EJL

I'm planning on starting my application to move to Canada in the next month, my problem is this..

I'm an experienced mechanic, I have run my own business for 5 years I can turn my hand to working on just about anything, from classic cars to boats or vans to agricultural equipment, quad bikes, motorcycles, small plant or just modern cars it's all good, I have good engineering skills, lathe work, milling, welding, fabrication, I'm very comfortable with all and fundamentally I enjoy it, and I'm good at it..

My wife is a high school physics teacher.

However I have just completed a BSc in Environmental science, and much as I love engineering and mechanics, I feel that i would like to use my degree to some extent, I am very interested in forestry and agricultural management especially where is some degree of sustainability or conservation.

From what i have been 'told' teachers are not required at all in Canada at the moment, and environmental jobs at entry/graduate level are few and far between. So i would be best looking to exploit my mechanical skills...

my question is: would it be worth pursuing the environmental jobs available? Or should i just concentrate on what i know, is there any way to combine the two?

Is it really that hard to get a teaching job in Canada? My wife is a high school teacher teaching all Sciences and Maths but specialising in Physics, she is also a qualified Youth worker, and is a highly experienced Canoe and Kayak instructor with full instructor and teaching qualifications (British BCU)

I have a young family, would it be possible to support a family on a mechanics/fitter/mechanical engineers salary if my wife weren't able to find a teaching Job.

We would be more than happy to move somewhere quite remote, we are country people and would prefer to be out in the wilds rather than mid city, but a small town would be fine.

Given all this would it be best trying to find a sponsored position or just apply for a work visa and start job hunting?

Any suggestions more than welcome?

JonboyE

I think you have to split this into two separate issues:

1) getting into Canada
2) making a living once you are in.

1) There are two skills on the current list that allows for direct application for permanent residence that might apply to you: 7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades and 7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics. Applications are currently closed but will reopen on July 1, 2012. However, there is no guarantee these jobs will still be on the list as of July 2012. If they are, and if you can demonstrate that you have at least one year's experience doing the majority of the duties in these job descriptions, and education, health and criminal issues are OK, then you can apply for permanent residence in Canada without a job lined up.

Otherwise you need to find a job and an employer willing to work with you. There are more than enough teachers and entry level conservation workers in Canada so that is out. However, there are stories of competent mechanics finding work and willing sponsors so this is a possibility. You need to get over here and do some job hunting.

2) If you come via an employer sponsored route you have a legal obligation to work with the employer until you receive permanent residence status. You have a moral obligation as well. However, once you have permanent residence you can live and work anywhere in Canada. Despite this freedom it might be practical to stay working as a mechanic for a while.

There are countless threads on the difficulties of getting into teaching. It is difficult but it is not impossible. I understand that physics is one subject that is not oversupplied and if you are willing to teach in a remote location this also makes things easier. Despite this, with the time taken to have your credentials accepted with the teacher's professional body, and the time taken to get a foot in the door it could be five years between landing in Canada and getting a permanent full-time teaching job.

So that is five years where you need to keep on fixing cars and trucks. Put the time to good use learning about environment and conservation in Canada and getting to know as many people involved as possible. I am sure there will be many opportunities to volunteer. This will mean that when your OH has secured a permanent teaching position you will be ready to change your career.

EJL

Thankyou, that seems to concur with advice I have already received, though it's nice to have some flesh on the bones of the reasons! I have no problem using my skills, I love doing mechanics I was basically wondering if I could use my degree along with the skills I have gained by doing it to improve my salary potential..

What is the situation regarding my wife's working status, if i get a working visa leading to permanent residence when, if ever, is my wife allowed to work?

Thanks

Former Lancastrian

If the job you get is in the NOC skill level 0 A or B level then yes she is eligible to apply for a SOWP (Spousal open work permit).
There are other categories that allow at lower levels.
More info here
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who.asp