Hi!
My story in a nutshell:
Male (33 yrs old, no kids, no pets, 1 girlfriend) wants to move to Canada.
Interesting twist: I was born in Toronto but left something like 30 years ago and there is no family left in the country.
Therefore, visa is not a ploblem, but money can be. What I mean is that I don't want to quit my job, get my backpack and off to Canada, looking for God knows what. I would prefer to make the transition in a more structured way. What I am looking for is a programme/project/scheme that will cover my expences for 6-12 months in Canada (something like working holidays let's say) and for which I can apply while I am still in Europe.

Eternally grateful to anyone who bothers to share his knowledge and/or ideas!

At 33 you are too old unfortunately for the working holiday visa, and there is no scheme that will cover your jaunt across the world.

You just have to bite the bullet and go for it. If you are a Canadian citizen then i'd be starting with getting your paperwork together (Canadian passport etc) - applying for jobs and saving every penny you can.

Maybe take a holiday to test the water regarding employers too if thats possible.

did you want your gf to move with you? If so you would have to sponsor her as a common law spouse (presuming you've lived together for over a year) though you would have to prove intent to settle in canada after the approval is granted.

Born on Toronto after 1977... Unless one of your parents was a diplomat then basically you are a canadian citizen, so its easy for you.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizen...es/tool_04.asp


Do you have your birth certificate? That would make it too easy. Just get a canadian passport and come to canada, no need for visa.

If you want your girlfriend to tag along maybe working holiday is an option for her at first, ar if its a serious relationship then sponsorship is an option once you paperwork is sorted.

Good luck with that

I probably wasn't clear, sorry.
I do have a canadian passport, so I don't need to apply for a visa. What I don't have is the amount of money that will see me through the first six months or so in Canada till I get settled (i.e. find accommodation & job).
Thanks for the responses. I 'll keep looking and in case I find any solution I 'll post it to the forum as well.
Any ideas are more than welcome.

Work and save enough money to see you through 6 months of living should you need it

In the meantime, keep looking for jobs as well.

Simples. Good luck and welcome to Canada

There is no solution, other than working hard and saving up! You could try and secure a job offer before moving over, but you'd still need your move and set up costs.

This recent thread may be useful reading, to see what it cost others to move and give you an idea of the figure you may need to aim for - http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=735341

Good luck.