Hey guys,

I'm new here so go easy

I'm 25, work in the media (5 years +) and visited Ontario over the summer and fell in love with the place and have been giving serious consideration to migrating.

All my life i've wanted to live on the other side of the pond (traveled the U.S extensively over the past 10+ years) as, quite frankly I prefer the way of life, social 'atmosphere' and standard of living that is available (difficult to explain in writing but hopefully I've put some of that across), and am pretty familiar with the culture (I previously dated an American girl for a considerable length of time - who lived on the border, and spent some time at a [American] border university).

My only worry is that if I move, will the 'love affair' die off, become home sick through missing slight differences (Marmite, TV, family, friends.etc .etc .etc).

So basically what i'm asking you guys is.... if you had a second chance, would you do it again? (in a heartbeat, give it extra thought or no way).

I'm also worried about the whole Visa process itself, i've been doing some research of late (hence how I found this forum), but all the 'help' agencies seem fairly faceless online, want cash and/ or your personal details and i'm *very* reluctant to do either. In addition to this, whilst my industry is currently booming (especially in Canada), I recognise it's *very* niche - and something with only a few employers, and a very small skill pool (which might work in my favour). I've put some feelers out and made contact with a few potential businesses, but ofcourse its a catch-22 as no visa = no job and no job = no visa.

Without bigging myself up too much & being 100% honest here (and hopefully not sounding arrogant):

I'm fairly young (25), have a good degree from a good university, work for an internationally recognised media company (good salary/ prospects), am single (no wife/ kids.etc), obviously speak fluent English and have very good spoken French (written/ reading is a little rusty) - But honestly, is this attractive for emigration as I have no idea what qualities in a person they are looking for?

Any advice, suggestions and hits/ tips/ pointers are *seriously* welcome and very very much in need!

Oh and I hope I haven't asked anything that was covered in the 'new members section' (I did give it a read over prior to posting this).

Yes, I would do it again.

I would do it again and again

I wouldn't. This doesn't mean I dislike it here. My life is not actually that different than it was in the UK. We will probably move back if and when some things fall into place. At your age and with your background I would go somewhere more exciting than Canada.

what kind of media do you work in exactly? i know of tonnes of graduates with degrees in magazine and website design, journalism etc. and they're all really struggling to find work. tread carefully!



Ontario=Toronto?

Pretty much this.

If I were your age (if only) and again, if only, I would do everything that I have done before in spades, and lots of them. I left the UK when I was 21, many moons ago, and have never been back - and I had fun, and lots of fun, and then a bit more. At your age you can afford to have at least a decade of adventure with no regrets....best of luck and bonnes voyages!

Yes i would do it all again.

BUT

Not at 25 years young

I am glad i spent over 40 + years enjoying all that the UK and Europe could offer, and got to a position in life were i was able to afford to do all the stuff i wanted, without exception.

I now happily live in Canada and don't even give the UK a second glance anymore, not because its crap or anything, just because i feel ive done all i need there now and now looking to do stuff here, 4 weeks to our Caribbean cruise and counting down the November days. Another first for us

Bons voyages, shirley?

But I agree, go for it, I left the UK when I was 27. I'm 61 now and would certainly do it again. (although perhaps not to Canada).

25.

Just do a Work Holiday Visa for a year and then if you like it take your second Work Holiday Visa and then look at PR options.

If you don't like it after a year go back to the UK. Either way you'll never regret the year.

Yes I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Check out the CIC website, and look at the different routes that you may be eligible for, thats the first step.
Always be wary of any immigration firm that doesnt come highly recommended by someone that you trust, there are reputable ones out there, just be careful if you go down that route.
Good luck!
x

Totally, but I'm rubbish on this ipad - normal service will be resumed next week

I would do it again and again, go for it, follow your desires, nothing is irreversible (except death) anyway!

Me too,

Working Holiday is a good option to "try before you buy"

Just make sure that you've had your addictions (Marmite etc.) resolved !