RELOCATION AND SETTLEMENT
Moving to a new country is not easy.
The emotional trauma of relocation takes a heavy toll on not only
the principal applicants, but the family members as well. But
immigration need not be an unpleasant experience. A little planning
up-front can minimize the pain. With a view to minimize the pain of
settling down in a new country, we offer free advice to immigrants
if their education and skills are adequate to make a good career in
Canada. Some bridge courses or programs completed in India can make
the landing easy for you and your family.
Lack of accommodation and
uncertainty of jobs are two major sources stress on landing. Some
groundwork prior to landing in Canada can be of immense benefit.
Every immigrant is unique depending on his or her family
circumstances. We at Bridge2Canada tailor packages to suit unique
situation of each individual applicant.
We offer free advice to immigrants
regarding their education and marketability of their skills and
experience. Some bridge courses or programs completed in India can
make the landing easier for you and your family. We will spend time
with you to give advice based on our experience. This is absolutely
free. Some of the services may have a nominal charge.
RETURNING RESIDENT PERMIT:
Those of you who are gainfully employed in your country of
origin or The Middle East and need to complete your contract or have
business needing more than one year that the Canadian visa allows
may apply for returning resident permit. We process returning
resident permit which allows you time to complete your business
commitment or financial obligations or for completing children's
education.
DESTINATION
Majority of immigrants from India prefer to land at a place
where job opportunities are good or where they have family or
friends. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa are the
preferred destination. Toronto is the preferred destination due to
better and vibrant economy, which translates into job opportunities,
and large south Asian community makes adjustment for new immigrants
easy.
AIRPORT PICKUP
Airport pick-up can be arranged at a nominal charge within
Toronto and for destinations outside Toronto.
ACCOMMODATION
Chances are you will arrive after a long flight having crossed a
number of time zones. The last thing you will want to do is start
looking for accommodation. Arrange it before you arrive. Bed n
Breakfasts or small-furnished apartments are generally ideal for new
arrivals. Make a reservation for three to four weeks to give you
time to find something more permanent.
EMPLOYMENT
In Canada, full-time employees work a 40-hour week. Saturday and
Sunday are off for most occupations. By law you are entitled to 10
working days (2 weeks) paid holiday every year. Employees get longer
vacations with length of service.
START-UP JOB
Good and regular jobs take time and the start-up jobs can help you
sustain till you find job that matches your education and
experience. Budget for at least three months without additional
income. Expenses will obviously vary depending on the individual's
circumstances.
Bridge2Canada can help you in
finding a Start-up job which very often is not in your specific
field. In the past applicants processed by our company have been
able to find start-up jobs within a couple of weeks. Two persons
working a 40 hour week can each earn approx. $1,500 each per month.
That is adequate to manage a small family of four persons. Regular
jobs can pay $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on the skills of
individuals.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Many immigrants submit applications for assessment of their
qualifications after they arrive only to discover that the Canadian
professional body requires additional documentation and/or
information from the home country of the immigrant. Licensing for
most professions is important and adequate planning and research
done prior to arrival in Canada could be of immense benefit.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Conduct extensive research for business opportunities before
starting a business. The failure rate for new businesses in Canada
is high and many new immigrants have been badly burnt by rushing
into new ventures without first investigating the risks and
implications. Bridge2Canada can advise you on business opportunities
and help you find business.
HEALTH
Basic Health care in Canada is free for immigrants after a three
months waiting period to eliminate people coming to Canada just to
get free health care. Dental, Drugs, eye care products and some
specialized services are not covered. Extended health care programs
covering Dental, Drug and other coverage may be available through
employers or insurance coverage may need to be purchased from health
care companies. Consider having all the dental work done in your
home country prior to coming to Canada. Even if you have no known
problem, get an eye exam and a dental cleaning done prior to
departing for Canada.
DRIVERS LICENSE:
Your Indian drivers license or International drivers license is
adequate and is valid in most provinces for a period of three
months. Getting driver's license in Canada is important. It is not
very difficult for people who have been driving for a while back
home. It is definitely not as difficult as Oman, UAE, or Saudi
driver's license. Many of us with years of driving experience may
have failed driving tests in the Middle East, but most experienced
drivers pass the Canadian driver's test in the first attempt.
CAR INSURANCE:
Bring a letter from your insurance company showing a claim free
record. Generally claim history for Indian drivers in India is good.
This may offer you lower insurance rate.
REAL ESTATE
The Canadian real estate market is complex and financing is
available for real estate purchases. Many professional real estate
agents of Indian origin are located in Canada. We will provide you
with a list of real estate agents. |