Hi everyone. This is my first of probably many posts as I plough my way through the immigration process to achieve my dream of living in Canada.

I have over 6 years experience within IT on a support level and qualifications but when ever I have spoken to anyone in Canadian Immigration (at expos) they have said I have no chance of getting work in this field
I have applied to a few jobs that I have the qualifications and experience for but no response but that was before I read about all the networking and following up you need to do so will use that approach the next time

My other occupation in the past 10 years has been restaurant and bar management which I know has been a shortage but without current experience would people even look at my applications?

Any help would be great in my journey and thanks for all the advice I have gained from reading all your posts so far

Can you be more specific in the kind of IT work you have done and are looking for, and which qualifications do you have?
In IT, much of it depends on the geographical area you are in, what level of work, etc. The fact of 'it's who you know' may help sometimes, but other factors are generally more relevant.
Sometimes only contract work is available, but that's not necessarily a bad way. There are some advantages with contracting.

When we lived in Europe, the first immigration consultant we saw said we have no possible chance of getting into Canada, yet here we are, 12 years later, having worked in IT all of that time and still successfully employed.
Many immigration companies only work on a system where you pay only if you are successful, so if your case is a bit iffy then I suspect they don't want to take the risk of you failing and them having worked on your behalf for free.

Thanks so much for your reply.
the work I have been doing is all user support, my first job on a helpdesk and now I work through a university so support all the staff and students, hardware and software and a bit of networking.
I have my microsoft qualifications MCDST and fingers crossed will get to do my CompTIA qualifications in the new year.
Yeah usually when someone tells me it's not gonna happen it makes me more determined to make it happen and yes think your right about them not wanting to take the risk and waste there time if there is any likelihood of not being successful

Hi Alfiee and welcome to the forums.

I have a friends brother who managed to find work in a government role doing IT here in Alberta. So its not impossible.
Have a look at some of the job vacancies here and look at the job requirements. Compustar A+ is a good start.

its possible my hubby is a system support analyst here, had an LMO for it last year and waiting on a new one for next year. From the amount of interviews he got called for here in Edmonton and also in Saskatchewan you could get work no problem.

Thanks Guys.
That's given me a little bit more hope.
I was going to use an employment immigration agency as I thought that would be my only option to have any chance of getting ajob but now I think i'll have a go at finding something myself and hopefully saving some money in the process

Hey Alfiee,

I am also in IT support and looking to start my way in applying to companies in Ontario (near Toronto). Wondered how you are getting on and if you have and tips and places to look?

Hi Jamie
I haven't made much head way at the moment as I am waiting with everything crossed that when they bring out the new regulation on 1st Feb for IEC that they might change the upper age limit to 35. Dunno if will happen but that would be my easiest route if they do. I have a regular look on www.kijji.ca there is always loads on there and also monster.ca where you can also post your cv. The advice I have had is make a list of companies you are interested in and call them up and make contacts. Least you know where you want to go, that makes a difference as you can really narrow your search down to that area. If IEC falls through I'll start the process of calling companies so I'll let you know how that is going and any tips and advice I can give. All the best

Hi alfiee,
Do you think the IEC will change to 35?

Dunno there is rumours but don't know if just that. Will see on Friday I guess

Hey Alfiee,

Thanks alot thats really helpful! I'm hoping to get into the IEC too so everything crossed that works out for all of us. I have checked out Kijiji and looks like there are a few jobs in demand for my area of work so looking good! i will defo start calling companies that I am interested in as I know that networking is the way in!

Keep me updated and I will do the same!

Thanks again,
Jamie B