It took 4.5 year for me

[memikoglan]

Hello all friends. I would like to share my permanent residence application for Canada.  I will give you my time-line and then I will ask some question for experienced forum members. I applied from Turkey.

we sent our application to the embassy----29 January 2004
we got file number ----19 March 2004
Medical + police certificates + update request-----11 December 2007
We send police certificates and updated documents to the embassy--------1 February 2007
We send medical results to the embassy-----30 May 2008
We were requested our passports for immigration visa----29 July 2008

Yes, I think we are at the end of our 4.5 years adventure or everything is starting now. Canada was a dream for me that is why I applied for PR on 2004. I am very happy now but I am confused at the same time. I do not know where should I start. We have limited money and I assume that it is enough for about 6 month for three of us. Our baby just 1.5 year old. I and my wife do not have any job offer. We can not decide which city will be better for us? We don't have relatives living in Canada so, it is very hard to decide. My speaking English is not enough so I want to attend English course. My wife also wants to join a 2 year college for education. I also want to get education on a popular subject. But, with limited money how can we go to college? We have to make money to survive. Please friends, I need your help. What should we do? Which city? if we go to 2 year college what subject is good for find a job. When we land to Canada where can we stay until find an apartment. Is there any places supporting new comers?

Thank you for your valuable ideas.

 

   

[Leon]

Well, first of all congrats on your PR

So you had 4.5 years to think about this and you are only starting to now?  Well.. I would not recommend both of you going to college right away.  You can get student loans but you will both have huge debts by the end of two years and you will have to pay back.  It's also hard to say what is a popular subject.  Sometimes you can start studying something that is popular and by the time you are finished, there are not many jobs anymore because everybody had the same idea as you and studied the same thing.

I think it would be the best idea for one of you to try to find a job before you arrive, in the field you are working in now that got you a PR in the first place.  Try http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/Intro_en.aspx or monster.ca  When one of you has a decent job in some city, that is where you move.

Try to get the employer to arrange housing also.  If that doesn't work, you can stay in a motel until you can find a place to rent.  http://www.bwalk.com/ is a big rental agency and you can look at their apartments as well as when you know what city you will move to, you can google apartments for rent in that city.  You can seek free English courses for immigrants to do at night.  You can think about maybe one of you going to college for now while the other one works or save up a little more money first.  I think it's a safer bet but of course it's up to you.

[memikoglan]

Leon,
Thank you so much for your suggestions. You are right it is not a good idea go to colleges for 2 of family members. I will try to find job.
Thanks again. 

[newcomer]

Hi,memikoglan,first of congrats to u.now wht i want to say s tht be positive as u ve achieved wht u wanted,secondly both of u r young ,so u ve a long life n lots of chances ahead u.As well as place in canada , i would recommend u to land in Alberta as its the best place as far as jobs n other issues r concerned.The other thing i would like to advice s try to settle in some small city as its easy to settle in those cities in canada they ll be cheaper also.Wish u all the best .

[Nicholas]

Good advice newcomer.

Alberta is probably your best choice. Get whatever job you can at first. Put your pride in your pocket. Maybe try to find a job where there are other new immigrants as they can be very helpful and can offer good advice.

Most of your fears will sibside, so don't worry. I would advise that only one of you come over first, find a place to live and find a job.

You can find places to live here www.canada.com and look in the classified section.

Best of luck to you.

[memikoglan]

Nicholas, Newcomer, thank you for your good advice. You make me feel more confortable. I would consıder to stay first in Halifax where prices seems to be cheaper. But, I do not have any idea about job opportunities. Are there any friends out there who has any idea about Halifax and neigborhood.
Thank you so much.

[Mr Sal]

Memikoglan, How can we contact? I also applied from Turkey.
Regards,