ALL BANGLADESHI APPLICANTS FORUM

[Colors]

For my fellow forum members, planning to land soon...Part one

Things to Do Before Moving to Canada

Gather your family's important documents including marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts and medical records.
Apply for an international driver's licence (IDL). You need to have a valid driver's licence from your home country when you drive with an IDL. An IDL is valid for 1 year for tourists. If you are a resident of Ontario it is valid for only 90 days. Visit Settlement.org for more information.
Purchase private medical insurance for the first 3 months in Canada. Refer to First 90 Days.
Plan your monthly budget for living in Peel. Refer to Cost of Living in Peel.
Make sure you have clothing that is suitable for the time of year for you and your family. Refer to Daily life calendar.

http://www.immigrationpeel.ca/before/before.htm

 

[Colors]

Packing

Airline Limitations (Weight)

1. Remember to check with your airline their maximum allowed weight per luggage and handcarry. Check also how many you can bring of each. Normally, you are allowed to bring a maximum of 2 check-in luggages (70 lbs. each) and 1 handcarry bag (7 kg). You can bring a laptop (w/ laptop bag). This is not counted as a luggage or handcarry. There is also a size-limitation for handcarry bags.

2. When measuring the weight of luggages and boxes, you can use handy tip that I just learned packing for Canada. Instead of carrying each luggage while standing on top of a weighing scale, simply get a strong stool or trash bin, place it on top of the weighing scale then set the scale to zero. You can then put the luggage or box on top of the stool. You can even pack your things while your bag sits on top of the stool as the weight limitation is one of the hardest things in packing for migration that you're going to face. I myself had to pack and repack several times in order to fulfill the weight requirement.


Boxes

We Filipinos like bringing everything all at once during our trips unlike other nationalities who have their things sent thru a container or courier. Thus we are famous for the large balikbayan boxes.

1. Normally, our boxes are covered with masking tape with our address written down on the box. I find it to be better both practically and aesthetically to buy an additional bag specifically made for the balikbayan boxes. We bought ours from Ace Hardware. It costs around Php400 each. The price may seem steep compared to a plain Php50 box but I find the benefits to far outweigh the costs. For one, your boxes would look good. In fact, a Canadian immigration officer approached our boxes to admire how they looked and paid us a compliment. Secondly, They offer additional protection in case the boxes get destroyed during the flight. And in case you have to move residence again once in Canada (which is often the case as first time immigrants normally stay with their relatives first while looking for a house), you do not have to tape the boxes all over again. A simple zipping of the box-bag is all it takes. As a bonus, these boxes have plastic slip-on pockets where you can slip a card or paper with your Canadian address.

2. For the two allowed luggages, have one as a box and the other as your regular large luggage. Put everything that you'll be using for the first few months in your luggage and handcarry so as not to open the box immediately. This tip is useful for those who are migrating and first living in a temporary location.


Marking

1. Put labels at each luggage and handcarry so as when they get lost, they can easily be retrieved. Include your name, address, and contact number.

2. Mark your bags which a ribbon each or some visible marking. Use only one color for all the bags. This facilitates bag retreival from the airport conveyor belt. These also makes your luggages easier to spot.


What to Bring

This is one of the most important question that one asks as an immigrant. However, there is no clear answer. Each person has a unique set of things to bring. I will list below some of the general things that one should bring:

1. Clothes - hopefully you arrive during the summer. If not, bring clothes for the cold weather. Layering is the key. Wear clothes one over the other. You can buy some kind of winter clothing in the Philippines but ideally, once you've arrived in Canada, buy from here as the quality, comfort, and protection from the cold is more superior. Clothes, as in most things, are also cheaper in the Philippines so might as well buy a lot while you're still there.
2. Documents - This includes all your travel and immigration documents: passport, tickets, list of immigrant effects. Also bring your driver's license (the local license could be used for about a month depending on the provincial law. You may use an international license which you can get from AAP in Makati or Quezon City), any insurance papers you may have, birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption papers, and annulment papers. Bring also your diplomas, academic certificates, transcripts, and report cards. Have doctor's prescriptions for eyeglasses and vaccinations (esp. for children.). What you need to bring varies from one person to another. These are just SOME of the most basic documents that you may need to bring. Have the original in one bag and photocopies of each document in another. Though in the Philippines I think all our documents are in English, you should have a notarized translation for non-English documents.
3. Medicines - I don't really know Canadian laws regarding the buying of medicine but as I recall, you won't be able to avail of your free medical check-upsas an immigrant for a certain time. You have to check this in the internet. In case sickness occurs or you suffer from a disease, have medicine for at least three months in your bags.
4. Personal Effects - Bring any jewelry, memorabilia that you may have. It's only with the first landing wherein you can bring anything in your possession tax free. To travel light (or within the limits), only bring your priceless possessions like photos, special gifts you may have received, etc. All the rest, you can replace here in Canada.

These are just some of the things that you need to bring as an immigrant. As for those who aren't migrating, some of the tips above may be useful. Good luck packing!

http://filca.blogspot.com/2005/06/packing-tips.html

 

[mute_man]

My VFS tracking is showing the below message:
Your Passport Status
Processed Passport received at DHAKA AC on 14/10/2012. Following documents are required for collection of the Passport:
Original Invoice cum Receipt
Passport copy
Note: Should you wish to get your passport collected by your representative, you are required to handover a authority letter duly signed by you along with a photo Identity proof of your representative(i.e. Driving license, Passport, or PAN card).
And I have also received an auto email from VFS :
Dear Applicant, You can now collect your processed visa application ref no. XXXX from Canada Visa application centre from 1500hrs to 1700hrs from Sunday to Thursday. Please do NOT reply to this auto-generated e-mail. In case of any query contact our Help lines at +88 02-8836055 between (Sunday -Thursday) 1000 hrs to 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1600 hrs. (except holidays)
I guess, i will get my stamped visa today...please preay for me

best of luck!!

 

[msd009]

Name 2nd AOR In Process MR Issue

01. M-Ela 20-May-2010 12-Apr-12
02. sMark 15-Jul-2010 31-May-12
03. Khan14 09-oct-2010 16-MAR-12
04. pr1979 15-Oct-2010 26-Mar-12
05. Classical_Beat 02-Nov-2010 20 Mar 12
06. Spondon 02-Nov-2010 21 Mar 12
07. Sohel4math 02-Nov-2010 25 Mar 12
08. ruparupa 15-Nov-2010 23-APR-12
09. GTL 23-Dec-2010 14- Feb-12
10. Nivrit 19-Jan-2011 17-Apr-12
11. Beximco 20-Jan-2011 02-May-12
12. plan_master 21-Mar-2011 11-Jun-12
13. TJNA 23-Mar-2011 23-Mar-12
14. minuanwar 04-May-2011 17-Mar-12
15. INDIANAJONES 09-May-2011 23-Feb-12
16. mute_man 20-July-2011 23-Jun-11
17. Sky blue 25-Aug-2011 Not yet!!
18. Teaspoon January 2011 April 2012
19. mthjay Nov-2010 13-Jun-2012 (Reviewed Application and Started Processing)
20. MMH_BD 02-Nov-2010 20-Mar-2012 09-Oct-12
21. Falu 20- Mar-2012
22. Hasan_bd 02-Nov-2010 ]
23. msd009 22-Nov-2010 23-Mar-2012

 

[Mun]

We r planning to land by the end of November,2012.
Please pray fro us.
r anyone else planning near soon?

Dear Kartic,
It will be the starting of Winter!! People of arctic even become depressed in this time. If you have child then it will be tough enough. I am not discouraging you; but before going, should u think once.
It will be the best at april even march.
As i never been there, senior may help us in this regard.
I shared this opinion on the basis of experiences of my friends.

rgds

Mun

 

[rojhabib]

We r planning to land by the end of November,2012.
Please pray fro us.
r anyone else planning near soon?

Me on December first week...

 

[Badal789]

Dear Kartic,
It will be the starting of Winter!! People of arctic even become depressed in this time. If you have child then it will be tough enough. I am not discouraging you; but before going, should u think once.
It will be the best at april even march.
As i never been there, senior may help us in this regard.
I shared this opinion on the basis of experiences of my friends.

rgds

Mun

Dear Mun,
Correctly pointed out. Same I repeatedly requested even last week as week. Once got visa better to go by the end of winter to know how is winter there and prepare the body and mind for that. Many immigrants left only after few months after staying there. About half an hour ago I finished meeting with a gentleman he did the same. He is it was unbearable winter - how people live there. First time when I went to a cold country I remember I cried a lot though very young that time but now in the same place I enjoy the cold. This year during April when I went to Canada I enjoyed the cold weather but found one deshi new family stayed at home.
Same sound from you PLEASE THINK AGAIN BEFORE MOVING THERE DURING WINTER. Best of luck.

 

[talktome]

Dear Mun,
Correctly pointed out. Same I repeatedly requested even last week as week. Once got visa better to go by the end of winter to know how is winter there and prepare the body and mind for that. Many immigrants left only after few months after staying there. About half an hour ago I finished meeting with a gentleman he did the same. He is it was unbearable winter - how people live there. First time when I went to a cold country I remember I cried a lot though very young that time but now in the same place I enjoy the cold. This year during April when I went to Canada I enjoyed the cold weather but found one deshi new family stayed at home.
Same sound from you PLEASE THINK AGAIN BEFORE MOVING THERE DURING WINTER. Best of luck.

Hi

Following is collected from net for TORONTO.

Monthly averages & records in °C

Month Average low Average high Record low Record high
January -8° -1° -31° (1981) 16° (1950)
February -7° 0° -31° (1886) 13° (1930)
March -3° 4° -27° (1868) 27° (1946)
April 2° 10° -16° (1972) 30° (1990)
May 8° 17° -5° (1966) 34° (1988)
June 13° 22° 1° (1964) 37° (1919)
July 16° 25° 4° (1968) 41° (1936)
August 16° 24° 2° (1965) 38° (1948)
September 12° 20° -4° (1965) 36° (1931)
October 6° 13° -7° (1975) 31° (2007)
November 1° 7° -21° (1875) 24° (1950)
December -5° 2° -30° (1933) 17° (1998)

/Talk

 

[fortune2010]

Hello
Anyone pls clarify my query...
SGVO asked me to submit updated declaration form...they have sent me the forms,,which is marked by my file number in the corner of the front page...but while i was with those i found in the instruction is to print or type,,,,now if i have to fill that form i have to type it....


do i have to type it ..is it mandatory?cos in my printer rather to download a new one and type it at the same time is easier...

need a suggestion pls

 

[broken_arrow]

By the grace of Allah, I received the passport with maple leaf...it was a wonderful service by VFS, it took me only 25 days.

 

[Classical_beat]

By the grace of Allah, I received the passport with maple leaf...it was a wonderful service by VFS, it took me only 25 days.

Again Congratulation !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mute_man]

By the grace of Allah, I received the passport with maple leaf...it was a wonderful service by VFS, it took me only 25 days.

alhamdulillah!!

 

[Badal789]

Hello
Anyone pls clarify my query...
SGVO asked me to submit updated declaration form...they have sent me the forms,,which is marked by my file number in the corner of the front page...but while i was with those i found in the instruction is to print or type,,,,now if i have to fill that form i have to type it....


do i have to type it ..is it mandatory?cos in my printer rather to download a new one and type it at the same time is easier...

need a suggestion pls

You can type as per the format then print on the photo copy of the form it not correct then change the position - its time consuming.
Or you can download and print then put the file no on the corner. Also typing directly also acceptable.

 

[Teaspoon]

can we write it this way? In sha Allah we can,



Name 2nd AOR In Process MR Issue

01. M-Ela 20-May-2010 12-Apr-12
02. sMark 15-Jul-2010 31-May-12
03. Khan14 09-oct-2010 16-MAR-12
04. pr1979 15-Oct-2010 26-Mar-12
05. Classical_Beat 02-Nov-2010 20 Mar 12
06. Spondon 02-Nov-2010 21 Mar 12
07. Sohel4math 02-Nov-2010 25 Mar 12
08. ruparupa 15-Nov-2010 23-APR-12
09. GTL 23-Dec-2010 14- Feb-12
10. Nivrit 19-Jan-2011 17-Apr-12
11. Beximco 20-Jan-2011 02-May-12
12. plan_master 21-Mar-2011 11-Jun-12
13. TJNA 23-Mar-2011 23-Mar-12
14. minuanwar 04-May-2011 17-Mar-12
15. INDIANAJONES 09-May-2011 23-Feb-12
16. mute_man 20-July-2011 23-Jun-11
17. Sky blue 25-Aug-2011 Not yet!!
18. Teaspoon January 2011 April 2012
19. mthjay xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx
20. MMH_BD 02-Nov-2010 20-Mar-2012 09-Oct-12
21. Falu 20- Mar-2012
22. Hasan_bd 02-Nov-2010

updated list

 

[m.ibrahim]

By the grace of Allah, I received the passport with maple leaf...it was a wonderful service by VFS, it took me only 25 days.

congratulations.....