I'm looking at at the forms required to lodge an application to migrate as a federal skilled worker, to be submitted to the London mission. I have some questions:

- Aside from a sollictor - where else can you get certified copies made of documents?

- The photo specs are quite specific. Aside from going to a bespoke photographer, are there any places on the high street that would be able to cater for these (eg. chemist, for example)?

- Is an academic transcript really necessasry for a degree? I don't know if UK universities provide these now, but they certainly didn't when I did mine!

- Is a contract for every job detailed in work experience really neccessary? It's enough of a job to get a letter, let alone a contract!

- Do they really expect letters from employers to be stamped/sealed? Most companies in the UK don't do that, merely print on a letterhead

- Poilce clearance certificates. In the entry on this section of the canadian migration site, the fee quoted for an Australian one is £35 AUS - which relates to a name search only. Do I take it then, that a name serach and NOT a fingerprint search is required?

- language proficiency. I ahve a French 'O' level which I took many years ago. I don't use French day to day, so am very rusty, but when required, with practise, I soon become able to make very basic conversation and read and write at a very basic level. Looking at the criteria required for each level, I am not sure I woudl even score 1 point for either communication skill and thus the merit of doing a test. I'm under the impression, if you do a test for one language, you must do one for the other - ie. English, which seems ridiculous! Has anyone geot any experince/advice in this area?

Any help with the above would be most appreciated.

Bruce Mackie

What you need is a notary public. Some people are notaries by default - MPs and JPs, for example. Other people are notaries by application. Look in the Yellow pages or something like that for "notaries."

My memory of the names of places in England is failing me. You need an outlet that can take many different types of pictures, but you don't need a professional photographer. Most photograph places these days have a machine that can do pictures to whatever size/specifications you need. I think Supasnaps (does that still exist?) would be a good place to start. One of the better Boots' probably has the machine too.


Yes, they are quite specific about it. British universities do know what they are and they will provide you with one, although you are right, it is still a fairly rare request in the UK.

I don't know.

I've done my best, but let it be known that many of us (including me!) are rather out of the loop on the technicalities of Canadian immigration because we went through it a long time ago (and the rules seem to change with the seasons). There are some really knowledgeable people on the usenet group, and the discussion is a lot more specific to your issues.

You can access it here:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/forum...?s=&forumid=33

Hi Bruce.

The transcript should be no problem - just ask your University. I had no idea what one was, but it is basically an official statement showing your course breakdown and marks. I studied at Newcastle from 92-95 and they charged £20. MAKE SURE they comply with the sealed envelope request - Newcastle didn't even though I had specifically requested it - 2nd time lucky!

In terms of employment contracts, etc - I think if you can provide evidence that you tried to obtain them (i.e. a couple of letters, etc) and the positions were fairly old, then you may not have an issue. However, I don't think you'd get away with this for a recent position - and certainly not if you are counting it as experience against a NOC code.

It's best to spend a little extra time getting everything fully correct and complete - as any missing/incorrect information will only delay your application.

On French - I wouldn't bother unless you are borderline on the 67. Plus, I think if you can show you were born, raised and held jobs in England then you don't need an English test!

When are you hoping to get your application in? I'm just waiting for the UK police cert and a couple of other things before I submit mine!

Good luck,
Peter

Not trying to trample on your thread Bruce - but a related question.

Where do I have to go to get documents notarised in Canada?

i.e. my UK Engineering Council registration certificate?

Thanks,
Peter