RickD

Hey Everyone,

As the thread title suggests I'll soon be departing the UK for Vancouver under the IEC programme, I'm so bloody excited and felt the need to let some of that excitement out otherwise I fear my head might explode and I'll never make it to BC.
I visited Vancouver for 4 months towards the end of last year on my passport, built up a solid friend circle, generally had a great time and decided that I wanted to 'try it out for real'. As soon as I got back i applied and got accepted for IEC, just in time too, I turn 31 next year.

Would like to know what the work market is like in BC right now, I'm currently working as an IT contractor for a large UK based bank, so will be looking for a similar role when i get there.

Other than that theres not really any point ot this post, its mainly to share my excitement and enthusiasm for trying out Vancouver for real (working, paying rent, making friends in different social circles outside of my main interests etc.), but if anyone wants to reply with any general advice, pointers, things to look out for etc please do

Siouxie

Just a quick note - you can apply for another IEC in January provided you are not yet 31 - as long as the IEC application is received and stamped prior to your 31st birthday it is valid past your 31st birthday.

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca...aq.aspx?view=d

How old should I be to be eligible?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) is open to people aged 18 to 30. If you are about to turn 18, or will turn 31, please note that the age criteria are assessed as of the date your application was stamped as received by the High Commission of Canada to the UK.

My IEC application has been approved, but I will soon turn 31. Do I have to enter Canada before my birthday? Will my birthday limit the validity of my work permit?

No to both questions. Your Letter of Introduction is valid for presentation at a Canadian port of entry for one year from the date of issue and is not affected if you turn 31 within its validity period.



You may be able to consider the new CEC too, if you are able to find work for a year. One suggestion - if you are able to, wait until you find a job before you activate your IEC visa - that way you will have a clear year to gain experience if you wanted to go for CEC afterwards.

Congrats on your upcoming trip... and enjoy!

Edit: I don't know if these are of any use, but you could try looking on these tech job websites:

http://www.bctechnology.com/statics/employmt.cfm
http://www.techjobsvancouver.com/
http://www.itjobs.ca/en
http://www.techvibes.com/job/vancouver

or on the BC Provincial job site : http://www.workbc.ca/Jobs/JobSeekers/SearchResults.aspx

RickD

Thanks for the tips siouxie

Will I be allowed to enter the Canada on my passport if my return flight is booked for August, and how will I obtain a SIN number if I don't yet have a work visa.

The CEC is an interesting option, I've not heard of that before, although it says you need 2 years work experience.

Thanks for the links also, I'll check them out

Siouxie

You would be allowed to enter as a visitor, you would just tell them that you are delaying activation of your IEC visa - and you don't need a SI# until you have a job. You would flagpole once you have a job and activate your visa, then go down and get an SI#. Anyway, it's just an option

As to CEC, the requirements are changing in January and it appears that there will be only 1 year experience required. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/departm...2012-09-14.asp

RickD

It is an option and something I'd considered previously, I just remember the grief I got from immigration last September when my flight home wasn't for 100 days.

Question based on entering as a visitor and then activating my IEC visa. How does it work with proof of funds as I have to have proof of funds stamped 7 days before activating my visa, so if I enter as a visitor and then try and activate my IEC 2 weeks later, my proof of funds will be out of date....