mattwswfc

Hello. I have recently posted on here asking about studying or even permanent residence in Canada, and have met some positive feedback.

Right I'll start with my background, I am currently 18 years old and studying a national diploma at a local college, at the end of my course I will have achieved a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT System Support. I am looking to hopefully get started with work experience in computing as soon as I finish my course.

Now to my question about a TWP. I've done a bit of research on website's and am thinking about applying for one in the next 3 years. What I wanted to know is the education that I am doing in the UK just as good in Canada as it would be here, or is it disregarded by Canadian employers?

I understand that IT is an expanding profession and theirs probably an abundance of IT professionals across Canada. But I'm not looking at going straight in to a good job, I am willing to gain experience and work my way in the IT profession.

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks.

Matt

christmasoompa

You say you are thinking of applying for a Temporary Work Permit, but presumably you are aware that you will need a job offer and LMO first?

Or do you mean a Working Holiday Visa? Two very different things!

A BTEC won't be known in Canada, so you'll have to figure out how to explain it to employers. Will you have a degree by the time you move though? That's what most employers will expect and understand, so the BTEC probably won't be relevant anyway.

mattwswfc

Yes I understand i will need a job offer first but what is a LMO??

Please could you explain as I am unaware of how things work in Canada.

And about the BTEC thing, it is a Diploma, will that be recognised?

Thanks for your help

Matt

Aviator

Unless an individual is an exceptional programming whiz, a degree or equivalent is expected. Educational qualifications can be translated to equivalency for a fee. Some links in here http://www.onestopimmigration-canada...fications.html

The one thing that surprised me when I moved here is how people ask what your degree is, not if you have one (which I don't). I would not let this put you off, but getting an LMO approval for an IT job is going to be hard in the current economy, a Working Holiday permit is by and far the best way to go.

Aviator

All you need is in here http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Catego...Hunting-Canada

I am not sure a diploma with little work experience will be enough.

Have you been to Canada before?

christmasoompa

A LMO is something that your potential employer has to apply for - to get it, they have to prove that they have advertised the job across Canada and been unable to find a Canadian willing, or able, to do the job.

Re: a diploma being recognised, if you look on Canadian job sites, you'll see that pretty much any job requires a degree. Not sure how far you'll get without one, but those in IT will be better placed to tell you.

It seems you haven't discovered it yet, so please do take a look at the Wiki (on blue bar at top of page). There is info in there on LMO's, and equivalency of qualifications.

mattwswfc

Thanks for both the replies. I was hoping to do a degree but I wasn't sure, I'm hoping to get some work experience in IT when I finish my first course.

As I said I'm only 18 and unfortunately haven't had the chance to go, but hoping to go in the next year or so. I have a good knowledge of Canada, and it really appeals to me.

Any advice on locations to visit to discover Canada properly?

I also understand that each province has different ways and laws of doing things unlike here in the UK where every process is the same.

Like I said this is just a bit of advice and hopefully looking to move to Canada in the next 5-10 years, because obviously I need the experience here in the UK first and I might even consider doing a degree after all.

Thanks again.

Aviator

Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver.

whitesarah_2000

hey

I moved to Toronto 3 Years ago when I was 21, alone. Its a great place.

I have an undergrad degree in Psych, and i'm finding it hard. Most employers and post grad Universities I found favor Canadian experience and qualification.

If you want to know about the different laws as you mentioned or anything like that, please let me know, Ill help with anything I can.

Have you checked Bunac? Its a great way for students and Under 30s to get a years work permit

rubberduckofdeath

Hello there,

Good advice has been given so far! I would definitely recommend a relevant degree if you want to work in IT in Canada. Getting jobs will be difficult without it. If you're able to get out here and study, that'd be great - not sure how feasible it is though.

As others have said, a working holiday visa is a great opportunity to get out here and work, get a job offer etc.

Good luck whatever you decide and remember at 18, there's no rush