Hi,
I have been living in Vancouver for the last 3 years on a temporary visa, with one year left.
I qualify for a skilled workers visa, but was wondering what other options are available for staying longer. I'm aware of the Provincial nominee program, but was looking for something less expensive.
I have heard of some type of visa that I qualify for, seeing as I have been here for 3 years already. I find it difficult to find any information on the CIC website.
Any info appreciated.
Thanks,
John

Marry a canadian... Cheap in the short term anyway

You are thinking of the "Canadian experience" class I suspect. Its a sub division of skilled worker.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp


Strangely there doesnt seem to be any wiki page on it here, but there are several threads on it in the immigration sub forum, including this one that lays out the bones:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...perience+class


Welcome to BE by the way.

just curious as to why you wouldn't go for skilled worker , if as you say , you qualify for it?

Thanks Iain, I shall read up onit.
Zoe: just checking my options before I begin the process. I know it can take a long time, so I want to make an informed decision on which route to go

fair enough , just wondered if I was missing something

In my opinion skilled worker if you already have a job would probably be easiest and I believe is taking a lot less time than it used to.

Whichever route you go , good luck

No other route will be quicker, short of marrying a Canadian.

make that a employed, financially secure Canadian - otherwise it may get turned down. :-)

No, you wont. There is no requirement for proof of funds or employment or any of that for spousal sponsorship.

They do have to sign the undertaking, but there is no need for employment or financial criteria to be met.

Very nice. To get a Spousal Visa for the Uk or the US - it is needed (the applicant who is being sponsored must not live on government funds). I guess it is just easier to get in to Canada.

That sums up the appeal of canadian immigration in general for many I suspect. How many would admit it is another question entirely

Why not apply in the Canadian Experience Class

- you already qualify for skilled worker, right? and your work hours are 40 hours a week or more?

CEC takes roughly six months to get, requires less documentation than SW...

I got PR through this stream in 2009, as did my partner. Its a pretty uncomplicated process, and you can even land in Canada, without having to cross the border....

Thanks for all the info folks. I worked 40hour-week office jobs for my fist 2 years here, and have been doing 30hour-week contracting for the last year, so I should have enough to go for the Experience Class option

$285 to prove I can speak English? That's crazy money-is there any exemption at all for people that speak English as their native language?

Hi


No, every one needs to take either IELTS, CELPIP or TEF

Used to be, not anymore as of June 26th this year. It is a lot of money, but then so is the entire immigration process.