If you get a landed Immigrant visa, we people of Indonesia in BC like to say congratulation. In addition to feeling happy mind, you will usually fill with many questions how life started in Canada, of course, there are many questions that arise. And if you plan to live in BC, this website is the perfect place to get information that can be an important reference, also for the holder of a working visa and student visa. Here are some questions that frequently appear:

Question:
Is it necessary to bring the International driver license?
Answer:
If you intend to drive it is a good idea to bring it because you can use it for 90 days and also you don’t need translation when you apply for BC driving license.

Question:
Is it necessary to start job search from Indonesia? What can be done?
Answer: Yes it is better to start the search from Indonesia. As the reference, you should have at least two references who can be contacted later by telephone from Canada by candidate employer. You can also prepare a resume with Canada style format. Also, you can research your industry like who is the player, is there any association, is there any list of company’s website. The search will be discussed more in-depth site-specific in this website.

Question:
How do I find a place to stay temporarily?
Answer: It is a good idea to stay at homestay because of reasonable price and also you can borrow the address from the landlord for the purpose of registration of SIN and Care card later on. Craigslist is the main website to find the temporary place to stay. You can search by price for example rent between $ 800 - $ 1400 and it can also search by suburb. You can send an email to the advertisers to ask about transportation, more room photos and request a booking. You can use google map to view location. Usually, you need 15 to 30 days stay in a homestay while looking permanent one.

Question:
What items should be sent / taken?
Answer:
We suggest you send / bring personal items only. No need to send the furniture because it will most likely be damaged / broken in transit. Furniture such as wooden akan cracked a cold. Please also remember not to bring food because the customs regulations in Canada that tight airport once. In addition to most of the Indonesian food in Vancouver. Also, money does not bring more than $ 10,000. You can bring traveler checks or transfer it later after you have a bank account in Canada.

Question:
Health problems that need to be prepared?
Answer:
Healthcare in Canada does not bear the teeth and eyes. The company in which you work that will bear, and usually only for a full-time job not for part-time or contract. Although you can buy insurance for dental and eye, but usually very expensive, at least, $ 1000 per person per year. So it's a good idea you go to the dentist in Indonesia first to ensure that you do not need dentist treatment for a period, at least, six months. Likewise, with the eyeglass you wear.

Question:
Do I need to close credit card accounts in Indonesia? Is it easy to get a credit card after arriving in Canada?
Answer:
It is not easy to get a credit card in Canada if you do not have job security, you may get a credit card with your saving as a backup. But most of the payment can be done in cash, do not have a credit card is not a problem, except certain payments such as rent a car. So depending on the needs if you plan to rent a car right away then you need credit cards from Indonesia.

Question:
Is it necessary to translate the academic records?
Answer:
It is a good idea to translate your academic record from your university in Indonesia from Bahasa Indonesia into English just in case you want to continue study in Canada.

If you have questions or suggestions about the article above please contact us or write the comment below.

 

Congratulations! You, and perhaps your family, have safely arrived at Canada’s many port of entries. Prior to your journey, you have prepared all necessary documentations and have procured a place to live, or at least temporarily. Arriving in a new country can be scary and intimidating. A list of questions may surface, answers of which are necessary for you to utilize as a guideline to reestablish yourself in this new environment. PERMAI BC is here to help:

 

Question:
So I am now cozy in my new residence; what should I do next?

Answer:
Get cozy with your new neighborhood! Visit your closest community center where you can take classes in your favorite hobbies or to further hone up your trade skills, where you can use the gym and swimming pools, and also, a medium to meet new friends. Search for nearby grocery and drug stores, clinics, parks, religious organizations, and other locations necessary to further cement yourself as a positive member of the local society.
If you are in a large urban center such as in the Lower Mainland or Victoria, you should travel to a local and study how the local mass transit system work. You can do so by visiting the website of transit organizations such as Translink, where there are a wealth of resources to glance over. Find your closest bus stops and train stations.

 

Question:
How do I open a Bank Account?

Answer:
Opening a Bank Account can be very easy. Visit your local banking branch to open one. Make sure that you bring necessary documents such as a Passport and your Work Permit or other government-issued means of identification. The biggest major banks in Canada are colloquially known as the “Big Five”, which includes the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Bank of Nova Scotia (ScotiaBank), and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank).

 

Question:
What is a SIN and how do I get one?

Answer:
SIN stands for Social Insurance Number and it is a very important piece of information that is necessary for residents to conduct many aspects of life, including registering for work and for taxes. This link (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/proof.shtml) mentions documents that are required to
apply. You can apply for a SIN number at your closest Service Canada Office. This office is your one-stop location for many Canadian government services and programs.

 

Question:
How do I register for a Health Care Card?

Answer:
Enrollment to BC’s provincial healthcare program is mandatory. Once you register for the service, you will receive a Care Card. You need this card to be able to receive health services when you go to the doctor. Visit this link (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp) to learn in further detail about the system.

 

Question:
How do I get a driver license?

Answer:
Your driver’s license is only valid for 90 days. After that period, you must apply for a BC driver’s license. You will find more detailed information in this link (http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/Pages/default.aspx).

If you have questions or suggestions about the article above please contact us or write a comment below. We will always be adding more questions and answers in the future.