Anyone moved to Canada (Greater Toronto Area)

[babbi]

Hi

We have submitted an application to emigrate to Canada, we have an eye on the (Greater Toronto Area).
We just wondered if anyone has any info/advice that they can share.

Tia

[rodgershawk]

Congratulations!!! - thought I would be festive!

I hope so on the job front.. I think these things just take time and glad we saved up before we left!

Have you been to Waterloo? I drove there a few weeks ago when DH had his police fitness test. It took about 45 mins from here.

Three months is a good time as you get your OHIP after being here for 3 months, and also it takes about 8-10 weeks to get your PR card. The papers they give you when you land are just temporary and are not valid as travel documents.

With regards to accomodation we decided to rent. However, most places like you to sign up for a minimum 1 year lease. Luckily we found an apartment that does month to month furnished rentals. (www.corporatesuites.ca) its furnished and all inclusive so it suits us. Im just glad we sold all our furniture before we left (apart from bed and cot). I think the only way you will get a short term lease is to get a furnished one.
However if you are buying then hire a realtor (no cost to you) and they can do the work for you!

[Buddy80]

Hi Rodgershawk,

You sound very organised. I'm sure a job will come along.

Waterloo seems like a good central location. We can always travel on certain days to see other areas (day trips). We are undecided whether to go further afield in the 3-months or just stick to the Ontario region.

We are planning on landing in Jan (will apply for PR cards then), so it's going to be a lot of travel next year!

Thank you for the link - how did you find apartment life with a LO? Esp as they are corporate rentals.

Well done you on making the move. Do you miss the UK yet? Or have you settled in really well. Sounds like you picked yourself a really good area to settle.

[rodgershawk]

Hey Buddy.

You have to be organised with a little one as Im sure you know!

If you have decided on Ontario then maybe stay there and travel about within it. It is HUGE!

No problem on the apartment, was a bit at first about a high rise but make sure we keep the balcony doors well and truly shut. Its nice here, the community (as in the other residents of the block)are friendly. Now feels like the perfect thing to have done. Some corporate just wont take children but if they do then its no problem. They all say they are corporate or luxury suites but they are just apartments really! There are about 75 corporate suites where we live but there are hundreds of apartments in the 3 tower blocks.
Only thing with us is DS is going through a screaming phase. When I say screaming I mean SCREAMING!!! So we have to try to keep him entertained!

I miss my mum and dad Marks and spencers and being able to buy your wine in the supermarket!!!!
Other than that them no.. It feels like home now.

[Buddy80]

Ideally, we may look for a house to rent. Once we know if we have got the sabbatical then we can plan. I know you may have answered this before, but did you own before coming out to Canada?

I am amazed at how quickly you have settled. Do you find it much friendlier than the UK? I dont know what part of the UK you were from, though. We are in SE.

I am having a slight wobble atm. I hope 3-months is enough time. If not, we shall save some more and then have to come out without work.

Screaming phase? Yep.

Sorry to hear you are missing your mum and dad. Have you connected to Skype yet? Btw, I heard M&S does international deliveries if you order on-line.

[rodgershawk]

Loving the M&S advice!!! will get on to it!!!!

Yes we were living in Barnet, North London and sold our flat. Took five months, but that was mainly due to the leasehold aspect of it. Opened up an RBC non-resident account before we left so when we sold we transferred the proceeds (via Nationwide account and help from HIFX) to the RBC account.

Yes its friendlier here but I have grown up in London..

Went through the screaming phase, and yes still am!!! Without work its scary but I have to be positive. My DH is soooo calm he trys to calm me!

We did look to rent and did see a 3 bed house on a one years lease in downtown Burlington, one block from the lake. It was $1700 pm. Just to give you an idea.

Think 3 months is ample recce time if thats what its for. It will give you pleny of time to look around areas. Ideally do some homework before you come so you can pin point! I suppose its what you want that is key (ie busy downtown area, by the lake or bit of both!)

Any advice just ask, but remember Im a novice too!!!!

[babbi]

Hi Rodgershawk

Glad things are going well for you . Work will turn up soon I am sure !
I want to be in Burlington too !! Or Milton , Georgetown or Oakville ........

We do not have a plan B as yet to get over there.. so if you have any ideas or if anyone reading has we would be very interested !!
Our circumstances are such that we can buy a home outright so no mortgage required and would have around $ 150,000 CAD left in cash to bank for emergencies.
Additionally we have a guaranteed income of $ 2070 CAD per month (DH`s police pension guaranteed for life).
Based on that we could afford to work in fairly low paying jobs IYSWIM .

(Sorry if this is too much personal info , I am just hoping that it puts in context our situation to see if it can help with any suggestions)

I wondered if we could even come over for three months and look around for jobs and see if we could get in that way ?
I think I read somewhere that one of the fast food companies took on foreign workers that way ?? I am thinking Tim Hortons or similar ??
As I said we are not at all bothered at not using our primary skills ( I am a linguist , DH an ex cop !) We just want to get over there by any means (legal means of course ).

I also wondered if I could be a live out nanny ?? You know the family could apply for a LMO to get me a work permit ??

OH .. I just wish I could find a way !!

Anyway , great to hear from you .. keep in touch , best wishes xxx

[rodgershawk]

Yes, you can come for up to 6 months without a visa. You can travel here without working.
Only problem is that they have to prove you are more qualified for the job than a Canadian.
May be worth hunting some of the job sites before you come?

Did you apply under your skill or hubbys as cop? We were both Met officers and came under that, but that has now been withdrawn from the list..

Look on the websites (eg www.wowjobs.ca) as they also have families looking for nanny's.

Have you been to any of the emigrate shows? They often have job boards up.. Think Sandown has one in March time.

Thing is as we are legally able to work here we can apply for any jobs. As DH is going through the police route (extremely slow) Im looking at other options. Even applied for a couple of shop jobs but never got through the paper sift. Maybe over-qualified?

Also maybe speak to an immigration lawyer? Not sure what they could do?

Will have a think..

[babbi]

Hi Rodgershawk ,

Just wanted to ask how you are and how did the first festive season in your new country go ??
Hope you are settled and working !!!

[rodgershawk]

Hey Babbi

thanks for your message. Any news your front?
things here moving SLOWLY... Ive passed all tests and interviews for my job, still waiting to hear, hubby passed tests and paper sift and waiting for interview. Things much more complicated than we thought....

Will keep you updated!

[rodgershawk]

Hey Babbi

thanks for your message. Any news your front?
things here moving SLOWLY... Ive passed all tests and interviews for my job, still waiting to hear, hubby passed tests and paper sift and waiting for interview. Things much more complicated than we thought....

Will keep you updated!

[babbi]

Hey Rodgers,

Great to hear from you !
I am sorry things are so slow. However I am sure that you will get there in time !

We are fine, DH has started a new job so we are just taking things slowly and having a think about our next approach. Also saving very hard to give us more options.
I do kind of think that taking things slowly might be the best thing for now (much as I am very impatient !) as maybe relocating during a recession may make things even more sressful than usual ???

Anyways take care and please let us know how you get on....good luck with the job .

[rodgershawk]

Got a job!!! Applied December 1st, and after many tests and interviews finally got call Friday!
Start in April! Gonna miss my boys tho!

[babbi]

Just seen this ! CONGRATULATIONS !
That is great news, you really are on your way to your new life now !
Hope you settle in quickly and DH finds something soon.
Keep in touch xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[babbi]

Hi Rodgers ...
Just wondered how things were going ?
Hope you are all well and things are going great ..

[rodgershawk]

hey Babbi!

its funny i should check this as ive not been on mumsnet in ages.. been working full time shifts and in my spare time taking my lil angel everywhere..
me and hubs are both working full time shifts.. loving Canada and just bought a lovely house.. moved in three weeks ago.
our son is 2.5yrs old and is picking up a very cute accent.. he says garbage, sidewalk and water pronounced warder!
so all in all very good.

whats new your end?

[gtamom]

I just checked out this section on mumsnet, and found this thread. I am born and bred Canadian, in the Toronto area. I have never heard so many good things about Burlington before, must go google!
Anyways, welcome, and hope you are happy here.

[babbi]

Hey Rodgers !
So delighted to hear you are getting on so well . Absolutely fantastic .. bet its getting cold now !!
Giggling at your DS with a cute accent .. I am glad you are so happy.

We are fine, still working away here .. not managing to get over to Canada yet .. but we will never give up trying ..

take care xxx