Dear Senior Desis and members,

I had sought your advice a few months ago when we (Family of 3) came to Toronto for our landing in October last year. All went well, and now we are winding up from Dubai, tying all loose ends and planning to migrate for good by end of August.

We have been doing our research on areas to live in, schooling, transport facilities etc but I would still appreciate if any one of you can help.

1. The last time, we lived in a furnished apartment in Mississauga, though it was very convenient, we found commuting to Downtown etc was very expensive / time consuming. Hence, we were advised by somebody we know to look at areas such as Etobicoke, York / Thornhill / Scarborough. Need advice on what would be the best option for a new comer.

2. My son is 5 and a half years old and has been schooling here in British Curriculum. Hence, please advise if it would be possible to get admissions even by September 1st week given the school boundary determined by where we choose to live.

3. We are looking at a monthly rent of CAD 1000 – 1200 including Hydro. We are ok even if it is an open basement. Have been going through Kijiji but I just want an honest opinion from you guys.

4. We are planning to bring sufficient funds to last us around 5-6 months and are coming with a very positive and open mind.

5. My husband is a Brand Manager – Retail currently in Dubai handing various sporting brands such as Reebok, Umbro, Speedo etc. He has about 12 years of experience. How is the market for his field?

6. I have worked in the capacity of an administrator in Media, Shipping & Aviation and roughly have about 10 years of experience. Where would I Stand in the job market?

7. We had written to one of our friends, and it was very disappointing that he literally shattered our dreams and totally discouraged us. However, I don’t want to go with what he said and I’m turning for help to you guys.

8. Will my son be eligible from CTB and what would be the approximate amount?

I know its gonna be a struggle but we are coming preparedto face the challenges. Hence, it’s a humble request if any of you can give us useful & honest feedback. I would be very grateful. Also, if any of you have an extra apartment or basement home that will be available by end of August, kindly let me know.

Thank you.

Welcome.
Based on your story, I feel Toronto is the best as it is the land of oppertunities and a cosmopolitan town. Esp. for your husband, this may be the best town to get settled in retail.
I will answer your questions point wise :
1. If Downtown is the only place that you want to visit, the I would recommend these areas :
a. 4075 and 4021 Old Dundas steet (Jane or Islington station)
b. Islington Mabelle road apartments

It does not matter if you are within the bus / subway route. You have to buy just buspass to go anywhere any number of times.

However Mississauga also provided good job oppertunities. Esp. in your field (aviation / shipping)

2. Once you have a lease agreement, you son can join the same day in the school for that area. Canada is so open and curriculam weak. It is not like Dubai / india. You can join anytime after showing proof that you have a permanent rental / own residence for that area.

3. Avoid Kijiji. Use CD classified or Rent It or sites like that.

4. Good. Take care not to spend that money and lose your wealth in Canada.

5. Best option is to try in Toronto. Canada is under recession. I will stop it there.

6. Possible entry level job possible, if at all. Read point 4.

7. I agree with your friend. The fact that it has disturbed you shows me that you have already made up your mind to Canada and want to settle here at all costs. So come with an open mind. If you want I can list out points which will help you to tide against all odds , use all facilities given by govt. and suceed.

8. Yes. He will be eligible. However, you should have put something less than $ 25,000 to 40,000 as your salary for the last year in Dubai in your tax return. He will get $ 280 per month + $ 100 per month (This $ 100 is only till he turns 6).

Advice : Never trust desi's unless the are authenciated by CD. I have had very bad experience with some CD's (10 %) who tried to exploit me. Also avoid lending loans/ money to any Desi's in Canada. Some will try to lure you to Quikstar and Preimerica. Stay away from them.

Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

Dear Murali,

Thank you for the mail. I can see some light at the end of the tunnel now. Just a question, why would you not recommend kijiji?

Also, I would appreciate if you could give us some tips to tide over the initial 6 months.

Thanks.

Kijiji and Craigslist have scammers. As a new immigrant, you may not be aware of the cheating techniques that they may use.

What I would recommend, is you, staying in the same place in mississauga for a week and then going to Toronto and looking for a house. There are some big apartment complexes that have openings all the time. Suggest that you rent a apartment with a balcony so that you donot feel depressed. Also apartment is the best as you get to see many people and interact with them. However the sad story of apartments is that every one will have a sad story to tell (desi's).

I used to live in 4075 and 4021 Old Dundas street (off Dundas street) and it was white's area. We were the only desi's there. We felt good but we missed on the facilities offered by Canada, which only a desi can tell. So it is a catch 22 situation.

To tide over the 6 months :
Now to what extreme's will you go ?
Now this depends on what you are willing to spend to settle in Canada. For example, Canada, gives free food through food banks for people who donot have money. If you have very low savings / no money for food, you can use that.
Also Canada provides welfare for people with less than $ 2500 savings. Welfare amount is $ 1400 per month. Will you take welfare? If you take welfare, the only bad thing is taht you canot sponser anyone in the future for permanent residency or visit.
or are you the type who will spend money from your hard earned savings from Dubai, to upgrade your knowledge or till you find a job?

I am in India and I will PM you my phone number. You can call me anytime for further information. I had lived for 9 years in Canada and now in India.

Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

WHEN YOU UPROOT YOURSELF AND MOVE TO A NEW PLACE and TO A NEW COUNTRY .. Everyone feels a little unsure of themselves. That is why we say get to know the place well before you land. You have landed and know the place a little bit. Now pull up your socks and tighten your belt one notch and you are all set. On your Mark, Set.. GO.

XXXXXX

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Originally posted by New immigrant

Dear Senior Desis and members,

I had sought your advice a few months ago when we (Family of 3) came to Toronto for our landing in October last year. All went well, and now we are winding up from Dubai, tying all loose ends and planning to migrate for good by end of August.

We have been doing our research on areas to live in, schooling, transport facilities etc but I would still appreciate if anyone of you can help.

1. The last time, we lived in a furnished apartment in Mississauga, though it was very convenient, we found commuting to Downtown etc was very expensive / time consuming. Hence, we were advised by somebody we know to look at areas such as Etobicoke, York / Thornhill / Scarborough. Need advice on what would be the best option for a newcomer.
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Initially find a job, either a steady job or one as a stop gap. Any place close by within your budget will go a long way. This is our spring and summer and there are plenty of places everywhere. (But choose one that will suit your pockets.)
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2. My son is 5 and a half years old and has been schooling here in British Curriculum. Hence, please advise if it would be possible to get admissions even by September 1st week given the school boundary determined by where we choose to live.
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There is always a place close by in a school for him, and they will make room for him. FIRST GET A JOB. By the by, the Schools re-open on 8th September 2015. ( First Tuesday after the LABOURDAY.)
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3. We are looking at a monthly rent of CAD 1000 – 1200 including Hydro. We are ok even if it is an open basement. Have been going through Kijiji but I just want an honest opinion from you guys.
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A good place. : http://www.kijiji.ca/v-2-bedroom-apartments-condos/city-of-toronto/2-bdrm-available-at-148-islington-avenue-etobicoke/597371032?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true You pay the hydro. (Only) No Parking charges if no car. There are so many, see where and what rent.
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4. We are planning to bring sufficient funds to last us around 5-6 months and are coming with a very positive and open mind.

5. My husband is a Brand Manager – Retail currently in Dubai handling various sporting brands such as Reebok, Umbro, Speedo etc. He has about 12 years of experience. How is the market for his field?
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There are lot of Grocery stores opening up and there will be good openings for everyone.
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6. I have worked in the capacity of an administrator in Media, Shipping & Aviation and roughly have about 10 years of experience. Where would I Stand in the job market?
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Search for a suitable job after settling down. You should have one steady income first to keep you bobbing above the water, then, spread your wings.
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7. We had written to one of our friends, and it was very disappointing that he literally shattered our dreams and totally discouraged us. However, I don’t want to go with what he said and I’m turning for help to you guys.
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He is a good guy. Still hang onto him. He is the best man you all have. Give him credit which he deserves. Hard facts sound bittter and coming from a friend, it will feel like a let down or worse.
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8. Will my son be eligible from CTB and what would be the approximate amount?
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YES. Slightly under $300 +/- . Plus a few other benefits if the child qualifies.
http://www.nationalchildbenefit.ca/eng/06/cctb_children.shtml
A year old link. http://www.nationalchildbenefit.ca/eng/06/cctb_children.shtml
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I know its gonna be a struggle but we are coming prepared to face the challenges. Hence, it’s a humble request if any of you can give us useful & honest feedback. I would be very grateful. Also, if any of you have an extra apartment or basement home that will be available by end of August, kindly let me know.
--
Check under this, about 10 posts under this. There is a question on how to advertise to post a rental Basement Apt. in Scarborough. On. See if it is still available when you land.
Do not pay till you see it and find it suitable. If not suitable please tell him before you leave, as a courtesy.

You and the Family are A.O.K. No struggles, just take it as it comes. You both will succeed.

Good Luck.

FH.

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Thank you.

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New immigrant :
one of the ways that you can use to settle best in Canada is to buy a house immediately upon landing with your Gulf money.
I am sure that you might have atleast $ 1,50,000 in savings. So what you can do is you buy a $ 5,00,000 house. $ 3,50,000 will be on mortgage.
You stay in the ground floor and rent out upper and lower parts of the house for rent. That will pay for your mortgage. Your rent is free. You investment is intact and you can send your son to school. Your husband can look for a job in peace and may be you can upgrade your skills by the time your son is in school.

The best part is Canada will still give your the max. CCTB and HST credit. They donot care about the investment money that you have. They are only concerned about your annual income. CCTB and HST credit is based on your annual income alone. So you will have max. legal payouts from the Govt.

You can can use this option, if you have a large sum of money saved from Dubai.

Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

Thanks for the tips Murali. However, we do not have an intention to take welfare money or depend on food banks. What we are looking at is a central area to live in with terms of decent schooling and got connectivity. Our earnings from Dubai will only serve as a back up till such time that we find a job to get us started. We both have an open mind when it comes to taking up work and aim to get started at the soonest.
Hence, I'm just looking at things only people who have stayed for many years will know such as ways of not getting cheated / best transport methods etc.

Sure, please pm your number and I'd really appreciate any guidance.