Starting a new life
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 5
Starting a new life
Hi All, I'm looking for some advice regarding making a permanent move to Canada.
I finished at Nottingham Uni in 2006, and went to Canada on a Bunac organised one-year student visa. I had the best time working basic service jobs in Whistler (2hrs north of Vancouver) and left at the end of my visa. Since my year working there, I have been back to Whistler and Vancouver on holiday twice, and am totally convinced that moving there (or the surrounding area) is the right thing for me.
I am 27, I have read a few posts on here, and it seems people are saying that one of the quickest ways to get into Canada is via a Bunac organised 12-month working visa. Am I right in thinking that I can do this, as my previous Bunac visa was while I was a student?
Would it be better/cheaper/faster to apply direct to CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) for a temp work visa? Is this the same thing that Bunac get you?
The problem I am facing is that I don't want to leave after 12 months. From what I can make out, once your working you can apply for an extension LMO, or as a apply as a skilled worker.
I did biochemistry and uni and I'm currently working in the UK for a company that manages clinical pharmaceutical trials. Now ideally i'd like to move to Whistler, which is a smallish ski town, which doesn't really have the greatest need for a biochemist. What are the best employment sectors that I could move into to increase my chances of getting a visa extension, and ultimately residency?
Am I looking at this the right way, or is there a better way to go?
I finished at Nottingham Uni in 2006, and went to Canada on a Bunac organised one-year student visa. I had the best time working basic service jobs in Whistler (2hrs north of Vancouver) and left at the end of my visa. Since my year working there, I have been back to Whistler and Vancouver on holiday twice, and am totally convinced that moving there (or the surrounding area) is the right thing for me.
I am 27, I have read a few posts on here, and it seems people are saying that one of the quickest ways to get into Canada is via a Bunac organised 12-month working visa. Am I right in thinking that I can do this, as my previous Bunac visa was while I was a student?
Would it be better/cheaper/faster to apply direct to CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) for a temp work visa? Is this the same thing that Bunac get you?
The problem I am facing is that I don't want to leave after 12 months. From what I can make out, once your working you can apply for an extension LMO, or as a apply as a skilled worker.
I did biochemistry and uni and I'm currently working in the UK for a company that manages clinical pharmaceutical trials. Now ideally i'd like to move to Whistler, which is a smallish ski town, which doesn't really have the greatest need for a biochemist. What are the best employment sectors that I could move into to increase my chances of getting a visa extension, and ultimately residency?
Am I looking at this the right way, or is there a better way to go?
#2
Re: Starting a new life
Welcome to the forum I don't have answers to your questions but I am sure some of the more senior members will be able to help. I got told by one or two members here that had it not been for the fact OH and I have dependants the BUNAC would have definitely been the best way of getting a foot into Canada first of all and would give us time to be able to get more permanent work and apply for residency. I am not too sure about how it works if you have previously been out to Canada under a BUNAC visa though...
#3
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Starting a new life
Welcome.
Information on visas and so on is in the wiki. It is best to read this first and then you will be able to ask more directed questions.
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Category:Canada
There is a bio-tech industry in the Vancouver area if this is where you want to work. In Whistler the jobs are mostly in tourism or related services.
Information on visas and so on is in the wiki. It is best to read this first and then you will be able to ask more directed questions.
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Category:Canada
There is a bio-tech industry in the Vancouver area if this is where you want to work. In Whistler the jobs are mostly in tourism or related services.
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,533
Re: Starting a new life
Hi
If you worked for a year in Canada on a Bunac visa...can't you apply under the Canadian experience class?
Just an idea
Stef
If you worked for a year in Canada on a Bunac visa...can't you apply under the Canadian experience class?
Just an idea
Stef
#5
Just Joined
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Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 5
Re: Starting a new life
Thanks for the replies.
@JonboyE; so from what I can see, the Bunac visa allows you to enter without prearranged work, but a temp visa direct from CIC needs a firm job offer. Is this correct?
If so, what would be more desirable for an employer; a blank visa via Bunac and then apply for a job, or apply for a job and then secure a visa?
@lins and Stef; I don't think so. Regarding Canadian experience class, the CIC website says "As a temporary foreign worker, you must have two years of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in Canada. Your work experience must be gained within three years of applying."
I was only there for a year, and at most did about 20hours a week in low-paid jobs. (It was more of a post-uni holiday than anything else)
@JonboyE; so from what I can see, the Bunac visa allows you to enter without prearranged work, but a temp visa direct from CIC needs a firm job offer. Is this correct?
If so, what would be more desirable for an employer; a blank visa via Bunac and then apply for a job, or apply for a job and then secure a visa?
@lins and Stef; I don't think so. Regarding Canadian experience class, the CIC website says "As a temporary foreign worker, you must have two years of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in Canada. Your work experience must be gained within three years of applying."
I was only there for a year, and at most did about 20hours a week in low-paid jobs. (It was more of a post-uni holiday than anything else)
Last edited by mike_routh; Jan 30th 2010 at 9:48 pm. Reason: add further info
#6
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Starting a new life
@JonboyE; so from what I can see, the Bunac visa allows you to enter without prearranged work, but a temp visa direct from CIC needs a firm job offer. Is this correct?
If so, what would be more desirable for an employer; a blank visa via Bunac and then apply for a job, or apply for a job and then secure a visa?
If so, what would be more desirable for an employer; a blank visa via Bunac and then apply for a job, or apply for a job and then secure a visa?
If you come on a BUNAC you can get any job. You then show the employer what an asset you are to their business and persuade them to apply for an AEO so you can apply for PPR.
#7
Just Joined
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Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 5
Re: Starting a new life
Thanks again JonboyE.
So I guess Bunac is the way to go. Once I have an approved visa, I can apply for jobs from the UK, the visa doesn't commence until I go through immigration and pick it up.
I love skiing, so ultimately I'd like to be close to, if not, in Whistler. Forgetting about commuting etc, and thinking about the long-term of getting AEO leading to PPR, do you think it would be a safer bet to go the bio-tech route in the city, or try tourism & retail management in Whistler?
So I guess Bunac is the way to go. Once I have an approved visa, I can apply for jobs from the UK, the visa doesn't commence until I go through immigration and pick it up.
I love skiing, so ultimately I'd like to be close to, if not, in Whistler. Forgetting about commuting etc, and thinking about the long-term of getting AEO leading to PPR, do you think it would be a safer bet to go the bio-tech route in the city, or try tourism & retail management in Whistler?
#8
Re: Starting a new life
I don't know what your timescale is, but just so that you're aware, the Bunac non-student program for this year has just closed (yesterday I believe), so you'll have to wait until December before you can apply.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.
#9
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Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 5
Re: Starting a new life
Do you happen to know if anyone gets rejected do they open another spot?
Thanks for the warm welcome
#10
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Starting a new life
There is no harm in starting looking as soon as you get your visa but you are much, much more likely to get work when you are out here.
I love skiing, so ultimately I'd like to be close to, if not, in Whistler. Forgetting about commuting etc, and thinking about the long-term of getting AEO leading to PPR, do you think it would be a safer bet to go the bio-tech route in the city, or try tourism & retail management in Whistler?
Many of the jobs in Whistler are seasonal. I would think you will have a better chance of a permanent job offer in Vancouver - but why not try both?
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 52
Re: Starting a new life
Mike - they do not open spots up if someone happens to get rejected, and there is no waiting list either, sorry to say. This year CHC instructed that applications for non student be in by jan 31st.
Best of luck..
Best of luck..
#12
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1
Re: Starting a new life
Hi guy's i'm Sarah i really want to move to Canada or America in a few years, got any advice? baring in mind that i'm not working yet, lost previous job.
Heard Canada is lovely:0 loll.
Heard Canada is lovely:0 loll.
Last edited by sarah09; Jan 31st 2010 at 6:23 am. Reason: spelling.
#13
Re: Starting a new life
Welcome to the forum. You may be better off starting your own thread to ask questions rather than hijacking somebody elses. I'd recommend you read the 'Newbies to the Forum' sticky at the top of the page which will tell you all about how to get the best out of the forum.
And as you'll no doubt have seen mentioned, the Wiki (on blue bar at top of page) is full of useful info so that should be your first starting point. Bear in mind that the US is much, much harder than Canada to get in to (even for very qualified people it can be impossible).
Bunac would be a good option for you to give you a year in Canada to try it out (assuming of course you would be under 30 when you wish to go), and before that you can read up on other visas so that you can have a plan for if you want to stay longer.
Good luck. Have a read of the Wiki and then shout with any questions.
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Oxford
Posts: 14
Re: Starting a new life
Whistler is expensive, price of living around there is also very high, so unless you get a good skills job that pays well you might find it difficult at first.
Best of luck with your Canadian ambitions and keep us apprised of your progress.
Sarah, I would visit the place you would like to move to on holiday before applying for a visa and fully committing to the big move to Canada. Best thing you can do is check out this forum, some really helpful people here that know more than I. Good luck to you too.
#15
Re: Starting a new life
The OP can definitely go back as a one year YMS worker though if his previous bunac visa was student-based, he will just need to wait until December 2010 to apply.