Tarzan9211
Full Member
Posts: 31
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« Reply #5228 on: December 02, 2009, 03:37:09 am » |
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Just for information to members.
City of Toronto Immigration & Settlement Portal
What to expect
Now that you have decided to come to Toronto, what can you expect? The information on these web pages will help you get settled as quickly and easily as possible in the one of the world's most multicultural cities.
Expenses and Cost of Living
On this page, you will find information about what you can expect to pay for housing, food and transportation in Toronto.
If you arrive in Canada using a skilled worker immigrant application, then you must provide proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your first year here. A single person will need at least C$10,168 and a family of four must have C$18,895. You must provide proof of funds (see below) when you submit your application to immigration.
The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to skilled worker immigrants.
Applications and Documentation
There are a number of documents that you will have to fill out when applying to immigrate to Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada recently introduced a new and easy application process for skilled workers and business immigrants. There are separate applications for students, family sponsorship and work permits.
You will also find more links to other sites that provide important information for new immigrants to Canada.
Health
Canada has excellent publicly-funded health-care coverage. In Ontario, that coverage is provided by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). You will be eligible for this coverage after you have been here for three months.
Housing
Toronto is home to a large number of ethnic communities. You can visit Toronto neighbourhoods online as well as search for a home to purchase or rent.
Weather
Toronto has very warm summers and long, cold winters. Learn more about Toronto's climate and current weather conditions so that you will know what to expect when you arrive.
Levels of Government
There are three levels of government in Canada: Federal, Provincial and Municipal. The City of Toronto operates at the municipal level.
The municipal government is responsible for emergency services like police, fire and ambulance. The City also takes care of things like public transportation, parks, tourism, and building and development. The federal and provincial governments of Canada also provide services for non-Canadians.
Toronto's cost of living – How far will $10,000 go?
Residence
o
o
One bedroom apartment $890 average / month
Two bedroom apartment $1,050 average / month
Average purchase price of a home $370,000
Transportation
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Public Transit
TTC fares
TTC home
Go Transit fares
Gotransit.com
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o
Automotive costs
Average price of a new car $25,000
Average price of a new truck $39,000
Auto Insurance Approx. $3,000 per year (for drivers who own a vehicle)
(G1) Driver's Licence $125.00 See Drivetest.ca licensing fees.
o
Health care
You will not be eligible for OHIP benefits until you have been here three months. That's why it's recommended you buy private health-care coverage. Approximate costs for private coverage vary.
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Individual - (Approx.) $330
Family - (Approx.) $680
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o More information:
o Temporary health coverage options
o Learn more about your health care options before OHIP begins
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Job Search
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Resume writing $125 - $395
Cover letter $50 - $60
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Food Costs for a Family of Four
The average weekly cost for food for a family of four in Toronto is $124.35 ($538.43 per month). This cost is based on 2006 prices and includes 66 items from the four food groups recommended in Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.
Health care
Canada's standards for health care are among the best in the world. Toronto benefits from a large medical community, world-class hospitals and research facilities. All permanent Ontario residents are eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), a provincially funded medical plan, that provides free essential hospital and medical care.
OHIP only pays for services that are medically necessary. This includes visits to family doctors and specialists. OHIP does not pay for prescription medicines but many employers offer group insurance plans or you can purchase an individual plan from a private company.
You should apply for OHIP coverage as soon as possible after your arrival in Toronto. You must wait approximately three months before coverage begins.
The Interim Federal Health (IFH) program provides temporary medical coverage for immigrants in need of assistance prior to receiving OHIP coverage. The IFH program does not replace provincial health plans/OHIP and may not provide the same coverage offered to permanent residents. Applicants must show that they are unable to pay for their own medical services and that they do not have private health insurance. This insurance covers the costs of emergency medical treatments and other essential medical services.
Toronto Public Health provides programs and services that include health education and disease prevention initiatives to promote health and prevent illness across the city. Call Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600 Monday to Friday during regular business hours for more information.
Finding a family doctor in Toronto can be difficult. Try reaching out to family members or friends who may already live in Toronto. Consult the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario for information about individual physicians. You should also find out where the hospitals are located in your community and what services they provide.
Average expenditure per household Households reporting expenditures
$ % Monthly Expenses Conversation rate AED
Total expenditure 94,371 100% 7,864.25 2.50 19,660.63
Total current consumption 61,633 65% 5,136.08 2.50 12,840.21
Food 7,815 8%
Shelter 16,391 17%
Household operation 3,807 4%
Household furnishings and equipment 2,375 3%
Clothing 3,878 4%
Transportation 13,458 14%
Health care 2,187 2%
Personal care 1,357 1%
Recreation 5,245 6%
Reading materials and other printed matter 323 0%
Education 1,509 2%
Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages 1,709 2%
Games of chance (net amount) 216 0%
Miscellaneous 1,363 1%
Personal income taxes 25,800 27%
Personal insurance payments and pension contributions 4,445 5%
Gifts of money and contributions 2,493 3%
Libra, Sasbuk and all other members
Here is what I observed about Canadian Life as a new immigrant.
Life in Canada is not too tough but weather makes it tougher and harder. As a new immigrant,I have to wait at bus stops and travel by buses. Sometimes, I have to change 2 or 3 buses for single journey. In extreme weather, waiting on bus stops is terrible. It makes it worst when you are travelling with kids.Alhumdulillah, I bought a car and now I am driving.
Driving seems difficult in the beginning but it is far easier than driving in UK. I dont have experience of driving in Pakistan, so no comment.
Insurance is expensive. To reduce the cost of insurance,get a no claim discount cetificate.NCD from UK works perfect, I dont know about Pakistani NCD.
Driving is important as distances here are longer than usual. You cant offord walking. You will be lucky if you get an accomodation near Superstores.
All of you who belong to Computing and Accounting and coming to Calgary/Edminton have bright chances of securing jobs and getting government funding for 4/5 months which could be up to $2000 p/m with 2/3 kids family.
People who came here earlier had to go through a lot of troubles in the past. The instinct attitude of people is to see you sufferring like they did. Most of the People will not show you the shortcut way to achieve the most benefits. There are knacks which should be told to you by your Friends/Relatives here if they are sincere to you. There is always another way around to solve every problem.
Those who are planning to rent basements, please come in summer. Basements are very very cold without sunlight. If you are living with kids, it is going to be sufferring.I am renting a small bilevel town house and life is lot easier.The rent difference from basement is only $400.
English speaking is lifeline.Good speaking, better chances of getting job.
Grocery is expensive but utilities are cheap as compared to every other comodity.
I know, you all are self-respected individuals but when you are in harsh conditions like this, there is no harm in getting income support from Government as you are going to pay taxes for the rest of your life.
To get income support, you need to either explore the ways yourself or get help from genuinely sincere person. Sometimes, advice by people seems nice but is harmful in long run.Be cautious and be vigilant.
Alberta is rich in its resources and that is why gives more benefits to its citizens. i.e. medical cover starts on arrival and income support is available for new immigrants for atleast 4 months to 1 year(if you are studying).
I wanted to go to Toronto but due to new born daughter I could not offord hospital bills without medical cover for first 3 months.The only expenses I did for the birth of my daughter was $6 parking fees.
What else I can write?Let me know if you want to know my opinion about any other aspect.
CCTB Online Calculation
2007 base year
(for the period July 2008 to June 2009)
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Information entered on the calculation screen
________________________________________
Province or territory of residence Ontario
Total number of children under 18 years of age 2
Your net income $2,000.00
Your spouse or common-law partner's net income $0.00
UCCB income $0.00
UCCB repayment $0.00
________________________________________CCTB online calculation results
________________________________________
Basic monthly amount $217.83
National Child Benefit Supplement monthly amount $318.08
Ontario Child Benefit Monthly Amount $100.00
Total monthly amount $635.91
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The calculations provided by this program are only an estimate and are based solely on the information you provide. When you apply for the CCTB, the CRA will use the information from your application and your tax return and that of your spouse or common-law partner to calculate an actual amount.
Approximate family income level where the recipient will no longer receive the CCTB
Beginning with the 2008 tax year, Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) will not be included as part of your adjusted family net income in the calculation of your CCTB.
Income levels are for the 2008 tax year. If you are entitled, CCTB payments for this tax year begin in July 2009
Family Size Amount
One child $107,726
two children $107,726
three children $153,551
o Slight variances exist for the basic benefit amount for residents of Alberta
UCCB - Application and eligibility
1. Who is eligible for the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)?
To receive the UCCB, all the following conditions must be met.
a) You must live with the child, and the child must be under the age of 6;
b) You must be the person who is primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child;
This means you are responsible for such things as supervising the child's daily activities and needs, making sure the child's medical needs are met, and arranging for child care when necessary. If there is a female parent who lives with the child, we usually consider her to be this person. However, it could be the father, a grandparent, or a guardian.
c) You must be a resident of Canada;
We consider you to be a resident of Canada when you establish sufficient residential ties in Canada.
d) You or your spouse or common-law partner must be:
o Canadian citizen;
o "permanent resident" (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act);
o "protected person" (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act); or
o "temporary resident" (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) who has lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months, and who has a valid permit in the 19th month (other than one that states "does not confer status"). If this is your situation, you should not apply before the 19th month.
2. When do I apply for the UCCB?
Generally, you should apply for the UCCB as soon as possible after:
o your child is born;
o a child starts to live with you; or
o you become a resident of Canada.
3. My child(ren) does/do not go to daycare. Can I receive the UCCB anyway?
The UCCB supports Canadian families in their child care choices, whether or not the children are in institutionalized daycare programs.
4. How do I apply for the UCCB?
Enrolment for the UCCB is processed through the Canada Child Benefits Application.
If you have never applied for the CCTB and you wish to receive the UCCB, please complete Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application or use the Apply for child benefits online service on My Account.
At the time of the birth of your child, if you have provided your consent to use the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) service on the provincial/territorial birth registration form, you must not re apply online or complete an RC66 for the child. Re-applying may result in a delay in processing your ABA application and issuing payments.
5. After I complete the Canada Child Benefits Application, where do I send it?
Send your completed application to your tax centre. After we process your application, we will advise you of your CCTB and your UCCB eligibility and entitlements.
6. If I file a Canada Child Benefits Application, when can I expect to receive my first UCCB payment?
You can expect to hear from us within 80 calendar days after we get your application.
7. When am I entitled to receive UCCB payments?
You are entitled to receive UCCB payments from the month following the child's birth to the month the child turns six years old.
1. When are Canada Child Tax Benefit payments made?
Benefits are paid over a 12-month period from July of one year to June of the next year. Generally, payments are made on the 20th of each month or, if your annual entitlement is less than $120, we will send it all in one payment on July 20th.
CCTB and integrated payment* dates
July 20, 2009
August 20, 2009
September 18, 2009
October 20, 2009
November 20, 2009
December 11, 2009
January 20, 2010
February 19, 2010
March 19, 2010
April 20, 2010
May 20, 2010
June 18, 2010
* Note: Integrated payments include the BC Family Bonus, the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit, the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit, the Northwest Territories Child Benefit, the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, the Nunavut Child Benefit, the Ontario Child Benefit, the Saskatchewan Child Benefit, and the Yukon Child Benefit.
The Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit is issued twice a year, in July and January. The payments will be issued on July 27, 2009, and January 27, 2010, for the 2008 base year.
For more information regarding our benefit programs, please visit the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) page.
2. I did not receive my Canada Child Tax Benefit payment this month. What should I do?
We generally pay your benefit on the 20th of each month. If your payment does not arrive on that day, please wait five working days before calling us at 1-800-387-1193.
3. How do I tell the CRA about my change of address?
See How to change your address.
4. Can I start getting my Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) payments by direct deposit?
You can have your CCTB payments deposited directly into your account at a financial institution. To start direct deposit, complete the "Direct deposit" section on Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, or send us a completed Form T1-DD(1), Direct Deposit Request - Individuals. If you get your payments by direct deposit and your banking information changes, send us a completed FormT1-DD(1). You cannot change your banking information by calling us unless you have other CRA products deposited into that same account.
If for any reason we cannot deposit a payment into your account, we will mail a cheque to you at the address we have on file.
5. How do I change my banking information if I receive my payments by direct deposit?
If you get your payments by direct deposit and your banking information changes, send us a completed Form T1-DD(1), Direct Deposit Request - Individuals. You cannot change your banking information by calling us unless you have other CRA products deposited into that same account.
6. What happens to Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) payments if the recipient dies?
If an individual dies who was receiving CCTB payments for a child, the child's new caregiver should contact us and give us the date of the recipient's death.
We may still send out a payment after the date of death because we are not aware of the death. If this happens, please return the payment to us with a brief letter of explanation. See our listing of CRA offices for the one nearest you.
If you are the surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased individual and you lived with that person at the time of his or her death, in most cases you won't have to complete a new CCTB application. If certain requirements have been met, the children will be automatically transferred to your account.
If you are any other caregiver (such as grandparent or guardian), you will have to complete Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, and send it to us or you can also use the Apply for child benefits online service on My Account to report this change to the CRA.
Note
If you are the new caregiver and the deceased individual was receiving payments under provincial or territorial child benefit programs that we administer, you do not have to apply separately to qualify for these payments. We will use the information from Form RC66 to determine if you are eligible for these programs.
7. When do we recalculate your CCTB?
We will recalculate your benefit and send you a Canada Child Tax Benefit Notice showing our revised calculation:
o every July based on the returns that you and your spouse or common-law partner filed for the previous year;
o after each reassessment of either your tax return or your spouse or common-law partner's tax return that affects the calculation of your benefit;
o after a child for whom you receive the CCTB turns 18 (the last payment you will receive will be for the month of his or her birthday); and
o after you tell us about changes to your situation that could affect your benefit (see When to contact us about your CCTB).
8. What happens if you owe money for CCTB?
If you received a CCTB overpayment, please refer to our Balance owing – Benefits overpayment page.
9. How are the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the National Child Benefit Supplement calculated?
You can use our online calculator to get an estimate of your benefits.
Your CCTB payments for the period of July 2009 to June 2010 are calculated using the following information:
o The number of children you have;
o Your province or territory of residence;
o Your 2008 adjusted family net income and;
o Your child's eligibility for the Child Disability Benefit.
Basic benefit:
o The basic benefit is $1,340 ($111.66 a month) for each child under age 18 (the basic benefit is different for residents of Alberta, see the note below).
o There is a supplement of $93 ($7.75 a month) for your third and each additional child.
o We subtract a benefit reduction from this amount if your family net income is more than $38,832. For a one-child family, the reduction is 2% of the amount of your family net income that is more than $38,832. For families with two or more children, the reduction is 4%.
Note
The Alberta provincial government has chosen to vary the amount of the basic benefit that its residents receive. The basic benefit is:
o $1,228 ($102.33 a month) for children under 7;
o $1,311 ($109.25 a month) for children 7 to 11;
o $1,467 ($122.25 a month) for children 12 to 15; and
o $1,554 ($129.50 a month) for children 16 or 17.
National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS):
o One-child family: $2,076 a year ($173.00 a month). This amount is reduced by 12.2% of the amount of family net income that is more than $21,816.
o Two-child family: $1,837 a year ($153.08 a month). This amount is reduced by 23% of the amount of family net income that is more than $21,816.
o Three-or-more-child family: $1,747 a year ($145.58 a month). The total will be reduced by 33.3% of the amount of family net income that is more than $21,816.
Note
If you are on social assistance, the NCBS may affect the amount of your social assistance payments. Many provinces and territories will consider the NCBS you get as income and will adjust your basic social assistance by this amount.
10. What determines the maximum payment for the National Child Benefit Supplement?
The National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) is intended for low-income families with children. Therefore, the maximum is paid only if family net income is less than $21,816. It is reduced by a percentage amount (which depends on the number of children) when family net income is more than $21,816. Families with three or less children and family net income between $21,816 and $38,832 will receive partial NCBS. Families with four or more children will still receive some NCBS if their family net income is just above $43,000.
11. How will the increases to the National Child Tax Benefit Supplement (NCBS) and the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) affect me?
Canada's Economic Action Plan
You will continue to receive the maximum NCBS until your family net income reaches $23,710 (instead of $21,816). You will also continue to receive the maximum CCTB until your family net income reaches $40,726 (instead of $38,832).
Example 1: If your family net income was $35,500 before the announcement, you are not affected by this change as you already would have received the maximum CCTB.
Example 2: If your family net income was $39,500 before the announcement, you are affected by this change as you will now receive the maximum CCTB.
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