What else should I do in Canada?

[canadiangirl78]

Hi All,

I'm in Canada for another week and don't want to miss my chance to prepare for the big move after my husband gets his visa. Our household goods arrived via moving truck last week and are being stored at my parents house. I also imported our car. Here is what I am planning on doing before going back to the US to wait with my husband.

1. I opened a royal bank chequing and savings account (I haven't lived in Canada since I was 17)

2. I applied for a credit card to start building good credit here (She said I might not get it)

3. I got my Ontario license

4. I applied to reinstate my dormant SIN

5. I applied for OHIP (I know the rules about waiting period and residency)

6. I registered the car and am working on the inspection. I have to take it to Nissan to get daytime running lights and then I can get plates and insurance

Is there anything else I can do to help set up our lives in Canada? Thanks for your input.

 

[mc1234]

I think you pretty much covered it all!

 

[OhCanadiana]

Well done!

Depending on where you moved to, reach out to the utility companies (gas and hydro especially) and ask what you'll need to get waivers on your deposits when you buy/rent a home. You might be able to get the waiver in the system and skip a step later.

You may want to consider sending copies of some of this to your visa office as proof that you've moved back

 

[suki]

So far so good! here a few more you may wish to consider:

Alberta Heath Care
Blue Cross
Life Insurance
If you are renting property- Renters insurance

 

[canadiangirl78]

Well done!

Depending on where you moved to, reach out to the utility companies (gas and hydro especially) and ask what you'll need to get waivers on your deposits when you buy/rent a home. You might be able to get the waiver in the system and skip a step later.

You may want to consider sending copies of some of this to your visa office as proof that you've moved back

Interesting about the utility companies, thank you.

I would send this proof to the visa office but I haven't been approved as a sponsor yet. Does that mean they don't assess whether or not I am going to move back to Canada until Step 2? I thought it was Step 1. And it would be impossible at this point to add things to my file before I am approved. The application says we are going to BC but we had a last minute change because my parents moved.

 

[canadiangirl78]

I think you pretty much covered it all!

Thanks! =) During the long wait I have had for sponsorship approval (still waiting) I brainstormed a list of things to do while I was in Canada in order to distract myself.

 

[canadiangirl78]

So far so good! here a few more you may wish to consider:

Alberta Heath Care
Blue Cross
Life Insurance
If you are renting property- Renters insurance

Alberta Health Care?

Life Insurance is a good one - we don't have any yet and definitely want to get some once we are in Canada permanently.
Renter's Insurance is also a good one. Thanks!

 

[OhCanadiana]

Interesting about the utility companies, thank you.

I would send this proof to the visa office but I haven't been approved as a sponsor yet. Does that mean they don't assess whether or not I am going to move back to Canada until Step 2? I thought it was Step 1. And it would be impossible at this point to add things to my file before I am approved. The application says we are going to BC but we had a last minute change because my parents moved.

Re proof - Wait to send it until your file makes it to your visa office. That way they will have the latest info when they assess your file during step 2.

Re utilities - you're welcome!

And, enjoy yourself too!

 

[canadiangirl78]

Re proof - Wait to send it until your file makes it to your visa office. That way they will have the latest info when they assess your file during step 2.

Re utilities - you're welcome!

And, enjoy yourself too!

Oh I am enjoying myself! My grandma is fattening me up like a cow for slaughter.

Updating the visa office with proof that I have moved - will that help my husband with the PR? I thought proof of moving back to Canada was only important for step 1. Or is it just important to keep them updated in general.

 

[CharlieD10]

It is important for both stages. Even if you are deemed eligible to sponsor by CPC-M, you must maintain that eligibility throughout the entire life of the application, which means when a decision is made by an examining officer to admit your husband to the country (his landing).

So, if you present some proof and CPC-M gives you the benefit of the doubt and approves you to sponsor, the visa office will also do its own assessment and they are within their rights to request additional proof from you that you plan to re-settle in Canada.

 

[canadiangirl78]

Thanks for that great info!

 

[muffy1]

Hi Canadiangirl78-

Getting approval on a credit card should be no problem if applying through your bank. ESPECIALLY if it is the end of the month- there are quots to meet- and the bank manager will sign off on it. Even with no credit or no SIN. This will def help establish some credit. It will more than likely be a small amount such as $500 etc, but you should get approval. A lot of the banks have special programs in place for new immigrants, which might be better geared towards your spouse. Nonetheless, definitely worth checking into.

Which part of Ontario are you located? If you need any other help or more info about this, just PM me.

All the best,

Muffy

 

[suki]

ooops Alberta health care is for me!! duh!! :-[