On behalf of my fellow IEN's, would someone who has gone through the process of immigrating to the different provinces in Canada, please share with us your experiences and the things we can do before actually getting there.
I know this much: I have everything so far except to be registered, and that won't happen until I get the work permit which I'll get when I land in Canada (to be issued by the Immigration Officer at the Airport). I'll then send a copy to CNO who will then review my application for general class registration. I know the process varies with each province. Please share your experiences.
Also, here are some other areas I'd like to be addressed please:
How long after you entering the country did you wait to finally be registered as a nurse? (I know it varies, I just need an estimated time or just share with me your experience-if you don't mind).
How did you go about apartment searching before arriving in Canada? Did you trust the rental agencies or did you have a family member or friend do the physical search for you? Some of us have neither, speak to this possibility as well please (that is doing it on your own).
What do we need to get started? Such as a social insurance number (SIN), is there anything else?
Where can we get the SIN and other?
What do we need to take in when applying for the SIN?
Do we need our social insurance number to transact every business, such as getting an apartment?
How long did you have to wait to get your SIN?
I know that to have been issued a work permit one would have needed to have a job offer, so while waiting to be registered, were you able to work as a nurses' aid or something so as to get paid in the mean time? Was that possible for you? Any other suggestions?
How did you manage to take care of expenses (living, utilities, msc.) while waiting to be registered and not being able to work as a nurse? (if that is too personal, forgive me, it doesn't have to be detailed, just suggestions)
How long did you wait before changing status from work permit to permanent resident?
If you have additional info, please feel free to post.
I really appreciate you all for your contribution. Thanks in advance.