MrVeno

Hello all. I'm a new member to this site as me and my wife are wanting to move to Canada from UK. We have 5 children aged 3-9 and I want to know a few things from people without bein sent onto a generic website. I am a joiner/ carpenter with many years of experience, where is the best place I should be looking for work? And will my job enable me to move and support my dear family of 7?

I thank you all in advance. As I just don't know where to even start!

Almost Canadian

Based upon what you have said, you should be fine in most places in Canada. If you wish posters to be more specific, you will need to provide us with more details: what activities do you like to do? do you wish to have short or long flights back to the UK? What type of weather do you prefer? Do you want to live in a city or in a rural location? etc

mandymoochops

it's probably important to add that you need to decide whether you qualify for a visa or not.

There is lots of good information in the WIKI (blue bar top of page) regarding the various visas or Canada.

MrVeno

Thank you for the reply. See the thing is we aren't too particular on most things. Flights back to uk don't concern us too much, and activities for us basically surrounds our children. One son does martial arts. One daughter does ballet. And my other son likes playing football (soccer). personally. I'm happy with a nice walk out with my dog (which we are planning on bringing I should have added). I suppose rural would be better suited for us with a decent size town/city near enough. If that makes sense? I do apologise if I seem to vague on this. As our main priority of the move is to get a stable income to provide a stable lifestyle for our family. Something that is proving difficult here in the UK.

Alan2005

Just to give you a reality check I am going to point out that moving here (even if you qualify) will cost you a significant sum of money. At least £20k and probably considerably more by the time you are in like for like circumstances (which you are by no means guaranteed). If this is one of your main reasons for looking into Canada then you should consider other locations in the UK too imo. Good luck with whatever you decide though.

christmasoompa

I'd double that for a family of 7 tbh (CIC would want to see at least $30k for proof of funds) - the OP might find this thread useful for info on moving and set up costs.............http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=735341

Alan2005

I meant £ (you ninja'd my edit). But, yes, moving with 5 kids + pets is going to be pricey.

BristolUK

Do you own your own home? Any equity?

rivingtonpike

I think the first question will be - Do you qualify for a Visa to move in the first place? Then, to do a basic back of the envelope exercise to see if you have sufficient funds for the move and setup costs. As already atated, you're looking at having to demonstrate the funds are available as part of your application. Aside from that, it costs a FORTUNE to (a) get here and then (b) set up home.

Still if you're determined, to my mind it is one of the best places in the World to live.

Good luck!

Tangram

Everywhere in Canada ?

MrVeno

As of now. I have no equity in property. And looking to apply for visa November 2013. I do qualify on the points test that I have done. What are people's thoughts on moving with a job? Me and my wife are aiming to visit Canada summer 2013 and doing a "scouting trip". Although it would cost a lot of money to set up again. Do you still need the $20,000 in the bank?

Tangram

No. $30,000

rivingtonpike

I would imagine most people would say moving with a job is a lot more re-assuring than moving without one (unless you're planning self-employment/business set up).

Moving continent without cash in the bank and a job to go to? Hmmmmm....

Aviator

No cash back up, employment security is not that great in Canada and 5 kids
The social welfare system in Canada is nothing like the UK, you are pretty much on your own. You would get no EI if laid off until you've worked for 5 months, even then it is only 65% of your wage and taxable. Medical care, you would need to cover the first three months insurance yourself. Medical care does not kick in right away in all provinces.

With no kids, maybe worth a shot, with any number kids, risky, with 5 a huge gamble. Even with $30k, that would b pretty tight these days.

bats

Agree. Too much of a gamble.