Shakyuk

From what I've seen, getting 106,000CAD isn't a realistic expectation. It is possible to get salaries in that region but I would not expect to unless you're in a senior position or working out of a camp. The majority of job advertisements I've seen show more around the 60 to 70k region. I think as a graduate, new to the country, you're unlikely to command a large salary.

If money is your primary driver, I wonder if it is even worth it. I too am an engineer, Canada doesn't look too much better salary wise for engineers.
I have friends in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain; with the exception of NZ those countries are much easier to go to for work, no registration required and offer better salary packages. You could always go contracting in the UK for money, that's what I do and the money is great, but money isn't everything.

I think if you move to Canada to get rich from engineering, you'll end up cold and disappointed.

johntheScot

have you checked you EE points with your degree plus experience and your to be wife you should be in a good position.

I would also set up a profile now. i assume you have a HND already you would be able to get in as a technologist. If its trade qualifications then a fitter. you can update as you get more qualifications to increase points but you may well get selected before then.

Shirtback

As things (immigration options) stand at the moment, & barring major changes, both you & your fiancée would be eligible for IEC, which if everything went/goes well might help you both get Canadian experience which gives points in Express Entry (route to PR).

You (& I mean both of you) are lucky that you have several options open.

johntheScot

on the money front, it is such an individual thing, personally i make 50% more than i would in the Scotland.

$60-70k is a standard graduate starting salary closer to the 60 in my area.

but you are also bringing 8 years of real experience to the table so you are not standard grad, your package will be very unique.

Novocastrian

Unless there are radical and unanticipated changes to IEC before 2018 both you and your (then) spouse would be eligible to apply.

If the successful applicant turns out to be you and you get a skilled job, then the other partner would automatically get an open work permit too.

It really is the best shot for someone in your position.

jproberts

Thanks again for your replies. we're not moving to get rich, we're moving to have a better lifestyle but we need to earn enough to have a better lifestyle lol
IEC definitely seems like the route to go for then so i'll start looking into that more thanks guys!
Thanks for everyone's input it definitely seems like we're in a good position to make the move. On another note has anyone moved a dog with them? was it complicated and what sort of costs were involved?
Thanks

jproberts

Also, isn't IEC a temporary thing? We're really looking to settle and put down roots once we arrive

christmasoompa

Yes, but do you qualify for PR without a job offer? If not, then there's no way of moving permanently straight away anyway, and an IEC is going to be a much quicker and easier route for you than trying to find an employer prepared to pay $1000, and go through the hassle and paperwork of a LMIA app for you.

So an IEC would be a good way to get over there, you'd be work authorised so an employer wouldn't need to go through any hassle to hire you, and you could get some all important Canadian experience and hopefully convince your employer to help you stay permanently.

jproberts

So once i'm over there on an IEC, if i find permanent employment then I could become a PR from there? On the immigration website in the FAQ's this is one of the questions and replies:

Can I immigrate to Canada under International Experience Canada?
No. You are not able to immigrate to, or become a permanent resident of Canada under International Experience Canada.

Novocastrian

But once IEC is used and once you've been in Skilled employment for 12 months you can apply under CEC (Canadian Experience Class).

johntheScot

and a nice points boost for EE

jproberts

Ahh ok that sounds good then, i just don't want to sell all of our furniture etc in the UK and then have to come back. Can i still arrange work before we go with IEC? We'd need to have something arranged before moving.

Aviator

If you are on a temp permit, until you have the permanent residence permit approved and in hand, it is still temporary and there is always (maybe a slim) chance you have to return to country of origin.

You can try, be prepared to move without arranged work. Few employers hire from overseas unless you have high demand skills. Most want a face to face.

jproberts

Think I'm finally starting to fully get my head around this thanks, so what would I have to do / apply for whilst on a temp permit to gain PR?

Novocastrian

Work for 12 months in a skilled job and apply under CEC. Jeez.