Hello to everyone.
My Family's application for Immigrant Visa has recently been approved and we've received our Passports back with the Visa stamped with the validity that reads up to September 2010.
We're planning to "land" in Canada sometime June/July/August of 2010 and we are having a hard time deciding whether to settle for good or to just “land” before the expiration of our Visa and collect our PR cards.
I’m still under Contract with my current employer here in Dubai, UAE with a good enough tax free pay that we are seriously considering staying here for another year or two before we finally settle for good in Canada. My Wife is also entertaining the thought of going back to work here to bulk up our savings before we begin our new life as immigrants in another Country.
Below are the points that I would like to seek insights, opinions and advice on:
1. I realize that we have a 5 year window to live in Canada for a cumulative of at least 720 days to retain our PR Status. As stated above we are thinking of landing and eventually exit the Country upon the collection of our PR cards. I’ve read that upon landing, one must collect their PR cards, obtain a SIN and open a bank account. Our plan is to spend our 2 week holiday in Canada and was wondering if that time frame is enough to do all three?
2. The proof of fund requirement for a family of 3 is listed as $16,580 and I do realize that the more money you bring, the better. Realistically speaking, is the proof of fund requirement enough to settle and maybe tough out months of unemployment considering the state of the job market around the world brought about by the US recession?
3. I’ve read that it is duty free to bring personal and household goods into Canada and was wondering if it is worth the hassle to actually do so. The only thing of value that I’m seriously considering bringing (or having shipped) to Canada would be my hobby of 4 electric guitars, 2 guitar amplifiers and a myriad of guitar effects and accessories that I have accrued and grew an affinity for over the years of slaving my ass off here in Dubai.: Other items might include a LCD TV, printers, DVD’s (most importantly my 2 year old daughter’s movie collection.:lol and maybe a few of my daughter’s toys. To those that actually had their personal belongings/effects shipped to Canada, how was your experience and if you may, please recommend a shipping company that worked out for you.
4. I have a UAE driver’s license and I have been driving here for 4 years. How easy would it be for me to get a driver’s license in Canada?
I applied for our Immigrant Visa under the Federal Skilled Worker Class NOC “Construction Managers” which took about 9 months to process.
My Wife and I are altogether surprised how fast our application was approved. We are very excited at the prospect of relocating to Canada albeit a little apprehensive and scared at the thought of living in a Country without any relatives or friends to make the transition easier.
I realize there are many resources available online regarding my above concerns so please forgive me if there are existing similar threads in this forum. I’m just interested to hear people’s input regarding their experience during the process of migrating and successfully relocating to Canada.
I hope you guys can take the time to share your good and not so good experiences regarding my queries. Any input will be appreciated. TIA.
Ronald
P.S.
I apologize for the long post. Too much spare time.
My Family's application for Immigrant Visa has recently been approved and we've received our Passports back with the Visa stamped with the validity that reads up to September 2010.
We're planning to "land" in Canada sometime June/July/August of 2010 and we are having a hard time deciding whether to settle for good or to just “land” before the expiration of our Visa and collect our PR cards.
I’m still under Contract with my current employer here in Dubai, UAE with a good enough tax free pay that we are seriously considering staying here for another year or two before we finally settle for good in Canada. My Wife is also entertaining the thought of going back to work here to bulk up our savings before we begin our new life as immigrants in another Country.
Below are the points that I would like to seek insights, opinions and advice on:
1. I realize that we have a 5 year window to live in Canada for a cumulative of at least 720 days to retain our PR Status. As stated above we are thinking of landing and eventually exit the Country upon the collection of our PR cards. I’ve read that upon landing, one must collect their PR cards, obtain a SIN and open a bank account. Our plan is to spend our 2 week holiday in Canada and was wondering if that time frame is enough to do all three?
2. The proof of fund requirement for a family of 3 is listed as $16,580 and I do realize that the more money you bring, the better. Realistically speaking, is the proof of fund requirement enough to settle and maybe tough out months of unemployment considering the state of the job market around the world brought about by the US recession?
3. I’ve read that it is duty free to bring personal and household goods into Canada and was wondering if it is worth the hassle to actually do so. The only thing of value that I’m seriously considering bringing (or having shipped) to Canada would be my hobby of 4 electric guitars, 2 guitar amplifiers and a myriad of guitar effects and accessories that I have accrued and grew an affinity for over the years of slaving my ass off here in Dubai.: Other items might include a LCD TV, printers, DVD’s (most importantly my 2 year old daughter’s movie collection.:lol and maybe a few of my daughter’s toys. To those that actually had their personal belongings/effects shipped to Canada, how was your experience and if you may, please recommend a shipping company that worked out for you.
4. I have a UAE driver’s license and I have been driving here for 4 years. How easy would it be for me to get a driver’s license in Canada?
I applied for our Immigrant Visa under the Federal Skilled Worker Class NOC “Construction Managers” which took about 9 months to process.
My Wife and I are altogether surprised how fast our application was approved. We are very excited at the prospect of relocating to Canada albeit a little apprehensive and scared at the thought of living in a Country without any relatives or friends to make the transition easier.
I realize there are many resources available online regarding my above concerns so please forgive me if there are existing similar threads in this forum. I’m just interested to hear people’s input regarding their experience during the process of migrating and successfully relocating to Canada.
I hope you guys can take the time to share your good and not so good experiences regarding my queries. Any input will be appreciated. TIA.
Ronald
P.S.
I apologize for the long post. Too much spare time.