Hello, my names Barry, I'm from Northern Ireland and I am new to this site

Here's my story. Due to the lack of work, money, and overall unhappiness in this country I have decided that I need a change to better my life. I asked my girlfriend if she would like to move away to try and find a better life elsewhere and we decided Canada would be a nice choice. As it is a lot closer than new Zealand/Australia and we have heard good reports from numerous people about how nice the people are and there is more of a welcoming relaxing atmosphere.

I am a fully qualified HGV/Truck mechanic NVQ3 City and Guilds awarding body. I have been working at this from I was 17. I have worked with most European models but mostly with Scania as this is the top choice of truck where I am from and also worked on trailers with ROR/BPW/SAF axles. I work in a busy public garage so I am well used to deadlines and long hours but for some reason I love it and keep going back.

I have researched visas and ways on getting into Canada but I just keep getting confused and I always end up not sure on what to do. When I had decided to take the leap I thought I could have applied for a simple working/holiday visa to go over and work and maybe move around a little bit and see what it is like and maybe then be sponsored by an employer if I was good enough but I then found out my Qualification wasn't recognised by the Canadian government, which I suppose makes sense but is just the complete opposite of which I was told when I was training at college.( the college where I got my qualification told me when I was qualified I could use it to go all over the world)

So now I am here with questions. . . . . lots and lots of questions

Ok here it goes.

1. Is there such a visa where I can just go to Canada for a year with my girlfriend, travel around and work to get the feel for Canada so I know it's the right choice.

2. I am a qualified HGV/Truck mechanic from the awarding body 'City and Guilds' which I think is Australian, Canada doesn't recognise this. Is there testing that I can do here to get a recognised qualification in Canada which I think is journeyman or a red seal certificate I'm not sure of the difference or must I complete training in Canada?

3. While searching for jobs I found a site which had plenty of diesel mechanicing jobs with wages ranging from 26 to 36 dollars per hour plus benefits. That's the equivalent to around 20plus pounds per hour here which would work out around double what I am getting now and then I am sure I could work my way up. Is this a good paying job by Canadian standards or does it just sound good from 2000 mile away. How expensive is day to day living in Canada?

4. The crime rate. where I am from most people say Canada has a very low crime rate is this true or just a far away myth?

5. The Canadian lifestyle how is it? Is it relaxed, uptight, friendly, is there much sports happening in communities, do people go and and socialise at bars.

6. Is there places in Canada which are Irish orientated such as Boston would be in the USA.

7. Are Irish frowned upon in Canada or welcomed with open arms?

8. The climate, where would the warmest climate be in Canada, logically speaking I would have thought the southern most parts would be bordering with the states.

9. I scored 67 points on the canadian immigration test. But I need an employer to guarantee a job. How can I get someone I've never me to vouch for me so I can go over it doesn't make much sense to me.

I will have more questions in the not so distant future but that will be all for now I will really appreciate all help and replies given. Thanks.

Barry

Hi and welcome

There are quite a lot of questions here for one post, to start you off yes there is a scheme where you can apply to be able to come here for a year and work its called Bunac, take a look here

http://www.bunac.org.uk/uk/workcanada/

Also, here are a few other links to try and get you started, there is a lot of info to get your head around, but think Bunac could be a really good option for you

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Quick_...an_Immigration

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Quick_...uctions-Canada

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Working_Holiday_Visas

A lot other questions re crime, areas to live, climate etc have been posted before, there is a search box in the top bar where you can try and find some more info on the other questions you have asked,

sure others will be along to add more info for you

good luck

http://www.bunac.org.uk/uk/workcanada/

Crime rates vary regionally but overall the crime rate in Canada is probably lower than the UK. I've always felt safer in Canada than most places in the UK or the US.

Yes, people socialise in bars but maybe not to the same extent as in the UK which has more of a "pub culture". I think you'll find that a lot of people entertain at home more in Canada.

The major cities have large Irish populations. I lived in Toronto for 7 years and met a lot of Irish people there.

No more or less than anyone else.

Not necessarily. Bordering Minnesota isn't going to mean you're going to be warmer in winter. Toronto is relatively mild compared to Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City. Vancouver (which is actually further north than Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City) probably has the mildest winter of the major cities but you'll also get more rain.

Yes. It used to be called BUNAC though I think it has recently changed is name to IEC. Check out the immigration section - there are dozens of threads on it.

You need to contact the Industry Training Authority of the province you want to work in. The BC ITA is here http://www.itabc.ca/Page4.aspx. I don't think Diesel Mechanic is a Red Seal trade so they will be able to tell you what Canadian certification is necessary and how to go about getting it.

These are typical wages. Tight to bring up a family on but if both of you are working then you'll be fine.

Statistically the crime rates are not a lot different. Most of Canada just feels safer.

Relaxed and friendly for the most part. Yes, there is a lot of sport going on, but many are different sports than you are used to.

You lot are all over the place. My business partner is Irish (though from the South). He seems to know thousands of his countrymen in and around Vancouver.

No one will give a toss about where you are from except maybe to complement you on your accent.

Most people in Canada live within 100 miles of the US border. SW BC (Vancouver/Victoria) has a climate you are familiar with, though the summers are nicer. Central Canada has a continental climate with hot and humid summers and bloody cold, but sunny, winters. The east coast has more extreme winters than the UK.

Come over on the IEC visa, find a job, impress the employer enough to offer you a permanent job.

Here is link to the IEC

http://www.international.gc.ca/iyp-p...o_entrant.aspx

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca....aspx?lang=eng

You might want to check out the BE Trucking forum for more info about finding work in Canada: http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=118

Thanks all for the replies, I'm in the middle of doing the paperwork for the visa although I can't find much from employers I'll just have to try a bit harder

Thanks again very helpful