Hi all,

Jason and I arrived in Calgary 16th May and we wanted to share our experience so far......

Passport and customs was a breeze....we had all documentation with us and found the lady who issued our TWP pleasant and helpful.

We picked up the rental car from the airport and decided that we would rent a Garmin (sat nav) for the first 2 weeks. This we would definately recommend...and it effortlessly took us to our accommodation.

After trawling the internet for some temporary, yet appropriate digs, we decided on renting a vacation cottage in Bridgeland NE, this we would also recommend, the cost was in line with hotel prices yet we got a whole house with everything there...towels, linen, washing machine and dryer and detergent, access to a computer and internet, all kitchen facilities and a back yard which we have been able to use and have BBQs.

The location was also a plus as we have been able to walk into downtown Calgary and there is also a bus route that will take you to and from Downtown.

After taking the weekend to relax, we started on Tuesday with the neccesary paperwork......Using the address of where we were staying we have been able to get our SIN processed and have also got our Medicare card...these were easy to achieve as we had all the neccessary documentation with us...passport, visa and a copy of Jasons work contract. Within 6 days our official SIN card arrived through the post and the Medicare card was issued on the spot.

Next was a trip to the bank, As we have banked with HSBC in the Uk for years we decided that this woud be the best option for ourselves. We would recommend that when you arrive at the bank you ask to be dealt with by someone who has experience in processing 'passport accounts'. Our experience was extremely satisfying, we walked out with a joint chequing account, saving account, internet banking facility, 12 blank cheques and a mastercard each, they matched Jasons credit limit that he had in the Uk and added a bit more. Our guy took the time to explain how the Canadian banking system works (quite different from the UK)and we walked away confident...

Confident that our finances were in place the next job was to find some more permanent accommodation, we decided that we wanted to rent, a 2 bed house and looked to have our utilities included in the montly rental price...this we found again trawling the internet. Organised a viewing and a meeting with the landlord....yet again armed with ALL DOCUMENTATION. We fell in love with the house and the following day after they had confirmed jasons employment we received a phonecall saying that we have been successful and the landlord came round to our place, we completed the rental agreement!!! filled in a security deposit cheque and gave him the first months cheque. We move in on saturday 31st may!!!! SO EXCITED!!!

Now that we had a permanent address the next stage of the process for us was to go and get our UK driving licences transfered to Canadian. This was also fairly straight forward as we had ALL DOCUMENTATION with us. a temporary licence was issued and we are now awaiting the arrival of our official Canadian driving licence. This will be posted and delivered to our new address.

Next stage we needed a car! We decided that we would go to 3 main dealerships and see what we would be able to get. Understanding that we are on a TWP and have a visa for 2 years.
Went to One well known British dealership and said that we were interested in trying to purchase a used 4 by 4. No help really and was flobbed off into buying a used vehicle with lots of miles on the clock. We didn't proceed.

Next dealership a big German dealer and we found that the price of the car and the down payments on the car were too expensive. Didn't proceed.

The final dealership was was a smaller German manufacteur 'the peoples favourite', we were introduced to a sales rep with an enormous amount of experience who was able to deal with people in our situation (on a visa) who needed a lease on a car, we explained our situation and after talking, a common goal between us was established.....2 litre basic golf that was brand new. Looking at the figures he explained that we were more likely to get an agreement from the lease company....(the figures were realistic to our present situation). Within 24 hrs we had full comfirmation from the lease company and we take procession of our shinny new car on Thursday a day before we have to return the rented vehicle. ( if on 6 mth visa on 1 yr visa a deposit or downpayment maybe be required to make the process work).

Our car rep recommended his own personal insurance broker who he has been with for the last 15 years or so, (he did also suggest that we shop around). We paid her a visit and she was very experienced and able to explain our UK proof of policy (insurance) to the insurance company and they were able to accept our driving record and no claim bonuses which gave us a five star discount. (recommend that you bring your old scheldule of insurance that shows clearly your no claims discount as this can help to reduce your insurance premimums). We were very happy with the quote she gave us and accepted. CAD$1600 fully comp and 2 named drivers. Will pay in monthly installments.

So there you have our experiences, job done in 10 days. If you would like any further information please let us know and we can PM you with specfic names and details..

Our Golden rule for smooth transition is to have ALL DOCUMENTATION with you at all times!!!!! and a positive attitude!!! makes life for yourselves and the people you are dealing with so much easier!!! (the demanding British way is not the Canadian way)

Wishing you all the very best and every success in your future ventures....may the transition be as smooth as ours.

Love and Light, Jo and Jason

Well done, Jo and Jason! I am impressed.

Excellent advice from model expats.

Another great tip.

All the best for the next couple of years.
x

Well done indeed. I have to process SIN, Medicare, licence etc. on arrival in the first week of August so will PM you for details... but it may be worth your adding to the WIKIs (or posting here so that dear Judy who is a genius at this can cut and paste the relevant bits for you.)

Well done on such a smooth entrance into your new life, wish you all the very best

Thank you very much for an interesting post.

Very interesting

i love reading happy ending's, well happy new lives

Good luck with everything

Gill

I am glad that the first 10 days (12 now ) have gone so well for you. You seem to have a very positive outlook, so am sure that all will continue to go well.
Good luck with your future life in Canada.

What a very informative post. Thank you.

We too are landing in Calgary at the end of August. We have pnp nomination and have applied for PR. We are hoping that PR comes through before we go but not holding our breath. Can I ask about when you landed in Calgary and got your TWP, did you complete the forms beforehand? did they help with all the details. I was thinking of doing that but am a little worried in case they refuse to issue the permit. I didn't want to apply for the work permit beforehand incase PR is approved (It's an expensive process enough without having to pay for TWP if there is a chance that we will get PR first! although obviously if we have to we will!)

It's great to hear you've had such a good experience, good luck in the future and hope your dreams come true!

Karen

Welcome, well done and best wishes

Wow you have certainly been busy. I must admit that was a little worried that you would find suitable accommodation in one of your previous posts with the "smelly and stinky" name!!!
Jo

Actually, a lot of this is in the Wiki already.

The article called Arrival To Do List covers the things you mentioned.

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER

Here is Service Canada's website that provides locations of Service Canada Centres where you can apply for your SIN.

The most convenient one for you (because it's nearer your house and because it's less busy than the downtown branch) is:

Calgary North Service Canada Centre
1816 Crowchild Trail North-West
Calgary

Open Monday to Friday from 08.30 am to 4.30 pm

It's important to take your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) AND visa counterfoil attached to your passport OR your permanent resident card. (I like to play it safe and overdeliver so, even if I had a PR card, I would take it and my passport as well.)

Just to be safe, there's also a Wiki article called Social Insurance Number. But I think you already have the relevant information.

MEDICARE

The registration procedure is explained in the Wiki called Alberta - Health Topics.

You have the option of mailing the application forms to an address in Edmonton or going in person to

727 - 7th Avenue SW
Calgary

(8.15 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday)

You used the first person singular. If your husband will be arriving later, I think it would be a good idea to read the Landing at different times section of that article.

DRIVER'S LICENCE

The Wiki article called Alberta - Driving licence explains how to exchange an English licence for an Alberta one.

Here is a page that you can use to search for registry agents.

The closest one to you probably is:

Alberta Motor Association
220 Crowfoot Cres NW
Tel. (403) 249-5533

Hope that helps.
x

Jo and Jason - thanks for sharing your experiences! This was really interesting and useful to read. Glad it all went smoothly for you!

What a great post! I do love a happy ending.

Thank you everyone for your kind wishes.
Glad people have found our experiences useful. Jo and Jason

Congratulations Jo and Jason.