Hi,

We would like to move to Canada ASAP, having just got our PR. But in the mean-time I would like to start contacting potential employers in Vancouver to see if my skill-set might be of any use to them - perhaps even to set up an interview.

A lot of the agencies I have contacted, have in-effect said that they cannot consider me until we settle in Vancouver. - Which is a shame, as I am a little reluctant to move to Canada (when I have a good contract in the UK) when the job market there seems (to paraphrase one agent) a bit spotty at the best of times... Obviously we will have to move at some point!

I am very happy to come over and do a face-to-face (for the right position) at my own expense. I also have a Canadian cell-phone, which means that I can bear the international part of any costs of any calls made from Canada to the UK. - With all that in mind, does anyone know of any companies that use / could use a very good .Net Developer (c#, vb, etc)?

Many thanks,

James.

I'd also be very interested as I'm in Vancouver as we speak looking for IT work.

My previous role was Senior CRM (Siebel) Services (Support, Reporting, Application Development, quite a broad role). 2 1/2 years in that + previous experience in IT + degree.

Any contacts or places to look would be GREATLY appreciated.

James: I found a couple of sites on this wiki page (all over, not just the IT section) that are helpful, but I'm still searching myself (only been at it a few days): http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Findin...ion_Technology

Don't want to rain on anyone's parade on this one, but I think from a lot of people's experiences on this forum, BC is probably one of the worst provinces for IT. You probably want Ontario instead...

Looking for IT work in Vancouver? Me too!

Actually I'll probably not be really looking for a year but I thought I'd just throw my pennies worth in.

Why Vancouver so bad for IT? I thought it was a good place...

It's bad because there isn't a lot of work right now; EA, Telus have both been laying people off (to name two of the bigger IT employers here). Vancouver is actually a very small place, and there isn't a lot that goes on here (economically speaking) when compared to a major city such as Toronto or New York.

In terms of computing jobs Toronto is like London, Mississauga and Markham are like Slough, Vancouver is like Aberdeen. You have to want to live there more than you want a computing career.

On edit, that's too kind to Toronto, maybe it's like Birmingham.

I live in Cardiff now and have quite a fun job in a Software startup here. I'm one of those 'doers' that runs (small) IT departments. All good fun!

Strange thing is that they appear to be hiring again... I've seen a few listings.

Honestly, I'm actually avoiding Toronto because it's like London. I'd rather live here if you see what I mean.

EDIT: Just to be clear, I'm looking in the Greater Van area rather than the strict Vancouver city area. Burnaby and that sort of area would be good too.

A software startup with an IT department? Seems a little extravagant

Not been looking so I'm sure you are right. Wouldn't want to work for EA tho, they have a bit of a rep round these parts if you know what I mean.

My advice (for what it is worth) is for you to stay in the UK while you have a good contract or expand your search area.

I had a good IT contract and so wish that I had milked it for another year or so as the difference between the money that I would have made if I stayed vs the money I am making now is huge, especially when you take into account the exchange rate.

That said, although the money here isn't great, the lifestyle (in small town Saskatchewan) is fantastic and I wouldn't swap it for the world.

Remember, Canada is a huge place, and it is not just in Toronto and Vancouver that they have computers! Expand your search and you may find a job in a little gem of a place that few people consider, like I did.

Whichever way you wish to go, I wish you good luck!