shazia72 said:
Hi Beauhoe,
I am planning to stay in Montreal. However, i am thinking of landing first in toronto for few days as my sister stays there. And then i will move to Montreal.
1. Can I give her address to receive my PR card?
2. How is the job market there? I know french.. (speaking not tht good) but can manage. However, my spouse has no knowledge of french.
3. How are the houses there? expensive? I am thinking of staying in some english speaking community there. In which area do you live?
4. How about schooling? My daughter will be around 4 when we will be there?
Sorry for asking so many questions
Regards
Shazia
Hello Shazia72 and welcome to the forum,
Congratulations on your PR and thank you for chosen Quebec. I know that the first three months can be difficult if you don't have friend here and short in cash. How long are you planning to stay in Toronto? Here are my answers to your concerns:
1. Answer to query#1: Yes you can give your sister's address to receive your PR card; any address in Canada will do it. The only way CIC will not send you your PR card is if you provide them with outland address and that will not be your case. A gentleman that landed in Toronto gave them my Quebec address and once I got it, I sent it to him in Seoul (South Korea) by FedEx (took 4 days) and he wrote me back that he got it.
2. Answer to query#2: Job market is absolutely good but you need to accept a survival job(s) for a few weeks or months and by that time establish the network that will help you to get into your field. You will be welcome by MICC, Carrefour jeunesse emploi and emploi Quebec (all their services are free out of charge), they will help you prepare your CV or resume as well as your cover letter and how to do interview according to the job market here in Quebec (take between three weeks to a month to complete the program). The good news is that at the end of the program, you will get something to start with. This is a land of opportunity if you think about the size of the land compare to the small population. I am certain that we have a lot to do here than elsewhere. Regarding to your French, please do not worry at all, a lot of Companies need people who speak English so there is a way out for you and your family. Once here, your wife will be able to go to French school for new comers a program sponsoring by MICC so free for you and your family. Your wife just needs to show up.
3. Answer to query#3: It is always depends on where you would like to stay and what will be your activities and if you are lucky, you will also find very good deals on the market. Please let me know when your landing is getting closer and I will see what I can do to help. I have no idea if staying in English speaking community will help I will suggest that you stay in French community to help perfect your French that will also help your kids if your goal is to stay in Quebec. Do not run away from the culture my friend (ahhhhhaaaah). I am in Gatineau 3 min driving from Ottawa.
4. Answer to query#4: You have nothing to worry about your daughter of 4, as soon as you arrived (Quebec), MICC will send a social worker at your address to discuss school issues. Since she is only 4, she is going to start in day care and let me tell you that Quebec has the most helpful day care program ($7/day/child) for working parent, however, the waiting list is very long and it may take up to a year before you get in (down side). Private day cares are expensive ($25/day/child) but once your child get accepted in the program, the government will pay you back the differences. You just need to have enough money to begin with.
I hope that this help prepare your landing and do not hesitate to contact me when needed.
Cheers,