| All weekend I have been doing a lot of research about immigrating to Canada. I had no idea on time frames and the complex nature of visa applications. Its just a mindfield! Apparantly the points don't mean too much, there is still a wait of up to 5 years. We could get in sooner with a temporary work permit, but trying to get a job offer before then is going to prove hard work! On the plus side, the BE site has been extremely useful and I've begun a conversation with someone who used to live in NZ, who didn't like it for the same reasons, and so immigrated to Canada. Her background is very inspiring. There are a lot of people who are disheartened with NZ, but it seems people are too afraid to speak out for fear of being beaten down. I feel much more at peace now with being honest about our situation. We've immigrated to country that we don't like. So we're making plans to immigrate to a country that we've always dream't about. My only anxiety is that now its become more of a reality, rather than a distant dream - what if its not what we wanted?! I find it hard to imagine that will be the case, but being as we're so unhappy right now its hard to imagine being content in another country. When Steve gets back from the UK, he'll hopefully secure some well paying contract roles. He'll keep applying for roles in Canada and we'll start the process of applications as a PR, but try to get a TWP. There is a shortage of people with his skills in BC and Alberta. The latter has always appealed to me. The delays are going to be an excellent way to do recces in those proviences and make sure we don't do any rash moves. We'll sell everything in NZ, and hopefully ship over our furniture in Australia. It means we'll have to extend our stay in NZ while we're waiting. We won't be able to save anywhere else like we can here. But seeing a plan in a motion is enough to drag me out of wallowing. Its so annoying that Steve has to go back now to the UK, we have so much more to do! And I want him to be earning more money here in NZ. This time when we leave NZ, we certainly won't ever come back! It has been an incredibly worthwhlie experience though - I can say that now because we're getting outta here! We should be able to save money and we lived in a nice house with a nice view! We've experienced living somewhere that we passionately hate and that can only be character building! There are so many things that appeal about Canada - one thing will be the convenience of flying back to the UK so easily. My parents can have more involvement with their three grandchildren which will be lovely for them and for the girls. Anyway, scan tomorrow to discover the sex! Fingers crossed for a boy! |