Beetlezeb

Hi, Any advice would be appreciated. We want to go on a PNP /skilled worker permit using hubby's gas fitter skills to get a job.

However, he's only been doing it a year so not experienced enough to take equivent exams in Alberta. We're going on a fact finding trip in summer but should we put in a skilled worker application ASAP as we don't have enough points yet. 62.

Saw an immigration lawyer at the emigrate show in edinburgh, (Canada relocation solutions) after a chat the following night, no commitments he said we shouldn't put in a SW application if we go PNP as it could complicate matters if the SW application gets opened when the PNP needs to go through.

He also said we should consider a study permit, hubby goes over to do 1/2 years course in gas fitting whilst i work on the open work permit through him.
But this option sounds dodgy.

Any thoughts people??

iaink

Dont put in an application you dont have the points to support it at the time it goes in. The only slight exception to this could be language points where in the mean time you could study and prove new ability when asked for proof later on. For work experience though you need it at the point you apply.

Study permit with open work permit for spouse is a valid option, but watch out for elevated school fees for overseas students, and dont understimate living expenses. Living in Canada is a lot more expensive than a holiday visit would have you believe.

AFAIK concurrent PNP and Skilled worker applications is a no no, you would have to withdraw one to get the other.

Beetlezeb

Oh, I spoke to a lady from the CHC at the show and asked about this and she said they would just pull the SW application, transfer the fees to the PNP application and take it from there.

The Immragration lawyer also contradicted them by saying that if the SW was being processed when PNP route being followed this would by a problem. But they had said they give you 90 days notice now, by requesting your documents(birth certifiates etc) when they're about to start processing.
Considering the wait is 45 months, that shouldn't be a problem! Should it?

Much confusion

Beetlezeb

thanks for confirming that, Just on 1 evenings research on net, i see that the fees etc are well steep for international students. Think we'll put that option out of the picture, I don't think i could support us in a customer service job anyway!