Financial doubts
 

Hi there, this is my first post- but I hope to soon become a regular.

I am about to immigrate to Canada, through the Common-Law permanent residence. My girlfriend is from Canada, and we will be living in Winnipeg. I have just sent of my passport, so will good to go any day.:thumbsup:

However, we are leaving behind in England a very bad time in my life. I ended up with an addiction to gambling. I have been attending Gamblers Annonymous for well over six months now, and havnt gambled for 52 days and counting. It has been one hell of a struggle, even more so for my poor girlfriend stuck in Canada. But she has stood by me and we are stronger then ever. And together I know I wont be gambling again. I would'nt wish the disease on my worst enemies.

Obviously I have incurred debt, I have bravely tried to muddle my way through and pay over the last year. But to be honest I have been treading water, and I have now plunged under. I have contacted various advice lines- government and independent companys.

Anyway, as my debt is substantial- beyound my means even in England. My advisor has told be to obtain CCJ's, offer them £1 a month for each debt- as in theory I do not have any money and then leave it as that. As my debt is spread around, he feels they would not bankrupt me.

In reality I am goin to be in Canada, before all of the CCJ's are in- but my advisor at the CCCS feels this wont be a problem and as long as I offer them this basic payment, they wont come chasing me for money. He reckons that if I dont take the CCJ's, they will activly chase my debt and possibly look at the bankruptcy route.

However, my main concern is CCJ's in Canada- due to this recipricol agreement. My advisor feels this is in place for people commiting major fraud, or for people with debt in the hundreds of thousands. What I dont want to do is destroy my credit in both countrys, I would not have to apply for any credit or banking in Canada- as this is already in place thro my girlfirend.

I understand this is quite complex, so Im not expecting miracles. I am also conscious that some people will have problems with what I am trying to do, I can understand that. I just want to try and put the past behind me, and try and offer my girlfriend the life she deserves.

If anyone can help in anyway, I would be eternally gratefull.

Cheers:unsure:

Re: Financial doubts
 

You dont have a credit rating in Canada to destroy. Everyone starts with a fresh credit slate unless they go to the trouble of tryingto convince a canadian lender they are credit worthy. In your case I dont think it will affect you , not in the immediate short term, as no one is going to offer you credit as a new arrival anyway.

Good Luck.

Re: Financial doubts
 

If you've been declared bankrupt would this affect your immigration application in any way?

Re: Financial doubts
 

Good question, I have considered this- but would obviously rather not have this on my record- as oned ay a return to england would be made harder. Also I dont know how being bankrupt in one country affects another? There is also my landing interview, where im sure I will be asked? There is a possibilty of landing, getting my residence and then returning to england to go bankrupt. But the guy I have spoken to from CCCS, seems to think the CCJ's would be the best route?

Re: Financial doubts
 

AKAIK for family class immigration your financial health is immaterial...its your partner who has to sign the financial guarantee with the government for however many years it is.

Re: Financial doubts
 

So why not declare bankruptcy before you leave and start a fresh here? I don't think you'd get much credit with a bunch of CCJ's anyway, so whats the difference?

Re: Financial doubts
 

So why not declare bankruptcy before you leave and start a fresh here? I don't think you'd get much credit with a bunch of CCJ's anyway, so whats the difference?

Re: Financial doubts
 

I don't see why you need to get the CCJs before you act (if they aren't already in process) - you can come to voluntary arrangements with your creditors.

Go see your local CAB and get to see a debt specialist. I know you are already receiving advice but a 2nd opinion won't hurt. There is also IVAs and if you have no assets, bankruptcy is sometimes a better option (though obviously not ideal). Once you have 2 or more CCJs, then your credit is shot anyway so the only thing to do is try to find the least painful way out of your situation.

Good luck!

Re: Financial doubts
 

The other option if you really want to beat this "addiction" is to take responsibility for your action. Work 2 jobs and pay your debts back, however long it takes, then emigrate.

Re: Financial doubts
 

I understand what you`re saying there but sometimes it seems as though there is a big cloud hanging over you and no matter how good your intentions are to straighten things out - being in the "old place" can make things seem just as crappy regardless of your motives.

A clean break may be needed here and if thats what OP decides to do then best of luck.

It takes some guts to post something like that as no-one likes to admit their failings.

Re: Financial doubts
 

Couldn't agree more MMC. And the OP is looking at options sensibly.

I'm afraid I wouldnt know what to suggest for the best but I do wish you luck and hope whatever you choose works out for the best.

Re: Financial doubts
 

Firstly as the others say, good on you for posting in the first place, and the best of luck to you. Now..

*Puts on Devil's Advocate Hat*

Perhaps a conversation best had in the immigration forum but how are you hoping to get Common Law status with the missus? i.e living together for a year? A lot of people use the BUNAC visa to meet that criterion, which means getting a printout of whatever the police database holds on you. Would a CCJ show up on there? If it did would it be an issue for the Canadians?

If I read right you're CCJ free atm, and it's a lot of ifs but hopefully someone knows, so if they are a potential pitfall you can ensure you avoid them...

Re: Financial doubts
 

CCJ's won't show, it's not a criminal matter, purely civil.

Re: Financial doubts
 

If it's any consolation, the CAB where I was a volunteer gave debt advice to people whose combined debts were approx. £2M per month on average and that was several years ago.

You are not alone!

Re: Financial doubts
 

I would suggest bancrupcy, i had a school friend that ran up a few credit cards and an overdraft, went to live abroad for 6 years, when he came back, they came at him hard after a few months, forcing him to go bankrupt anyway, which left him 6 years after he'd returned before he could get any credit at all, or 13 years after the initial running up of debts.

It was a horrid situation for for someone just married with a baby on the way.

I dont know what an IVA is, but i know, speaking to my friend, that was his regret. his answer was to just run away.

I belive CCJ's stay on record for 6 years after they have been satisfied, that means fully paid.

I belive his spending was also addiction related.

good luck...