Hi,

This is my first time using this site, but my partner and I are thinking of moving to Canada, can anyone give me any tips and advise on the first stages... I'm thinking of moving over to Vancouver

I'm assuming you've already been to Vancouver.

Do you have any family or friends there?

first make sure you are going to have enough points to go.If you have start getting all your referances ,qualifications etc together.It can take a while just to put your application together.

Welcome. You have a lot of homework to do, but this is a great resource.

First step is to figure out if you are elligable to emmigrate by reading up your options at www.cic.gc.ca

Its worth noting that the current points limit is 67, but the smart money is on the required points for "skilled worker" increasing sometime in the next six months. Not too long ago it was 75!

Next step is to figure out what you are realy looking for, and why you want to leave the UK. Motivation will need to be very good to get you through all the hurdles ahead, in both the application process, and the trials and tribulations of settling in a new country.

Good Luck

Iain

Iain - interested (well worried really!) to read your comments about the points going up. Where is the smart money getting his tips?

Cheers! Cal

The experts in the immigration forum think it will go up based on the processing time getting out of hand again.

It is a balance between getting the type and number of new immigrants that the government wants vs. the CIC offices being snowed under with applicants. The pass mark was dropped to 67 in the first place because there were not enough applicants, but now it seems that was too low as waiting times are going up and up due to the backlog.

The looming spectre of a higher passmark is getting more and more attention in the immigration forum, there were a couple of threads just in the last day or so.

I see you are bound for the rockies...you do know there arent many jobs in the mountains?

Iain

Hi Iain - that's a fact! We have a couple of cunning plans though! Based mainly on the fact that ... son has left home (at last! and yes I was a v young mother!!) ... we have hardly any mortgage left to pay off and thanks to Dorset's housing boom we feel ready to do something for us and take a calculated risk. We love the mountains and as my primary job involves tourism we feel right at home out there!

Was interested in the points issue as I was thinking about the outcry from all those applicants who may be bumped out the system. Can't believe that the Canadian gov would want all that press again?!

Anyway always interested in your posts. Keep em coming!

Cheers! Cal

there is a yahoo discussion group just for Brits moving to Vancouver (see tag line)

We've just spent the weekend in Whistler - way more fun in the summer IMO - lots of fresh water swimming and cycle trails

Clare

Sorry All for the last reply,

Thank you for all your information and advise and Iain the information on the points is very interesting, I actually filled out an assessment form and I obtain 1223 points which I believe is enough to pass!!!! ( I think ).

Has anyone got any advise on obtaining just a 12 month visa for the first year and then trying to apply.

Thanks again

Cat

Getting a work permit is pretty tricky, although IIRC about 100000 are issued a year, so it is possible. The employer has to prove they advertised throughout canada and were unable to attract a suitable candidate in order for HRDC to validate your job offer. Some folks here have been lucky enough to do it, others have had intercompany transfers arranged, but I get the feeling that most people go through the whole PR thing.

If you are young enough then BUNAC may be an option as well, and there is a scheme for Nannys too, but it looks a bit like slavery to me.

My partner works for BMW and may be able to get a transfer, and I currently work in Human Resources so hopefully.... fingers crossed it just seems like a mined field so much to do. I lived in USA and also Spain but I was young free and single then its alittle bit different when theres 2 of you plus 2 cats. I actually did the nanny thing in the USA when I was alot young and I won't be doing that again......