nfor

Hi,

I am waiting to apply for the IEC visa in the next few weeks. What do i need to do for this?

Also, I was thinking of going out there with a scheme so that i have a job before i get there (like Bunac or smaller earth). Does anyone have any experience with these companies and recommend?

Or is it worth getting a job after i get my visa and when i am there?

Any advice would be great!

Thanks
Natasha

hamazz

natasha

you might want to try this thread, its alll iec

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=700551

hamazz

orly

You'll likely find it tricky to secure a job before you arrive and as far as I'm aware BUNAC and those sorts of organisations will give you some pointers/advice but they definitely won't secure a job for you in advance.

I'd just apply yourself and save the money BUNAC would charge you. It's fairly easy to apply. You'll just need a few passport photos and a police check from ACPO. The check usually takes a week or so, so you could apply now and have it back in time for the IEC program opening. Instructions/application form on this page: http://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx (always a good idea to order a 2nd copy of the certificate for the extra fiver or whatever it costs)

Besides that you don't need much else other than a normal UK CV which you just print out and post in with the rest of the application once the time comes.

ellcardiffmet

I did Work America with Bunac last summer and had an absolute BALL! I'd definitely recommend getting a job before you get out there.. it means all you have to worry about is socialising and making friends instead of wasting time and money looking for work. I worked as a lifeguard through a contact via Bunac who made the process so easy - I'd recommend them for sure. It might be easier to just give them a call as they gave me some really good advice.

Hope that helps, Good Luck

Tigger1

It depends on where you want to be. I have a friend who used one of those companies but that was to work and live in Whistler, which without using them he would have found it very difficult to get it all organised before he got here (the good jobs are all gone as is the accommodation!)

However if your plan is to just come to a city then signing up with a couple of agencies and applying for roles normally is all good :-)

Griffin83

Hi Natasha,

I have done an IEC visa both with Bunac and also independently.

Back when I used Bunac, they sorted the visa for you. You paid your money and sat back whilst they did the work, now, that is not the case.
Bunac really isn't worth the money, as really, they don't do too much for you and if you are travelling to Vancouver, the Bunac/SWAP office is now closing.

If you are aprehensive about travelling to Canada on your own, the perk is that they put you in touch with people before you travel out here - that is, if you opt for a group flight.

If you go with Bunac, you will find overall costs a lot more, including the group flight aspect and will look to pay at least an extra 600 pounds - their fee/group flight extra costs, opposed to travelling independently with canadianaffair flights.

Your best bet is to register with a few agencies before arriving out here - expert recruiters, altis HR etc and then join the IEC group on Facebook and try to meet a few people that way. The money you will save by sorting your visa alone will really come in handy once you arrive in Canada.

Good luck!