Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
#1
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Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
Hi guys, i am completely new to all this and a little nervous if i must say so let me thank you in advance for any help and guidance given.. x
My partner and i are based in the West Midlands, Uk and seeing as my Partner is a senior roofer of 8 years, he as just been offered a 2 year work permit and guarenteed perm residency after that in Vancouver, BC which is great, and after attending a seminar in York next weekend we will know more: V serious about doing this however, big life style cange, means selling the house and leaving a very close knit of family and friends which i am sure that most people in this situation are in leaving loved ones behind etc...
So i have been putting my feelers out there, looking at these forums, researching life styles and cost of liiving etc.. and wondered if anyone had any advice??
His job is based in burnaby but apparently we can live anywhere close by, really would like some advice on nice areas/suburbs, after being put up in a hotel for a month we would look at renting a fully furnished place does anyone have any refrences for good property estate agents??
Also utilities??? What do you have to pay on top of rent is it like the uk? (maybe a dumb question but need to ask?!?)
So water, gas & electric, council tax, tv licence etc????? x
Cars: is it right that all brits have to re take their driving test?? If so im scared, been driving for nearly 8 years now and dont know how the bloody hell i have managed not to crash, so driving on the other side of the road is a little daunting?? How much are lessons etc and the maintence of a car, gas/petrol & insurance???
Guess my last one really is: (makes me sound sad at 24!!) are the people nice?? Been to the US no end of times and love the people, and i have family in Ontario, however like everyone else making such a big move, its nice to know that you have good mates around you, people to bounce off etc, so for a young couple what things are there to do???
Thank you again..
Bex
My partner and i are based in the West Midlands, Uk and seeing as my Partner is a senior roofer of 8 years, he as just been offered a 2 year work permit and guarenteed perm residency after that in Vancouver, BC which is great, and after attending a seminar in York next weekend we will know more: V serious about doing this however, big life style cange, means selling the house and leaving a very close knit of family and friends which i am sure that most people in this situation are in leaving loved ones behind etc...
So i have been putting my feelers out there, looking at these forums, researching life styles and cost of liiving etc.. and wondered if anyone had any advice??
His job is based in burnaby but apparently we can live anywhere close by, really would like some advice on nice areas/suburbs, after being put up in a hotel for a month we would look at renting a fully furnished place does anyone have any refrences for good property estate agents??
Also utilities??? What do you have to pay on top of rent is it like the uk? (maybe a dumb question but need to ask?!?)
So water, gas & electric, council tax, tv licence etc????? x
Cars: is it right that all brits have to re take their driving test?? If so im scared, been driving for nearly 8 years now and dont know how the bloody hell i have managed not to crash, so driving on the other side of the road is a little daunting?? How much are lessons etc and the maintence of a car, gas/petrol & insurance???
Guess my last one really is: (makes me sound sad at 24!!) are the people nice?? Been to the US no end of times and love the people, and i have family in Ontario, however like everyone else making such a big move, its nice to know that you have good mates around you, people to bounce off etc, so for a young couple what things are there to do???
Thank you again..
Bex
#2
Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
Hi guys, i am completely new to all this and a little nervous if i must say so let me thank you in advance for any help and guidance given.. x
My partner and i are based in the West Midlands, Uk and seeing as my Partner is a senior roofer of 8 years, he as just been offered a 2 year work permit and guarenteed perm residency after that in Vancouver, BC which is great, and after attending a seminar in York next weekend we will know more: V serious about doing this however, big life style cange, means selling the house and leaving a very close knit of family and friends which i am sure that most people in this situation are in leaving loved ones behind etc...
So i have been putting my feelers out there, looking at these forums, researching life styles and cost of liiving etc.. and wondered if anyone had any advice??
His job is based in burnaby but apparently we can live anywhere close by, really would like some advice on nice areas/suburbs, after being put up in a hotel for a month we would look at renting a fully furnished place does anyone have any refrences for good property estate agents??
Also utilities??? What do you have to pay on top of rent is it like the uk? (maybe a dumb question but need to ask?!?)
So water, gas & electric, council tax, tv licence etc????? x
Cars: is it right that all brits have to re take their driving test?? If so im scared, been driving for nearly 8 years now and dont know how the bloody hell i have managed not to crash, so driving on the other side of the road is a little daunting?? How much are lessons etc and the maintence of a car, gas/petrol & insurance???
Guess my last one really is: (makes me sound sad at 24!!) are the people nice?? Been to the US no end of times and love the people, and i have family in Ontario, however like everyone else making such a big move, its nice to know that you have good mates around you, people to bounce off etc, so for a young couple what things are there to do???
Thank you again..
Bex
My partner and i are based in the West Midlands, Uk and seeing as my Partner is a senior roofer of 8 years, he as just been offered a 2 year work permit and guarenteed perm residency after that in Vancouver, BC which is great, and after attending a seminar in York next weekend we will know more: V serious about doing this however, big life style cange, means selling the house and leaving a very close knit of family and friends which i am sure that most people in this situation are in leaving loved ones behind etc...
So i have been putting my feelers out there, looking at these forums, researching life styles and cost of liiving etc.. and wondered if anyone had any advice??
His job is based in burnaby but apparently we can live anywhere close by, really would like some advice on nice areas/suburbs, after being put up in a hotel for a month we would look at renting a fully furnished place does anyone have any refrences for good property estate agents??
Also utilities??? What do you have to pay on top of rent is it like the uk? (maybe a dumb question but need to ask?!?)
So water, gas & electric, council tax, tv licence etc????? x
Cars: is it right that all brits have to re take their driving test?? If so im scared, been driving for nearly 8 years now and dont know how the bloody hell i have managed not to crash, so driving on the other side of the road is a little daunting?? How much are lessons etc and the maintence of a car, gas/petrol & insurance???
Guess my last one really is: (makes me sound sad at 24!!) are the people nice?? Been to the US no end of times and love the people, and i have family in Ontario, however like everyone else making such a big move, its nice to know that you have good mates around you, people to bounce off etc, so for a young couple what things are there to do???
Thank you again..
Bex
Your questions are mostly fine detail stuff. Ask yourself whether, upon returning to the UK in 2 years time (assuming you had to), you would look back and say that 2 years in Vancouver were a worthwhile experience despite the ups and downs. If yes, then go for it and work through the details as you encounter them.
Regarding the people, there are all sorts - particularly in Vancouver - but few are much like Americans.
Bottom line: look at the fine detail of what you're being offered before you worry about the fine detail of life in BC!
#3
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Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
thank you- basically the offer is that the company will sponsor you for PR and you can apply as son as 3 months after getting there and working for the employer.. Will know more after the seminar i guess, just thinking ahead as we must do, lot to loose if you know what i mean if we make the wrong move- have very over protective parents who making me get answers to questions before committing so any in sightful advice to the fluffy stuff is grateful thanks!!!!
#4
Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
Hi Bex,
We were in the same situation, had lots of friends and family in the u.k , had a good lifestyle, loved my footy ! but felt that something was missing ! The only way to explain it is ,although I was born and bred in the U.K and i love the fact i am english, I did not want my 5 year old daughter to grow up there !! I felt she would have a much better lifestyle if we moved from the u.k.
We looked at the U.S.A first , but eventually moved to Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada . Thank god we came here because this has all the best bits of the american lifestyle without the worst bits ! (gun crime,health care etc etc)
We feel so lucky to have moved to a place like this ! the people are great (so friendly !) in fact coming from the U.K its a little un-nerving when a complete stranger says Hi ! to you, when your waiting for a bus , etc !
The children seem to have so much more respect here ! We have been here for nearly a year and I have not seen one gang of kids hanging around the streets after dark ! hoodies up and so on !
Vancouver is a lovely city and we had the chance to live there but we decided against it as we moved from Birmingham so we felt we did not want to move from one big city to another , therefore we chose Kelowna. Again we feel we have the best of both worlds as we are about 3 1/2 hours from vancouver (which when your in canada is like just being around the corner !!)
To finish , I think you only get one crack at life , so take the opportunities when they arise ! the world is such a small place these days, if it doesnt work out so what , you gave it a try ! but if you feel anything like us , you'll be so glad you made the move !
We were in the same situation, had lots of friends and family in the u.k , had a good lifestyle, loved my footy ! but felt that something was missing ! The only way to explain it is ,although I was born and bred in the U.K and i love the fact i am english, I did not want my 5 year old daughter to grow up there !! I felt she would have a much better lifestyle if we moved from the u.k.
We looked at the U.S.A first , but eventually moved to Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada . Thank god we came here because this has all the best bits of the american lifestyle without the worst bits ! (gun crime,health care etc etc)
We feel so lucky to have moved to a place like this ! the people are great (so friendly !) in fact coming from the U.K its a little un-nerving when a complete stranger says Hi ! to you, when your waiting for a bus , etc !
The children seem to have so much more respect here ! We have been here for nearly a year and I have not seen one gang of kids hanging around the streets after dark ! hoodies up and so on !
Vancouver is a lovely city and we had the chance to live there but we decided against it as we moved from Birmingham so we felt we did not want to move from one big city to another , therefore we chose Kelowna. Again we feel we have the best of both worlds as we are about 3 1/2 hours from vancouver (which when your in canada is like just being around the corner !!)
To finish , I think you only get one crack at life , so take the opportunities when they arise ! the world is such a small place these days, if it doesnt work out so what , you gave it a try ! but if you feel anything like us , you'll be so glad you made the move !
#5
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Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
Property prices in Vancouver are ridiculous.
#6
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Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
Good luck I hope you make the move!
We too are heading to Vancouver (hopefully) and understand what you are feeling, it will be hard for your parents but at least they known where they are going for their next holiday!!
Have a look at this web site I think that it will answer some of your questions
http://www.relocation2bc.com/ he posts on this site as Frank n Sense.
If you have not been to Canada or Vancouver it might worth going over for a look around we did and loved it!! Hence the move.
If you have any other questions post them away or do a search on this site I am sure the answer is out there!!
We too are heading to Vancouver (hopefully) and understand what you are feeling, it will be hard for your parents but at least they known where they are going for their next holiday!!
Have a look at this web site I think that it will answer some of your questions
http://www.relocation2bc.com/ he posts on this site as Frank n Sense.
If you have not been to Canada or Vancouver it might worth going over for a look around we did and loved it!! Hence the move.
If you have any other questions post them away or do a search on this site I am sure the answer is out there!!
#7
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Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
Thank you so much for getting back to me, really appreciate the support, i know it sounds sad and cheesy but its nice to know that there are other people out there who have done it and will talk you through it xxx
Keep in touch xxxxx
Keep in touch xxxxx
#8
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Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
PM me if you feel you have a question that does not fit anywhere on this forum but do check out that web site it is very good!
#9
Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
... compared to eg Nova Scotia, Manitoba and rural Saskatchewan. Outside of Vancouver itself, BC prices appear to become more manageable.
Check out www.mls.ca for examples of what you get for your $ in different areas.
Check out www.mls.ca for examples of what you get for your $ in different areas.
#10
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Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
Hi guys, i am completely new to all this and a little nervous if i must say so let me thank you in advance for any help and guidance given.. x
My partner and i are based in the West Midlands, Uk and seeing as my Partner is a senior roofer of 8 years, he as just been offered a 2 year work permit and guarenteed perm residency after that in Vancouver, BC which is great, and after attending a seminar in York next weekend we will know more: V serious about doing this however, big life style cange, means selling the house and leaving a very close knit of family and friends which i am sure that most people in this situation are in leaving loved ones behind etc...
My partner and i are based in the West Midlands, Uk and seeing as my Partner is a senior roofer of 8 years, he as just been offered a 2 year work permit and guarenteed perm residency after that in Vancouver, BC which is great, and after attending a seminar in York next weekend we will know more: V serious about doing this however, big life style cange, means selling the house and leaving a very close knit of family and friends which i am sure that most people in this situation are in leaving loved ones behind etc...
I assume the employer is talking about the Provincial Nominee Program. No, they cannot guarantee acceptance, but if they sponsor you, and you and your OH fit CIC's requirements (good health, no criminal record etc) it is very likely that you will gain permanent residence by this route.
So i have been putting my feelers out there, looking at these forums, researching life styles and cost of liiving etc.. and wondered if anyone had any advice??
His job is based in burnaby but apparently we can live anywhere close by, really would like some advice on nice areas/suburbs, after being put up in a hotel for a month we would look at renting a fully furnished place does anyone have any refrences for good property estate agents??
His job is based in burnaby but apparently we can live anywhere close by, really would like some advice on nice areas/suburbs, after being put up in a hotel for a month we would look at renting a fully furnished place does anyone have any refrences for good property estate agents??
There are very few furnished rentals, and the few that are available are very expensive. They tend to be priced more to suit visiting executives than ordinary people. The vast majority are unfurnished. Of course, you can buy everything you need to furnish a home here, but I would seriously suggest that you look at the cost of renting a 20' container and shipping all your worldly goods (apart from electrics) out here.
Craig's list is the place to look for rentals. Expect to pay $2,000 plus for a modest house. Apartments rent for $1,000 and up.
Also utilities??? What do you have to pay on top of rent is it like the uk? (maybe a dumb question but need to ask?!?)
So water, gas & electric, council tax, tv licence etc????? x
So water, gas & electric, council tax, tv licence etc????? x
If you are renting a home you will need to add water and natural gas for heating. Assume another $100 or so per month.
Cars: is it right that all brits have to re take their driving test?? If so im scared, been driving for nearly 8 years now and dont know how the bloody hell i have managed not to crash, so driving on the other side of the road is a little daunting?? How much are lessons etc and the maintence of a car, gas/petrol & insurance???
Guess my last one really is: (makes me sound sad at 24!!) are the people nice?? Been to the US no end of times and love the people, and i have family in Ontario, however like everyone else making such a big move, its nice to know that you have good mates around you, people to bounce off etc, so for a young couple what things are there to do???
No one can say if this move will work out for you and your OH. There are many of us on this site who love our new lives in Vancouver and other parts of Canada. It is also true there are those that don't. Some decide it is not for them and return to the UK. But, it is often said that in life you only regret the things you don't do. If you have a sense of adventure in you this is an opportunity that, to me, would be too good to miss.
Last edited by JonboyE; Feb 10th 2008 at 7:08 pm.
#13
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Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
thanks guys for all your advice so far and if any of you wish to send me some helpful tips- pro's con's, advantages and perks then keep them a fllowing as its understanding and getting a good feel for this move which will keep us motivated plus making new friends xxx
#14
Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
Hi, we live across the water on Vancouver Island but just wanted to say good luck and best wishes and hope you enjoy living in BC.
#15
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Re: Nervous Brit with job offer to Vancouver, BC- Advice and friends needed. x
hey maybe you can help- do you actually live on Vancouver island?? if so do house prices differ much to main land and how long does it take on a water taxi to downtown and is it cheap to commute this way_ thank you for your support xx