kingmustard

The last 10 years or so, I keep hearing that 'it's easy to move to Canada' but I'm more realistic and believe it's not quite as easy as people say it is.

I am a 25 year old male with a degree in Multimedia (but I tend to do low-level office jobs) in excellent health.

What are my realistic chances?

I know no one there.

christmasoompa

It is relatively easy when compared to the US, so perhaps that's how it's considered 'easier'. But immigration to Canada has got much, much tougher in recent years so it's no longer as easy as it once was.

Without knowing more about you i.e. your exact job, your net worth, any business experience you have, which province you wish to move to, etc, it's impossible for any of us to tell you if you'd be eligible for a visa, but you can start figuring it out by looking at the CIC website and the Wiki on here.

A good option to consider would be a Working Holiday Visa, which would give you a year's open work permit to get over there and try it out. Have you ever visited before?

iaink

Its got harder, ten years ago it was a doddle, now in general you need either specific job experience, or a firm, government approved job offer.

Rather than rehash thousands of previous replies, I suggest you start with the README post and check out the wiki article on immigration basics, which includes the current "List"

I wouldnt be too optimistic with a degree in multimedia and no obvious niche skills, sorry... You might be able to come on a one year working holiday visa and leverage that into something more permanent via the "canadian experience" route, but even thats not all that simple.

canadianbird

I would recommend getting over there and trying it our first, not everyone gets on with the Canadian winters...and you never know you might meet a nice Canadian girl whilst there

iaink

Yeah, I'd hate all that rain and endless cloudy skies out in Vancouver, too much like the UK for me

ninaDGBCA

Yep...rather plus 35 in summer and minus 35 in winter than all the rain, clouds and slush. I definitely had enough rain for the rest of my life whilst living in Manchester

iaink

It was Leeds for me. Same rain though I expect Its the blue skies that do it for me here, that and the thunderstorms, and hunkering down by the fire while a winter storm blows through.

kingmustard

I've only been to Spain 10 years ago for a week's holiday :P I'm just throwing the idea out really. Getting some general information kind-of thing.
Yeah, I don't do anything job-wise that most others can't do unfortunately and I realise that. I am training to become a bookkeeper, though.
Canadian birds do seem fit in general, I have noticed that :P I'll looking into a Working Holiday Visa. If they're easy to get, I could try that. EDIT: Appears the Canadian Working Holiday Program has been re-named the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative.
I've heard that, in general, the summers are warmer and the winters are colder.

cheers

You last two posters don't know how good you have it!
How about rain about 8 days a year?
Today it is 96 degrees. Sorry I don't know the conversion.
Sweat, sweat and more sweat.

Cheers

kingmustard

Where does it rain about 8 days a year?

96F = 35C.

christmasoompa

They are easy to get, if you are aged 30 or under, have at least $3k in your bank account and have no criminal record. The tricky bit will be converting that one year WHV in to a longer stay if you want to.

kingmustard

I am 25 and have no criminal record

iaink

I know how good Ive got it, I love this 4 season climate (except March/ April)
Thats the Ontario summer in an nutshell, 30+ C, 8 days of rain and a lot of sweating...

christmasoompa

I knew you were 25, but just wanted to point out the upper age limit so you don't procrastinate too long!

The program opens in December or January usually with a limited number of visas (they've all gone for this year), so if you wanted to go next year then start looking in to it now. It could be a great way to get over there and try it out.

kingmustard

"The 2011 International Experience Canada of the United Kingdom is now closed.

Please note that we will not accept any applications mailed after Tuesday August 9th, 2011 (as attested by the postal mark). Please ensure that the mailing date is clearly and legibly indicated.

The information regarding the opening of the 2012 International Experience Canada initiative will be posted on this page this fall. Please visit this site frequently to also receive updates on improvements being made to the initiative for 2012."

Bummer