What to Do in first few days of Landing as a PR in Canada?

[RaviDabbirooIntensive]

What to Do in first few days of Landing as a PR?

This is one question which keeps popping in every immigrants brain and the tension keeps mounting. I have gone through the same sleep less nights - I was compelled to answer this when I saw a question that popped up in Quora [ Link for full story : UpVote if it helps you ]

Before I actually answer the Q I want to share a prelude.

My Story : I have been an entrepreneur for 14 years. All these years as a Success Coach and Outdoor Educator I realized that we are not alone in our struggles and challenges and this realization made me to actively contribute to people who can benefit and derive value out. After being in India (Delhi and Hyderabad) and exploring parts of US and UK i have zeroed in on Canada for my love of outdoors and to be honest its proximity to my fav city New York.

[I have also started documenting my Life in Canada through YouTube Vlogs : You may directly open this link : Subscribe for Success : Created this Today ]

My Canadian PR Journey : Received my COPR in March'17 and landed in July'17 the journey has been eventful and joyful at the same time. (will cover my entire journey in a detailed post if members would want to know)

My Struggles : I had my fair share of struggles not just in the Process of being a PR but in life in general. I always wished we had some one to mentor and show us a different perspective. TIP: Be Prepared. Infact be Over Prepared for your post ITA stage.

My Surprise : I hosted a networking meet in my third day post landing and could get 5 people who came and I made a business connection and eventually in under a month could get a Business Contract. I am always grateful to these 5 people who showed and believed in me. This is the beauty of this country if you are truthful opportunities open up.

These are first hand suggestions based on my personal experience of landing as a Permanent Resident - I believe that you need to reach out and make the maximum of opportunities this great country offers. I believe that if you go all out and make your self come out of your shell the country pays back. There are umpteen opportunities to be maxed out by new entrants.

1. Finding a Job : Canada offers lot of bridging courses to help you get a job or acquire sills. This can be done before you actually land - people who do this have a better chance of getting a job.
2. Understanding the Geography, Culture and Arts: Canada is Huge and it is the right time to think beyond MTV (Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver). Please do read up on various provinces of Canada, Understanding a country that you are going to move will give you good knowledge and also is a great conversation starter.

   Do look and start listening to Canada National Anthem

   . Also start following some fantastic Canadian Artists. Bryan Adams, Justin Bieber are some of them. Also by travelling around you will get the countries vibe check this
   feels like punjab.
3. YMCA & Library Memberships : If you chose to be a house wife/husband initially - i would strongly recommend you to take a local library membership this is a great resource center and the membership is free. Utilize these resources. Also visit YMCA they offer free wifi access and print outs. You may consult them for structuring your CV etc. The bulletin boards also displays various job opportunities available.

   YMCA Cares.

4. Visit your Local Civic Center : Most people miss out on visiting this - visiting this will give you a gist of what are the civic amenities that your neighborhood is offering and is also a good place to pick up a book on various recreational activities that are being offered. (No prior appointment needed)
5. Networking Events : A new country may be little overwhelming initially the best way to beat these blues are attending Networking events these are mostly free and it will give you a chance to meet and make new friends. You need to do your two bits to get into a new social circle.
6. Volunteer: Canada places lot of emphasis on Volunteering: It is a national pride and part of Canadian Culture : There are numerous Volunteering opportunities and this will give you a great entry into understanding Canada better.

   Volunteering is a way of life. Give and the Country Gives Back.

7. Religious Centres : I have not been to one, but i know for sure there are multiple places where you can visit for divine intervention.
8. School and Education : If your children are four years they are eligible to join Kindergarten. The formalities well are very very simple - just walk to the nearest school and you can get your child enrolled the very same day. And all the Public Schools are free and are funded by the Govt. BTW Canada offers one of worlds best education.
9. Health Care : Health Care is free for most of the treatments : Please do get to understand what is covered and what is not as it varies from province to province: This is a very important thing to be at the back of your mind to know where to go incase of any unexpected emergency.
10. Recreation : The Great Canadian Outdoors are there to be explored - so go out on trails/hikes etc and explore this amazing country - even a visit to a local zoo or a park can be your first step. My visit to Niagara falls was mesmerizing. I also had the opportunity to visit Scarborough bluffs a great beach in summers.

    The Great Canadian Outdoors are there to be explored

11. Public Transport & Driving Licence : Please do read up on various modes of transport available in each province. Toronto has 4 to 5 service providers connecting various parts of the City. The best part the buses/trains run on time. Toronto also has shared bikes readily available in Downtown side. Btw if you have DL of your country in English you can hire a car from Enterprise Car Rental. Highly recommend to hire a car and explore the city. I have done and it was a great way to know and understand how safe the city is.
    
12. Your Own Adda : This is very important to identify a place that you can chill and relax just like your home - My adda is Hyderbad Palace in Scarborough - amazing irani chai and the cafe feel.

These are some of the things which you can research even before you land to prepare your self for a better experience. Your first few months will be important to have a great experience in this country - so prepare well and yes explore - do not forget to get your dancing shoes along.

In my next thread i will share my experiences of zeroing on a place to stay. Check this Vid to get a feel of Brampton

.
Thank you for Reading. Please do comment and I will be happy to help. Do check the youtube channel for additional info. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy2GoL2smIZL522T0jgg1zQ

 

[qureishi]

Very exiting and practical. Well done.

Please share Living Cost 2018 as per your real life experience

Thanks
Q.