Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi,

We are a family of four living in Co Durham, North east England and we are thinking of moving to Canada, we are sick of the Uk and what it has to offer and are looking for simpler, relaxed and better life for us and our children. What is the cost of living like, average weekly shopping bill, house prices, education, etc. Would anyone recommend using a lawyer/ agencie to fast track application and help make arrangements for immigration. We would like to know more about Nova Scotia and why people choose to move there, whats it like ? Any help advice appreciated.

Many Thanks

Andrea

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Is this a wind up?

Just in case it is not, hello, Andrea, and welcome to the BE forum.

And for the love of Pete, please read the thread entitled Tips on getting the most out of the forums.

All the best with your plans.

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

No it`s not a wind up, thought this would be a good place to get some advice. I will just keep doing my research. Thanks Anyway

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Andrea

Welcome to the forum ;)

Judy is saying is most of your answers can be found on the wiki articles above, as reg posters on here we are asked this and that all the time :sneaky:

If there is an area that yo are looking at like NS then it would be ideal to advise what your career is, what jobs are you looking for etc etc
Canada has its down points just like the uk, have you taken a recci trip to NS and why NS compared to the other area

OK just want to know your life story first :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Gill
(yet we are all MAD here or crackers :p)

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

There have been a lot of newbies posting cliched questions recently havent there.

I wonder if all the IP addresses are the same?

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

when i first discovered this forum i really did not know how it works it took me a while to get used to it and even now there are lots of things i still can't find/do (being hopeless with computer does not help)

some person have been on this forum for a long time ,and know everything about how it works ,when you just sign in though you don't always think or know where to start so the easiest way is to just send a message!
everyone should be patient and understanding when a question is asked yet another time ,if we really can not stand it then we should just ignore it
some comment could just put anyone off using this forum
we were all knew once...
vee

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

On the other hand as a frequent observer you notice a sort or rhythm and pattern to the posts here...almost sort of like a pulse. Then you notice half a dozen new posters all asking the same sort of thing in a short space of time,and it seems out of the ordinary.

A few trolls have in the past disrupted things here, and its only natural that people can be a bit skeptical...

Ive made the point that the best advice any newcommer here can be given is to learn how this place works and to use the search function, as that way they will find far more comprehensive answers than a random one off reply to a question, and they more often than not wont have to wait for someone to come along and reply, they can find the answers right away....we arent being nasty, honest!

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Okay, I'm typing this here so I can bookmark this thread and come back and copy and paste this information when I feel the need for it.

Hello, [fill in the blank], and welcome to the BE forum.

Here are some features that will help you to find your way around the forum.

First of all, it would be a good idea to read the discussion thread entitled Tips on getting the most out of the forums.

Next, you'll want to know about the forum's search feature. This is very useful for finding previous discussion threads about a given topic.

After that, you'll probably find some of the BE Wiki articles helpful. Members of this forum have written those articles to answer frequently answered questions. Some of them are:

• Regions of Canada - a broad brushstrokes description
  
  
• Canadian Immigration - There are several articles in this Wiki series. I recommend that you read them all. Where relevant, those articles refer you to Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website, which is another good one for you to read.
  
  
• Getting into Canada quickly
  
  
• Immigration Consultants - New comers to the BE website often ask whether or not it is worthwhile hiring an immigration consultant. Opinions on this forum are divided. To help you decide for yourself, this Wiki tells you the pros and cons of using the sevices of an immigration consultant.
  
  
• Abbreviations and Acronyms - When members of the forum discuss immigration matters, they frequently resort to acronyms. If you don't know what the acronyms stand for, you may feel as if you're drowning in alphabet soup. This Wiki is intended to be your lifeline.
  
  
• Careers in Canada - These Wiki articles cover a large spectrum of information on equivalency of qualifications, pay scales, converting your British CV into a Canadian resume, how to find job opportunities, networking, the Canadian employment culture, and any number of other job-related issues.
  
  
• Scouting Trip - Many new comers to the forum ask if it's useful to go to Canada on a recce trip. Yes, it most certainly is. This article contains valuable suggestions for getting the most out of your recce.
  
  
• Schooling
  
  
• Medical and Dental Treatment
  
  
• Housing

Those are the topics that brand new members of the forum most often ask about, so I hope the above links will help you to get up to speed.

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi Andrea

Welcome to BE :D We moved to NS earlier this year so I have a little experience of living here.

Where we live there is definitely a more relaxed attitude (although MR Y-C-D is very busy at work). People are the friendliest I have ever come across. The kids seems to have more respect for each other and adults alike. Our kids love their new schools.

Our town has a strong community spirit and there is always some event planned. In the summer you could probably get by without ever cooking there are that many BBQ and pot luck supper fundraisers :D

I do not think that the cost of living is really cheaper than back in the UK. It's kinda hard for me to tell though as I am working a lot less hours than I would like. Once my hours are increased and my wages rise, I am sure I will have a different outlook on cost of living.

House prices in NS are lower compared to the UK so any equity you have would go a long way. For us, utility bills are higher, but car running costs are not. Cars are also cheaper to buy. Food prices are a bit mixed - some the same, some cheaper (steak) some more expensive (chicken).

Nova Scotia is a beautiful province with good, inexpensive flights to the UK, so its not out of bounds for return trips back to the UK or for visitors to come over.

You can find out lots of info either here in BE or by internet research. Judy has given you lots of great links for finding your way around the emigration maze.

A great website to subscribe to is Muchmore Magazine. You can download back issues. It's fab!

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

A bit off topic with respect to Andrea's original enquiry, but I have just added a Wiki for New comers to the forum.

It involved, along the way, writing new Wikis on:

• Canada versus Australia
• regions of Canada
• getting into Canada quickly
• cost of living
• annual leave

When I mentioned the "Regions of Canada" and "Getting into Canada quickly" articles in my post below, the articles had not yet been written.

The "Newcomers to the forum" article contains a reference to an article on "Netiquette" that is in progress.

The creation of that article was a great investment from my point of view. Now I won't feel tempted to be abrupt with new comers. I'll just point them to the Wiki article for new comers.

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi Andrea, Like you i am new here, i am not very good on the comp and didn't know my way around, I was so pleased to find a forum where i could talk to people doing the same as we are,
I agree with Vee we are all new once, i very nearly didn't bother again but don't be put off it is worth it, i have found out loads,
Immigration is such a massive step we all need all the help and support we can get, persevere and you will learn loads,
A big welcome, let us know if we can help
cheers sue

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

That's a really good idea Judy, thank you.

I've been reading the forums for a while, although I've only recently joined in. I'm sure I'll post a query that's been asked a zillion times at some point:D, but found that reading through all the intro bits first has helped me not ask some of the more general ones! :)

Maggie

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Anyone noticed that the OP have not posted again. I think I might PM them and invite them back. Make them feel welcome when they come.:thumbsup:

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Not sure what someone would have to gain by posting dodgy 'how do you move to Canada' questions, but I half agree that you have to put time in, to get out of BE what you need.

And sometimes, a curt 'are you having a laugh' message is needed.

Give a man a fish etc...:D

Chris.

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

did you pm them ?
cheers sue

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

If you PM someone with less than 3 posts they cant receive them ;)

Hope that helps

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Yes. No reply yet.

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi Sue,

I PM them, hope they come back. It's not that us new comers mean to upset and offend older members of BE, we are just a bit nieve and still learning me thinks:o

Jilly

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi Jilly just sent you a pm sorry i was asleep when yours came (light weight )

I agree Jilly i think we are just so overwhelmed by finding so many people in the same boat as us, i didn't even see the " READ ME FIRST " just wanted to talk to someone, hope they come back,

cheers sue

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

I didn't know that....did anyone else know that?......should I have used the search function?

Anyway, I have emailed them. Does this get around that problem?

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

I must admit 700+ posts later i do try and keep away from the new section or advise new ones to read the wiki :thumbsup:

Hubby joined a few weeks ago and i sent him a PM, he told me that he wasnt allowed to read it until he got to 3 posts, try sending them a email rather than a PM

Judy has been on here along time, very helpful to me and millions more, but i do think when you sign up you should be directed to the wiki articles, would of saved me sometime in the mean time :thumbsup:

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

I've just added up the Wiki articles that I've written, and even I'm surprised to discover that the total comes to 55. They are:

1. Abbreviations and Acronyms
2. Alberta Health
3. Annual Leave
4. Arrival To Do List
5. Bed Sizes
6. Business Class Immigration
7. Calgary [neighbourhoods]
8. Calgary Schooling
9. Canada versus Australia
10. Canadian Immigration Overview
11. Canadian Schooling
12. Careers in Canada [overview]
13. Children
14. Cost of Living
15. Create Wiki Page
16. Criminal Rehabilitation
17. Departure To Do List (copied from a fabulous post)
18. Equivalency of Qualifications
19. Family Class Immigration
20. Finding Job Opportunities
21. Getting into Canada quickly
22. Goods To Follow
23. Hiring Culture
24. Holidays and Festivals
25. Housing
26. Immigration Consultants
27. Information Technology Workers
28. Job Hunting Closure
29. Job Interview
30. Medical and Dental Treatment
31. Medical Insurance
32. Money
33. Networking
34. Newcomers to the forum
35. Occupations under Pressure
36. Ottawa (great contributions from others after I started it)
37. Permanent Residence Visas
38. Provincial Nomination
39. Quebec Selected Immigration
40. Regions of Canada
41. Renting
42. Residency Obligations
43. Resume and Letter (resume part from me, letter part largely from someone else)
44. Retiring in Canada
45. Salaries
46. Saying Thank You
47. Skilled Trades
48. Skilled Worker Immigration
49. Student Visas
50. Tips on using the forum
51. Transporting Pets (with contributions from others)
52. Truck Driving in Canada (with many excellent contributions from others)
53. Whitehorse (copied and pasted from someone else’s post on the forum)
54. Work Permits
55. Work Permits for Children

This does not count articles that I created in case people used another term to look for a topic, e.g., the article entitled "Qualifications" merely refers the reader to the article entitled "Equivalency of Qualifications."

And now I'm going to take a break from BE (am still planning to attend the get together at ann m's house, though).

I'm not proud of myself for being rude and, as I myself said in the article called "Tips on using the forum," when you feel yourself getting hot under the collar, consider taking a break from the forum.

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Pleeeeeeeeese dont go judy :(

You have been a help to us all on here, we cant survive without your helpful advise :wub:

We cant answer the questions that you can, i will have to start a petition to keep you if you disapear :p

Gill

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi,

Thankyou to those who have replied to my post on here and by email, I really do appreciate your messages and advice. I can`t view PM`s yet until I have 3 posts. I am not a troll or dodgy. I am genuine young lady who is looking for advice on emigrating to Canada with my family, which is big step to take in most people lives and want to make sure that I have done my research and get first hand experiences from people who have done it and or in the process of doing it. I will read the information people have posted thankyou. A bit about my family.

I am 30 my husband 32
Two boys nearly 4 and 18 months
I was a Team Manager for Mobile company for 12 years - quit to be a SAHM as could not get flexible hours.

Husband is Mechanical Engineer for a Petrochemicals Company for 16 years, served apprenticeship from leaving school.

We would qualify to emigrate, but undecided whether to go for PR or Temp work permit.


Regards

Andrea

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Thankyou Judy for you Wiki`s they are really helpful, it`s really appreciated

Many Thanks

Andrea

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi andrea

Welcome back, you will need to look into the mech/eng side of it.
Some trade needs a license to work, others need to be regisitered.

Best way round is to use google.ca for the job side and also check out the job search.
On wiki there is a section on job searching and ofcourse changing your cv to a resume for the canadian job market.

Work Permit is quicker, skilled worker with PR currently 5yrs and rising every second (well seems like every second :rofl:)

We are a friendly bunch on here honest, The best way to check an area out is to take a recci there, lots of people move to different area of canada, what someone loves isnt anothers love :thumbsup:

There is a search button at the top, have a look at what others have said on the area, hope that helps
Gill :wub:

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

this may help

http://www.transalta.com/transalta/w...9?OpenDocument

OH (other half) has advised that jobs maybe easier for your hubby in alberta, but this company seem to be taking on :thumbsup:

Gill

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Thanks for the link it is really helpful

Regards

Andrea:thumbsup:

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi Andrea, Big welcome back, there are a few of us newbies on here more join every day, Where are you thinking of in ca, There are lots of really helpful pepes on here so ask away,

cheers sue

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

We are thinking of Nova Scotia, it seems like an up and coming place, alot of oil industry jobs for my hubby x

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi Andrea,

We fast-tracked here in Nova Scotia. We applied last December and got our Residency in July through the Commnity Identified route. It doesn't suit everyone but we were so fed up with the UK we took the plunge - we have a 6 year old and an 18 year old so quite a move.

House prices are so cheap were we are, fuel half price, cars cheaper, clothes cheaper but quality not so good, kitchen appliances slightly more expensive, eating out half the price. Nothing can put a price on the friendly people, virtually nil crime (in our area) and amazing scenery.

Send me a personal message if you want to know more.

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Well, yes I suppose a lot of it depends on your jobs but in a nutshell, Toronto a few areas there were affordable for us such as Guelph, but is 1 1/2 hours drive from the city it is a less violent version of London but comes at a price as does Vancouver. Alberta is freezing not much in the middle and the rest isn't an option unless you speak French! which leaves the Maritimes, where we've ended up. Its quiet, safe and housingis very affordable it also has the mildest climate compared to the rest of Canada but doesn't have as much money in it compared to the other provinces.
Louise:)

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

No


It isn't!

For one, we don't get the storms you guys get. My uncle lives in Nova Scotia, and can no longer handle the longlasting heavy snowfalls! Here's a linkie to weather in NS http://atlantic-web1.ns.ec.gc.ca/cli...n&n=61405176-1

So enough with the sweeping generalisations already!

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Alberta is lovely ;)
Ontario in parts is fantastic :thumbsup:

Cant comment on others have not really looked at them, but depends on your personal choice :thumbsup:

What rocks someone boat is not what rocks another :thumbsup:

Best advise take a trip so if you fall in love, i left mine in kingston, ontario, but sadly the jobs arent there for hubby.
We are taking a trip to alberta to look at jobs, better pay etc

The oil industry is in alberta for your hubby worth doing a search if you are looking for good jobs, the link i gave you showed that there is jobs there for him ;)

Gill

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi Andrea,

I live in Durham City and am also a newbie on this board. I also have young children and I only work part time. There's so much information it's quite overwhelming really! It all seems like such a long process, and at the moment we don't have any spare cash to go out for a visit.

If you want to chat anytime just email me - or reply onto this thread and I'll get back to you.

Best wishes,

Claire.

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Hi Andrea. :D Welcome to BE, everyone was a newbie at one time, and its a great source of information. I've not been around that long either, although I don't ask many questions, just make daft comments that annoy everyone! :rofl:
Personally I believe that BC is the best place to live in Canada. Although I may be slightly biasted, as I married someone from Van. :wub: (Actually I havn't seen any other parts of Canada anyway) But its beauty is undeniable, and house prices are as bad as England!! :D

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

I must say that the past two years we have had so little snow in Nova Scotia. Our winters have been really nice. I have been hear along time and it is strange to see the difference in when we first arrived in this province. We moved from Ontario back in 80 something and the first winter here seemed like all rain and fog with some storms but nothing to what we were used to in Ontario. We now live on private roads and pay a fee to have them plowed. They only come out to plow when there is 5 inches of snow on the ground and last winter that was twice. I did hear that we are suppose to have more snow this coming winter....something to do with the bees making there hives higher up in the trees!!!! Who knows!

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Nonsense - why does one have to speak French ? What's wrong with its middle in comparison, let's say, to the Maritimes ?:confused:

I think BC would argue with that:eek:

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

Please I would appreciate it if can we get back to the questions I asked, instead of having a dig at each other`s replies. I want to get as much out of this forum as I can regarding canada.

Thanks to those who have given me advice and support, I really do appreciate it. The information has helped alot with my research.

Many Thanks

Andrea

Re: Thinking of moving to Canada
 

When the answer given is bordering on misinformation, its in your interest for us to bicker over it;)