Essential Things to Bring When You Are Migrating
Before flying, we made a checklist on what to bring. This will ensure that we have all the needed documents before we move out of the country. It’s actually not so hard to research since most web sites and blogs have a section on “things to do/bring before landing”.
My favorite sites for these kind of research are either canadavisa.com forum or settlement.org. Be sure to bring whatever you think you’ll be needing since it will be hard for you to get these documents/things once you’ve landed.
To Bring | Description |
Passports | Must not be expiring within 6 months |
Confirmation of Permanent Residence Form | This document should be included when they give you your visa, one for you and one per individual coming with you. |
B4E – Personal Effects Accounting Documents (Accompanying items)
B4A – Personal Effects Accounting Documents (Items to follow) |
All items listed here will be tax free.
Downloaded here: B4E: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf B4A: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf186a.pdf |
E677 – CROSS-BORDER CURRENCY OR MONETARY INSTRUMENTS REPORT
|
If you are bringing more than CAD 10,000 (cash and any other monetary instruments) you need to declare this with the Canadian customs.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/e677.pdf |
Foreign Currency and Other Foreign Exchange-Denominated Bearer Monetary Instruments Declaration Form
|
This is the counterpart of form E677 in the Philippines.
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/publications/tables/2012_11/news-11132012a1.pdf |
Birth Certificates | Bring at least two copies per person. This can be ordered online now through this site: https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Default.aspx |
Marriage Certificates | Bring at least two copies. This can be ordered online now through this site: https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Default.aspx |
Medical Records | Bring all medical records, including the one you’ve submitted during your medical exam. This should be typewritten. |
Dental Records | Ask your dentist for your dental records. Our dentist used the form from the Philippine Dental Association. |
Children’s Vaccination Form | If you have children coming with you, be sure to have their pediatrician list down all the vaccines administered to your children. The form should also be included in your Visa pack but, if it’s missing, you can download it here: http://www.chinacanada.ca/ss/down/immunization.pdf |
IELTS | Bring your original IELTS results |
ECA | Bring your original Education Credential Assessment document |
Transcript of Records | Bring at least two original or certified true copies of Transcript of Records coming from your school |
Diploma | Bring the original diploma |
COE | Bring original certificates of employment from all the companies that you and your wife worked for |
Drivers License | Bring driver’s license and receipt |
LTO Certification with Red Ribbon | Bring original document. Note this document has a 6-month expiry. |
Bank Draft and Canadian Dollars | Bring all monetary instruments with you, you must declare if more than 10,000 |
Medicines | Bring medicines, especially if you have maintenance meds |
In filling out the personal effects accounting documents, you need not list down everything per piece (although this one is advisable). You can lump it into logical groups such as clothes, gadgets, shoes, food, etc. In our case, the customs officer didn’t ask for this form and told us that the goods to follow form is what matters.
We still have jet lag, thus this post at 6 in the morning EST. Until next post.
Hi,
I’ve been reading your blog and it’s very informative. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
I’ll also be migrating to Canada soon. I’d like to clarify a few things. Do we really need the following?
1. Two copies of birth certificate (why do we need 2 copies?)
2. Two copies of TOR (why do we need 2 copies)
3. Red ribbon of driver’s license (someon I know from Canada said it is okay to show just the Philippine driver’s license when applying for Canada drivers license. No need for red ribbon. Is this true?)
Would greatly appreciate reply. Congratulations on finding a job 🙂
Bunny
Hi Bunny,
Congratulations and welcome to Canada in advance.
See my answers below:
For 1 and 2, it’s my personal preference, just in case I’ll be needing to submit original copies here. Anyway, it’s up to you. 🙂
3. If you’ll be using just your license, at least here in Ontario, you can drive for 60 days without securing an Ontario issued license. Now, if you want to secure a full license (g2 and g) without going through the g1(student license) 1 year requirement, you need to prove that you’ve been driving for more than two years and that’s the time you will use your certification. Every province has different requirements. Be sure to research it before going here so you can secure whatever document is needed.
I hope I was able to answer your questions. I haven’t secured any license my self so as soon as I get one, I’ll share my experience.
God bless.
Good day! I am also applying for immigrant visa but as of now we are on the documentation process. But i have problem with my employment contract.I just want to ask any opinion or suggestion if we cannot get employment contract from our employee what i should do. Thank you!
Hi Ghensa,
Good day to you too. I’m assuming you already got your ITA.
To answer your question, it will be a little bit hard since CIC is expecting a Certificate of Employment. Would you have Pay Stubs or Tax forms for this company? You can try using this as proof that you worked for a company and just write a letter of explanation detailing the reason why you can’t get an official Certificate of Employment.
Let me know if you have further questions and Goo luck on your application.
Hi Kulas,
Do we get a visa pack alone with Visa?
What medical records and dental records do we need to bring? Is it mandatory if you don’t have any medical history?
Are these records come in visa pack as forms that we need to get it filled by doctors?
Also, for kids, Singapore babay booklet has the vaccination list. Do we still need to get a form filled in by the same paediatrician or any paediatrician?
Thank You so much
Hi Neeraja,
You’ll get a visa pack, should include your COPR. It will be easier for the doctors and dentist here in Canada if you have your medical history. Not mandatory but I highly recommend it.
No, visa pack won’t contain any form for the doctors. For Vaccines, it will again be easier if you use the form CIC is recommending for vaccines but if you have proof of vaccines that will also do.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Thanks again for your prompt replies as always. We got our visa yesterday. So now anxious and nervous about all the big tasks coming up.
I don’t have any medical history. So no need for medical records, right?
I have the baby booklet the Singapore hospital gave for my son and it has the records of vaccination. Is that enough?
Also, my son is now in nursery. Do I need to get a certificate from the school or not needed?
I know I bombard you with lot of questions. Thank you so much for your patience and time. I really appreciate it.
Best
Hi Neeraja,
Congratulations! For medical records, again, it will be great to have it but not required.
For the vaccination list, of you can transfer it to a form CIC recommends, it will be great.
These are just recommendations from CIC, you may or may not have it but the reason they have it is for you and your family to have seamless integration with the community.
Welcome to Canada!
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Thanks you so very much!
I hope you don’t mind answering some more questions!
1. Is it possible to open a bank account in canada while living in Singapore?
2. I understand that we can only bring CAD 10,000 without declaring. Is it for whole family or per person in the family? Rest can we wire transfer after arriving there from bank in Singapore to bank in Canada?
3. Is there a tax to pay for the money we bring in?
4. For a 4.5 yrs old kid, how many hours pre-school? What system does Canada have for a 4.5 yr old?
Thanks again.
Hi kulas!
Your blog has been very informative for us who would like to migrate in Canada as well. Just a quick question, were your proof of funds under a joint account (you or your spouse) or solely under your name? Thanks in advance!
Hi Cha,
Thanks! It’s under my name only. But once here, you can deposit in a joint account. I suggest name it after the primary applicant.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Thanks you so very much!
I hope you don’t mind answering some more questions!
1. Is it possible to open a bank account in canada while living in Singapore?
2. I understand that we can only bring CAD 10,000 without declaring. Is it for whole family or per person in the family? Rest can we wire transfer after arriving there from bank in Singapore to bank in Canada?
3. Is there a tax to pay for the money we bring in?
4. For a 4.5 yrs old kid, how many hours pre-school? What system does Canada have for a 4.5 yr old?
Thanks again.
Hi Neeraja,
Please see answers below:
1. Yes, check Scotiabank’ program. As per my friend he was able to do this.
2. You can bring more than $10k as long as you declare it when you arrive. I think $10k limit will be as a group.
3. No
4. I have no idea yet as my daughter is not yet in school.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Are there organisations in Toronto that helps newcomers to Canada in settling down? Do they help in finding a rental place, jobs etc? If yes, how much do they charge?
Thank You so very much,
Vidhya
Hi Neeraja,
Usually, these services are free. Check https://settlement.org
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Thank you so very much.
1. Which bank is the best to open account once we arrive there?
2. Also, which mobile company and plan is good to go for after arriving and can we get a sim in the airport itself?
Thanks again,
Neeraja
Hi Neeraja,
1. Hmmm, most banks here Scotia, TD, RBC, BMO have a new comers package. We chose Scotia and so far so good. It all boils down to how much monthly fee are you willing to pay.
2. I used 711’s speak out sim for the first few weeks then I applied for Mobilicity now Chatr. I got a good plan for 6gb,unlitext and call to any number in North America at $50 a month. This is not available anymore though. Again, this depends on how much fee you are willing to pay. Rogers, Bell and Telus are the most popular ones.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Thank you so very much!
1. Is there monthly fee in all banks in Canada? This is something new! There is no monthly fee in SG or US as far as I know.
2. As getting close to the moving, I am getting anxious as we will be travelling with our 4 yr old kid. Is there any short term staying place that you can suggest with Kitchen facility so that I can take care of his food.
Your response much appreciated!
Neeraja
Hi Neeraja,
1. Yes. Most of the banks have fees. Sometimes, fees are waived depending on the amount you have with them.
2. It’s normal to feel anxious given the fact that you are traveling with your kid. There are a lot of available rooms/apartments in AirBNB with kitchen. The prices for the rent are mostly reasonable. That’s what we did for the first month.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Thank you again for your prompt replies. I looked at airBNB. Looks like these are private homes by private owners. Is it safe? Do we need to share bathrooms or kitchen?
Any convenient location to look for as after arrival there will be lot of running around to apply for PR card / health card, bank accounts etc.
Thank you so very much,
Neeraja
Hi Kulas,
Sorry, forgot to ask are jobs in Toronto concentrated in any specific areas? Residence in specific areas? Any suggestions on areas to live based on safety easy to commute, pre-schools, amenities?
it would be great if you give me your insights on areas.
Thanks a lot,
Neeraja
Hi Neeraja,
As with any country or province most jobs are in the city but it doesn’t mean you can’t look anywhere else. Please do research where your occupation are mostly in demand. There are a lot of sites through google where you can do this. Check in AirBNB if the room has kitchen. Check the proximity to public transportation, service canada/Ontario (depending on your province) and other necessary places ie grocery shops, bank.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas! Do you have a copy of the Immunization Record table to be filled out? Thanks!
Hi Karl,
Saw this. http://memovingtocanada.blogspot.ca/2014/11/immunization-record-requirement-for.html?m=1
You can use that.
Regards,
Kulas
Hey Kulas,
I have some queries regarding taking money to Canada.
1. If i open a Scotia account in India and get the money deposited here, and with me I am planning to take less than 10k dollars, so do i have to declare it, as the money has already been deposited in Scotia Bank account?
2. I have heard that first time money is tax free, next time it will be taxable, please throw some light on this,
3. Currently, I have shown the Proof of funds in my Indian Bank account, Once the Pr is arrived, Can I transfer all that money to Scotia account?
Please revert soon.
Thanks
Hi Vin,
Welcome to my blog. For your questions:
1. Anything less than 10k is ok
2. I have no idea on this to tell you honestly but it will be taxable if it’s treated as income.
3. Yes you can. You just have to declare it. They are less strict with you bringing more than 10k if you’re a new comer but it’s best to declare it.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Thanks for sharing your experiences on your Canadian migration story thru this blog. We are also immigrating to Canada in a few months and am stuck on how to ship or bring our personal belongings with us. Like you, me and my wife are also travelling with a baby (1yr old). I would appreciate if you could help me share your experiences on the below:
1. I understand that you immigrated to Canada with your wife and baby daughter. How many luggage and boxes of personal stuff did you bring with you and check in in your flight? I am picturing that was quite tough.
2. Did you ship some of your personal belongings to Canada before or after you’ve arrived? If yes, can you share the shipping company you used?
Hi Ryan,
Thank you for your kind words. 🙂 Anyway, we actually did not bring too much stuff except for clothes.
We sold almost everything while we were in Singapore. It’s hard to travel with too many baggages that’s why. It’s a personal choice though. You can get quotes from shipping companies, usually price is by weight. It’s cheaper if it’s through sea than air.
Also, If I remember it right, they quoted us around $8000 USD for our personal effect so we opted not to go with it.
Hope this helps,
Kulas
I agree, I also asked for a quote from a couple of these shipping companies and the prices are just ridiculous. Now I understand why I see a lot of people are just opting to check in their stuff with them in their flights, in huge boxes.
Anyway, I would appreciate if you could tell me how many baggages all in all you guys brought with you. I am trying to get ideas on how to bring and carry our stuff. I was thinking maybe for us a couple of baggages and a box for check in, then we’ll just carry our own backpacks, a stroller and of course the baby 😀
Thanks.
Hi, how did you go about with the LTO certification and how much did it cost? Thanks