Canada Wise

Advice on coping with a move to Canada from Thelma O'Connor of Canada Wise, the immigration experts.

Top Dozen Tips for Moving to Canada: "Moving to another country is easily one of life's most exciting and yet stressful situations. Some simple preparation and basic facts, however, can eliminate a lot of the anxiety from your move. It will also give you the best possible start to your new life in Canada." Twelve hints to ease the stress and strain of moving to Canada.
Know Your Service Providers: "If you've just started your research for a move to Canada, you will have seen many adverts, both on the net and in print, for a myriad of service providers who can assist you with your move - but are you really clear about who does what and which service is the right one for you and your budget?" Thelma guides us through the labyrinth of seeking professional immigration advice.
Choosing Where to Live: "The vastness of this country makes choosing a destination all that more difficult. Do you choose to live near the ocean, in the mountains, in a large city, on the prairies, or in the lake regions? Suddenly, choosing somewhere seems overwhelming!" Thelma advises on how to narrow down the choices.
The High Cost of Poor Preparation: "Kathy was sad and disappointed to be leaving her dream behind and turning her back on their new life in Canada. As a settlement consultant myself, I was naturally curious to hear more about their particular circumstances, and why she felt that their short-lived time in Canada had been such a dismal failure for her and her family." Getting it wrong can carry a high financial and emotional cost, as Thelma explains.
Playing the Waiting Game Wisely: "You've applied for your Permanent Resident (PR) visa and know it could take up to two years to receive it. You've been waiting what seems like an eternity and you don't feel like waiting any longer. So you've decided to throw caution to the wind and leave early to start your new life in Canada." Thelma advises you to think again, and suggests ways to use the wait profitably.
Alone in Canada: "In Canada, you have to start all over again, build a new life, make new friends and find your place in a new community. This is a challenge all newcomers face, but if you come here alone - with no close family or friends to help and support you - then this challenge may seem even more daunting for you." Thelma gives ten top tips on how to meet the challenge!
No Canadian Work Experience?: "New arrivals are eager and enthusiastic to join the Canadian work force and make a smooth transition to their new life. They suddenly find themselves faced with what seems like a no-win situation: no Canadian work experience - no job; no job - no Canadian work experience!" Finding work in Canada without Canadian work experience can be difficult. Thelma suggests ways of breaking the deadlock.
How to Capitalise on Alberta's Worker Shortage: "A good metaphor for the Canadian job market would be to describe it as an iceberg. The visible job market represents the tip, which is above the water. However, most of the jobs - like most of the iceberg - are hidden from view." Thelma suggests ways of tapping into all of those vacancies that never get advertised.
Winter in Canada: "As I write today, the temperature is a frigid -31 degrees and snowy, so I feel particularly well qualified to share my thoughts with you about Canada's winter experience..." Thelma's advice about how to make the most of the Canadian Winter.