First Day
Jun 1st 2005 | 11:30 am
#1
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,709
From: Flat Oxfordshire
First Day
Just about 24 hours since I landed in Calgary. So far I have had:
Good Points:
- Immigration officer was friendly. I would say that he made me quite welcome. Even gave me a 3 year work permit instead of the initial one year that I was expecting.
- Employer told told me that they don't expect to see much of me during my first week. Happy for me to spend as much time as I need to sort out our new life.
- Applied for SIN card. Even got a friendly smile from the lady behind the desk.
- Exchanged driving license. Very painless apart from the $40.
- Got taken for lunch by new colleagues. Worries about not drinking beer at lunchtime comletely unfounded
Bad Points:
- Enquiring about getting a mobile phone as a new resident. I'm sure that the sales guy for Bell thought that I was from another planet. Telus implied that because I was an immigrant I would probably do a runner so would have to deposit my first born as a security deposit. Rogers were OK although would want a token deposit.
- Missing my family since they won't be coming over until our house is sold
Good Points:
- Immigration officer was friendly. I would say that he made me quite welcome. Even gave me a 3 year work permit instead of the initial one year that I was expecting.
- Employer told told me that they don't expect to see much of me during my first week. Happy for me to spend as much time as I need to sort out our new life.
- Applied for SIN card. Even got a friendly smile from the lady behind the desk.
- Exchanged driving license. Very painless apart from the $40.
- Got taken for lunch by new colleagues. Worries about not drinking beer at lunchtime comletely unfounded
Bad Points:
- Enquiring about getting a mobile phone as a new resident. I'm sure that the sales guy for Bell thought that I was from another planet. Telus implied that because I was an immigrant I would probably do a runner so would have to deposit my first born as a security deposit. Rogers were OK although would want a token deposit.
- Missing my family since they won't be coming over until our house is sold
Jun 1st 2005 | 7:36 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 551
From: Fall River, Nova Scotia.
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by Posidrive
Just about 24 hours since I landed in Calgary. So far I have had:
Good Points:
- Immigration officer was friendly. I would say that he made me quite welcome. Even gave me a 3 year work permit instead of the initial one year that I was expecting.
- Employer told told me that they don't expect to see much of me during my first week. Happy for me to spend as much time as I need to sort out our new life.
- Applied for SIN card. Even got a friendly smile from the lady behind the desk.
- Exchanged driving license. Very painless apart from the $40.
- Got taken for lunch by new colleagues. Worries about not drinking beer at lunchtime comletely unfounded
Bad Points:
- Enquiring about getting a mobile phone as a new resident. I'm sure that the sales guy for Bell thought that I was from another planet. Telus implied that because I was an immigrant I would probably do a runner so would have to deposit my first born as a security deposit. Rogers were OK although would want a token deposit.
- Missing my family since they won't be coming over until our house is sold
Good Points:
- Immigration officer was friendly. I would say that he made me quite welcome. Even gave me a 3 year work permit instead of the initial one year that I was expecting.
- Employer told told me that they don't expect to see much of me during my first week. Happy for me to spend as much time as I need to sort out our new life.
- Applied for SIN card. Even got a friendly smile from the lady behind the desk.
- Exchanged driving license. Very painless apart from the $40.
- Got taken for lunch by new colleagues. Worries about not drinking beer at lunchtime comletely unfounded
Bad Points:
- Enquiring about getting a mobile phone as a new resident. I'm sure that the sales guy for Bell thought that I was from another planet. Telus implied that because I was an immigrant I would probably do a runner so would have to deposit my first born as a security deposit. Rogers were OK although would want a token deposit.
- Missing my family since they won't be coming over until our house is sold
sounds as though it went well, pain free. We go over within 2 weeks now so hope it goes just aswell. I'm sure your family (with the dogs) won't be long behind. Good luck with everything.
Jun 1st 2005 | 8:20 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 717
From: Wellington, Nova Scotia
Re: First Day
Congratulations m8, i hope your family can join you soon, so glad to hear everything is going smoothly.
Rosie
Rosie
Jun 2nd 2005 | 2:36 am
#4
Now on Vancouver Island
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,935
From: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Re: First Day
Good to hear, Posidrive. Wishing you all the best.
Jun 2nd 2005 | 6:28 am
#5
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 122
Re: First Day
Very best of luck - have been in Calgary since Feb 5th - having a great time. Have been speaking to some Brits via email and have been informed of a Brit get together at the Rose & Crown Pub on 4th St SW on Wednesday June 15th at 7.00pm - feel free to attend.
Jun 2nd 2005 | 6:38 am
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,192
From: The Republic of Bacon
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by Posidrive
Just about 24 hours since I landed in Calgary. So far I have had:
Good Points:
- Immigration officer was friendly. I would say that he made me quite welcome. Even gave me a 3 year work permit instead of the initial one year that I was expecting.
- Employer told told me that they don't expect to see much of me during my first week. Happy for me to spend as much time as I need to sort out our new life.
- Applied for SIN card. Even got a friendly smile from the lady behind the desk.
- Exchanged driving license. Very painless apart from the $40.
- Got taken for lunch by new colleagues. Worries about not drinking beer at lunchtime comletely unfounded
Bad Points:
- Enquiring about getting a mobile phone as a new resident. I'm sure that the sales guy for Bell thought that I was from another planet. Telus implied that because I was an immigrant I would probably do a runner so would have to deposit my first born as a security deposit. Rogers were OK although would want a token deposit.
- Missing my family since they won't be coming over until our house is sold
Good Points:
- Immigration officer was friendly. I would say that he made me quite welcome. Even gave me a 3 year work permit instead of the initial one year that I was expecting.
- Employer told told me that they don't expect to see much of me during my first week. Happy for me to spend as much time as I need to sort out our new life.
- Applied for SIN card. Even got a friendly smile from the lady behind the desk.
- Exchanged driving license. Very painless apart from the $40.
- Got taken for lunch by new colleagues. Worries about not drinking beer at lunchtime comletely unfounded
Bad Points:
- Enquiring about getting a mobile phone as a new resident. I'm sure that the sales guy for Bell thought that I was from another planet. Telus implied that because I was an immigrant I would probably do a runner so would have to deposit my first born as a security deposit. Rogers were OK although would want a token deposit.
- Missing my family since they won't be coming over until our house is sold
I haven't seen this much rain since I was last in the UK! 
Seriously Posi - welcome, and enjoy! See ya Monday, if not before
Jun 2nd 2005 | 6:52 am
#7
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,709
From: Flat Oxfordshire
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by NewCalgarian
Very best of luck - have been in Calgary since Feb 5th - having a great time. Have been speaking to some Brits via email and have been informed of a Brit get together at the Rose & Crown Pub on 4th St SW on Wednesday June 15th at 7.00pm - feel free to attend.
Jun 2nd 2005 | 6:56 am
#8
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 122
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by Posidrive
Bit of a bummer, back in the UK that week to motivate lazy estate agent. Please let me know when the next one is
Sure thing
Jun 2nd 2005 | 10:55 am
#9
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,709
From: Flat Oxfordshire
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by wensamjam
Well done Posidrive,
sounds as though it went well, pain free. We go over within 2 weeks now so hope it goes just aswell. I'm sure your family (with the dogs) won't be long behind. Good luck with everything.
sounds as though it went well, pain free. We go over within 2 weeks now so hope it goes just aswell. I'm sure your family (with the dogs) won't be long behind. Good luck with everything.
Was even more amazed today. Got a mobile phone on a standard two year FIDO deal (Had to be Rogers or Fido for GSM coverage in Europe). As some information to anyone reading this post, if there is any way at all that you can get an HSBC Premier Account before you arrive, go for it big time. Get them to setup your Canadian bank account and Mastercard in advance and hey presto you appear to have some Canadian credit history. I realise that I was lucky in being able to do this, but ....
Jun 2nd 2005 | 11:13 am
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,192
From: The Republic of Bacon
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by Posidrive
Got a mobile phone on a standard two year FIDO deal
Jun 2nd 2005 | 11:16 am
#11
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,709
From: Flat Oxfordshire
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by Calgal
Well - this just proves it true - men DON'T listen
Jun 2nd 2005 | 4:17 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 245
From: Vancouver
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by Posidrive
Just about 24 hours since I landed in Calgary. So far I have had:
Good Points:
- Immigration officer was friendly. I would say that he made me quite welcome. Even gave me a 3 year work permit instead of the initial one year that I was expecting.
- Employer told told me that they don't expect to see much of me during my first week. Happy for me to spend as much time as I need to sort out our new life.
- Applied for SIN card. Even got a friendly smile from the lady behind the desk.
- Exchanged driving license. Very painless apart from the $40.
- Got taken for lunch by new colleagues. Worries about not drinking beer at lunchtime comletely unfounded
Bad Points:
- Enquiring about getting a mobile phone as a new resident. I'm sure that the sales guy for Bell thought that I was from another planet. Telus implied that because I was an immigrant I would probably do a runner so would have to deposit my first born as a security deposit. Rogers were OK although would want a token deposit.
- Missing my family since they won't be coming over until our house is sold
Good Points:
- Immigration officer was friendly. I would say that he made me quite welcome. Even gave me a 3 year work permit instead of the initial one year that I was expecting.
- Employer told told me that they don't expect to see much of me during my first week. Happy for me to spend as much time as I need to sort out our new life.
- Applied for SIN card. Even got a friendly smile from the lady behind the desk.
- Exchanged driving license. Very painless apart from the $40.
- Got taken for lunch by new colleagues. Worries about not drinking beer at lunchtime comletely unfounded
Bad Points:
- Enquiring about getting a mobile phone as a new resident. I'm sure that the sales guy for Bell thought that I was from another planet. Telus implied that because I was an immigrant I would probably do a runner so would have to deposit my first born as a security deposit. Rogers were OK although would want a token deposit.
- Missing my family since they won't be coming over until our house is sold
Hi Posidrive
Congrats on the recent move We will be doing the same in Aug/ Sept.
Sorry I have not been following your threads - Are you on a work permit?
If so, when you arrived, did you got your work permit at the immigration point in the airport? ( We are still waiting for it to be issued via HRDC.)
Where did you get your SIN number from?
Any advice welcome
Thanks
Bombards
Jun 3rd 2005 | 1:07 am
#13
Gone Walkabout
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 611
Re: First Day
[QUOTE=Posidrive]Just about 24 hours since I landed in Calgary. So far I have had....../QUOTE]
Jealous jealous jealous........!!!!!
By the way, did I mention that I am really happy for you??
No? Oh, well. Jealous jealous jealous!!!!!!!!
Jealous jealous jealous........!!!!!
By the way, did I mention that I am really happy for you??
No? Oh, well. Jealous jealous jealous!!!!!!!!
Jun 3rd 2005 | 2:19 am
#14
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,709
From: Flat Oxfordshire
Re: First Day
Originally Posted by bombards
Hi Posidrive
Congrats on the recent move We will be doing the same in Aug/ Sept.
Sorry I have not been following your threads - Are you on a work permit?
If so, when you arrived, did you got your work permit at the immigration point in the airport? ( We are still waiting for it to be issued via HRDC.)
Where did you get your SIN number from?
Any advice welcome
Thanks
Bombards
Congrats on the recent move We will be doing the same in Aug/ Sept.
Sorry I have not been following your threads - Are you on a work permit?
If so, when you arrived, did you got your work permit at the immigration point in the airport? ( We are still waiting for it to be issued via HRDC.)
Where did you get your SIN number from?
Any advice welcome
Thanks
Bombards
). It arrived two days before I was due to fly out. Had to hastle them by fax to speed things up despite being initially told it would take 2 weeks from application.You can get the permit at the airport. Try to get your employer to contact immigration at the point of entry in advance and get them to send you a letter of introduction that you can give to the immigration officials that says how wonderful and necessery you are. Make sure that you also have your employment offer plus HRSDC case number with you.
You apply for your SIN number when you get here since they need the work permit details. I went to the Harry HAyes building in 4th Avenue. Took all of 5 minutes. You get the number about 5 weeks later since they no longer appear to issue temporary numbers.
Jun 3rd 2005 | 2:48 am
#15
Deep in the red C.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,663
Re: First Day
Congrats and welcome Posidrive!
Just in time for stampede too! Did you get your health insurance sorted?
Just in time for stampede too! Did you get your health insurance sorted?
