IMPORTANT Things to note BEFORE & AFTER arrival in Canada

[NEVERLOGON]

Hi,

I am from Australia. I just got my Permanent Residency in Canada. I am planning to be in Canada in January 2008 in about 2 months time.

Below is the list that i came up with and i believe, it list few of the important things that anyone should know who is planning/preparing to be in Canada.

1.   Landing formalities?
2.   How and where to find Accommodation?
3.   Information about Driving License.
4.   Opening Bank Account.
5.   Medical Benefits?
6.   Job search.
7.   What other things to keep in mind before landing or after arriving in Canada?
8.   Can I start Applying jobs online even before arriving in Canada after getting my PR?
9.   Do I have to have some kind of Tax File # or Social Security # before I can apply for a job?
10.   Any other important notification or documents that I need to bring from Australia(any other country) that I can organize right now before arriving in Canada?

So if any one can provide more information about any/all of the topics from the list above, it will really be appreciated.

Regards,

S S

[thaiguy]

1.  None to speak of.  There's a special line for immigrants.  You'll give them your COPR and passport, and they'll ask you a few questions - usually something like 'have you ever committed a crime,' etc.  Be truthful with everything - if any of it contradicts what you've said on your application, they could bar you from entering.  Make sure you tell the immigration officer if you're carrying CAN$10,000 or more in cash or negotiable instruments.  You can throw away the customs declaration they give you on the plane, since you're neither a visitor to Canada nor a Canadian. 
2.  craigslist.org; also just rent a car and drive around neighborhoods you think you'd like to live in; apartment buildings often post a phone number and whether there are any vacancies just outside the building
3.  Your Aussie driver's license is good for 3 months; you have that long to go to the local department of motor vehicles (or whatever they call it here) to turn in your old driver's license and get a new one for Canada.  You may need to take a test as well.
4.  No problem if you show them your COPR and passport.  It'll be easier if you have a place to live first, but some banks will let you use an old address in your home country until you can provide a new one in Canada.  That was the case for me at Citizens Bank of CA - www.citizensbank.ca
5.  When you land, they'll give you a form to fill out and mail in for provincial health benefits.  You're on your own for the first three months, though.  There are companies that will insure you during that period, or you can fly by the seat of your pants - and pay out of pocket if anything happens.
6.  monster.com, jobs.ca, jobsdb.ca
7.  Social Insurance Number is the most important - you'll need it to get a job.  So get that as soon as you can.  You'll get instructions for how to go about it in the welcome kit they give you upon arrival.
8.  See #7
9.  See #8
10.  Letters of reference, if you have them, might help.  Proof of employment from past employers.  Also bring any professional certificates/diplomas.  I used them to help me get an apartment - since I had no local references for landlords to refer to.

Best of luck.

TG

[NEVERLOGON]

Thanks TG,

This information is helpful.

Regards,

SS

[Maiah]

Hi Neverlogon,
Our company provide temporary accommodation to Canadian newcomers.  Please visit us at:  www.canadiantransitions.org.  Thanks.