anz

Hi,

I'm considering moving to Vancouver, however i'm not sure how to really go about this. I'm 23, and work as an ASP.NET web developer in the UK. Would it be possible to move for 6months-1yr as a bit of a trial period, and see how it goes? if so, what sort of restrictions do i have with the visa?

One of my major concerns is finding a suitable job in my current field. In the UK there are a lot of jobs, but looking around online (albeit briefly), there don't seem to be anywhere near the same number of jobs out in Vancouver. Am i looking in the wrong places, or will it not be easy to find employment?

Does it really rain that much in Vancouver, or is it like the UK? Is there a list somewhere of approx living costs, and good areas to live?

Thanks I'm sure i'll think of some more questions soon!

bazzz

You could try BUNAC as a quick way to get over:

http://www.bunac.org/uk/workcanada/

As far as I can tell the IT market over here is pretty saturated, although I'm not in any position to say. As for nice areas, that depends on what you want. Are you living on your own, or with family? Do you want a house or an apartment. Mountain views, access to ski slopes, beaches, etc? How much do you want to spend? How far do you want to commute?

And yes, it really does rain that much. You get used to it.

anz

I'd be renting if i was only doing a trial period so $850-$1k/month? If i was to move out there properly, probably $400k. I'd want a short commute as there's nothing worse than driving for ages to get to work and having to do it again to get away! I'll also be on my own Not to interested in ski slopes just yet, beaches would be good though, or mountains, though nowhere that floods If it was an apartment it would need some space, i've seen some of the condo's that are around and some are so small!

I still think my major issue would be employment, but i guess that's just something i need to look into more. The problem with BUNAC would be that i'd want a proper job, and not to work in a shop/cafe/etc... as that kind of work just isn't me at all!

startwin

Ideally, you'd end up with a job in downtown Vancouver, then you could rent an apartment in the west end, and walk to work. Or if the job is a little further out or on other side of Vancouver, short sky-train ride. My son rents a quite large 1-bedroom in the west end for $825/mo, so it's not overly expensive. Close to beaches, Stanley Park etc. Good luck.

Rob_999

Yes it rains a lot during the winter, but the summers are actually drier than the UK.

SkiBunny

You can do any job on a Bunac visa - it is not restricted to hospitality etc - well may not prime minister, but you could be CEO of IBM Vancouver if you wanted to and they'd have you It's just a quick-ish & painless-ish way of getting out here to work.

I have seen plenty of developer jobs advertised recently - have you checked workopolis, monster, working etc?

anz

How would i go about looking for jobs whilst in the UK? and how do i actually go about getting a job! am i going to have to wait until i move over and hope to find something, or should i try and get as much done whilst here as possible?

Canuck Fan

From personal experience of being on that 1 year visa and whatever occupation you wish to work in, no agency or employer is likely to take you on without meeting you first, I think this is simply because they see this visa as a casual work entitlement, although I guess you could seek contract work in web design depending on your experience etc. Bare in mind they are hot on giving preference to Canadians though & the market is extremely competitive. Even with a science degree I found it difficult for 3 weeks to get the most basic of office work. I contacted agencies prior to leaving the UK & they said they would not consider me until I arrived.