Hi all


We submitted our Skilled Worker visa application March 08 and because we fall into the "new system" bracket we are in limbo as to what is going to happen and when.

My job is listed in the under pressure category (thankfully), and fingers crossed when the "new system" is in place we should hopefully get a decision pretty quick either way, or are we just being too optimistic?

We know we are newbies to the whole process and we have just started our long journey to a better life and that it seems we are very impatient but thats because we are and its not helping.

Is there anyone else in a similar position??

Phil and Nicky

might be worth looking for a job in the meantime just in case - then you would have arranged employment too.

Hi Phil and Nicky......Welcome to BE.......

Hi NSpaul

At the moment we are looking into the procedure of gaining employment.
such as, is it work visa first then find employer or employer then visa?
We are of the belief by reading past posts that employers do not favour people without visas in place, or am i getting this totally wrong??

cheers

Phil and Nicky

yes, cause you cant get a work visa (permit) without a job offer. So find job offer first then you can apply for a work permit (if you dont want to wait for the permanent resident visa that is)

I think what people are referring to in other posts is that some employers are nervous of going through either the permanent resident or work permit process with people and prefer them to already have the right to work in Canada. But the only way you would really have a visa without the job offer is if you applied as a skilled worker a few years ago and had already gone through the waiting process.

That's partly true - a WP can also be issued for you to become self-employed.

It's find an employer and then apply for a visa.

You are correct, but you have to soldier on regardless. You have to find an employer who is willing to do the extra paperwork that's associated with hiring a foreigner, you have to convince that employer that you're credible, which is more challenging when you live overseas, etc.

You have the best chance of doing this if you make yourself aware of labour shortages. The regions of Canada in which there are labour shortages are the ones in which you have a better chance of finding jobs and in which employers are more likely to be willing to hold their noses and do the extra paperwork. You seem to be aware of this issue, because you've already established that you are in an occupation that is listed as being under pressure.

I wouldn't hold my breath about the application that I'd already submitted, if I were you.

I suggest you read the Wiki article called Quick Job Hunting Instructions-Canada.
x

Thanks or your replies.
Just a quick question. As getting a work permit for being self employed was mentioned, What is the criteria required for gaining a permit for this?
I am self employed at the moment and this route maybe a route to look at.

Phil and Nicky

The most important aspect of obtaining a WP for self-employment is the need to submit to immigration a 5yr business plan that illustrates how you'll be providing 'substantial benefit' to the local economy (eg, creating employment).

Details of how your experience/qualifications will help you achieve your goals, and the amount of investment $ you're committing to the venture are also taken into consideration.

It's the route I took to move to BC, and I'd recommend employing an immigration consultant/lawyer to assist the process. It's not particularly straightforward, and definitely benefits from professional expertise.

true but would already being engaged in self employment here via a work permit help to speed (or make more secure) up the skilled worker app in the same way that having arranged employment would? that was really the point I was making about getting a job offer

Cheers
Sounds like theres alot more to it than I thought.
I will start investigating.

Thanks again