Going to Canada ALONE
 

Hello all,

I am planning on emigrating to Canada alone. I have some acquaintances that I know in BC but that is it.

Do you think I am crazy to go ALONE to Canada without having any real friends there?

Irishlady

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

No

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Nah, just do it. Life is too short to wait for company

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Canada has men and men like women. Canada has females and females like females. Yes while it might appear daunting with not having close family around many others have done it.
Why Canada?

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

One big advantage is if you don't like it you can go back. There's no problem with a spouse or family member not liking it while you do or vice versa.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I'm sure you have strong reasons to be considering it. I have always found Canadians to be friendly and emigrating on your own would mean you only have yourself to worry about!

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I came to to Canada with my husband, but before that I'd moved all over the place and worked on my own abroad. I've nearly always travelled on my own. In some ways it's better because you can be utterly selfish and please yourself. I think Bristol has a very good point, you can always go back again if you aren't happy and you don't have to apologise to anyone for screwing up their life or deal with their dramas. Also Canadians as a bunch are incredibly friendly initially, and would be most welcoming to anyone on their own. Best of luck.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I did it seven years ago, just me and the cat! Best thing I ever did :thumbsup:

I found being open to new experiences and being a little pushy about getting to know people worked wonders :D

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Depends on so many factors (age, wealth and personality to name but three). In principle, no, not crazy, but it really does depend.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I've been here 9 weeks, came on my own as a single 38 yr old female, with a couple of aquaintences in B.C....moving away from them now due to work only an hour n half but would I do it again? Hell yes!! Don't get me wrong I have flashes of WTF moments but I'd rather that than 'if only' moments. U gotta b in it to win it I say x

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I came over at the age of 37, originally on a TWP with my wife. We split up, she went back to the UK and I decided to stay.

Best decision I ever made, I love Canada, I met someone else and we have a great little boy together.

If you want a new start and Canada sounds right, don't hesitate, go for it.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

If you're into sports it's a good way to meet people.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

All of the above and more.... YES go for it! ...... I guess you get the drift ;)

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I did it 23 years ago aged 25 yrs old. Never even been to Canada before. Today is my 21st wedding anniversary.
It was tough at first but no regrets at all.
Good luck!!

Simon.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Another lone immigrant here

moved to Calgary myself last year at 24 :)

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

It's better than Ireland in just about every respect so come on ahead.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Well, except for the Guinness and the craic.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I am doing the same thing in a few weeks.I was on a waiting list for a job for 2 years and i turned it down last year which i regretted straight away.I am now going over with no job but with a bit of money behind me.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

The craic has been cancelled in Ireland. Enda found a way to tax it.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Is that Enda "Van Rompuy" Kenny?

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I moved here on my own a few months ago. The only challenge so far has been finding the right accommodation (I live in Calgary and the property market here is too over heated atm) and furnishing it from the scratch. Things tend to be more expensive here than the UK, especially groceries. Apart from that I think I made the right choice and I'm not likely to go back.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Hello all,

How did ye find it to make friends? Was it easier or more difficult to make friends in Canada?

Thanks,
Louise

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Depends where you look and who you want to be friends with but so far I've been very lucky and have met some very nice people.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

If you are looking for a general answer, Canadians are friendly people and many are recent immigrants from other countries (too). The only drawback I might flag to an Irish person is that there isn't a pub culture per se, and obviously much less gift of the gab. Socialising tends to be done in homes, but once you know a few people you should have more opportunities.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

if you move to Calgary, i'll be yer pal :lol:

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Thanks guys!

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Hey irishlady, how's things? I'm moving to BC from aberdeen, Scotland in a months time. I'm kinda shitting it a wee bit. Just don't know if I've got everything I need. I'm coming on a TWP and have got my LMO and just need to get my visa at immigration. Did you have to get your SIN before arriving or did your employer sort it all out for you? Where about have you moved to? How you finding the transition?

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Oh wait, I just read your original post again. Your planning on moving! Whoops!

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Your employer cannot sort this for you and I don't believe an LMO holder can apply in advance. Go to a Service Canada office when you arrive. Take your passport and TWP. They give you your SIN on the spot.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

You can get you SIN number by going to a service centre on the same day

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Perfect cheers folks! If possible could you have a look at the thread I just started and maybe answer or give some incite please!

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Just found this thread as I will hopefully be in a similar situation. Just wondering how it's gone for you? :)

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I'm looking to do it myself next year, Toronto though. BC's beautiful but there's more work in my industry in Ontario.

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

Nope, I went alone and now 5 years later I am with a Canadian man and second kid on the way.. :)

Re: Going to Canada ALONE
 

I came alone in 2004 for a year and back in 2010. It's easier on your own and gives you flexibility to cease opportunities.

Most people do it for the children.

It will be a roller coaster of experiences and emotion.