dytopia

I've decided to move to Canada from New Zealand. Can somebody tell me how long it would take (ball-park figure) for a SQL Server DBA to get their visas processed? cheers

agr

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/informa...imes/index.asp

mandymoochops

what sort of visa?

dytopia

Permanent residence. Looks like a few years?

I've noticed that from within Canada it takes about a month for a work-permit to be issued. Is it feasible to go over to Canada and line up a job, then apply for a visa? This is how I moved to NZ, but Canada might be different.

christmasoompa

No, Skilled Worker visas (which result in permanent residency), take approx 6-12 months now. It used to be years, but the system has changed.]

But your occupation is not on 'the list' of 38 occupations in demand, so are you aware that you'd need a job offer approved by HRSDC to qualify?

As well as getting the Temp Work Permit, you need to allow time for the Labour Market Opinion - this can take as little as 2 weeks, or as long as 6 months to obtain, and you can't get a TWP without one.

Have a read of the Wiki (on blue bar at top of page) which will help you understand the various visas available and how to go about getting one.

dytopia

my job comes under Computer and Information Systems Managers.

christmasoompa

Oh, that's great - sorry, from your initial description it didn't sound as if you were a manager. As long as you can prove you do most of the 'main duties' described in the job description for that NOC code, and meet the other criteria (minimum 67 points, no criminal record, pass the medical, proof of funds etc), then you would be eligible to apply as a Skilled Worker and would get PR within 6-12 months.

Good luck!

dytopia

Penny dropped. I see what you mean. I am not a manager, but my job tasks is to manage a database. I don't manage teams. Looks like SQL Server Database adminstritors don't make the grade at the moment.

christmasoompa

Ah, then you will need a job offer if you want to apply as a Skilled Worker. Have a read of the Job Hunting section of the Wiki (blue bar at top of page) which will tell you how to go about finding a job in Canada.

Good luck.

DigitalGhost

I wouldn't let that get you down, it isn't just you, most IT engineers/analysts don't have a common route at the moment, only managers and a few types of developers/artists under the IT worker class.

dytopia

pah, IT managers (spits on the floor). The "natural leaders" (rolls eyes) are welcomed into Canada, but the grunts are refused entry.