Hi Guys,

When would be a good period to move to canada considering the weather, job oppurtunities etc? Especially in the next 6 months from Oct05-Mar05?

Also which provice/city would be good for IT jobs on both east as well as west coasts?

Best time to arrive in Canada is SUMMER. It starts getting cold by mid-October so try to make it here by early October to give you and your family time to adjust. IT is good in Alberta and the maritime provinces. DON'T COME TO ONTARIO.

If someone is already in U.S, then one would be used to the cold.

Secondly, what would be a good time to come from Oct05 - mar06[since one has to be there by Mar06, which is when the stamp expires].

I know summer would be ideal weatherwise but unfortunately time is not on the side.

Was trying to understand which months would be better and which months should be absolutely avoided ?

Also what would be the locations to avoid during Oct-Mar ?

We would have to move to Ontario province only as per the stamp.

Also the question was with regards to finding job opportunities.
Would moving in Nov-Dec be better than moving in Feb-mar?
Since moving in Nov-Dec would give 2-3 months to take care of initial things and settle down [whch one needs anyways] assuming market picks up around Feb-Mar timeframe.

Instead of moving in Feb-Mar and having to wait until summer to settle down and look for jobs.

With my above situation [of needing to move between Oct-5 - Mar06],
Any advise would be highly appreciated.

You can move anywhere except Quebec.
Initially we mentioned that we were going to land in Toronto. But, decided against it and moved to Vancouver from the US. We did not have any problem. We moved in the month of February. Weather was fine ,with occassional rains. Initially we wanted to move in December. But, we were told that owing to Holiday mood, year end, and weather ,job prospects will not be good. So, change of plans.For your information, I am finding so many IT people coming to Vancouver to work from Toronto, including Canadian Citizens.
Regarding settling down, you can apply for your SIN card in one or 2 days.PR card comes to your address exactly one month after you land.Without wasting time, apply for the health Card, so that it will come after 3 months wait period.
We exchanged our US Driver's license for a BC one after getting the PR card. Though we went the second day of landing, we were asked to come with the PR card. Of course we fixed an apartment online before we landed.We got settled within a few days. It should be easy, if you are coming from the US and bring a car with you.

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HOPE

What were the websites u used for ur apt search? Apart from websites, did u check elsewhere? Pls share that info.

Secondly, did u have to sign 1yr lease? Isn't that risky when u are going to a place which u have not seen before as well as the location not knowing how long u may be in that area[unless u have a job in hand before going]

As far as license is concerned, Do we just go and get our U.S driver's license exchanged? Do we not need to go through 2 level's of license application in Canada ,considering 4-5 U.S driving experience?

What would be the process involved in getting a canadian license ?

Hi Parmesh,

Most provinces will exchange your US driver licence for a Canadian one as long as it is valid or hasn't expired for more than one year.

To find jobs, here is small list of websites that you may search: http://www.monster.ca" rel="nofollow">LINK , http://www.workopolis.com" rel="nofollow">LINK, http://www.brainhunter.com" rel="nofollow">LINK, http://www.itjobs.ca" rel="nofollow">LINK , http://www.working.com" rel="nofollow">LINK, http://www.irecruiting.com" rel="nofollow">LINK, http://www.myitjobs.com" rel="nofollow">LINK, and the networking group http://www.happen.ca." rel="nofollow">LINK These may give you an idea where your skills are in more demand, thus helping you in making your mind as to where you should be moving to.

Leases generally are for 1-year term. You may sometimes find shorter leases as well, but that is not a norm. Once you have decided on a Province where you want to settle, I am sure, CanadianDesis in that provice/city will be able to suggest you the best place there. You can either search newspaper classifieds online to hunt for an apartment or hire a REALTOR who can line up some accommodation for you prior to your arrival.

If settling down in Ontario, applying for health card would require proof of residence and Lease document is one of them. Please ensure that the lease is drawn in both partners name or otherwise has mention of names of all family members in seperate schedule. The simpler way is to open a bank account and opt for "Mail-in Statement", or sign up for phone service or any other utility and produce their bills for proof of residency.

SIN card usually takes 3-4 weeks to arrive and most employers will insist to have the number before they hire you. HRDc will give you a receipt and say that the employers will accept it, but in practice it isn't accepted by the employers. If you do get employed before you receive the SIN, you can call into HRDC toll free number and advise them of your employer insisting on having the number. They will give you a fax number where you will be asked to fax in your appointment letter and voila! You will receive a phone call from HRDC giving you your SIN within 24-hrs, and card will follow in 2-3 days.

PR card as advised will arrive within 30 days.

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Rajeev Narula, Broker, REALTOR®
ACE TEAM REALTY INC., Brokerage
10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle, Suite 704
(Opp Square One - HWY10/403)
Mississauga, ON L5R 3K6
Bus: 1-888-355-3155 Ext. 300
Fax: 1-888-443-3155
Email:
Web: http://www.RAJEEV.ca" rel="nofollow">LINK