Every country has its own set of custom rules, Canada is no different! Like every country, Canada too does not allow certain things or in other words they are subjected to restrictions! Here is brief information about the shipping of certain goods:

• When you take animals like dogs, horses or birds along with you to Canada, you must make sure that you follow the health instructions/regulations. Besides, you must carry appropriate vaccination documents.
• If you are planning to carry food products like meat, learn about the regulations set by the Meat Inspection Division of the agricultural department, Ottawa. Learn about it before your arrival, else the products may be seized in the airport.
• Likewise, if you are taking plants and other plant materials with you, you must require to seek the permission from the Plant Products Division (Department of Agriculture), Canada beforehand.
• You are permitted to take wedding gifts with you, without paying duty charge, if you are planning to get married within three months after your arrival in Canada or if you were married three months before arrival.
• If you are taking some inheritance goods with you, you must carry a copy of the document that proves it, along with the death certificate of the deceased.
• If you are taking any type of liquor, you must pay duty fee and taxes for it! Moreover, the permits for any quantity are must.
• Firearms like revolvers, or pistols need permits. However, there are no restrictions in carrying rifles and shotguns that are meant for sports.
• If you are importing items like cars being bought after the month of March in 1977 that worth $10,000 with you, then you must pay for custom duty charge, along with taxes.

Ottawa - the capital city of Canada is one of the largest multicultural destinations in its country offering a wide range of attractions to the tourist and the immigrant population. The city offers various aspects for an explorer which involves history, culture, politics arts and so on. You can wander on your own in this city which keeps the enigma intact and ensures that you have your share of adventure.

The presence of a multicultural society in this city ensures that you are not an outsider. The people of the city are warm and extremely welcoming, similar to that of a rural city. This feature makes the place exotic – a large city with the feel of countryside makes it the perfect place to take time off your busy and boring schedule.

Stroll across the lush green parks in this eastern Ontario city. There are a total of eight hundred and fifty parks in this city. With this are the banks of the Ottawa River which separates it from the province of Quebec. The Rideau River and Canal adds to the beautiful pollution free environment of the city.

The city is also host to the world’s largest skating rink at the Rideau Canal which is used by the locals as well as the visitors.

The main places to visit include the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery of Canada, and the National Arts Centre amongst others. With this, there are around 45 festivals that are celebrated every year in this city. These celebrations add to the vigor and the vibrant colors of the city.

Above all, the neighborhoods are not to be missed out. Some such places are –

• Little Italy to feel the Italy in Canada. The place is known for restoring the Italian culture and heritage.
• Rockciffe is host to all the embassies and the residences of all the top Canadian Government officials including those of the PM and the Governor General.
• Downtown is known for its history and architecture in the centre of Ottawa.
• A waterfront village known as Manotick.
• Feel Asia in Somerset Chinatown.
• ByWard Market is a happening place for all those interested in shopping. It also has many pubs, restaurant and bars for those keen to meet new people and taste new cuisines. You can also find Canada’s oldest farmer’s market here.

So pack your bags and get exploring ASAP!

According to a recent report brought out by the Auditor General - Sheila Fraser in Canada, there are major issues with reference to the Canadian Immigration system. To overcome these faults, amendments have been proposed by Ottawa. However, if speculations are to be believed, little has been done to foresee the relative after effects.

The report states that the immigration policies are catering more to the individual provinces and the employers hiring immigrants. But nothing is being done to dig out the illegal and fraudulent cases being attempted. This mainly refers to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which permits many low skilled migrants for jobs including construction workers or nannies and so on.

With such immigrants, some of whom can’t even talk in English, the employers tend to abuse these workers which include paying low wages and so on. The Canadian government hold these immigrants in high regard and thus feels that nothing specific is being done to stop the abuse that the program has catered to.

With the help of this program, some employers also tend to bring in their relatives on these visas which probably could have been availed by a more deserving candidate. Also, these employers are then overseeing the family – reunification rules.

Looking into the above aspects, the Foreign Worker program is set to undergo changes since it plays a major role in the building the Canadian economy.

The report also states that the Provincial Nominee program is expected to become a major source for immigration where as the Federal Skilled Migrant program is going to fall down comparatively. Also, no minimum set criteria has been identified by Ottawa for the workers selected by the provinces. Thus, a review has also been called for all these programs.

Since Canada considers all its immigrant population an asset, it is important that as a prospective immigrant, you don’t fall prey to the above nuisances. Thus, it is best that you contact an Immigration and Visa Specialist who deals with Canadian immigration. He would be able to guide you with all the aspects and provide you with the relevant information regarding the incomes, salaries and wages and so on. So, Contact one today!

I believe that Romance is where your beloved is! Any place, no matter how beautiful it is, will look bland if your loved one is not near you! Still, I would like to share my list of some of the top romantic destinations for all of you. Here is the list…

Aspen, Colorado tops my list of top romantic destinations. This skier’s destination makes a perfect place for all the love birds out there. Even after ten or fifteen years of your marriage, the place holds the capacity to re-develop the love inside you once you land on this blissful destination. You can spend a quiet evening with your beau and sit beside a roaring fire or go for a night out in the famous pubs and clubs that the place is immensely famous for.

Second on the list would definitely be Venice, Italy! Many of you would agree with me, but there are some who may not. It depends upon individual preferences but this ancient city surely holds the charm to sweep your beloved off her feet. Ensure that you go for an evening gondola ride alongside the beautiful and romantic Venice canals and express your unending and enduring love for each other.

Third on the list would be New York. NYC has everything to enchant your lover and spend some beautiful moments of your life together. The whole experience spent with your loved one would be like a fairy tale, arrayed with every single aspect of a beautiful love story! Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Chinatown, and Brooklyn Bridge are some of the fascinating and dreamy places to roam with someone special!

Australia comes next on the list! Hayman Island tops my destinations when it comes to choosing any particular one in the Oz. It is located at 900 kilometers north of Brisbane. The place is small, but is cuddled with some of the stunning and sensational sceneries to enjoy with the love of your life. Not to forget the Great Barrier Reef!

Last but definitely not the least is Canada. The best part about the place is its soothing weather. Prince Edward Island, Ottawa, Kelowna, Churchill and Vancouver are some of the beautiful places to visit in Canada. All are decked with plenty of restaurants, pubs, cruises and romantic evenings!

You don’t need to have a whale of a bank-balance or a status of a celebrity to enjoy a romantic vacation abroad! With this thought in mind, just consult a Travel Visa expert and know as to how you can turn your dreams into reality!

Like every year, Mercer Consulting organized and conducted a survey on the best cities to work in the world. This survey caters to help the companies and governments across the world to make the world a better place for employment. More than 200 cities from different parts of the world were ranked in this study.

The various aspects included in the study were cost of living, infrastructure and so on.

The results of the survey showed five of the Canadian cities to be the best in the world in terms of standards of living. These include Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto. Vancouver was rated as the top city in North America ranking fourth in the world. This has clearly proved Canada elevating beyond any other city in the United States.

Other readings showed Ottawa moving three places up and ranking at 16th. However, Calgary went down by a position at the 26th spot. But, Toronto and Montreal were at the same rank as that of last year (15th and 22nd respectively).

The results also showed the effects of the recession with reducing numbers of the internationally – stationed employees. Due to this, many international assignments are being re – worked because of the financial crunch which has led to cost cutting initiatives. The survey also showed a reduction in the number of projects being implemented.

So, if recession has not perturbed you in any manner, then we suggest Vancouver being a great city to immigrate in Canada. Contact an Immigration and Visa veteran dealing with Canadian immigration since he would be in the best position to tell about the current scenario in Canada.

You have finally immigrated to Canada! Wow! No need to say that the last few days of completing the whole immigration process were really hectic and full of excitement. That phase has passed now. Now you must think about establishing yourself in Canada! Right?

You need to consider various aspects such as settling down, finding an accommodation, a nice job, getting your children enrolled in a good institution, to name a few. The very first thing that you need to do is run your mind through the following check list:

• Make sure that you have ample bank-balance to support self and dependants (if any). Also assure that you apply and/or shortlist some of the likely employers for a credible job in order to earn a stable income and maintain your bank-balance.
• Start exploring your “Housing Options.” Different places like Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa (to name a few) offer different prices as far as the accommodation is concerned. Make your move wisely.
• You have to see to it that you have applied for the Canadian identification and carry the relevant documents (like your license etc.) with you every time. In addition, keep some of the bank-receipts handy with yourself. You never know when you can need them.
• It is a wise option to keep some Canadian currency with you. You can exchange your money for the Canadian currency.
• Take care of yourself and maintain a health insurance that would keep you away from the future hassles. Take at least three months insurance for self and all family members immediately on landing on a PR visa. A wise decision would be to get one before landing in Canada.
• It is also beneficial to apply for a Health Insurance Card as soon as possible and permitted.
• Learn more about the local aspects like the transportation, pricing of basic utilities and so on. This way, you can keep yourself updated with the information on the current happenings around you. (Tip: Get a local map of your area and have a sneak peak of all the places located near you)
• Start working on your language and communication skills: This would help you in interacting with the local masses and keep your thoughts in front of them in a better way.
• Make a search and list out agencies and organizations – Government and NGO- that are mandated to help the newly landed immigrants and their families on various aspects related to starting the new life in Canada.
• You can also search communities, religious agencies and organizations that can help you in establishing a network with the already settled people in Canada.
• Last, but certainly not the least: Know about your rights and responsibilities under the Canadian Law and Human Rights.

Migrating to a new country is never easy. Such matters require a professional assistance from an experienced veteran beside you. Hire an immigration specialist today.

Have a Happy Stay!