Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Sorry, I've done searches, but not been successful. Can anyone point me to any threads discussing the economic climate, job losses, and opinions on whether it is best to stay put for the time being?

Many thanks.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

It depends a lot on what you do(or can do) for a living, and what is your situation in the UK (assuming that is where you are!). Also what are your reasons for wanting to move.

There are considerable job losses going on in Canada, in manufacturing, obviously service industry will be next. If you have an essential skill then impact may be limited. I would say that the UK and usa are further through the process than Ca, USA is going to need to recover and start buying what Ca produces before things improve significantly.

I dont know, but I suspect that if the canadian unemployment rate increases very much getting LMO approval for jobs is going to become more difficult. It is after all about protecting the interests of existing citizens

s

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Thank you, snowshoveller; that's the sort of information I was after when looking for other discussions on this (I didn't want to rehash a subject that might have been done to death already).

Reasons for wanting to move to Canada - no more than just for the life experience. I like Britain so have nothing against staying here. I'm not looking to move for any kind of better life - just a different life in a different culture. It was to be my personal adventure in life, because I've not had children. I understand that immigration is a risk at any time, but I'm thinking it must be more so now.

For a living - husband is in IT, I am a copywriter. We have a house that, if we made the move, we would have to sell.

What you say about getting LMO approval is a major thing I've been considering. If thousands of Canadians are losing their jobs, then it must be getting harder for immigrants to find an employer who has spent 3(?) months looking for a Canadian, been unsuccessful, and had to employ an immigrant.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Where you would like to move to may also be important, there's a fair bit of regional variation over here in terms of local economies.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Thanks Iain. We fancy BC - but really are pretty open.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

The Move Back to Uk forum is also worth a peek.

There was one thread just yesterday http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=590129

Remember that every ones circumstances are different and keep and open mind :)

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Thank you, Cassie. Interesting thread! And thought-provoking reading.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Like I said, everyones situation is different, so please take that into account and don't be put off coming. :)

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

The only thing certain in this life is DEATH. Even taxes can be and are avoided by some people. Moving to Canada at this time is a riskier venture than it was a year ago. One can obtain employment prior to coming and be out of work one month after arrival. But, that can happen if one applies/gets a new job from within the UK in a location that required house sale and relocation to another part of the country.
The fact you do not have children can make such a move easier and with less risk. There would only be 2 people to consider rather than 3, 4 or 5. It allows for easier mobility.
You don't indicate ages, but assuming you're relatively young, there remains time to make such an important move. From other posts on this site it appears many are having difficulty selling their UK properties. You state you are happy in UK so probably have a good life. I would recommend you stay put for the time being but plan a 3-4 week trip to BC, if that's your preference, and get an idea of lifestyle there and research employment possibilities.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

We moved for the opportunity and experience of it we are lucky that we would have accomodation to go back to if we do decide to go back to Blighty.

We take every day as it comes and try to enjoy every single moment of it. Life has a way of slapping you in the face and knocking you down sometimes but you dust yourself off and get on with it.

We have no kids which made it slightly easy but we had to leave the dog :( This still sometimes gets to me.

We have been over here for just short of three months and still love it, in fact I think it is going too bloody quick.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Which area of IT is your husband in JTM73?

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Hi Iain. He is a network support engineer. MCSE qualified with extra qualifications in Exchange Server. He does remote IT support at the moment but has also done in-house support.

Thank you everyone else for your comments and advice. We are both in our mid-thirties.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

There is a lot of uncertainty right now.

I liked the suggestion of a recce before you decide. Come and see for yourself/get a feel for the place. Do you read any Canadian media online? Try cbc.ca and go to the BC section. Also google the Province, the Georgia Straight, and the Vancouver Sun.

Sorry, i don't have any other advice as we're not in the same industry. I just know it's a bit all over the place right now.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Come on a couple of holidays b4 anything. IF you have a home and jobs in Uk stay put. I would not have said that four years ago, but boy did we get it good back then. Things here will get worse not better, took us 3 years to both get full time work, and we thought it would be easy. I know several IT workers that changed occupations. You will need a lot more money than they say to come here with if you don't have jobs to come to . Positive side... This has happened in the past and recovery will come. Then if you really crave life here, come. I would never go back to UK as we have a fantastic job and lifestyle and are incredibly lucky.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

It sounds like he should contact Danny B!

There is certainly some work out there*, we hired someone similar recently, for what it's worth the (smallish) company I work for has hired a couple of folks through the LMO route over the past year.

* I don't pretend to speak for the market in general

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Thanks everyone. We would, of course, have gone over on a couple of reccies before making any kind of firm decision. We were all for it last year, but hadn't gone as far as job hunting or putting in a PR application. We've done research from the UK and our next step was to make our first trip this year.

I've read some news reports about the amount of job losses in Canada - obviously that's to be expected and it's not unique to Canada. (Thanks for the names of Canadian media, Kiwilass, I'll start reading these.) Also that Canada are in a recession, like we are in the UK. And weighing it up, I know that we could just as easily lose our jobs in the UK. I just wonder though, if we did lose our jobs in the UK, as citizens we'd find it much easier to get a replacement job than, say, we would as immigrants on a TWP in Canada. I know it's a risk at any time and not just in a recession, but I'm thinking it's probably even more of a risk now.

From what I understand, if we were in Canada on a TWP and lost our jobs, we could stay for as long as the TWP was valid for, but would have to get new paperwork for any new job offer. And with any new job offer, that employer would have to apply for LMO and prove they'd tried to employ a Canadian first before offering the job to an immigrant?

One thing I haven't looked into properly is EI with TWP and no PR, or what EI covers (equivalent to jobseekers allowance?).

It seems most sensible, for now, to stay put in the UK and wait for things to improve. I'd be interested in hearing about anyone else who has started plans to emigrate and has put them on hold, and why.

Thanks for the link to Danny B's thread, Iain - I'll show it to husband tonight.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

HI,
its taken 3 years for us to get to this stage.
We have PR, and I am a NUrse, have taken the canadian exams and passe but have not seriously started looking for work yet.
We are going to rent our house here, and then rent when we get over. I am taking a career break from work (nhs) so if everything goes pearshaped we can come back.
Is it worth taking the risk?
After reading some of these posts I am very worried.
Hubby is a builder by trade but does have an income from renting houses out here which will be transferred over, also has a pension from being a fireman previously.
Now a builder ,but obviously we are well aware of the economic downturn.
We need to get our passports stamped before May to get the pr etc!!
Eek, my guts say we should still give it a go
Any ideas anyone:confused:

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it :thumbsup:

You know it makes sense

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Thanks for that, need as much positivity as I can get.
What will you be up to in Vancouver then?:)

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Speaking from my own experience I would stay put in the UK for now and wait for things to improve. I moved out to Ontario in July last year and haven't been able to find work. UK degree credentials are not recognised here and your UK work experience is also completely overlooked. What is significant in gaining a job is 'Canadian Experience'. You may have to work for free for sometime in a Canadian work place to get the first rung on the ladder and the first rung will often be significantly lower down than in the UK. ie. menial, or if you're not bothered then you can start as any sort of menial and work up (slowly and taking many years). If you can arrange a job before you come out then that is better, but know that job security here is very insecure and people get laid off regularly. The Canadian employment system is completely different from the UK system, ie. not based on meritocracy. If you think networking/nepotism is bad in the UK with the upper middle class then you want to try the 'we hire our family and friends approach' in Canada (if you know some Brit expats you might be OK). You will need to change your CV to a 'resume' and re-think your approach to cover letters etc to fit with the Canadian style. I have sent of hundreds of resumes and have not had a single call back. You will be called back if you apply to very low paid and highly insecure jobs. Also you will often find you are over qualified and that will also stand against you. It is catch-22. It is NOTHING like the UK or the USA here, Canada has its own systems (systems which may surprise you)

Other things to consider. Do NOT sell your UK home and buy in Canada straight out. Many Brits in Canada are stuck here at the mo. Because they can't sell their house here. Think of everything as temporary ie. rent here and rent out your UK home if you must come (and in hindsight I would say, put your stuff in storage in UK and don't ship it all out)

Exchange rate is absolutely terrible, it hasn't been at the standard $2 to £1 since October last year. This really bites into your UK funds.

For me and my husband, we have had enough and are returning in September. Everyones situation is different, but we are returning for economic reasons because unless you are super rich and don't really need to work (ie. a retiree) coming to Canada right now is madness if you actually enjoy and have a good life in UK. Our lifestyle has significantly deteriorated since we have been here (we are mid 30's and lived and worked in London for last 10 years). We are now living off one salary and hardly spending on anything to get us through till September. It has been a very expensive enterprise. I wouldn't say totally wasted as we have both learnt a tremendous amount about life and especially how to cope with extreme stress (without any family, friends support). You may be at a stage in your life when you really want a challenge, well then, come to Canada as it is a supreme test to become established here. For those on here who have made it work I salute you because I know what you have gone through to get there!!!

Hope this is helpful and not too negative. it isn't impossible to start a new life here, but entirely the wrong time to travel/emmigrate at the mo.!!! (unless as I say you just one the lottery and haven't a care!)

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Great Post Audreyrose! sorry to hear things are tough for you, but I suspect you are not alone!

I think it's important for folks to be shown both sides of the coin, it's easy when moving to another country to ignore some of the warning signs and be carried away with the excitement.

As Audrey states the job market is very different from the UK - 2 weeks notice, 2 weeks hols, low pay for many jobs, an expat is an outsider and held in suspicion by many, They like your accent, but are often more likely to employ a local. Especially now!

For us we did well on property in the UK, and had some high earning years, providing a cushion, but 18 months in canada and the exchange rate fluctuation has reduced that considerably, without living a lavish lifestyle

s

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

My post was rather long winded! In a nutshell I would say I regret assuming that the Canadian workplace would reflect that of the UK (assuming they are both developed countries) and that I would continue to work here at/below the level of the professional job I left in the UK. But looking at a longterm future of part-time work, retail, waitressing, coffee serving, etc I just didn't think it was worth it (I have no kids though, so am not in a position where I am sacrificing myself for the greater good of their future).

I think for some, the chance of living the more relaxed easy going Canadian lifestyle (and having something good for your kids) is worth losing your working life for..or if you are retired it doesn't matter. But I realised that my working life and the independence that brought me was key to my happiness.

I think for professional immigrants from the UK and other developed countries this should be a key consideration as there simply isn't enough job availability higher up.

No regrets though, and everyone really has to experience it their own way. Still love Canada, just a bit more realistic about it!!!

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

I don't decry your experience, but to suggest UK degrees and work experience aren't worth anything is just false. Maybe you've just been unlucky, but your description above certainly doesn't reflect the experience I've had here, or several ex-pat friends I have.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

I have got a UK degree in Nusing and I have also done the Canadian RN exam and passed it. Prior to us getting permanent residency I was offered numerous jobs, but decided to wait until the residency came through to enable me to work part time.
I have been told by past prospective canadian employers ,that my uk experience will stand me in goodstead from a wage perspective, however I am expecting to be at the bottom of the ladder from a team perspective as I have never worked in Canada before!! It may be strange for me after being a qualified rN over here for 19 years , but I am willing to keep my head down, as I am sure there will be many differences, certainly culturally for starters!!
I have a 4 year old and I am hoping that it will be a better place to bring him up.
We are going to rent our house and rent in Canada to see how it goes anyway, as we think it would be silly to just "upsticks", especially seeing as though the market has slumped.
My husband is a young retiree anyway, who is is in perfect health and able to work If all else faile we have his pension and hopefully my wage to see us through.
It is worrying though with the economy being as it is at the moment, but we have been planning this for 3-4 years and feel we have at least gotta try, haven't we??

Is there anyone who has made a success of it that can give us some tips or positive thought, but again we appreciate eveyones honesty:thumbup:

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

As a nurse you are probably in a good position from the point of view of job security, How does the salary compare? However I am aware there have been some health care redundancies in ontario.

I'd agree that canada may have better prospects for your son, it doesnt seem quite as far along the line of degradation as the UK is currently. But that does depend on where you are I would imagine (both UK & Canada). I think you are sensible to rent your UK place, Keeping a foot in both camps is probably helpful.

So in that respects you are probably in a good position to try it out. Especially if you have a stack of cash that you are prepared not to see again in terms of the cost of re-establishing in another country.

I think that folks moving to canada at present will find it a little tougher financially than a couple of years ago, largely due to sterling's weakness - 40+ cents difference in every pound has an impact on your buying power. Obviously once you are here and earning in dollars it's less of an issue.

I know a chap who moved here a few years ago, he managed to negotiate the same salary as he had in the UK, and consequently found himself very well off relatively.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Termination notice for permanent jobs is not two weeks, it's regulated by provincial laws like Ontario Employment Act. Will be more if you work longer for the same company. Two weeks holidays is common, but big respectable IT shops will give you three from the beginning, growing to four after few years. Expats-outsiders - depends. I thought the same way until got hired and found that I'm not alone to have the first Canadian job there. Surprise!

The rest is true. I.e. sucks. Don't even think about surviving on a low paid job in Canada - it will be much worse than surviving on a low paid job in Europe.

However, I still think that there is no good or bad economic time to immigrate. It's about changing your life, not following the economy. If it's only about job, stay there where you have it now. The only exception was being in IT at the peak of dotcom boom.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Ditto.

Me and the Mrs. both got all experience & qualifications taken into account, and a step up in salary (IT and healthcare, respectively).

It varies hugely; no one-size-fits-all.

There are so many variables surrounding emigration that whilst the 'best time to move' may improve the odds, there's still an enormous amount of luck in the timing - you could land on your feet in a crappy time, or sink in the boom years. Emigration lottery, innit :)

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

No real wrong time.....it is all about your lifestyle and values. You might not find yourself in the mirror image of your uk life in terms of employment as flexibility is a key to immigrant success. But, you might find yourself in a better place to live! I found that the first two years are the hardest and then you get over yourself.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Are you aware that London is probably the worst city on the planet in looking for work atm?

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Me? Well we're over in June/July for friends wedding and hopefully "landing" after a successful family class application later in the year (unless we get it mega quick).

When we finally land it'll be the usual stuff. Rent an apartment downtown, visit friends and family, and find a job. My wife works for Tiffany & Co so hopefully she'll be able to get a nice transfer. I'm a Project Manager so will look for contract work if i can, otherwise a perm position will do.

I'm just sooooooooo excited. Even the downturn over there won't dampen my spirits :thumbsup:

How about yourself?

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Ha ha ha ha ha ha.......

Try nine(9) written job offers in the last three months. At least seven were unsolicited, but I can't afford housing there with a big family. What are you on??

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

I agree with El Richo. Following such a long wait in the queue to get in and finally receiving our requests for medicals I don't think anything will dampen my spirits. The way I look at it is if I stay in the UK and pass up on my PR, I will be no better off financially. I have already been made redundant in the UK so what have I got to lose? Wherever we live the country is in the economic downturn and to be honest just living in the UK is depressing enough. I know this depends on where you live and what has happened to you as there are some great parts in the UK but for us I am not willing to miss out on this opportuntity we have waited so long for. Luckily we will have some money to fall back on when we get here and I am very sensible and aware of the pitfalls. i think as long as you do your research and do not expect everything to be perfect when you move you can make your life the way you want to.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

We went to Van 11 years ago, cant believe its 11, during bad economic times. Have to say it was a great adventure. We only had 8k with us but managed to work within days of arriving. I understand the worries now cos it does seem to be much worse than 11 years ago. Ive been in Ireland for 8 months and havent worked a day yet. Still would rather be here than in England. There seems to be such an addiction to misery with regards to the media. No wonder everyone is searching for a better place. Good luck and i say DO IT!


{edit}

After reading audreyrose23 DONT DO IT!

:)

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Hi.
I'm a Nurse and hubby is a builder.
Construction workers are being layed offleft right and centre over there.
Plan is I will work, and we also have a pension from hubb's previous job(fireman)
Renting in canada and going to rent oour hose out.
We have our pr(its taken 3 years) and we have to get the landing doen before May 14th
So I think we have gotta go, scary though it is:eek:

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

You might not make any money but is that what its all about? As long as you got enough to live its a nice place to be. You'll certainly enjoy the summer in Van, its perfect.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Oh yeah the summer in Vancouver (well the ones i've seen) are fab. There's lots of events going on through the summer months and the weather's generally lovely. Nice beaches, walks, etc. Celebration of Light is something to be seen for sure.

I figure we'll have enough money to survive for a couple of years without working although that's worse case scenario. We're very lucky however as we have lots of friends out there as well as my wife's father who lives on 10 acres with a house of a size that allows private space for us in case we don't get work for a while. Rent free is a great price.

We'll be renting our London apartment out too so if all else fails, we'll have a roof over our heads in the UK.

Is it time to land yet???? :eek:

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

In fact, thinking on the season side of things........

I wonder if landing in certain seasons make a difference? For example, if you land at the start of summer to lovely weather and a picturesque backdrop i'm sure it helps settle people in much easier than if they land in the cold & wet season with a hazy drizzle back drop and dark skies.

I know if i were emigrating without the support we'll have over there and the weather was miserable, it'd probably affect me.

Just thinking out loud really.

Anyway, lots of luck whatever your decision. As you've waited 3 years to get this far i personally would not even consider halting the move. But that's just me.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Defo. Went on a reccie to Halifax NS couple of summers ago. Every day it rained and was foggy and surprisingly cool. Put us right off. Sure if the sun had been splitting the pavement we'd of looked at it differently. Mind you we arrived in Van in April and it was pretty rainy til June. Then its was blistering that summer. Mind you the following winter it rained for something 80 days on the trot.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Yep i remember my first ever visit to Canada (Vancouver) years back and the entire time i was there it rained non stop. Seem to remember it came close to beating the record of continuous rainfall there. Anyway, i still had a great time although no doubt if i'd have moved there at that point it'd have been a different story. The rest of my visits have been a mixture but i have to say, when the sun's shining in BC it's a beautiful experience.

Dark, damp, rain, on top of emotions of being in another country without the support system you're used to must be tough.

Sunshine, warm weather, lots of social events surely must make the transition easier.

Again, just thinking out loud. One persons pleasure is another persons poison after all.

Re: Wrong time to emigrate?
 

Well, stuff it!!
We are going to give it a go:thumbup:
We plan to land April/May to Kelowna/Okanagan region
Career break from work house rented out here, Bingo!!
Totally fed up with it here so may as well hey?
I took my Canadian Nursing Exam in Vancouver!!(scottish cultual center) of all places, bu we rented a suite on Davie st which was pretty cool, right next to a bakers, great for pan au chocolat in the am.
Keep in touch all.
Not long to go:thumbsup: