What To Expect When You Immigrate
All views expressed in this list are personal opinions and advice based on the contributors’ experiences as immigrants. If the list appears to be focused on a particular area or particular ethnic group it is simply reflecting the backgrounds of the contributors.

Canada : Place and people

Must read sites:
http://www.settlement.org/sys/library_detail.asp?doc_id=1004559
http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?faq_id=4000174
http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?faq_id=4000173

The initial two years are tough on most new immigrants. But things do improve after that time if the immigrant understands what is needed to succeed in Canadian society and work towards that.

Applying for the SIN card is one of the most important first tasks
Check out: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/sc/sin/

Health Card takes 3 months especially in the province of Ontario. Provinces like Manitoba, offers its residents health facilities from Day 1

Check out: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ohip/ohip_mn.html

Winters are COLD, summers can get surprisingly hot (example: Toronto temperatures can go down to -30 degrees in the winter and up to 32 degrees in the summer)

The seasons are very distinct. You need clothes and shoes for each season.

People are polite

People are orderly. You are expected to wait patiently in line ups, near elevators

Traffic is orderly

There are strict rules for some things (traffic) and everyone is expected to follow them

Any job is better than no job. No job is too low to do. Almost everyone who can work works

It is acceptable to buy and use second hand stuff (furniture, toys, appliances etc)

Basic health care is free

Supplementary Health care is unavoidable and expensive

There is relatively lower crime rate

The city of Toronto is surprisingly multicultural as are some other big cities

There are plenty of resources in the community that you can use for free: example you can take up to 50 items (DVD, book, cd’s) from a local library for each person in your family at a time

Bribing is not tolerated or necessary

A family doctor is hard to find. The College of Physicians and Surgeons maintains a list of doctors currently accepting new patients; in the interim you can avail the services of “Walk In” Clinics

Dentists/other health specialists may charge for missed appointments; be sure to call and inform them well in advance if you cannot make it for a scheduled appointment

Most cities have a Crisis and Information Line; call to “talk” when you seem to have no-one; seek out ALL the information they have to offer about services in your community

Most Provinces have a central inquiry Number that will connect you to the agency you seek. The Federal Government also has a central information number

1-800 Numbers are free to call

Most cities have a day in the week when movies are half price; check out smaller theatres for deals (e.g. At the Universities)

You can buy coupon books that have “2 for the price of 1” deals; ask around

Some cities have a promotion for local residents once a year (“Be a Tourist in your Own Town”)/Doors open events) that are free. These are great opportunities to see the local sites at little or no cost. Check with your local
Tourism Authority
Check out: http://www.toronto.ca/
http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/home

Remember overnight success takes 15 years! There are no shortcuts –

Remember that success is a LONG journey and you have to enjoy life along
the way!

Important to take time off for rest/relaxation, holidays – even if it is for a day trip

You may be eligible for free lawyer services; check with your local Legal Aid Services Society. Some of these services may be ethno specific.
Check out http://www.salc.net/indexEnglish.html

Approach your local MP/MLA with concerns at the Municipal, Provincial or Federal Levels of Government

There are Nurses/Dial-a-Dieticians and other free phone lines you can access for information. For example “Ontario Telehealth” a free service that allows you to take the consultation of a registered nurse round the clock.

Check out: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/telehealth/telehealth_mn.html

There are Federal Agencies that oversee Health and Safety of Foods and Drugs
Community agencies and some organizations offer free settlement services, and mentorship programs for individuals. These are great resources as you learn informally about your industry/community and build a network.

Check out these Settlement Service Agencies in the GTA:
http://overview.careeredge.ca/index.asp?FirstTime=True&context=0&FromContext=4&language=1
http://www.careerplan.net/contact.html
http://www.costi.org/
http://www.ymcatoronto.org/en/newcomers/index.html
http://www.indiarainbow.org/

Most cities have tons of opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering is one great way to meet people and gain Canadian Experience. It also gives insights into way of life in Canada.
Check out : http://volunteer.ca/

Social groups /religious/community organizations are a great way to
network, meet people (such groups, could be related to a health condition, disability, etc.)

Most cities have waste recycling programs in which everyone is supposed to participate

There is no age restriction to education. Even seniors as old as 80+ can enroll for courses

Banking/Finance:

A credit card is an important tool to get a credit rating; usually takes about 6 months of usage to build a rating

Learn about what things you can deduct for income tax (certain children’s activities, day care costs, etc.) esp. if you own a business

There are certain mortgage brokers who can procure rates for you from different institutions (as opposed to those who work for only one bank)

Try and get a credit card that gives you points for your purchases (TD, RBC, Bank of Montreal); you can use these for travel, gifts, etc.

Certain retailers have Reward Cards that you can use every time you shop there; these allow you collect points that you can cash (e.g. Esso, Shoppers Drug Mart, etc.)

Transportation:
Sooner or later, driving (for both partners) becomes essential - especially in the suburbs. There are no auto rickshaws and public transportation is expensive and time consuming and not very well connected.

If you have an international drivers license bring it with you. If you have an ordinary driver’s license bring an official letter from the Ministry of transportation that you are a valid license holder (with number stated) for specific number of years. This cuts your waiting time for a Canadian license.
Check out: http://www.tc.gc.ca/road/faq.htm#licensing

Distances are long (say between the suburb and the city) but the travel is very comfortable. The trains are heated or have air conditioners and you don’t have to rush into them or push anyone to get in.

Dress and Habits:

Smile and make eye contact with the persons you are talking to. You may appear unapproachable and unfriendly if you do not.

Strong food smells (onions, garlic and sharp smelling spices) tend to linger in the house and get into the clothes. Be very careful of the fact that your clothes and that of your children do not smell of food odors

It is important to know English. If your family members do not know English there are plenty of free programs which you can enroll for to learn the language- even if you cannot speak a word initially you will learn enough to have a conversation.

Check out: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/goc/linc.shtml

Do not talk loudly in public places.

Dress Canadian. Be ready to buy stuff when you get here as some stuff which you bring is out of fashion or not suitable for environment

Give up all ideas of staying the way you are and doing things as you did back home

Take responsibility for your decisions

Be a good listener

Be prepared to be proactive in looking for information. Google should be your new best friend. Always ask questions to learn. No one ever learnt anything by being shy!

You have to do proper planning for everything (even if it is grocery)

You have to buy you grocery/vegetables on weekly/bi-weekly basis- you cannot spend the time to do so daily as the grocery stores are some distance away (most of the time) and take time to go through.

Don’t litter on the road (very important)

There is no one to pamper you

People may laugh at your name, your traditional clothes, for ladies the use of bindis ,sindoor etc. Don’t take offence, just laugh with them and lighten the atmosphere and then explain the real meaning of the attire or accessories. If you take this approach people will listen to what you have to say

Be accepting of differences in other communities ; accepting these differences in them allows them to be more accepting of us

Neighbours are expected to be polite to each other without interfering.

Some immigrants may have to shorten or anglicize their names
Immigrant Parents in Canada: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada/

Change your eating habits slightly to avoid getting overtired. Try and eat a simple meal (burgers, hotdogs, pizza) at least once/twice a week to give yourself a break from the kitchen. Try and ask your spouse to cook one dinner per week. Try and do extra cooking before the weekend and have leftovers for the weekend

Family/Friends and Socializing:

Some Canadians may like to meet you at a coffee shop (Tim Hortons / Star Bucks); that way you share the cost/pay for yourself and no one is bothered or has to worry about the extra cleaning involved

If invited to someone’s home for lunch/dinner it is a nice gesture to take flowers, wine, chocolate, etc. for the host/hostess; ask if it is a special occasion (birthday, anniversary)

Make your peace with loneliness

Marriages come under A LOT of strain as an immigrant family. An unsupportive spouse in a foreign country can be disastrous.

Online groups are a good way to get answers and interact with others.
Check out:
http://www.canadiandesi.ca/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CanadianDesan/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada/

You may have no time to socialize or may not know too many people/or anyone to socialize with. You may have to find ways to meet people socially

Be ready to meet people from different countries and all walks of life

Pot Luck meals are a good way to entertain (each person / family brings a dish)

Gift Certificates are appreciated (e.g.. for a Mall, Book Stores, etc.) rather than presents by those you don’t know too well

Generally people do not drop into each others homes unannounced/uninvited

Children and Parenting:

Your child has to be buckled up in the car*

Your child has to be in kept in the back seat of the car*

You cannot leave a child alone in a car *

Check out this site for child safety while driving: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafety/menu.htm

Get your child used to a stroller

Getting day care is not cheap or an easy task. Some daycares have a two year waitlist.

For information on child care, subsidies and benefits
Check out ttp://www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/PRBpubs/prb0418-e.pdf
http://www.toronto.ca/children/subsidy.htm
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/benefits/

Perhaps you can exchange “baby sitting services” with friends on a monthly basis

Canadians believe developing SELF CONFIDENCE is the key to success in life so we as immigrants have to learn not to criticize our kids’ errors.

Teach your kids to be polite: “Please/Thank You” are important; teach them not to judge others

You have to be very sensitive of the fact that food allergies (to nuts, milk products etc) can seriously harm some children and not pack those products for school lunch or serve them to your children's friends

Public schools are of a very good quality and are free

If you child has a problem with a particular child (i.e. Bullying, etc.) some schools allow you to put in a written request asking the principal to consider placing your child in a different class than the offending child in the following year OR if your child has a special friendship that boosts his/her self-esteem you can request that they be placed together in the following year. Requests to teachers are not usually entertained

Immigrant Parents in Canada: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada/

You will have to place your children in the public school in the area in which you choose to live; it helps to live in a better neighbourhood to access better schools; Private Schools can be accessed from any area; some better schools may accept kids from outside area if vacancies exist; special requests needed
Schools encourage original ideas and don’t want to restrict ideas by insisting kids use proper spelling and punctuation (elementary school); this can be a source of frustration to immigrants who have high expectations of the child's academic performance

Birthday invites are usually sent 2-3 weeks ahead; helps to include a date by which you want the parents to respond as to whether their child will be attending; this allows you to prepare the “goodie bags”/return gifts; most Canadian children have parties outside their homes… bowling alley, skating rink, swimming, recreation centre, rock-climbing, laser tag, McDonalds – you may be asked what your child would like as a present.

Birthday and other gifts are expected to be opened in front of the person giving; appreciation sought right away

Some teachers are keen to have a “cultural sharing” with their class; offer to do this…. ½ hour or so of a talk about a festival, etc. with books, photos, traditional dress, traditional food/snack of your country. Make things more presentable by getting the kids mark out the key cities, mountains, rivers on an outline map of our country. This will really boost your child’s confidence and help her and the other kids to accept differences.

Most children give their teachers gifts in the week before Christmas

Try and be involved in attending your school Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meetings or try and volunteer your time. If your PAC has an annual staff lunch volunteer to contribute a dish from your country

Try and help with fundraising events for your school PAC

Be Brave as life can be tough (e.g. In school with bullying)*

Be your child’s friend; LISTEN to him/her, forgive him/her for any he/she makes, win t your child’s trust and your child will confide in you (bedtime is best for listening to his/her day’s events)

Learn about Santa Claus, Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy from teachers/parents to allow your children to learn about the “magic” of childhood
Sleepovers (staying overnight at a friends) are common, even as young as 6-7 years. You can choose at what age and with whom (e.g.: family only) you will allow your child to sleep over with

Kids need help in adjusting to the new environment

Discuss your questions and thoughts with other immigrant parents.
Check out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada/

Your kids will be expected to join extra curricular classes (sports, art, etc)
Toys/equipment for kids are expensive. Use public resources (libraries, early year centers) or ask friends and family for toys their kids do not use. Free cycle groups are a great resource.
Check out http://www.freecycle.org/groups/canada/

You will be expected to take an interest and volunteer at your child's school once in a while

You will have to drive/accompany your kids around to and fro each of their classes

Some kids will learn that their peers are paid for work done in their home; tell your kids that they do it because they are part of “our team” and because we love one another

Hitting/slapping children is not tolerated and the parent could be reported to the child welfare authorities. In cases where the child welfare feels that the child is being abused, the child could be taken away from their parents.
Check out: http://www.cecw-cepb.ca/faqs_e.html#Q3

Many Asian parents want to instill cultural, religious values, language skills. Try but don’t force the child. The child growing up in this country really needs to assimilate

Children do not refer to adults as \"Aunty or Uncle\" but as \"Mr.___ or Ms__\" or by their first name.

Children do not just go over to each others houses without an invitation from the parent. You may have to organize and host play dates for your kids.

Check out: http://www.funplaydates.com/nav_pages/etiquette.html

Most schools have on site childcare for after school hours. You will have to pay for this service
Check out: http://www.plasp.com/

It is considered “cool” for young boys (even kids) to wear their shirts hanging out of their pants

Boys usually wear longer shorts than we may be used to seeing in our countries

Use the weekend to go out as a family (preferably not to the mall). There are beautiful parks and trails that provide free and healthy alternative to an outing.

Job/Work Immigrant Parents in Canada: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada/

Building a network is probably your most important task in the process of looking for a job. You can do this through referrals of people you know, cold calling, volunteering, joining mentorship programs etc.

If you are willing to take up any job (cashier/salesperson in a coffee shop, McDonald's etc) you can get a job in no time. For all other jobs, particularly skilled jobs, people have to wait between 1 month to 3 years or more depending on what efforts they are putting in (re-qualifying, applying in the correct manner and correct places, Canadian experience etc)
Check out these Professional/Accreditation bodies:
http://www.wes.org/
http://www.peo.on.ca/
http://www.students.ospe.on.ca/turning.html
http://www.credentials.gc.ca/
http://www.peo.on.ca/registration/Immig.html
Check these out for Survival jobs:
http://www.omegadirect.com/
http://www.gemmacom.com/
http://www.spdatallc.com/index.php
http://www.kellyservices.ca/web/ca/services/en/pages/
http://www.ctidirectory.com/Search/company.cfm?company=122041
http://www.optima.net/whatwedo.html
http://www.sitel.com/
http://www.teleperformance.com/Canada/ContactUs/Default.aspx
http://www.timhortons.com/

There are job finding workshops and other services offered free for new immigrants. Use these

Prepare for interviews by asking family/friends to do “practice interviews” with you

It is important to have an answering machine when job hunting to take messages for interviews

Ask colleagues, bosses who like you if you can use them as a reference for future jobs

You have to dress smart and professionally at the office work: western style clothes, no excessive/big ethnic jewelry, no strong perfumes or other odors

Do not draw comparison between previous job in India and present job. Learn to sell yourself

You have to be prepared to upgrade your qualifications. Find out if your profession is \"regulated \"in Canada. Before landing find out the details of the regulating authority. Be prepared to upgrade to meet these requirements. Start the process before reaching Canada to reduce the wait time in assessing your credentials.

If you plan to upgrade/requalify, you will need to submit transcripts of all your degrees from all your previous universities, sometimes in duplicates, always in sealed and signed envelopes. Depending on what you are applying for and how many universities you are applying to it is suggested that you get at least four-six sets of transcripts from each university for each degree done in sealed and signed envelopes before you come here so that it is not a hassle later.

It is rude to speak with another person from your country/community in any language other than English when people who do not know your language are around as it seems you are deliberately keeping them out of your conversation.

Both partners may have to work to meet expenses (which keep on increasing): not necessarily in a job you like/trained for or at a level you are used to.

You may have to work hard at finding a job (not a minimum wage kind) –this may involve a great deal of research, lots of networking and maybe even some re-qualifying or volunteer work.

No matter how sick you are you have to go on with your work (cooking/dishwashing/sometimes office)

Weather can’t be an excuse to take off from work

You are encouraged to be creative in the workplace and suggest new ideas.

Your resume has to look good- it should be created in a style that is acceptable in Canada.

A cooperative friendly nature that tries to assimilate in the work culture (dress, habits, language etc) is what is appreciated.

There is no rigid work hierarchy. There are no peons and almost no \"secretarial assistance\". Almost everyone does their own photocopying, making their own coffee, sending their own faxes etc

You have to be prepared to join in a position other than what you were used to or were expecting

Initiative and ability to function independently yet cooperatively is greatly appreciated.
Check out : http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/ei/application/applying_for_benefits.shtml

Almost everyone refers to everyone (however much at the top) with their first name.- No use of Sir/Madam within the organization

At Home:
You will have to start from scratch in building all that you have left behind

You need to do all the work by yourself as you will not have domestic help here

You have to clean up after you cook and eat (most apartments do not come equipped with dishwashers)

You have to clean- sweep/vacuum/swab (not that often), clean your own bathrooms, clear your own garbage

You have to launder your own clothes (in washing machines of course- but these may not be in your apartment)

You have to start out with an empty apartment and fill it with EVERYTHING you need (not want) – this may take a few months to do

You have to live with your windows shut for a good part of the year

Labour is very expensive. Some Canadians have a “moving party” or “painting party” where they invite friends to help out in exchange for pizza, etc. Saves them money and gets the job done

You may have to learn to assemble furniture out of an instruction sheet

You may have to learn to fix your own toilets or lights

You may end up eating frozen foods/leftovers from time to time

Expect cotton clothes to shrink by 1 size after dryer use. If you want to avoid this, hang to dry

NOTHING is home delivered without a charge- you have to physically go to the stores, buy and carry back all that you need for your daily living

Try and do the house cleaning as a “Team” – dusting, vacuuming, mopping

Contributors (in alphabetical order) : Aaron Chaze, Ferzana Chaze, Puneet Grewal, Sukhmeet Grewal, Sreedevi Krothatpalli, Atul Marathe, Archana Medhekar, Rati Mishra, Archana Ravindran. Mazib Rahman, Sankararaman Swaminathan, Baljinder Taneja
* Contributions by Pavit (10 years), and Sanaya (7 years)
Immigrant Parents in Canada: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada/

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Immigrant Parents in Canada http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada

Thanking you for providing this write-up, very exhaustive and useful information.

Excellent post & a must read for all .Thanks for sharing .

Moderator/s - I wonder if it deserves to be made 'sticky' in the 'just landed' or 'arriving to Canada' sections .

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Fido.

Great job done. This would help all new and potential immigrants.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the positive feedback. I will communicate the same to all the contributors.

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Immigrant Parents in Canada http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada

Great job done ! it took few years to realize some of the facts that you mentioned ..
Wish if this information was available at our initial days ....

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Growing Old Is Mandatory ..Growing UP is Optional

Well done guys...

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