Hello,

I am looking at moving to Toronto in June or Sept, hopefully if I'm accepted for a visa, can't see why not.

I was wondering if anyone has done it? I'm doing it on my own, thought I would stay in a hostel for a few weeks etc.. I am scared but really feel like I should do it - you only live once, I spose!

Any info or views, would be appreciated.

On what...TO, or your decision, or your chances of a visa? What work will you do? My view (from someone who doesn't know you, nor you me) is always to go for it while you can! TO is not everybody's cup of tea, but it is the centre of the universe after all, so jobs are more likely there I reckon. Best of luck!

Thank you! Obv I am waiting for the Visas to open but im just scared about going and just wondering if anyone else was going through the same thing!

Toronto seems like an ideal place. Close to New York and other parts of the states i want to visit.

Just scared doing it alone.

Chances are out of the several thousand applicants applying for IEC work permits my guess is there will be others like yourself heading to the centre of the universe seeking work. Im betting there will be some facebook page cropping up regarding this or somebody else posting on this site.
You have plenty of time.

True, Thank you! Just wanted to talk to people who are also doing it. Your views have put me at ease.

I did it years ago, twice, but not on my own (I went with a different friend each time and was lucky enough (a) not to need a visa and (b) to have accommodation organised - and will never stop appreciating either!). I loved TO, and would be confident that you would too. Like FL says, there will be plenty of others doing the same, so it might be worth trying to find some like-minded individuals to help make it more of an exciting adventure like I remember, rather than a nerve-wracking experience on your own. Go for it!

I did it years ago but not on my own (had a wife, but no kids). I was completely naive...wife had work permit and I thought I could show up, get a job and be approved for work! I found out things didn't quite work that way but I did get a job offer the day after arriving and eventually got the work permit sorted. We stayed in short-term, furnished accommodation for the first few weeks while we looked for a more permanent apartment. We loved Toronto - intended to stay 1 year but ended up staying 7. We travelled around (Montreal, Ottawa, New York, New England, etc) and got into the spirit by learning to ski, skate, play curling and rooted for the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. Toronto is a great, multi-cultural city with great restaurants and nightlife. It's a major concert venue.

You only live once so if it's something you want to do, go for it. If you do, have a positive attitude and be determined to make it work and that will get you through the inevitable bumps in the road. If it doesn't work out, you will at least know that you gave it your best shot.

Brilliant, thank you! Its nice to hear that some of you have done it etc.. I think the only thing that scares me is giving up to quick and feeling lonely! I moved to London a few years ago and nearly got scammed a few times when renting a room, the room wasn't actually for rent it was someones house the borrowed etc.. It was all a con! I'm worried that doing it on my own in a different country that sort of thing may come up, but I spose i won't know until i do it!

Maybe if you adjust the title of this post (or open a new one?) looking for anyone who is in a similar boat to you....you might make lots of new friends before you ever get to TO. Be careful though...!

Good idea cheers!

I would suggest having roommates (e.g. sharing a 3 bedroom apartment or a house). It will cut down on the expenses and hopefully give you instant access to other people who may become your friends and/or introduce you to other people. You should be able to find an ad looking for a roommate to fill an empty room in an apartment or house. Also try to pursue your interests and hobbies. I joined a ski club and 2 soccer teams and made friends that way.

This might be useful:

http://www.meetup.com/find/?offset=0...=&sort=default