A lot of people here feel it a duty to inform (warn) new immigrants or potential immigrants about failures of the system. I believe these failures are not systemic but misconceptions or misinformation. So I think a list of misconceptions needs to be created for those thinking about immigrating to Canada.

I'll kick it off :-

1. Immigration is FREE!

Contrary to many beliefs, immigration does cost money. Apart from the obvious charges by the immigration department, lawyers, airlines, hotels and food, there is the cost of sustaining yourself in the lifestyle you expect to be kept in. If you continue a lifestyle that is beyond your means, it will cause bankruptcy.

2. The Government is different from the people

Again, Canada is as close to a democratic society as you can get. The people of Canada and the Government are the same. The money that the Government has, receives, distributes or otherwise, belongs to the people of Canada.

3. It will be just like (insert you country here)

This may sound obvious but still No! Canada has its own society. This Society is made up of a blend of cultures from around the world. It has its own norms, moral values, language inflections, etc. Complaining is all you'll be able to do if you ignore this fact.

4. I will continue my career like nothing has happened

Immigration is very traumatic to your career too. You may not end up with the same job, or the same field, or the same level. No one can guarantee your success. You may end up making less than your wife. What you consider a profession may not be so in Canada. You will definitely not have a peon! Nobody is going to stand up and "yes Sir". It will damage your ego.

5. I cannot go back if things do not work out

Wrong again. Canada is by no means a jail. Just like quitting cigarettes, it takes some people many tries before they settle in Canada. So feel free to go back, re-group and launch another attack.

6. The streets are lined with Gold, Money, (insert something precious)

I wish! Life in Canada is fast, it is hectic and sometimes very alienating.

BV

u really made a mark out of these 6 points....keep it up

a shayari for u man :-
"chodte chalo zameen pe kadmon ke nishan,
kya maloom, kal phir ik nayi kahani bane."

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Learn from past mistakes, Plan for future, Live in Present by Duncan

1. That Canadians are ready to welcome you at the Airport :

This is not true. The Airports donot even have information booths open at all time. Imagine that you are an illitrate from papanayakanpalayam, TN. Your cousin from Bombay has told you that you will get a good job at the Bombay and that he will meet you in the railway station and settle you. So armed with Rs. 1000 you go to bombay. You cousin never shows up and you donot have his address nor do you know Hindi. You will be at the exact situation upon landing in Canada.

2. Can survive in One salary :

Are you a (say a Teacher,Architect, Accountant, Marketing manager etc..) with a wife who has never worked and have 2 children under 5. Your chances of surviving in Canada on one salary is very less.

3. Canada is the best place for children to live :

There is no discipline in schools (generally). No student is afraid of the teacher. Most of the kids are un disiplined and ill mannered. You need to be a very disiplined child to by pass all this. Drugs are very common in schools esp. for teen aged people. Dating, prom, sexual predators etc.. are social evils present. I am not saying that all desi children will get into these habits but that you have got to watch out for your child. In some areas, the kind of people who spoil your children are more.

4. Canadian medical is free

Only consultation if free. For eg. if you have severe cold, the doctor will see you free but write erithromycin which is $50. if you donot have a job and additional coverage, then you will pay for it yourself. For hospital admission and treatment, then everything if free. for e.g., you have a by pass surgery, then it is free. But after discharge, if this requires you to take some tablets for 1 year at home, then you will pay for these by yourself or you need extended health coverage. if you are a senior (above 60 or 65) then these tablets are free without a health insurance. The medical system in canada has long wait times and may not even be as good as Indian medical system.

5. EI and CPP will keep you rich for ever
If you immigrate at the age 35 and earn $30K a year, after the age 65, then your CPP is around $200 to $250 / month. or so. Your CPP is not guarenteed by the govt. and it depends on market conditions. People expect the CPP to be bankrupt after 2012.
EI is employment insurance and which is 55% of your salary if you loose your job after 910 hours in the same job and you pay EI, Taxes and CPP. ALready most immigrant people are in poverty level income and 55 % of your poverty level income is even worse. It is given for 42 weeks or so.



6. Can save more that what i did in the gulf/even India

Even a 2 income family (Not IT people) making 30K each and with 2 children can expect to save considerable money. Again this depends on your attitude. if you use TTC, eat curd rice, etc.., then savings will be more

7. You can bring your parents to Canada under an immigration program easily

First of all you need to have a good and min. income to sponser. It takes a lot of time for them to be able to come. They have to clear medical test.

8. All jobs will be 9-5. Will be easier than what you did in India

In Canada, one employee does the work of 5 people in India. So it is fast paced.

9. That plenty of things are free in Canada
Never. Everything has a fineprint, which will make you pay more than you imagined.
Eeverything has a fee. Many banks charge a monthly fee of $4 to run your account.

10. That 900 calls are free, since 800 and 866 are free

11. That Canadians donot get offended for little things
Candians can get angry for little things and can call the police for trifle things. Also they expect you to use the words "Sorry", Please, excuse me etc.. for what those words are intended.

12. That Canadians are fully dressed up in summer

Sorry but No. Be careful when you are with your children/ parents.

13. That coffee is served at your desk, Garbage is taken by peon

Sorry. No

14. That Car insurance rates are low

They are very high. Atleast $250 for a newcomer per month. So donot expect to buy a car from day 1 without a job (unless you have a lot of money). Cars are cheap, Gas is cheap. but insurance will kill you.

15. Tax rates will be comparable to you salary

Sorry . NO. You have to pat 15% extra tax for all products that you buy. You salary is not Tax free. Of your salary is around $40-60K , expect to pay atleast 40-50 % on direct and indirect taxes.







TK

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

Here we round the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush,the mulberry bush....

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Originally posted by honeydew

Here we round the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush,the mulberry bush....

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Dimple2001

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Originally posted by tamilkuravan



Also they expect you to use the words "Sorry", Please, excuse me etc.. for what those words are intended.

TK

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Bijou Bazaar
http://bijoubazaar22.googlepages.com

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Originally posted by Pink Panther

Yes, Canadians have what is commonly referred to as "Manners"

Darn those Canadians!!!

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