Reevokid

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum . I am visiting Calgary for 3 months over the summer to try to find a job. However I am very daunted by the the fact that any prospective employer will have to wait 3 months for a LMO if they want me. I am Graphic Designer by trade and I have 10 years experience. But I am trying to work out why they would want me over a Canadian designer! I just hope I have something special

I have fallen in love with a Canadian fella 6 months a go on holiday and I visited him for 10 days in March and it sounds cheesy but I just new I should be with him. Little did I know about Canada and its immigration processes.

Does anyone have any experiences of successfully finding employment? and does anyone have any experience in trying to find a job in design?

Thank you

Reevo from Bristol

christmasoompa

Hi Reevo, and welcome to BE.

One quick question (sorry, it's a personal one!), but how old are you? Is a Working Holiday Visa not an option?

One thing to be aware of it that there is a new 'Accelerated LMO' program that has just been announced by HRSDC, which would mean that if you and the employer qualify you'd get your LMO in as little as 10 days. http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplace...ns/a-lmo.shtml

So that may make it easier for you, although of course your potential employer would still have to prove that you are more qualified than any Canadian that has applied for the job.

Good luck.

Reevokid

Hi

I am 33 years old. I have looked into this and the UK do working holidays for 18 - 30 year olds... bummer! Everywhere else it seems to be 18-35! Not Fair!
Unless you know any different?

However your link is promising! Thank you! I am a specialist in packaging design so maybe I can sell my self on this premise.

Cheers

christmasoompa

That's a shame.

It's a reciprocal thing - so Canadians coming to the UK on a WHV have to be aged 30 or under as well. I assume you're not by any chance Irish?!

Best of luck with it. If you haven't already, do read the Job Hunting section of the Wiki as well which is invaluable.

scribe123

Thanks for pointing that out. It had slipped by me for some reason

Reevokid

Thank guys! No I am not Irish. Haha! Thanks for all your help.

Siphorous

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca...il.aspx?view=d

I think oompa mentioned it just in case because the IEC rules for Ireland mean you can be 18-35, thereby allowing you an initial way in.

Good luck though in your journey!

Londonuck

Very difficult to break into the GD business here. I was an artworker for many years but, unlike last time i lived here, 98-04, there's nothing to be had now. They've merged many company creative departments so loads laid off. You never know your luck though Reevo and im talking about Vancouver not Calgary.

Have you tried Craigslist media/creative section?

ann m

What about teaching? Maybe ACAD or SAIT have something relevant?

Constane80

However your link is promising!

Reevokid

I would love to teach, but I have no qualifications in teaching. I coach Karate in my spare time so I am very used to teaching adults.

Christmasoompa informed me that teaching is not in high demand in Canada and there are many Canadians on waiting list trying to get jobs. This has put me off a little following this route. Although it is my dream to teach.

: )

ann m

You don't NEED teaching qualifications to instruct at SAIT (though it helps) - if you have the qualifications and skills and real-world experience in your field, then they will "help" you become a great instructor.

This goes for anyone else reading this, especially in the trades - there is an Instructor Career Fair on 23rd May if anyone is interested.

Edit: link added

http://sait.ca/pages/about/organizat...ergy/ccs.shtml

Reevokid

Mmmm Interesting! Thanks so much, this is really good.

Tony_Tiger

I saw this post advertised.
I know your not in Calgary yet but its no harm in shooting a email, asking and perhaps even making a contact. They may have more work over the summer.

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/353755/ne...hs-2500-month/