Hi Everyone,

I have a few questions that I hope you can help with. I am seriously considering a move to Canada with my family. The reason is mainly due to better job opportunities for myself and my husband. He is currently working for BT as an engineer and a colleague of his is moving over to Canada for a year in a couple of months - same job, much better salary and of course a much nicer country! I have been looking for work and there are about 20 jobs in my area! I did the same search on various Canadian job sites and there were roughly 500 for admin/office work. Say no more!

I am still trying to convince my husband though! I am currently unemployed and pregnant, I have a 5 year old daughter too. In an ideal world I would like to have the baby in the UK, and when our lease is up for our house in May, thats when I want to make the move. This should give us enough time to sort paperwork/jobs out.

I have done a bit of research but this is where I need help. Is it right that you can apply for jobs in Canada before applying for a visa and when you get a job offer your employer does an LMO to help with a visa? Sorry if im a bit vague! Also, if we were to initially come over for a year, is there a certain type of visa we would need? I think my hubby qualifies for the Skilled Worker Program. We also have a dog and a cat and would love them to come.

I have researched different areas and Alberta is standing out the most.

Any info/help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Helen.

Hi Helen, and welcome to the forum.

It may not as easy as you've made it sound I'm afraid! In case your research hasn't yet thrown this up, Canada is in recession too. I know you said that you've looked at jobs and found lots, but are you aware that in order for you to get a Temp Work Permit, your potential employer would have to prove that they've advertised the job extensively across Canada, and been unable to find a Canadian willing, or able to do the job. As you can imagine, this is incredibly tricky at the mo with so many Canadians out of work.

As for the visas, you've understood it right. You get the job offer (), then your employer applies for the LMO (as above), then you either go over on a Temp Work Permit (and then upgrade to PR once there), or could apply as a Skilled Worker with a job offer (assuming you meet the other criteria i.e. minimum points, pass the medical, no criminal record etc). The problem with a Skilled Worker visa is that very few employers will be prepared to wait the 12 months or so it would take for you to get over there.

You're also being a bit unrealistic with your timescale I'm afraid. Even if you find a job straight away (unlikely), the LMO can easily take 6 months or more. May next year is very optimistic, there are people on here who have been trying to get a TWP for a couple of years.

Have a read of the Wiki (on blue bar at top of page) which has loads of info in, and then shout with any questions.

Good luck.

Edit: just checking, but you mention your 5 year old daughter and refer to her as yours - is she your husband's child too, or from a previous relationship? Sorry to be personal, but if it's the latter then you'll need written permission from her father to remove her from the UK.

Hi
I am sure someone will be on here with a good answer to all your questions!
In the meantime I would look up the WIKI on this and it should give you some clarity with your questions.
I would be concerned if my other half wasnt too keen on moving though! You will be like myself and overly keen and I know that can be tough on your partner as mine keeps reminding me as I go on and on at times. I would suggest that you arrange a trip so as he sees what it is like in person, you cant sell someone a lifestyle from a picture!

you don't state what your job's are? BT engineers can cover many fields! could you apply for a job under a PNP programme? it is a 'quick' way in and worth looking at.....you need to find the job that can be supported with a PNP, get the TWP at the port of entry and away you go....not perfect and has some downsides but worth checking out and depends on the province that you apply too.....check out our time line and good luck with all of your endevours....baby too. x

Hi,

Thanks for your replies.

If it can take a couple of years then at least I have plenty of time to convince my husband!

As for his job, he works from home with a laptop and a mobile and visits customers homes/businesses to connect phone line, deal with faults/repairs. I am unemployed due to redundancy, I have a background in accounts/admin. The likelyhood of me being offered a job whilst pregnant is minimal - thats even if I could find one!

My daughter Ellie is mine from a previous relationship. Getting written consent from her dad could prove tricky as he never sees her and live 100 miles away from us!

I will have a look at Wiki... Thanks for your replies!

Helen.