First of all, i'm sorry that you probably get a lot of new members posting Messages asking for help when the information is already out there! However, it is all a little overwhelming trying to find the answers, plus its always nice to get the information from others that have experienced it before...

Ok, so i'm hoping to move to Canada in Summer 2012 to be with my girlfriend (Canadian living in Southern Ontario). I'm currently working in the UK as a Probation Officer and am 25 years of age. I've looked into the immigration process but found it all very complicated. It appears that my profession isn't on the desired list so I don't know how easy it is going to be to get work. I have previously contacted the canadian correctional service who informed me that preference goes to Canadian nationals (which is understandable).

So, how easy and quick is it to go over there without a job. Or how have people found it going over without a job?

I did some online application that Calculated the points - it would appear I have enough from my education, age etc. I'm sure I also read that because my partner was Canadian that there is potential for that to help the process.

Right now, I am extremely overwhelmed and uncertain about how to go about applying, who to speak to and whether or not to use a company to assist the process.

Cheers for any help and sorry if you have heard all this before...

If you and your partner have a 'history' and could be classed as proven common law partners that can make a very big difference for going down the spousal route

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

You can't go over without a job, unless you mean just on a visitor visa (which you can't work on and is only for up to six months)? Otherwise, from what you've said, you'll need a job to get a visa unless by any chance you've lived with your girlfriend for a year or more.

You may well have enough, but the points test you refer to is only relevant to Skilled Worker visas - and as you've correctly said, you don't currently qualify as a Skilled Worker as your job is not on 'the list'.

Absolutely, if you are married to her or have lived with her for a year or more. Then she can sponsor you for PR, which only takes around 3-4 months.

No need for you to use a professional to help you (unless you really feel you can't cope with it or have more complicated circumstances that we don't know about), but grab a cuppa and start reading the Wiki (on blue bar at top of page). That will explain the basics of immigration, and help you figure out how to get a visa.

Good luck.

Thanks...I guess I was just confused about the different ways of moving over there and the different types of visa - possibly mixing up the different criteria. By the time it comes for me to move over there, we will have lived together for 12 months as she is moving over to England next summer for a year. Ultimately I will want permanent residency and will hope to find a job whilst i'm over there.

based on the premis that you will be applying via the common-law route start collecting evidence of a relationship NOW. Letters, records of phone calls, cards, photos, mutal friends etc.

Might be an idea to grab a joint bank account as well - even if its just a few quid going in and out every month

good point that man

I knew saving all the emails would one day prove to be a good decision!

Joint bank account + tenancy agreement or mortgage in both your names are the best things to send. If you have those, you don't need photo's, letters from your mates etc.