
Parkdale Intercultural Association
1257 Queen St. West, Toronto
416-536-4420
Peel Multicultural Council
6630 Turner Valley Rd., Mississauga
905-819-1144
Polycultural Immigrant Community Services
3363 Bloor St. West, Etobicoke
416-233-1655
Quinte United Immigrant Services
P.O. Box 22141, Belleville
613-968-7723
Rexdale Women's Centre
23 Westmore Dr., Suite 400, Etobicoke
416-745-0062
Salvation Army, Immigrant and Refugee Services
7 Labatt Ave., Suite 204, Toronto
416-360-6036
Settlement and Integration Services Organization
360 James St. North (Liuna Station) Lower Concourse, Hamilton
905-521-9917
Skills for Change
791 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto
416-658-3101
St. Joseph Immigrant Women's Centre
8 Main St. East, Suite 101, Hamilton
905-529-5209
St. Stephen's Community House
91 Bellevue Ave., Toronto
416-925-2103
The Cross-Cultural Community Services Association
310 Spadina Ave., Suite 301, Toronto
416-977-4026
Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office
18 Thorncliffe Park Dr., Toronto
416-421-3054
Thunder Bay Multicultural Association
17 North Court St., Thunder Bay
807-345-0551
Tropicana Community Services
670 Progress Ave., Unit 14, Scarborough
416-439-9009
WoodGreen Community Services
815 Danforth Ave., Suite 300, Toronto
416-645-6000 , ext. 2100
Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc.
647 Ouellette Ave., Suite 201, Windsor,
519-256-6621
Working Skills Centre
350 Queens Quay West, Suite 204, Toronto
416-703-7770
YMCA Newcomer Services
42 Charles St. East, 2nd Floor, Toronto
416-928-3362
YWCA Toronto
80 Woodlawn Ave. East, Bongard House, Toronto
Settlement.org - find services near by you
http://www.settlement.org/findhelp/
Hope That Help,
hmisabpk
Answer: Long before you leave your home country, make sure you begin to gather the following documents:
•Birth certificates for all family members
•Adoption papers.
•Marriage certificates, separation and divorce papers. School diplomas and degrees and/or trade or professional papers and certificates.
•School reports, transfer certificates and college transcripts.
•Certified immunization records for all children under 16, which are required in all school districts before children can be registered to attend school.
•Driver's licence, which will usually be valid for up to six months in Canada. You might also want to obtain an international driver's licence before you leave home, as it will also be valid for six months.
•If you have a history of safe driving, ask for a letter of reference or history from your insurance company attesting to your “no claim” status. This could save you money on future car insurance premiums.
•Medical records including X-rays, test results, known allergies and perhaps even a recent history of medication taken by every one in your family. It is also recommended that you bring a good supply of prescription and over-the-counter drugs you use. Make sure you keep these drugs in their original bottles.
•Dental records and optical prescriptions.
•Reference letters from companies for whom you have worked or volunteered.
•List of goods to be imported in duplicate, including full descriptions, serial numbers, makes and models. For jewelry and heirlooms, you might also want to attach photographs of the items. If you have receipts for the more expensive items, attach them to the list. The list should note which items are being imported at the time of landing and which goods will follow at a later date. Or you can make two separate
While all the documents above constitute your “official papers,” don't forget to gather the phone numbers, addresses, fax numbers and emails of all your friends and relatives. It is far easier to put this list together before you leave town than to try to do so afterward. It is also advisable to carry one copy of this list of documents with you and have a second copy tucked into your luggage somewhere or have it carried by your spouse.(By Nick Noorani June 23, 2011)
Can we bring in money to the country in the form of a draft or wire transfer?
Question: As a new immigrant, I have declared to bring in $10,000, which I did bring in when I landed. Now, the question is can we bring in more money in the country in the form of a draft and/or wire transfer? And, if yes, then is there any limitation on the amount per transaction? Is so, what is that limit? Also, do we have to pay tax on this amount and how much would it be approximately?
Answer: There is no limit to what you can bring into the country as an immigrant. The $10,000 value is what you must declare to any Financial Institution (FI) because of anti-money laundering (AML) considerations. The issue with AML is source of funds. Each FI needs to confirm the source.
The concept of taxation in Canada is based on income. There is no income being generated here at the start when the funds are brought in Canada. Once it is invested here, however, then there will be taxation based on the type of income generated, (e.g. interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.).
There may however be a tax in the country from which a person(s) is immigrating from (i.e. departure tax). You should check with your country for any specific levies. Overall, there are no taxes to be paid here in Canada until the person invests the funds. (By Winnie Go
June 16, 2011)
Choosing the right embassy when applying for your visa
So you know you want to immigrate to Canada and you even know what class of application you wish to file, but do you know where to file it?
One of the most common mistakes and, in some cases, missed opportunities that I see in my practice is when an immigration applicant files an application at the wrong visa office.
One of the cornerstones of immigration policy in Canada is the notion that a person wishing to immigrate to Canada must apply for their immigrant visa prior to arriving in Canada. Although Canada does have a number of “in-Canada” streams (refugees, humanitarian and compassionate grounds applications, spouse-in Canada class, etc.), the vast majority of applications must be filed at an immigration office outside of Canada.
ARRIVING
Assessing and budgeting for your immediate costs
During your first month in Canada, you'll want to assess your budget before you start taking action. Figure out how much you have to spend before you start making purchases and prioritize you and your family's needs. Spending your money conservatively and wisely will this transition period a little less stressful.
Assess your needs by considering how much each of the following will cost you during the first month:
*groceries*transportation*rent and utilities*landline or cellular phone*clothing*processing fees for registration and documentation
*Take the time to write down what you need to spend money on and consider the duration it may take for you to become employed. You may need to keep a strict budget past the first month, so be sure to discuss this fact with your spouse and children so that everyone is in agreement about spending.
Biggest challenge most new immigrants face is studying English
Free English courses for immigrants are available under a program called English Language Services for Adults (ELSA). Basic English classes — levels one to three — for new immigrants, have been available for many years.
Recently, the government has made funds available to add higher levels for free at a few locations. Basic English skills are not always enough, especially for more specialized careers. Many employers report gaps in recent immigrants' workplace language skills and vocabulary.
Applying for your SIN card, health care card and more
Along with all the tasks we have covered so far, applying for documentation such as your Permanent Resident card, your social insurance number, driver's licence and health card will be important to cover during your first month in Canada.
Let's start with the Permanent Resident card ...
Receiving your Permanent Resident card
When you arrive in Canada, you'll have to give an address for where your Permanent Resident card is to be sent. This card gives proof of your residency in Canada If you don't have an address, CIC's website will provide you will instructions on how to get your card. If you don't get your Permanent Resident card within 30 days of being in Canada (and having provided CIC with a mailing address), you should call them at 1-888-242-2100 (it's toll free).
You should note that if you don't receive your card within 180 days of the day you entered the country, you'll have to reapply for the card and pay a fee. Make sure you take care of this identification document before any others in your first month in Canada.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) card
The next documentation you will want to secure is a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card. You will require a SIN card to work legally in Canada. Your SIN is a nine-digit number — it's a good idea to memorize it when you get your card. To get an application for a SIN card, just visit the nearest provincial human resources centre or contact CIC at 1-888-242-2100 for more information. Your local settlement agency or post office will also be able to supply you with a SIN cardapplication form.
Finally, you can download the form online from servicecanada.gc.ca. All you have to do is fill it in and submit it online with this option. Human Resources Canada will send you your SIN card in the mail. Note that there is a processing fee for requesting a SIN card.
Health insurance card
Another very important form of documentation that you will want to secure in your first month is a health card. Each member of your family will need his or her own health card — this includes small children and newborn babies. Each province has its own healthinsurance card, so you will have to apply for one via your provincial ministry of health office.
To apply, you'll need to show your birth certificate or Confirmation of Permanent Residence and your passport. You can also use your Permanent Resident card as well. Before applying, check to see what documentation your province requires and ensure you have it on hand when applying.
Also note that in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and New Brunswick, you will have to wait for 90 days before you can apply to a healthinsurance card. If you are settling in one of these provinces, it's highly advisable that you secure private healthcare insurance in the interim. There are many options available to you, so do discuss this with a settlement agency representative or contact your provincial ministry of health office for advice on the bestinsurance company options to meet your needs.
You can also go to any doctor's office, walk-in clinic, pharmacy or hospital to obtain a form. It's advisable that you connect with a settlement agency representative to help you fill out the form if you are unclear on any element of it, as this is a very important document.
Your health insurance card will cover the following things:
hospital care,treatment and examinations performed by your family doctor,many types of surgery,many types of laboratory tests, almost all immunizations, X-rays
However, your health insurance card will not cover:
various prescription drugs,dental care,prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses (in some provinces, your health insurance card will not cover visits to an optometrist, a.k.a. eye doctor)
ambulance services
Note: when you gain employment, ask if your company offers a health benefits package, as many cover all or a portion of the cost associated with the services mentioned above that your provincial healthinsurance card does not cover.
Driver's licence
In order to operate a motor vehicle in your province, you must obtain a driver's licence. It's the law — so if you do want to drive, get your driver's licence first. You can use an international or foreign driver's licence for up to 60 days in all provinces, but after that you will have to obtain a provincial driver's licence.
To start, you will want to contact the ministry of transportation in your province. Just go online and do a search for your province and “ministry of transportation” or call 1-800-387-3445 for general information on driver's licences.
Depending on the province, you may be subjected to going through training or a graduated system of testing (most provinces require this). Depending on your country of origin, you may or may not be subject to going through the fullapplication process for a driver's licence.
Note that the government does not pay for driver's training and you may have to go to an accredited driving school in order to learn to drive if you do not know already (or if you do not have a friend or relative with a full licence who can teach you).
Also note that in order to drive in any province, by law, you must have driver's insurance from an accredited car insurance company. It's also wise to keep a record of your car insurance from your country of origin that you will want to present to the insurance company when you apply for insurance, as many will note your experience and if you have a good driver's record, it can help you get a better monthly payment rate. Yes,car insurance is costly, but know that it protects you and the other driver in case of an accident. (By Gloria Suhasini
May 24, 2011)
Welcome to Canada — Foreign credentials check
You may have heard about this little problem we have in Canada called the “lack of recognition of foreign credentials.” In other words, Canadian employers don't understand what a masters degree in engineering from India is equivalent to in Canada.
They don't know and don't have the time or inclination to find out. So that engineer from India probably won't get hired in his field easily.
Therefore, there are a few of things you need to do upon landing in Canada:
Get your educational transcripts and as much information about your university and degree from your homeland. Hopefully you thought to bring those with you before immigrating, as it can often be difficult to get that from overseas.
Get your degree evaluated by one of the Canadian educational evaluation services.
In B.C., that would be the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) at the B.C. Institute of Technology (contact 604-432-8800 or see its website at bcit.ca/ices.)
In Toronto, it's the World Education Services (WES) (contact or see www.wes.org) or the Comparative Education Service (CES) at the University of Toronto. (contact 416-978-2190 or see www.adm.utoronto.ca/ces).
There is usually a fee for these services. Visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's new website – www.credentials.gc.ca — or one of its new Foreign Credentials Referral Offices to learn more about how your profession is regulated or handled in Canada. The website's “Working in Canada” tool will explain the challenges you face in your particular profession.
The newcomer's checklist
Once you've stepped off the plane, follow this to-do list to guide your essential first steps in Canada.
Before you leave the airport, check out the newcomer welcome centre. At the Toronto Pearson International Airport, look for the Immigrant Reception and Information Services (IRIS) kiosks in Terminals 2 and 3. At the Vancouver International Airport, go to the Community Airport Newcomers Network (CANN) kiosk in the immigration landing room of the international arrivals area. These kiosks will have pamphlets and resources to help you in your first days in Canada.
Find temporary accommodation for your first few nights after landing and then start looking for a longer-term rental. Check the Canadian Immigrant Housing Guide for everything you need to know.
Obtain a good street map, a telephone book and the Yellow Pages. These resources will be important tools in your first days as you get to know your neighbourhood and search out local services.
Visit a local immigrant settlement agency. Such non-profit organizations receive government funding to offer newcomers services, such as free ESL training, settlement counselling, employment workshops and more. They also often have host programs that buddy up newcomers with volunteers who help guide them through their first few months in Canada. See cic.gc.ca for a list of agencies across the country.
Get your permanent resident (PR) card, a wallet-sized, plastic status card that replaces your paper IMM 1000 Record of Landing document. It's convenient proof of your permanent resident status.
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card. Without it, you cannot get a job or apply for any government assistance or credit. Applications for a SIN card can be made through a Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) office —check the blue pages of your local telephone book under Government of Canada.
Apply for your official health care card. Application forms for these cards are available from doctor's offices, hospitals and most pharmacies, or by calling the provincial medical services authorities. Since there is a three-month waiting period for coverage in Ontario, B.C. and some other provinces, don't delay in your application. Ensure you have temporary private health coverage to cover your family during the waiting period.
Open an account at a bank or credit union near your home. It's important to start a relationship with a bank as soon as possible, so you can manage your money, pay your bills and begin building a credit history.
Validate your professional credentials. Contact a local foreign credentials assessment service, such as World Education Services (wes.org) in Toronto or the International Credential Evaluation Service in B.C. (bcit.ca/ices).
Get your Canadian driver's licence. An international licence is only valid for a few months. Check with your provincial motor vehicle branch on the rules in your province.
Enrol your kids at school. Every child between the ages of five and 16 is entitled to, and in fact required to, attend school. Ask at schools in your neighbourhood or contact the local school board for guidance
Settlement agencies directory
Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES)
489 College St., Suite 100, Toronto
Ph: 416-921-1800
Afghan Women's Counselling & Integration Community Support Organization
789 Don Mills Rd., Suite 312, Toronto
416-588-3585
African Training and Employment Centre
1440 Bathurst St., Suite 110, Toronto
416-653-2274
Bradford Immigrant and Community Services
11 Holland St. East, Box 1564, Bradford
905-775-3343
Brampton Neighbourhood Resource Centre
50 Kennedy Rd. South, Unit 24, Brampton
905-452-1262
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
194 Jarvis ST., 2nd Floor Toronto
416-363-1066
Catholic Community Services of York Region
21 Dunlop St., Richmond Hill
905-770-7040
Chinese Family Services of Ontario
3330 Midland Ave., Suite 229, Scarborough
416-979-8299
Cornwall and District Immigrant Services Agency
55 Water St. West, Suite LL30, Cornwall
613-933-3745
COSTI Immigrant Services
1710 Dufferin St., Toronto
416-658-1600
Council of Agencies
Serving South Asians
1992 Yonge St., Suite 205, Toronto
416-932-1359
Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre
1420 Burnhamthorpe Rd. East, Suite 315, Mississauga
905-629-1873
Enhanced Language Training for Immigrant Women
3660 Midland Ave., Scarborough
416-396-4436
Job Start
219 Dufferin St., Suite 1C, Toronto
JVS Toronto
2255 Sheppard Ave. East, Suite W307, Toronto
416-491-0552
Guelph & District Multicultural Centre
926 Paisley Rd., Unit 4, Guelph
519-836-2222
Halton Multicultural Council
635 Fourth Line, Unit 48, Oakville
905-842-2486
Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services
3050 Confederation Pky., 4th Floor, Suite 401, Mississauga
905-273-4884
JVS Toronto
74 Tycos Dr., Toronto
Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre
102 King St. W. Kitchener
Malton Neighbourhood Services
3450 Morning Star Dr., Malton
905-677-6270
Mississauga Community Connections
6790 Century Ave., Suite 401, Mississauga
905-814-8406
New Canadians' Centre of Excellence Inc.
660 Ouellette Ave., Suite 206, Windsor
519-258-4076
New Canadians Centre of Peterborough
205 Sherbrooke St., Unit D, Peterborough
705-743-0882
Newcomer Services for Adults
2870 Ellesmere Rd., Scarborough
416-393-0285
Newcomer Services for Youth
3424 Weston Rd., North York
416-395-2045
Newcomer Women's Services Toronto
745 Danforth Ave., Suite 401, Toronto
416-469-0196
North York Community House
700 Lawrence Ave. West, Suite 226, Toronto
416-784-0920
Ontario Inter-Cultural Community Services
1454 Dundas St. East, Unit 104, Mississauga
905-279-0481
Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization
959 Wellington St. West, Ottawa
613-725-0202
Parkdale Intercultural Association
1257 Queen St. West, Toronto
416-536-4420
Peel Multicultural Council
6630 Turner Valley Rd., Mississauga
905-819-1144
Polycultural Immigrant Community Services
3363 Bloor St. West, Etobicoke
416-233-1655
Quinte United Immigrant Services
P.O. Box 22141, Belleville
613-968-7723
Rexdale Women's Centre
23 Westmore Dr., Suite 400, Etobicoke
416-745-0062
Salvation Army, Immigrant and Refugee Services
7 Labatt Ave., Suite 204, Toronto
416-360-6036
Settlement and Integration Services Organization
360 James St. North (Liuna Station) Lower Concourse, Hamilton
905-521-9917
Skills for Change
791 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto
416-658-3101
St. Joseph Immigrant Women's Centre
8 Main St. East, Suite 101, Hamilton
905-529-5209
St. Stephen's Community House
91 Bellevue Ave., Toronto
416-925-2103
The Cross-Cultural Community Services Association
310 Spadina Ave., Suite 301, Toronto
416-977-4026
Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office
18 Thorncliffe Park Dr., Toronto
416-421-3054
Thunder Bay Multicultural Association
17 North Court St., Thunder Bay
807-345-0551
Tropicana Community Services
670 Progress Ave., Unit 14, Scarborough
416-439-9009
WoodGreen Community Services
815 Danforth Ave., Suite 300, Toronto
416-645-6000 , ext. 2100
Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc.
647 Ouellette Ave., Suite 201, Windsor,
519-256-6621
Working Skills Centre
350 Queens Quay West, Suite 204, Toronto
416-703-7770
YMCA Newcomer Services
42 Charles St. East, 2nd Floor, Toronto
416-928-3362
YWCA Toronto
80 Woodlawn Ave. East, Bongard House, Toronto
Settlement.org - find services near by you
http://www.settlement.org/findhelp/
Hope That Help,
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