Hi all,
I am an experianced Security Systems Installer and Also a qualified Electrician, but havnt really done much electrical in the last 7 years. I have been in the trade since I left school.(14 years).
I am looking to relocate to canada, either Southwest area of Ontario(windsor/London area) or Winnipeg.
Looking at applying for a Skilled worker residants visa, but was informed it can take up to 8 years to process this.
Part of the reason we want to move is to better my kids future/oppertunity and I dont really want to move them out of secondary school. All 3 are young at the moment(8,6 and 3).
Is this estimate an extreme or is there a real possiblitiy it could take that long?
If i was to find employment and get an offer in writing am i correct in saying that a work visa can be completed in 8 weeks?
How long does a temp work visa last? and once we are there can we apply for a permanent resisdants visa and extension on temp work visa if needed.?

Also can you get a morgage/bank account ect on a temp work visa?

Thanx
sorry for the questioning, I got so much to ask
Chris

Mini answers, as still relatively new to this as well, am sure more experienced folks will correct me if I'm wrong!!
Skilled Worker - 8 years sounds extreme, currently more like just over 4 years at the moment. Get your application in now to get in the pipeline.
Work Visa - yep 8 weeks seems to be average, depends on which province you go to I think. General length of work visa is 2 years. Once you have that, they fast track your PR application, so that can through in less than a year, hence the reason for getting that application in asap.
No worries on getting a mortgage/bank account, we're still in the UK and have bought a house in NS, with mortgage and account, no issues. Only thing with being non-resident and a mortgage, is that the bank will want at least 35% down payment, possibly more.
Hope that helps some, and I've got it right!!

Thanx That helps ease my mind.
I wasnt sure wether you could put apply for temp work visa if you had application in for PR visa.

Also does anyone know what the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Skilled Workers is about?? do they push your visa along
just asking as Winipeg was an area we are looking at
Thanx
Chris

Hi remember electrical work in canada is a licensed trade you will need to do an exam to get red seal approval to work there.

Good luck

Steve

thanx for reply steve.

Do you know where to find information on Red seal and where would you sit the exam, how long does it take to do?

Also is there a licence required for security systems, I assume it will be like the USA and different for each state.?
Is there a Approval Scheme called CANASA like the UK has NACOSS?

Thanx

No problem.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=407368

If you read this thread it has all the info you will need. Don't know about the security schemes not my field.

If you need anything else don't hesistate to get in contact

Regards

Steve

thanx mate
chris