Canadian Opponauts, I need your help!

"Tapas" (tapas) 01/25/2018 at 07:21 • Filed to: None

2

67

I am moving to Canada for good in March!

I am excited and nervous in equal parts, because I haven’t decided on a place to stay and I’m still looking for a job.

I’m going to live in GTA at first. But I’m open to moving anywhere I find a well paying engineering job.

If you can give me any advice or want to hang out, please leave your email in the comments.

I’ll reach out to you and ask you stuff.

Arrivederci > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 07:31

0

Canada lets you move there without having a job?

someassemblyrequired > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 07:37

0

Note that generally you need a job offer in hand before moving, unless you have citizenship or an approved points based immigration application. If you don’t getting a work visa is quick (apparently down to two weeks) if you have a job offer.

Tapas > Arrivederci 01/25/2018 at 07:47

1

Yes, but it’s a long process.

This is based on your language skills, educational and professional experience. They basically look into your entire life and extend you permanent residency, if they find you to be acceptable.

Tapas > someassemblyrequired 01/25/2018 at 07:48

3

You’re right.

I had the points.

It took a little over a year to get everything done, but it’s done.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 07:50

1

If your looking for engineering jobs there is Bombardier aviation by the Downsview air field in Toronto, & I think Magna International.

random001 > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 07:57

1

Tapas > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 01/25/2018 at 08:01

2

Yes! I’m looking for a Quality/Reliability engineering job in manufacturing. My eye is on aerospace and automotive companies and their suppliers.

If you are working in manufacturing or know anyone who is, I’d love to get some insight and see what they are looking for.

Applying for jobs can be frustrating. You change your resume to include/highlight experiences that match their job description, make a tailored cover letter and apply.

And then all of this just seems to go into a void.

Arrivederci > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 08:06

0

Cool - that’s nice to know. Clearly they don’t think you’re going to be a drain on their society :). Enjoy the Great White North!

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 08:11

1

There is also HMC (Honda Manufacturering Canada) a bit up the hwy in Alliston. Also Toyota in Cambridge. Central/GTA/Southern Ontario has a high cost of living, but has lots too offer.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 08:17

0

You can get at me here . Also, I know of these:

https://jobs.fmglobalcareers.com/job/-/-/474/5203196

https://jobs.fmglobalcareers.com/job/-/-/3467/5468496

They are an excellent company and the insurance industry is very well paying and interesting.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 08:18

2

In addition to what TCC suggested, there’s a GM plant in Oshawa and FCA facilities in Brampton and south Etobicoke.

Ash78, voting early and often > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 08:22

5

I’ve probably submitted 1,000 resumes in my career and at least 500 customized cover letters. Maybe 3-5 led to a callback, one job.

And I’ve gotten about 7-8 other jobs through word of mouth, even at giant companies. Networking is king, personal relationships often trump skills. It’s not always fair, it’s just how it is. Don’t be discouraged if going through the front door feels like a brick wall.

Ash78, voting early and often > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 08:24

3

I imagine the immigration office hit a big red buzzer in the middle of the room and screamed “Someone wants to move to Toronto in January!!”

Instant approval, no further questions :D

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Ash78, voting early and often 01/25/2018 at 08:28

0

Rather Toronto than Winnipeg!

someassemblyrequired > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 08:30

1

What type of engineering do you do? GTA/Montreal is best for manufacturing/software/electrical stuff. Most of the oil jobs are in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

someassemblyrequired > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 08:56

1

Hey I noticed you have a quality background - I know someone who is hiring a Quality Engineer just north of Montreal (Laval). It needs bilingual English/French, but Spanish definitely a big asset. They are growing like mad and specialize in cutting molds and manufacturing automotive lighting (headlights and taillights).

Here’s a link to the job:

https://www.dbmoptix.com/career/

I have another contact in Montreal who used to work for CAE in Spain, so he may have some other aerospace leads if your French is decent.

Applying on big company websites in Canada is usually worthless, it’s best to get there and do some networking and/or focus on small firms. Most engineering jobs are via connections rather than formal applications.

CB > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 09:00

0

GTA and Montreal are your best bets for engineering. Do you already have some connections up here?

Tapas > someassemblyrequired 01/25/2018 at 09:06

0

 I can see this issue with big companies as well.

Thanks for the heads up.I’ll be sure to look into these positions.

Unfortunately, I don’t know any French. I plan on learning once I reach Toronto, but I don’t think I’ll become fluent right away.

I will be happy to send you my resume, if you’d like to take a look. I’ll also appreciate it if you can introduce me to anyone in these industries.

I’m trying to exit the oil and gas industry, but I’ll take any decent job that suits my background.

Tapas > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 01/25/2018 at 09:10

0

I’ve heard the complain about cost of living. It’s a concern because I’m moving there and living off savings.

Hopefully something pans out on the job front. Im applying to Honda as well 

Tapas > someassemblyrequired 01/25/2018 at 09:16

1

I’m into quality for manufacturing. My background is oil and gas, but I’m trying to move away from that industry.

I’ll apply to jobs there too. But I’m not very keen on moving to a colder climate in an industry that’s not doing so well right now.

Tapas > Arrivederci 01/25/2018 at 09:17

0

Thank you :)

Idon’t intend to drain anything. Im glad I have the opportunity.

I hope things go well once I move.

Tapas > Ash78, voting early and often 01/25/2018 at 09:18

0

Haha I’m just happy everything went through.

It wasn’t easy, but I get that that’s the whole idea.

Tapas > BaconSandwich is tasty. 01/25/2018 at 09:19

0

I would move to Winnipeg if I had a job.

I’m not keen on moving to some where that cold, but I’m open to it 

Tapas > random001 01/25/2018 at 09:23

1

Lol Canada is awesome. I’ve been there.

I used to live in the States. They didn’t let me live there, cos immigration is a lottery and I didn’t “win”.

It sucked to move away, because all my friends are there. But that’s life 

Tapas > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/25/2018 at 09:23

0

Thank you! I’ll look into it. :)

bob and john > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 09:24

1

cool_saab93@hotmail.com

also: facebook and instagram

Peter Negru
moto650

I’m in the GTA as well.

Tapas > CB 01/25/2018 at 09:25

0

Thanks, thats what I’m betting on. I don’t have any connections.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 09:41

0

The dollar is also in your favor too.

fintail > someassemblyrequired 01/25/2018 at 10:00

0

It also helps if you are wealthy from unaudited means (that might land you in jail if you obtained gold the same way here), right? Not knocking Canada, as the US has similar systems, but it’s a big factor behind housing costs in the lower mainland zoo and frozen GTA hellscape.

fintail > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 10:02

1

Your empty spot might have been taken by a Slovenian architect ;)

GenuineAlexReid - The Reidus > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 10:23

1

Come to Toronto and hang out with me and Cletus! We’re always doing fun stuff with old cars so join the party!

Mid Engine > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 10:27

0

Best of luck in your search, Canada is a great country. Vancouver and Toronto are ridiculously expensive, Calgary is quite affordable these days (because oil), Montreal is awesome but sooner or later you’ll need to learn some French. No matter where you end up just be ready for incredibly high taxes, socialism ain’t cheap.

cbell04 > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 10:29

0

Little know fact but the Canadian citizenship test is just how long it takes you to chug a liter of maple syrup. You’ll want to start building up your tolerance asap. Good luck Ive always had a blast and really liked it when I visited that area.

LOREM IPSUM > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 10:30

0

Unless you’re independently wealthy or are offered a 6 figure job, my advice is to forget that BC even exists.

someassemblyrequired > fintail 01/25/2018 at 10:34

0

At least those with ill-gotten gains have bad taste. Montreal and Halifax are better and substantially cheaper.

someassemblyrequired > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 11:00

0

Can you send me a link to your resume?

random001 > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 11:09

1

I was just kidding. I have nothing against Canada.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 11:16

1

I’m an engineer working in the GTA, if you have any questions, let me know. If your looking in QA, I can ask some friends I know that work at TMMC.

Tapas > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 01/25/2018 at 12:05

0

Thank you!

Can I have your email? I’ll drop you a note.

Tapas > someassemblyrequired 01/25/2018 at 12:06

0

Sure!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tapas-desai/

Let me know if you need a pdf copy. I’ll be happy to email that to you.

Tapas > LOREM IPSUM 01/25/2018 at 12:08

0

Haha!

Thank you for the advice. I was reading up on the real estate situation in Vancouver. That is scary stuff.

Tapas > cbell04 01/25/2018 at 12:09

0

Hmm I better start practicing now and give the test before I’m hit with that diabeetus lol

Tapas > Mid Engine 01/25/2018 at 12:11

0

I wish I could live in Montreal.

I liked it a lot when I visited a long time ago. But all jobs in Quebec ask for French. I don’t know French.

I’ll be happy to learn it eventually, but I can’t speak it right now while I’m searching jobs.

Tapas > GenuineAlexReid - The Reidus 01/25/2018 at 12:11

0

I’d love to!

Thanks for the invitation :)

Tapas > fintail 01/25/2018 at 12:12

0

I’m happy you found a spot :)

Tapas > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 01/25/2018 at 12:13

0

Well, it’s not been a straight shot to Canada.

I moved to Singapore and then India. When you go anywhere from India, nothing is in your favor lol

Tapas > bob and john 01/25/2018 at 12:16

0

Thanks for that, Peter! :)

I added you on Facebook and Insta.

Mid Engine > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 12:28

1

Unfortunately it’s a provincial requirement.. I grew up in Montreal and lived there for 48 years. I moved to Seattle seven years ago, I miss Montreal daily.

What I don’t miss is the winter, weak Canadian dollar, and the ridiculous tax burden.

Burgerkong > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 12:30

0

In the GTA as well (Markham to be exact), IG: brendankong, FB: Brendan Kong

someassemblyrequired > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 12:46

0

Thanks - I forwarded it along to some people in Montreal, but a lot of companies in manufacturing have a heavily Francophone workforce, so it’s probably a long shot, but you never know. The SAP/ISO/AQ stuff should play well in Southern Ontario, but those jobs are mostly on the fringes of the GTA (west, north and east). I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble once you are on the ground.

Transit > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 12:59

2

Guelph is a little west of Toronto, but there’s a company there called Linamar that does really good work with castings and machining. I’ve bought components from them in the past and it’s always been high-quality stuff. Looks like they have some quality positions open on BrassRing too...

Spoon II > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 13:14

0

Welcome to the frozen north! Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa are my recommendations for awesome places to work, so you’ll be starting in a great spot! Ottawa’s my highest recommendation though, it’s just a wonderful place to live.

Tapas > Transit 01/25/2018 at 13:47

0

Thanks for the heads up! I’ve had my eye on them :)

Tapas > Spoon II 01/25/2018 at 13:48

1

Thank you! I hadn’t considered Ottawa, but i’ll see if I can find jobs there.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 17:55

0

There are many companies in southern Ontario looking for a Quality Engineer.

Aside from those already mentioned, there is also Ford in Oakville.

And for auto suppliers, have a look at this directory:

https://apma.ca/members-directory

And read this:

http://canada.autonews.com/article/20170626/CANADA/170629835/5-canadian-companies-land-on-automotive-news-list-of-top-100-suppliers

Note that Multimatic is located in Markham... which is Northeast of Toronto.

You know what they do at Multimatic?

Well one thing they do is build the current Ford GT...

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Tapas 01/25/2018 at 18:04

0

The cost of living... lots of people complain about it.

If you must have a detached house on a large property with a double garage in a prime area, you will pay $$$$$$$ for that in Toronto. If you’re more flexible, then it’s not so bad.

Toronto is becoming or has become a world class city. Of course with that comes world class real estate costs.

I suggest you rent a small place temporarily until you find a job... then move somewhere relatively close to your job.

And I suggest that because things like fuel and other car-related things are more expensive in Canada. If you live close to work, you mitigate much of that cost.

And cigarettes and alcohol are also expensive here... mainly due to high taxation.

But you won’t have to worry about finding health care coverage the way Americans have to worry about it.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Ash78, voting early and often 01/25/2018 at 18:15

0

Ever since Trump has been doing his asinine immigration deportation thing, there has been a steady flow of people giving up on immigrating to the USA and aiming for Canada.

And this has also resulted in refugees coming across the Canada-US border even in the winter:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/topic/Collections/refugees%20at%20the%20Canada_U.S.%20border-0x2d

The Compromiser > cbell04 01/26/2018 at 18:44

0

It’ll make email all antsy in their pantsy.

The Compromiser > Tapas 01/26/2018 at 18:47

0

I have a lego version of that truck! They made the actual one about 40minutes from here.

Magna is based around theGTA. If you are looking automotive, gta to Windsor corridor is your oyster. Follow the 401!

Tapas > The Compromiser 01/28/2018 at 01:04

0

Oh cool! And thanks for the tip :)

Tapas > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 01/28/2018 at 01:05

0

Whoa! Thanks man :)

I’m all over it.

Tapas > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 01/28/2018 at 01:08

0

That makes sense.

After speaking with a few people, I have thought of living in a small space closer to the city.

That way I don’t need a car, at least not right away.

And expensive alcohol makes me sad and want a drink lol

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Tapas 01/28/2018 at 10:47

0

Locally made wine and beer is relatively cheaper than hard liquor. In the case of wine in particular, I find there isn’t much of a price gap between Canada and the USA.

When I was in Cuba, I was amused to see how wine over there was priced like Rum over here. And Rum in Cuba was cheap.

And Rum is relatively cheap in Cuba for the Same reasons wine is relatively cheap here... it’s locally made.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Transit 01/28/2018 at 13:30

0

+1 for Linamar. They treat their employees fairly well from what I remember. Just keep in mind that Guelph Police have been on a huge modified car blitz over the past few months, so study the HTA carefully before modifying your ride.

Tapas > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 01/29/2018 at 14:31

0

That makes sense. I’d like to see what Canadian wine and beer are like :)

Tapas > someassemblyrequired 01/30/2018 at 04:16

0

I really appreciate your support!

I realize that French is important and I wish I knew it. I hope there are positions in parts of Canada that don’t require you to speak French.

someassemblyrequired > Tapas 01/30/2018 at 09:16

1

It’s only really a problem in Quebec (and in manufacturing it’s more of a problem than other industries) - it won’t be an issue at all anywhere else in the country. Anywhere else in Canada the only jobs that require French are generally very senior Federal civil service jobs and companies headquartered in Quebec.