Cashman2112

My wife has applied for a job in Montreal which it looks like she is going to get.
As a UK electrician I’m totally in the dark about what is going to be involved in finding work in Montreal/Quebec.
I’ve currently started learning basic French but I’m getting a little worried about how many obstacles are going to get in my way. Taking a paycut and doing an entirely different job doesn’t bother me as we will not be dependent on my wage but I’m going to need to do something.

I’d appreciate any advice from anyone that’s been in a similar situation.

Souvy

An electrician in the dark. That's not a good start!

You won't find it easy unless you work under the table. The hoops you have to jump through are incredible.

My Quebec-born stepson is training to be a sparks at the moment. It's a one-year course, followed by apprenticeship. He can get some time knocked off the apprenticeship because he's a qualified and experience machinist.

I hope you succeed but good luck trying.

Siouxie

Hello and welcome to BE!

These links may be of use to you

Certificates Issued by the CCQ� >� Emploi-Québec

Compulsory Qualification� >� Emploi-Québec

Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program� >� Emploi-Québec (or you could take/obtain your trade equivalency from another Province and then obtain a Red Seal endorsement, which would allow you to work in Quebec).

Ontario: Ontario College of Trades » Trade Equivalency Assessment
Red Seal: Construction Electrician / Red Seal / Industrial Electrician / Red Seal

Shirtback

Is your wife a Canadian citizen?

If not, what visa would she/you be coming over on?

Souvy and Siouxie have given you some good info/links.

IMO, & IME, learning French is the least of your worries (although it’s a great idea). To be blunt: unless you trained in France and have a specific French qualification which falls within the Franco-Quebec accord (see CCQ links), you’re likely up the proverbial creek without a paddle .

HOWEVER, having said all that, you might be able to get a job/work in maintenance.

Cashman2112

Yeah. I’m thinking I’m just going to look at other options. My wife will have a visa with her job offer. Initially I’ll likely be a dependent on that.

Shirtback

Feel free to shout out if/when you have Qc-specific questions. There aren’t too many Brit->Qc residents around the forum, but those of us who are try to help out if we can.

Souvy

Don't discount the possibility of doing work under the table. It does happen. Just a question of getting the right contacts

Aviator

Not a good start for a PR application if you get caught though!

Shirtback

Yeah. I thought it better not to suggest or discuss that option give site TOS & Aviator’s point.

Which may be why I mentioned “maintenance” jobs. Perhaps I was being too subtle?

PMM

Hi


1. Why? If his spouse gets a work permit in NOC A, B or O, he can get an open work permit and work for who will hire him.

Former Lancastrian

As PMM points out getting the work permit won't be the problem providing the wifes job is in skill level 0, A or B. His problem will be showing he meets the qualifications for the job especially if the employer wants to follow the rules.

Im sure there are people who might be working without having their qualifications assessed but do they also have valid work permits to actually work?

The OP will have a valid work permit if eligible for the Spousal Open Work Permit but could fall foul of Provincial legislation if not qualified to do that work.

Souvy

I guess so. My son's full-time course is costing $18k. He already knows most of what he is being taught but needs the piece of paper.

Cashman2112

I’m going to look at doing something different I think.