Moving to Vancouver
Aug 24th 2017, 2:22 am
#16
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Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Moving to Vancouver
You are most welcome - and 505 points is very good!
Perhaps double check them on the CRS calculator? http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra...d/crs-tool.asp
Yes they are
Perhaps double check them on the CRS calculator? http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra...d/crs-tool.asp
Yes they are
Last edited by Siouxie; Aug 24th 2017 at 3:23 am.
Aug 24th 2017, 3:20 am
#17
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,900
Re: Moving to Vancouver
505 points - looking at the latest round of invites, only 904 out of 57,424 people in the pool had a score that high (between 450 and 600 points). So 505 is an abnormally high score.
Based on the criteria, does this mean your Bachelor's was earned in Canada, you have previous Canadian work experience, or your spouse, brother or sister is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or you have a degree of fluency in French that can be demonstrated on an exam?
Where did you study/work in Canada, or where in Canada does your brother/sister live?
Because putting into the points calculator - based on the info you provided here - a married couple, 25-30 years old, with two Bachelor's Degrees, top results on IELTS, maximum work experience for points purposes, but no Canadian study or work history or French fluency, and no Canadian spouse/brother/sister into the Government's points calculator yields in the 460 point range, not over 500. It's hard for me to see how you got up over 500 without previous Canadian ties or significant ability in French that can be demonstrated on an exam.
The cut-off of the last round was 434 points - and in the 401-450 point range is 11,638 applicants. So a score in the 460s is still fine, on the information of today.
But I would encourage you to re-read what you entered into the points calculator to make sure you understand fully what was being asked of you, or if you have previous Canadian ties through study, work, or family, let us know about them as that will help us to give you better replies.
I am not trying to be a hard-a**. But legions upon legions of people don't give enough thought to the visa process and then over-estimate their points - we see it frequently on these boards - only to set themselves up for serious disappointment later on.
Based on the criteria, does this mean your Bachelor's was earned in Canada, you have previous Canadian work experience, or your spouse, brother or sister is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or you have a degree of fluency in French that can be demonstrated on an exam?
Where did you study/work in Canada, or where in Canada does your brother/sister live?
Because putting into the points calculator - based on the info you provided here - a married couple, 25-30 years old, with two Bachelor's Degrees, top results on IELTS, maximum work experience for points purposes, but no Canadian study or work history or French fluency, and no Canadian spouse/brother/sister into the Government's points calculator yields in the 460 point range, not over 500. It's hard for me to see how you got up over 500 without previous Canadian ties or significant ability in French that can be demonstrated on an exam.
The cut-off of the last round was 434 points - and in the 401-450 point range is 11,638 applicants. So a score in the 460s is still fine, on the information of today.
But I would encourage you to re-read what you entered into the points calculator to make sure you understand fully what was being asked of you, or if you have previous Canadian ties through study, work, or family, let us know about them as that will help us to give you better replies.
I am not trying to be a hard-a**. But legions upon legions of people don't give enough thought to the visa process and then over-estimate their points - we see it frequently on these boards - only to set themselves up for serious disappointment later on.
Last edited by carcajou; Aug 24th 2017 at 3:26 am.
Aug 24th 2017, 10:37 am
#18
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Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne / Lincoln
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
I am fully fluent in French and I have lived most of my life in France. Also currently teaching it to my partner.
I am very confident (100%) that the info put into the calculator is correct.
I am very confident (100%) that the info put into the calculator is correct.
Aug 24th 2017, 11:05 am
#19
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,900
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Fluency in French changes things and also will probably guarantee a "shelf life" for your ability to apply for a permanent visa, as points totals often drop precipitously with age but being able to gain maximum points for French language ability insulates you from that to a great deal.
As for Vancouver, as others have pointed out real estate prices in the city can be extraordinary. Lots of people have been priced out over the past decade.
Quality of life is very high if you are able to afford it, though Vancouver does have some very rough neighbourhoods with high gang activity.
There is a very large Chinese (Cantonese) population in Vancouver; the third-biggest Chinatown in North America is there. Some of the history of Asian migration - the Chinese tended to favour California and Vancouver, while the Japanese went to Seattle and Hawaii. So there is a very strong Far Eastern flavour in parts of Vancouver.
I suppose the question comes down to how much money are you willing to put into it, as the cost of migration itself is very high.
You may want to consider a scouting trip there to check about jobs in your field and so on.
With your French ability, why not consider Montreal or Quebec City? I have relatives in Quebec and if you are uninhibited by language - a remarkable place to live.
As for Vancouver, as others have pointed out real estate prices in the city can be extraordinary. Lots of people have been priced out over the past decade.
Quality of life is very high if you are able to afford it, though Vancouver does have some very rough neighbourhoods with high gang activity.
There is a very large Chinese (Cantonese) population in Vancouver; the third-biggest Chinatown in North America is there. Some of the history of Asian migration - the Chinese tended to favour California and Vancouver, while the Japanese went to Seattle and Hawaii. So there is a very strong Far Eastern flavour in parts of Vancouver.
I suppose the question comes down to how much money are you willing to put into it, as the cost of migration itself is very high.
You may want to consider a scouting trip there to check about jobs in your field and so on.
With your French ability, why not consider Montreal or Quebec City? I have relatives in Quebec and if you are uninhibited by language - a remarkable place to live.
Aug 24th 2017, 11:07 am
#20
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Further to your point - it can be very hard to secure permanent jobs before moving, and most migrants end up coming first and getting the job after.
Aug 24th 2017, 11:44 am
#21
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Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne / Lincoln
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Thanks for the reply,
In your opinion, which of the Canadian cities is the best? Which do most British immigrants tend to like the most? The reason we have chosen to reside in a city is because we would like to have the best opportunities for our children and ourselves. Of course however we would prefer somewhere cheaper on the scale of living and close to amenities such as shops, school, gp ect.
In your opinion, which of the Canadian cities is the best? Which do most British immigrants tend to like the most? The reason we have chosen to reside in a city is because we would like to have the best opportunities for our children and ourselves. Of course however we would prefer somewhere cheaper on the scale of living and close to amenities such as shops, school, gp ect.
Aug 24th 2017, 11:53 am
#23
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Weather isn't a problem for us as we enjoy British weather. The Canadian weather to me was one of the things that brought Canada to question, snow, rain, cooler temperatures and a nice summer. It means we can get outdoors as much as possible. We would also like to get a dog over there, are there many animal lovers?
Aug 24th 2017, 12:08 pm
#24
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Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Certainly there are very many dogs.
Aug 24th 2017, 12:09 pm
#25
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Aug 24th 2017, 12:40 pm
#26
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Thanks for the reply,
In your opinion, which of the Canadian cities is the best? Which do most British immigrants tend to like the most? The reason we have chosen to reside in a city is because we would like to have the best opportunities for our children and ourselves. Of course however we would prefer somewhere cheaper on the scale of living and close to amenities such as shops, school, gp ect.
In your opinion, which of the Canadian cities is the best? Which do most British immigrants tend to like the most? The reason we have chosen to reside in a city is because we would like to have the best opportunities for our children and ourselves. Of course however we would prefer somewhere cheaper on the scale of living and close to amenities such as shops, school, gp ect.
This is up to your personal tastes. I prefer Quebec but most Brits seem to angle towards Toronto and Vancouver, probably because those are the two biggest cities where the language issue wouldn't impact on them and so I think they are interpreted as "safe" choices.
Toronto, to me, is just a slightly more dynamic US Rust Belt city - not a place I would move to. But there are some on here who love it there and in Ontario. The Maritimes have become something of a trendy destination but they can be quite isolated from the rest of Canada.
So I guess my top three would be:
1. Quebec
2. Maritimes (excluding New Brunswick)
3. Alberta (Calgary)
Vancouver, circa 15 years ago, would have been #1 but not now.
Just my preferences.
Aug 24th 2017, 1:45 pm
#27
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
I am in Vancouver. Its an okay place to live but as said very exspensive for housing. Other costs such as electric, food etc are not much more vs cheaper areas and food can be found pretty cheap in Vancouver.
For us most of income goes just to rent.
We dont partake in much Vancouver has to offer since after rent not much left for other essentials.
If you can secure high paying jobs, Vancouver would be a nice place but if your not able to secure high paying jobs it will be a work to survive life.
Many people work 2 jobs and sometimes 2 full time jobs to make ends meet.
Lower to mid range jobs currently are plentiful and I see more and more places with signs that they are hiring as well as reduced hours of operating and closing an extra day per week as they cannot find staff.
The high cost of housing has pushed people who would do the min wage to 15/hr jobs out so employers are having issues now.
High paying employment is far trickier to find unless you have very skilled work.
For us most of income goes just to rent.
We dont partake in much Vancouver has to offer since after rent not much left for other essentials.
If you can secure high paying jobs, Vancouver would be a nice place but if your not able to secure high paying jobs it will be a work to survive life.
Many people work 2 jobs and sometimes 2 full time jobs to make ends meet.
Lower to mid range jobs currently are plentiful and I see more and more places with signs that they are hiring as well as reduced hours of operating and closing an extra day per week as they cannot find staff.
The high cost of housing has pushed people who would do the min wage to 15/hr jobs out so employers are having issues now.
High paying employment is far trickier to find unless you have very skilled work.
Aug 24th 2017, 1:50 pm
#28
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,274
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Re: the OP....
Vancouver's biggest issue is the cost of housing, including rentals.
A lot of this increase, mainly in downtown Vancouver, has been fuelled by Chinese money but now that China has curtailed the outflow of their Renminbi I believe property is at a hiatus and, in addition with new Vancouver City restrictions, there may be an adjustment in prices.
I suggest you keep close attention to property values as, in 4 years, things may be better.
Vancouver's biggest issue is the cost of housing, including rentals.
A lot of this increase, mainly in downtown Vancouver, has been fuelled by Chinese money but now that China has curtailed the outflow of their Renminbi I believe property is at a hiatus and, in addition with new Vancouver City restrictions, there may be an adjustment in prices.
I suggest you keep close attention to property values as, in 4 years, things may be better.
Aug 24th 2017, 2:10 pm
#29
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Can you suggest websites to keep an eye on? What MPS and how does it differ from the NHS/Medicare?
Aug 24th 2017, 2:21 pm
#30
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Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 1,706
Re: Moving to Vancouver
As others have said whether you will enjoy Vancouver or not is all dependent on how much money you earn. For a 1 bed apartment expect to pay between 1500 and 2500 CAD a month so the salary is going to influence whether you are struggling or thriving.
Vancouver also has some of the lowest salaries of the big Canadian cities so it can be a double edged sword. That being said it is in a beautiful location, there are few places in the world were you get sea to mountains in a single vista and Vancouver is stunning. Unfortunately as others have said this has been attracting a lot of attention from property speculators and as such house prices have been soaring (think 10-20% year on year). This has led to some real inequality in the city with a huge homelessness problem and the associated low level crime and drug use.Most of this is confined to the low east side but it is obvious anywhere in the city. The city and provisional government (new NDP government) have only really started to change things very recently so we are realistically 3-4 years away from any true change.
I find people are friendly but not personable and the growing sense of the city as a playground for the rich has not helped this. many long term Vancouverites are feeling majornalised.
That said I enjoy the craft beer scene here as well as quick access to some of the worlds best kayaking and hiking locations. One real benefit is you are only 30-45 mins from the backcountry which feels like a million miles away from the city.
I think I heard it described best as Vancouver is an ok city in a great location. If you picked up Vancouver and moved it to say Alberta or Ontario people you not give it a second glance.
I've been here for a year and 9 months and still enjoy the city but there are some issues that seriously irk me and given a chance I would move out of the lower mainland.
Vancouver also has some of the lowest salaries of the big Canadian cities so it can be a double edged sword. That being said it is in a beautiful location, there are few places in the world were you get sea to mountains in a single vista and Vancouver is stunning. Unfortunately as others have said this has been attracting a lot of attention from property speculators and as such house prices have been soaring (think 10-20% year on year). This has led to some real inequality in the city with a huge homelessness problem and the associated low level crime and drug use.Most of this is confined to the low east side but it is obvious anywhere in the city. The city and provisional government (new NDP government) have only really started to change things very recently so we are realistically 3-4 years away from any true change.
I find people are friendly but not personable and the growing sense of the city as a playground for the rich has not helped this. many long term Vancouverites are feeling majornalised.
That said I enjoy the craft beer scene here as well as quick access to some of the worlds best kayaking and hiking locations. One real benefit is you are only 30-45 mins from the backcountry which feels like a million miles away from the city.
I think I heard it described best as Vancouver is an ok city in a great location. If you picked up Vancouver and moved it to say Alberta or Ontario people you not give it a second glance.
I've been here for a year and 9 months and still enjoy the city but there are some issues that seriously irk me and given a chance I would move out of the lower mainland.