Hi All,

I have been over to Canada quite a few times and loved the country since my first visit. Now i think its time to move from the UK.

Just wandering if someone could give me a starting point so i can begin the process of applying for a visa and fingers crossed eventually moving over.

The city i would ideally would like to move to is Edmonton, Alberta!

Any advice would be much appreciated

kind regards

TJ

I would suggest that the OP starts the "journey" here www.cic.gc.ca This will provide you with the starting info you need, if you run into difficulties or want specific queries answering, you can then return to ask for further advice

Best of luck

Cheers will check that out as well! i did the assesment on there and got over the required points which is a start!

just another quick question how long does it take to get a visa?

cheers

Once you submit your application you will receive an acknowledge from CHC in London. This is what is known as AOR. On the back of this the CHC will provide you with an "estimate" as to when your application is likely to be reviewed. We were told 18 months and it actually took them 2 years. Those submitting applications now are being quoted 39 months. Medicals and background checks etc usually add another 3-6 months on to this. The process may be accelerated if you have a formal job offer at the time of your application.

Get used to waiting is the best advice I can give to you, followed by get your application in as quickly as possible

It's 42 months now for SW!

would it be quicker if someone sponsored me! i.e. my dads brother

Family class is quicker but your Uncle isn't eligable to sponsor you.

damn worth a try better try getting a job there beforehand to speed the process up! thanks for your help

Hi
Just wandering if i applied for the visa and then got a job offer during my application would they speed the process up?

Also i rung the high commision of canada in london and its all automated does anyone have the number so that i can speak to someone

Cheers

Why don't you have a look at the Provincial nominee program for the province you want to move to. Try this for an overview http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/provnom/index.html

About CHC in London - communication is totally one way, you submit your application and then wait for the ocasional acknowledgement.

Clare

Best thing you could get is called an Authorised Employment Opinion. It is issued by the Human Resource and Skills Development Canada to an employer who wants an employee for a specific job. It speeds up your SW application substantially. You could also get a job and have your employer apply for a Labour Market Opinion again from HRSDC and this would allow you tohead over on a work permit whilst the sw applicaton was being processed. Check out these options on the CIC site and good luck
Stuarty

They don't take phone calls, but you can fax, e-mail or go up there in person.
Hth
Jo xx

Cheers for the reply!

Just few more questions i looked on the cic website and found the info on the work permit. Im married so would my wife be able to come with me?

Also it states that I you cannot immigrate with a work permit but does this mean i can still apply for that if a job is offered and wait for the visa to be granted?

If a job offer is made does the employer have to contact Human Resource and Skills Development??? Would be good to know so that i can notify them when it comes to an interview

cheers

Yes your wife would qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit IF the job you are going to do is on the NOC list (See CIC site for list).
The work permit does not grant you Immigration it allows you temporary residence in Canada to do a specific job that an employer cannot get a Canadian to do, it does not however stop you applying for Permanent Residence as well.
Your prospective employer will be responsible for any LMO or AEO application to HRSDC (lots of letters ) and it is well worth both of you being fully conversant with how the system works, what is required etc.
Don't forget the Provincial Nominee Programme if applicable.
Good Luck
Stuarty

Yes


You cannot work without either a work permit or Permanent Residence (PR). You could be offered a job and wait for the work permit provided the employer was prepared to wait for you.

For most jobs yes, but some are exempt from such a requirement