farjojo71

Hi all

I have been searching the threads on here but I can't find a definite answer. My son wants to apply for a non student Bunac visa next year. Does anyone know when he should apply? I have read its September and I've also read its December so I don't have a clue. I know the non student visas go fast so we want to make sure we are planning it all properly. Thanks in advance.

AmyDavid

Hey Lady

I think there are changes afoot to the Bunac Visa - do a search on here and you should find out some info on it.

x

christmasoompa

Yep, as Amy said, changes are due to be announced later this month. So keep an eye on the forum or the CIC website to see how they may affect your son.

This year's program opens in a week or two I believe. It always used to be the first week in December, but that's one thing that has already changed.

farjojo71

Oh crap, I hope the changes aren't too bad. Thanks for the help girls, I'll keep a look out for more info.

roxye3

Hey,

Good luck! I used Bunac to initially come to Canada then got PNP! I'm glad CIC has taken it away from Bunac. I was not impressed with them! I hope they extend it to 2 years like they do for the Australians and New Zealanders. I also think the age limit could go up to 35. Not to much to ask eh? Ha!

ChrisBan

So theres an update... so its been confirmed that you can apply directly to the embassy without BUNAC, although I'll still probably be using them. In addition you can apply to repeat for a second year, whether this be 2 consecutive years or within your eligibility. There is also no differentiation between student visas and non student visas as per previous years

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca....aspx?lang=eng

roxye3

Nice updates. Wish they'd budge on age though.

DigitalGhost

Well all I can say is that I wish they had done this last year, it was an absolute disgrace what Bunac did to this scheme and all these moves have done is put young British citizens on fair and neutral territory with all other participants of the scheme.

Applying last year cost me an absolute fortune which I wouldn't have minded if it had actually been in any way justified by Bunac or anyone else and to add insult to injury they then insult you by treating you like an idiot throughout the entire process.

Good riddance Bunac, you will not be missed.

DigitalGhost

You will find the age limit is based on a reciprocal agreement with the Canadians and the UK WHV is actually the most difficult one to obtain of all the available YMS schemes, the BIA even extended the points based system to it, previously only reserved for foreign migrant workers and international students and participants are expected to show strong ties to their home country and a solid intention to return at the end of their stay whereas the Canadians don't even ask to see your actual passport before landing at PoE.

farjojo71

Thanks so much for that extra info....looks good so far. My son is only 23 so not upping the age limit doesn't affect him.

DigitalGhost

Incidentally, what is Lethbridge like in your opinion by the way? My OH is currently looking at studying there and I would obviously need to find work there whilst she's doing that?

Is it the sort of place where one can live without driving? We were looking at taking a couple of reccies there from ON over the next few months but unfortunately internal flights in Canada aren't cheap, even if we just fly to Calgary from Toronto and then greyhound the rest of the way.

farjojo71

I have been here for 8 months and I love it......that has a lot to do with the great friends I have here I think. Personally, I wouldn't want to live without being able to drive as the city is really spread out. It probably doesn't help that I live on the Westside and therefore have to drive to the supermarkets etc as there is not a huge amount of choice in stores on this side.

roxye3

AGREED!

DigitalGhost

Thanks, very much appreciated.

DigitalGhost

So I don't get it, is this open for applications yet or what?

I've looked all over the website but I can't see the link for the live application form.