I read many articles from CD every week and I enjoy reading real life experiences.

I landed Vancouver International Airport with my family in 27 May.

We needed our recent photos for PR card which I didn't prepare. The immigration
staff checked the photos I had with me but said they are not useful. They took
our photos. Both ladies who took our photos seemed immigrants and they were
not so courteous. Saying so, they were not rude also.

The custom officials didn't ask me any list for accompanied goods and goods to follow list. The lady immigration officer was friendly and she talked a lot with
my 14 year old daughter. Since I didn't know my address the officer provided
me address change requet form to be faxed. However, I made the address
change request online and rfeceived my PR card within 2 weeks of application.
I received SIN card also in same time.

I went to open bank account same day I landed. I also went to apply SIN card
same day I landed. At both places, they said me "Why are you so hurried to do
all things". By opening bank account I could give my Canadian address to all
places where it was required to provide some document for it. For example, I
showed the bank document to become member in public library. Otherwise my
Punjabi landlord didn't give me rental contract papers for the basement.
He was however, very helpful to take me bank and HRDC office same day I
landed.

To enroll my children in school (both high school students) they needed report
card for two years. I had only one year's report card. They had to appear in
ESL test and the lady teacher said they don't need ESL class after checking
their English test.

Congrats lsunuwar on your sucessful landing. Welcome to Vancouver.

If you need any help you can send an email to me.
Monk

Just a hunch......... bur how do we conclude authenticity of new posters??

Where d u come from and what time dis u land ? I was exhausted the day I landed and cud do nothing more but rest 2 counter the jet lag as well.

Most impressive that ud hired a basement even b4 arriiving.

Manasvi.

Thanks Monk for your kind words.

I posted the message hurriedly, so I didn't provide all information.
In addition, I didn't want to make the posting long one.
I would like to address some of questions raised in the previous posting.

I landed this time from Japan. Though the time difference between
Japan and Vancouver is 16 hours, the flight is only 9 hours. As I landed
Vancouver airport 10:00 am, I could come to my basement apartment
(fixed by my friend) at about 1 pm. I was received by family of my
landlord as I landed in weekday and my friend was working.

In greater Vancouver area, we need to pay only half month's desposit
to rent basement apartment and the cost starts from 575 CAD for two
bedroom suites. I am paying 620 CAD including laundary. The good thing
is that the basement suite come with fridge, electric oven and hot/cold
water system.

Though landing and settlement procedure was easy as expected,
the part of job hunting seems difficult. I am now attending HRDC
funded agencies to understand Canadian culture. It seems there
is one new industry in canada that is making resume and
teaching job interview techniques.

Amazing you got your PR Card in 2 weeks, its been around 6 weeks for me and i am waiting, I landed on 28th May and am still waiting.

Are there any free Courses also provided my HRDC?

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Ashish

hello ashish

Please go to http://services3.cic.gc.ca/coa/onlineservices_notification.do?language=english

and check whether your address has been changed to Canadian
one you provided after landing.

I received my PR card within two weeks after I provided my address
through internet. I provided the address after 10 days of landing.

regards.

Thanks Isunuwar, My address changed around 3-4 weeks back itself, however they didnt send out the PR card, i am assuming they want me to go to their office and get them, i will check on it

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Ashish