Has any one used services of http://www.canadaentry.com." rel="nofollow">LINK Or has anybody used service from anybody. I know plastic man has used services of pritam uncle. If anybody can recommed someone who was exceptionally good take care for a family ....Also kindly provide the information about how this arrangement works, how long they provide you these services.

I have my agent providing services. He is asking me about CND 500. He is providing pickup from Airport, Arrange accomodation, Help in SIN and Driving license formalities. Do you guys feel its worthit.

I am thinking of getting basement in toronto or mississuaga city (thanks to mishter India for moving toronto city top in priority through his reasoning) cause i plan to attend few language and other seminars etc for new commers organized by CIC or NGOs. I assume they will be happening more frequently in toronto Area Apart from that i agree it will be better for job hunt.

Kindly post your views about above reasoning and options.
Thank you all in advance

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Manjeet Singh

I think 500 is a bit too steep for a 100$(max) effort. Unless the accomodation/hotel/motel rates are included in the charges.
I think fellow desis will give you a better deal. Hopefully cdesi member from TO can help.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Recommended Services- Servicedomino.com
http://www.servicedomino.com

I had to check with the wife about details but I stayed with a south indian family for about a week after I arrived. Cost me about $80 a day including food/lodging for 2 and the guy was nice enough to help with things like airport pickup and also SIN/healthcard etc...driving me to those places too. He also stood as guarantee for my landlord even tho I met him only that week. This was in Scarborough 8 yrs ago. On a visit to my place in montreal 3 yrs ago he mentioned that he had a self contained space built for visitors...in his basement.
I'm not sure if they provide the service anymore but I can find out if no one else has offered to help already.

I agree wit MI recommendations about staying in TO city...especially because of access to transit. MAkes things much easier. Also if you can stay close to a subway station then you can eliminate the need for a bus/streetcar, atleast one way.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Recommended Services- Servicedomino.com
http://www.servicedomino.com

Yeah, even I think its a bit steep. When are you planning to land, btw?

I'm sure you have your reasons for considering a basement apartment, but did you ever consider taking up a regular apartment instead? A decent basement will cost about 700 bucks, a good regular one bedroom apartment in a high-rise will cost about a 1000 bucks, all inclusive. Now I know that there is a monthly difference of 300 bucks, but if you can afford it, the regular apartment is a much better option.

Why? Because the state of mind you're in when you land is really important to your job search. A basement is a great option for those who really can't afford a regular apartment, but it's not the most comfortable or upbeat option. And the main thing to do in the first few months of landing is keep your spirits on cloud 9, everyone should do everything in their power to make this happen. It is absolutely critical to the job search and your high-spirits do play a significant role. And once you do get a good job, its not at all a big deal to recover the intial loss of extra-savings. And worst-case scenario (which I'm hoping never happens to anybody), what if this whole plan does not work out for a full year? Well, you've lost about 3600 dollars extra. I have the impression that its not a make or break amount for people living in the middle east.

You should also try to get a cell-phone and I'd even go as far as suggesting a used car if you feel you can afford it. These things are invaluable in a job-search. I know there's a risk-factor involved making these extra-expenses, but as you well know, it does not help to play it too safe in life.

I'm throwing forth these suggestions since I'm aware you've lived in the mid-east for quite some time now and you're probably better off financially than an average Joe coming from India. You also face a much less steeper conversion factor. But then, you are the best judge of your situation and I'm sure you'll decide what's best for you.

Here's one thing that applies regardless of what you decide. I'm sure you have a good idea on the positives/negatives of of Canada by now. But when you land, try to forget all the negatives and focus only on the positives. Think positive is a nice-to-have in life anyways, but it becomes a must-have when you step out of the airport here. Don't let anything/anyone bring you down.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Are you there?

As usual BL you have come out with a wonderful note - succintly explaining the negetives and positives of choosing a place to live and the way to start things on landing in Canada.

Sunshine boosts spirits (in Canada atleast) while darkness is depressing - that is the difference one can feel between basement apartment and one bedroom apt/condo apt.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chandresh

Advice is free – lessons I charge for!!

Quote:

---

Orginally posted by chandresh

As usual BL you have come out with a wonderful note - succintly explaining the negetives and positives of choosing a place to live and the way to start things on landing in Canada.

Sunshine boosts spirits (in Canada atleast) while darkness is depressing - that is the difference one can feel between basement apartment and one bedroom apt/condo apt.

---

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bharat.Sharma

MERA BHARAT MAHAN (Thats what my wife says)

Bharat,

Basically a condo is a higher grade apartment. Condo buildings usually look nicer than a regular apartment building and have amenities like indoor pool, small gym, a party room (that you can rent for reasonable rates) etc etc. The good ones will also have a 24 hour concierge/security.

Inside the unit, you have 5 full appliances in a condo, namely Washer, Dryer, Refrigerator, Dishwasher and Oven. Most regular apartments only have Refrigerator and oven, washer/dryer facilities will be in a common room for all residents.

And yeah, you guessed it. Condos are more expensive to rent and usually a bit less roomy. On average you'll pay about 200/300 bucks more than an apartment, i.e if you're getting an one bdrm. apartment for a 1000 bucks, a condo in the same area will probably be about 1200-1300 bucks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Are you there?