Just wanted to check in and say hi to all posters. I got my visa clearence yesterday and finally I can be reunited with my wife who resides in Toronto. Any other posters about to land in the t.o region? Good luck to all making the bold move. The number of visits to Ontario in the past four years had made me more wise and aware of the culture and lifestyle. If anybody has any questions, I would be happy to answer them if I can.

I was at a shopping mall with friends and needed change for a phone booth call. Asking for spare loonies out of a $5, the wife of husband sitting nearby shouts to me " Yeah, you can have him" It could only happen in Canada!

HOW IS IT IN TORONTO? DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WENT TO TORONTO ON HOLIDAY FIND A JOB AND GOT THERE VISA SORTED OVER THERE? ANSWER WOULD BE APPRECIATED

I don't know anybody as yet who went as a visitor and found a job, although this would be illegal in itself. Canada allows six months for UK passports to stay without obtaining a visa. I know of certain individuals who have stayed a few days before the six months is up then returned to the UK with prime job offers. Unless you have a work permit or temp visa for this purpose when you visited, authorities may question why the individual was searching for employment in the first instance.

It would not be hard to work cash in hand for a variety of chains, however it's not worth the risk as the hefty fines and deportation penalties outnumber the benefits. I would advise if you are awaiting a decision to hang in there and process it legally. The result will be a more comfortable and happier one. Human resource job banks are a good source for vacancies and give you rough estimates on wages, hours and resumes. Planning ahead always kept me occupied and was the only thing that saved me from insanity. I spent a long time researching every subject I could about canada, whether the information would be relevant or not.

Some individuals are nervous about moving overseas, work experience say for a charity or studying to gain canadian academic qualifications may be of a greater advantage. It would also open your eyes to the culture, lifestyle and give you a greater scope to see if you would adapt.

A recommended book which is easy on the eyes and a good starting point is "LIVING AND WORKING IN Canada" by Greame Chesters. I found this volume very informative and does not ramble on.

Whichever path that leads you to Canukland, good luck for the future

My brother did this. He worked illegally for five years or so and then became legal by marrying a Canadian. My common-law wife came on vacation, decided to stay and managed three years or so as a tourist before getting a work permit, it was relatively easy for her though as she is an American and I was able to support her.

so it is not possible to set up a work visa over in toronto. I thought I saw it on an immigration website that you did not have to return to uk once your work visa was being processed over there. Any replies will help as i will be going end of month.