Important things to do when you first arrive??

[Fencesitter]

Hi all,

I am answering question 11 on the IMM5540 form. I am trying to think of all the things we will need to do, so far, this is what I have:

1. Meet family at airport and go back home - rest
2. Banking
3. Finalize my employment contract
4. Renew my license, buy a car, buy car insurance
5. Sort out schooling for my son
6. Sort out OHIP, SIN for my wife (what other government type stuff???)
7. Immunizations for all of us (if necessary)
8. Sightseeing around the city + 2 inch thick steaks!!!

I know I must be forgetting something vital, so any help would be greatly appreciated. I have written 2 pages already...I must convince CIC that we will leave China when my wife gets her visa, but also how we plan to re-establish life in Canada.

Cheers,
FS

 

[canadianwoman]

Something about arranging language classes for your wife, if needed? Or helping her set up whatever it is she plans to do at first. Even if she plans to stay home and take care of your child, you could look for educational and recreational activities for the two of them, such as parent and tot swimming classes or music classes. Which would also help your wife integrate into Canadian society more quickly.

 

[Fencesitter]

Thanks for the reply.

My wife's English is already really good, so language lessons will not be necessary.

I guess I have covered pretty much everything, but I still don't know exactly what CIC will be looking for, as we can't possibly know all that we will need to do straight away; we'll need time to get our heads in the game...especially for me since I have been living abroad for a decade. I have no idea how much things have changed!!

I just received a signed letter from my parents stating they want us to stay with them when we first arrive, so that should be helpful, though how would CIC know if these letters I provide are authentic, i.e. will they contact my parents???

Thanks,
FS

 

[CharlieD10]

The idea is to have a plan. They are not going to go over it with a fine-toothed comb, but they do want to know you appreciate all that comes with moving countries and are getting prepared for it.

 

[canadianwoman]

... we'll need time to get our heads in the game...especially for me since I have been living abroad for a decade. I have no idea how much things have changed!!

Not as much as China has in the last 10 years. It can still be a shock. I had worse culture shock going back to Canada after a year in rural China than I did when I first arrived in China. It gives you the kind of perspective on your own country that most people never have the chance to get.

I just received a signed letter from my parents stating they want us to stay with them when we first arrive, so that should be helpful, though how would CIC know if these letters I provide are authentic, i.e. will they contact my parents???

They just seem to assume the letters are authentic, unless there is some blatant reason to question them. In particular, if all contact details of the letter-writer are provided, it makes it look like it must be authentic, because they could easily phone up the writer and question them. The visa officer only rarely contacts friends and family. No one on these forums that I've read has reported that the VO contacted their friends and family, and I've seen it only a few times on appeal cases.