Posted on: 18-06-04 13:06:23
I came to Canada through a consultant, and after weighing the pros and cons (Cost -Benefit analysis) , I concluded that it was worthwhile. I am not a risk taker, and the consultant's USP was that he would provide the \"piece of mind\", while taking a rather monumental inter-continental relocation.
In hindsight however, It is very easy to accomplish what the consultant does. All you need is a PC with Internet, a printer and an envelope.
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The consultants usually charge a heck of a lot for processing the application, which is the simple piece - I paid close to 1.3 lakhs to my consultant. They provided me with the following services:
a) Visa Processing (I had to go to their office about 20 times, during office hours!)
b) Airport pickup (The chap never turned up at the airport, however the consultant reimbursed my taxi cost)
c) Temp Acco - $500 per month .. 1 bed (1/2 bedroom) and access to a bathroom and kitchen.
d) Car ride to get the SIN card - Worth $40
e) Five day orientation - Was useful. However you can get such a course free at the HRDC.
f) Opportunity to meet 200 other desperate immigrants - Priceless.
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You can use the money you save, in having a relatively pleasant first couple of months. With God's grace, and help from the Indian community / job - website's etc, you should be able to get atleast a temporary job within 2 months. However, the trick is not to do these jobs full time, as you would lose focus on your primary objective...Securing a position that your are capable of, that you deserve. - -
My estimation of a comfortable stay for 3 months are as follow:
1) Pre Arrival costs:
Application - 15000 per person
Right of landing fee - 30,000 per person
Miscellaneous - 5,000
Total - 50,000
2) First Month expenses
a Taxi from Airport to Temp Accomodation - $40
b Temp Acco (Arrange through internet) (independent 2 bedroom apt in Toronto (not in Mississuaga or Bramption) - <$1000 (You can get shared acco for $500 - $750) (Utilities included).
c Phone, voicemail and Internet hookup - $100 (incl first month exp). You really do not need a cell phone in the first couple of months.
d Computer --- $600
e Traveling (for SIN Card, driving licence etc) - $100 (Toronto has an awesome subway system, unlike Mississuaga or Brampton).
f Drivers licence (including 5 hours worth of lessons) - $300.. You really dont need a car in Toronto, so this can be deferred.
g Miscellaneous $200 (including groceries)
h Winter clothing - $200 per person (if arriving in Dec-Feb)
Total -- $ 2500
Second Month expenses
a Rent - $750
b Phone and Internet $50
c Groceries - $150
d Transport - $100
Total $1000
3rd month - $1000
As you see from the above, 3 months expenses come to about $4,500, which is pretty much what the consultants charge. (and keep in mind, even if you hire a consultant, you pay pretty much for most of the above!)
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My tips for successful integration are:
1) Think long term - Dont get stuck on temp jobs
2) Dont worry about how others are doing
3) Dont think of going back , ever
4) Spend money on gaining additional skills if required
5) Get profession help on resume writing, interviewing skills etc. You can get most of them free at HRDC etc
6) Participate in local events / get together / seminars, meet a lot of people.
7) Be open to all sorts of advise
8) Try to do as much research while in India, including evaluation of your degrees, additional courses that you might need to do in Canada etc.
9) Be patient
10) Believe in God. He helps those who are down and out, who put their complete faith in HIM!
Gem of a post AnandR. Welcome to the board.
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http://www.servicedomino.com
Quote:
Orginally posted by Anandramnath
a) Visa Processing (I had to go to their office about 20 times, during office hours!)
b) Airport pickup (The chap never turned up at the airport, however the consultant reimbursed my taxi cost)
c) Temp Acco - $500 per month .. 1 bed (1/2 bedroom) and access to a bathroom and kitchen.
d) Car ride to get the SIN card - Worth $40
e) Five day orientation - Was useful. However you can get such a course free at the HRDC.
f) Opportunity to meet 200 other desperate immigrants - Priceless.
Excellent!
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Are you there?
Hello BL
The above post is not just excellent but sums up at least 5 questions people ask ALL the time.
Wont it be better to save such threads or posts as FAQs or something like that? Or a new sticky FAQ thread can be crated that is locked by moderators and updated with such universally true information
Otherwise it will simply be lost among other threads and the cycle of users asking for info that is available already will start again.
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DIE HARD !
An Excellent and very informative post Anandramnath…. This indeed is a very resourceful information contributed by you and when I say this I am sure other new comers to Canada will also agree - How thankful we are to you for this…..
**On a personal note:
-Much appreciated for all the info and feedback from every one in CD. And this forum has boosted my confidence all the more… I know it’s going to be a very hard transmission leaving the security of home and coming to a different country and starting all over again from the scratch, but with such golden words of wisdom and experience shared by every one in CD I feel I have a lot to gain then loose..
Oppps... i ment Transition......
Hello All,
If in due course of time the Canadian Desi management institutes an "Award for the Best Maiden Post", the same would be presented to none other than Mr. Anandramnath.
Great contribution, Sir !
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Manan
