Moving to a new country brings in a lot of excitement, but at the same time the whole procedure is accompanied by a fair amount of stress too!

• First of all, make your mind that you really want to move on to this new country. A mind filled with speculations or doubts cannot succeed. Ask yourself whether the new culture will really suit you and your family members! Remove all the confusions and head on towards a better future.
• Preparation is the key to excellence. Search for your job and house well in advance to avoid any hassles in future. Assure that you have enough financial assets to sustain in the first few struggling months of your move. Good budgeting makes all the difference when it comes to moving to an altogether new world.
• Think what you want to do with your current home (Give it on rent, sell it, leave it). What about the household items? Make a thorough check-list of what to the stuff that you need to pack and take with you and the items that need to be discarded. Transportation aspect needs to be a reliable one.
• If you have already got a job in the new country, know about the relocation benefits offered by your company. Also understand all the benefits offered by your firm before making the final move as no one wants to end up in a messy situation after landing in a new country and know the hidden clauses later on!
• If the prospective country has a new language, ensure that you learn its official language to ensure your comfort level and enhance your chances of a better future.
• Ensure that the documentation is right in order! There are so many things including birth certificate, experience certificate, financial proofs, to name a few. This is one of the most critical aspects and requires an expert guidance from an experience Immigration veteran.

Good luck!

As an immigrant to Canada, you would have to get accustomed to traveling long distances. Most families own more than one car. If it is difficult for you to buy a car as soon as you land, it is suggested that you look for all the possible options. Another option is to get a car on lease which is a form of car rental.

Manage your finances accordingly before you plunge in to transportation costs. Incase you buy a car; your costs would include all the maintenance charges, cost for the gas, the timely loan payments, insurance and other administrative costs. It would be the same if you hire a vehicle. However, incase of a lease, you would sign an agreement with the contractor.

In Canada, it is mandatory to sign for car insurance and get your car registered with the local provincial government. This insurance would be handy to all the drivers in case of any accidents. To know more, you can contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Other options include public transport or walking or using a bike since they are the cheaper modes of transportation. The public modes include buses, the subways and the metro or the suburban trains or commuter trains.

The costs for the transportation vary according to the city you live in. It would be more if you live in a big city such as Toronto, Montreal and so on when compared to the rural or the smaller towns.

It is best to contact an Immigration and Visa Specialist dealing with Canadian Immigration since he would be the best person to guide you. He can give you the exact position of the place where you plan to immigrate. This would help you better plan your expenses. So, contact one today!

Proper maintenance of heavy-duty mobile equipment is no child’s play. Heavy pieces of equipment are used in forestry, landscaping, farming, material handling, land clearing, transportation, construction and many such activities. Repairing, overhauling, adjusting, maintaining and troubleshooting these pieces of equipment cater to the job of heavy-duty equipment mechanics.

Companies that deal in the manufacture and operation of these heavy pieces of equipment, dealers of heavy equipment pieces, service and rental establishments, urban systems of transit and railway transportation companies are the probable employers of these professionals of the NOCL occupation “heavy-duty equipment mechanics”.

Job titles that are accepted under this occupation are: heavy equipment mechanic, locomotive mechanic, heavy mobile logging equipment mechanic, farm equipment mechanic, tractor mechanic, construction equipment mechanic, diesel mechanic – heavy equipment, heavy-duty equipment mechanic apprentice and many others.

Before we move onto the job duties that come handy with this occupation, let us know about the employment requirements that an applicant must possess to qualify under this occupation. These requirements are given below:

• Secondary school completion
• Completion of an apprenticeship program of the duration of 3-5 years. Or, four years of trade experience along with any college, high school or industry level courses in the repair of heavy equipment is required, so that you are eligible to apply for trade certification
• To work in Alberta and Quebec, you must have the heavy-duty equipment mechanic trade certification but this is a voluntary requirement in other territories and provinces
• Another certification that is made available is farm equipment mechanic trade certification, though this is again voluntary in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Labrador, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan
• Interprovincial trade certification or Red Seal is another certification that is made available farm equipment mechanics and heavy-duty equipment mechanics, who are well qualified

If you know you can successfully qualify through this first phase of selection under the NOCL occupation “heavy-duty equipment mechanics,” do not be in a hurry to congratulate yourself for the second phase involves primary duties that you are expected to perform as a professional of this occupation. You can check these duties below:

• Checking bulldozers, graders, cranes and other such heavy pieces of equipment that are used in agricultural, mining, logging and construction for better performance. Equipment are also checked for malfunctions and faults
• Diagnosing malfunctions or faults with the use of computers and other equipment of testing to determine the repair required
• Adjusting equipment and replacing or replacing of components, defective parts by employing power and hand tools
• Testing repaired equipment for enhanced performance and to make sure that specifications of the manufacturer are met at work
• Cleaning, lubricating and performing other everyday maintenance work of equipment
• Working tools and service attachments, like tillage equipment, harvesting equipment, side booms, winches, ploughs and blades
• May have to repair heavy trucks
• May have to adjust new equipment for the farm and attach components
• Farm and heavy-duty equipment mechanics can have specialty in specific machinery types, like fuel injection, electronics, hydraulics, power shift transmission, tracked vehicle or engine overhaul

Being able to satisfy these requirements, make you eligible for Canada skilled migration with extra points earned under the NOCL’s occupation “heavy-duty equipment mechanics.” So, hurry and hire an experienced immigration consultant today.

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!

Fine cuisines, amazing culture, and plenty of luring places – Montreal has got everything to offer! The place is not only boosted for its charming distinctions but for its moderate cost of living too!

Housing

Accommodation is readily available at competitive prices. There is a gamut of options such as Single-room apartment, Double-room apartment and so on. A Standard Two-Storey may cost somewhere between $299,100 and $300,200. Similarly, you can expect to spend a cost of $207,800 for a good Townhouse in Montreal (Based on a 25% down payment and a 25-year mortgage loan at a five-year).

Montreal is also decked with various options – be it modern single-family dwellings, apartments, traditional homes, townhouses or lofts! Therefore, people have the alternative to choose from a pool of options in accordance with their needs and preference levels.

International students can even opt for “Shared Apartments” that are readily available everywhere in Montreal. This may cost them somewhere between $700 and $815 (including food and general bills) on a monthly basis (The cost may vary depending upon the size of the apartment and luxuries opted!).

Education

The Montreal education is one of the main priorities for a majority of students. The cost of education is dependant on the course chosen and the personal standard of living of every student. But the overall education cost can be termed quite moderate when compared with other cities. In fact, the education system of Quebec is regarded as one of the modest options in the entire continent.

Food

Eating out in Montreal is actually quite affordable. The portions are large and the quantity served is ample for everyone! The food can cost $600 - $700 (for two) on a monthly basis, which is not at all bad, especially when you are offered some of the best dishes in the world.

Transportation

Montreal Transit System is the life of the city! It is well coordinated and extremely efficient when it comes to taking care of everyone’s needs. Buses, Metro and Trains serve the purpose of transportation with an ease. In addition, the cost factor is moderate too!

People opting for private transportation should remain cautious with their expenses as car maintenance could alter their “overall budget” to a certain extent. In addition, they need to take care of their car insurance and other facets related with their private transportation.

Facts never deviate from the truth! Montreal is, and therefore will always be, one of the most cherished places to live in. It is mandatory to fulfill all the immigration related necessities and have a visa in order to live a hassle-free life in Montreal. Hire a visa and immigration expert today!

A Glance: Clean surroundings, cosmopolitan ambiance, wonderful recreational facilities and cultural amenities, Toronto has everything to offer! In addition, Toronto is one of the top financial hubs of the world and has a high cost of living. But when compared to other developed countries, it is one of the least expensive cities to live on this globe.

Different People, Different Choices: People vary considerably in their individual tastes. Their choice of accommodation and other utilities may ultimately decide their cost-of-living. Also, different people have different perceptions. For instance, a person belonging to a middle class family may look at Toronto as a place, which is decked with higher cost of living. He may judge the place on the basis of his own financial conditions. Same goes with a person who is rich and prosperous. He might label Toronto as a moderate place to live in. But it is not the ‘Perceptions’ that decide about a particular aspect, it is the ‘Facts’, which state the reality!

Facts: According to a survey on the Internet, an average cup of coffee costs $3.35 in a particular metropolitan city, while it costs only $1.85 in Toronto.

In a comparison with the same city, figures say that the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $4,275, while it is $1,658 in Toronto. That says it all about the “Cost of Living in Toronto.”

Accommodation, Goods and Services: Housing costs in the Toronto region are competitive and much economical when compared with other major economic centers worldwide. In addition, expenses for goods and services are moderate in Toronto.

Transportation: The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides public transit within the city. Subway systems, buses and street cars form the backbone of the transportation in Toronto. In addition, an extensive rail and bus transit system is highly popular in the Greater Toronto Area. The expenses incurred on the public transportation are pretty economical. On the other hand, owing a private vehicle may affect your cost-of-living, depending upon your regular income and total bank-balance.

Education: Students vary in their choices and preference levels. Toronto is home to a number of post-secondary academic institutions, which are considered as some of the most applauded educational centers at present. In addition, here is a rough estimate of what might cost a student to reside in Toronto. The expenses are estimated for 12 months and exclude housing and tuition.

• Clothing: $600.00 - $750.00 (Depending upon your choice of brand and preferences)
• Food: $3,000.00 - $4,000.00
• Books and instruments : $700.00 - $800.00 (May vary with the course opted and your specialization)
• Miscellaneous (transportation, postage, stationery, pharmacy, supplies, etc.): $3,000.00 - $4,000.00
• Health Insurance for Int’l. student: $500.00 - $600.00
• Local Transportation (if off campus): $1,100.00 - $1, 500.00
• Supplemental Insurance: $130.00

The crux of the matter is that Toronto, in general, is a decent and one of the most moderate places to live, study and work!

Get Ready for a Deluxe Lifestyle!

Vancouver is one of the most scenic cities of Canada. With splendid natural beauty, guaranteed awe-inspiring places and a lot more… Vancouver can be the place of your ultimate choice. The city is not only applauded for its enchanting sightseeing options but is regarded as a brilliant place to live in. The “magnificent neighborhoods” of Coal Harbour and Yaletown are a delight for any luxury lover out there. But its popularity comes with a price!

Knowing the fact that the city is going to host the upcoming Winter Olympics in the year 2010, the housing aspect in the city has become somewhat lavish when compared to other cities in Canada. Speculations are that the prices would cool down once this rush would get over. Further, there are assumptions that the city has been working on several facets to reduce the housing costs in a major way.

What the facts have to say? It is assumed that a person can comfortably live in Vancouver if he can manage to spend a sum of around CAD$700 - CAD$800 per month for his basic expenses (including food, clothing, and transportation amongst others). You can spend more in accordance with your income capacity and lifestyle!

What about your meals? You can expect to spend a total of around CAD$200 - CAD$400 per month for one single adult. Cost may vary depending upon your choice of food (be it home-made or ordered from a restaurant) accordingly.

Accommodation:  Vancouver is decked with various choices for people of all classes and income levels – be it a bachelor apartment, a one-bedroom apartment, a three-bedroom apartment and so on, You Name It and It Has It! The cost can start from CAD $550 (for a Bachelor Apartment) and can rise up to $1500, depending upon your choice and luxury level.

Transportation: The public transit system of Vancouver (that includes buses, Sea Buses and Trains) is one of the finest in the continent. People, especially students and those belonging to the middle-class find the system highly beneficial. Of course, the ones with higher income can easily afford a private vehicle in a city like Vancouver!

Other Expenses: Frequent expenses like medical and entertainment costs should never be ignored. You can expect to spend CAD$15 - CAD$25 for a good movie and munching in the theater. Other expenses include medical bills, insurance costs that may take your expenses to another level. So, it is recommended to spare some money for future use and inculcate the habit if “saving” for your future use.

In order to commence a hassle-free stay, hire the services of a professional visa and immigration consultant today. Happy Living!

A Sneak Peak!

A “Permanent Resident Card” is critical to provide an evidence of your permanent resident status and is a must for all the permanent residents of Canada. The below mentioned information is for those who are applying for the same and/or for the renewal/replacement of a PR Card. The PR card is valid for a period of five years, after which it is essential to renew it.

Rules Say It All

Since the year 2002, it is mandatory that every permanent resident of Canada holds a valid PR Card. It is also required for all those people who are planning to travel abroad and return back via different means of transportation. If you are one of those who have received your permanent residence after the year 2002, then there is no need to worry as you will be given a PR Card upon landing to Canada. In other cases, you are required to file an application for the same as soon as possible. An ace immigration and visa veteran would give you perfect advice on the relevant matters with luminosity.

Renewing or Replacing PR Card

There are various reasons as to why one would replace or renew one’s PR Card. Some of them are:

• If the card is lost or stolen
• If the card is fully/partially destroyed
• To update the card after making certain legal changes
• To replace the card that is mutilated or has incorrect information
• If the card is on the verge of expiring (or has expired) (It is recommended that you must apply for renewal two months prior to the expiry date)

And more!

A Glance of the PR card Renewal Application Process*

• The application procedure requires a fine detail of the places where you have traveled in the last five years. In addition, you need to mention your address and employment history at the same time.
• You are required to show your old card at the time of collecting your new PR Card. You can consult an immigration expert on further issues.

* In all cases, it is mandatory to return the old card to get the replacement card.
The process is somewhat complex and requires the assistance from a proficient immigration and visa advisor.