The Lost Paddy

Hi, just found the forum, I've started gathering the various documentation for residency, skilled worker as I've the required 67 points(?), but am wondering if there is any other way to speed up the process, other options etc

Many thanks,

TLP

christmasoompa

Hi and welcome!

Unfortunately, as you'll find out once you read a lot more on here, points mean pretty much b***er all at the moment! All applications for SW PR visas are on hold at the moment due to changes about to be implemented to the immigration system. There is a massive backlog anyway (applications received before Feb 2008 were estimated at 5-8 years processing time), and any applications received since Feb 2008 are just sitting in a big pile. It's anticipated by most on this forum that any applications without pre-arranged employment will simply be rejected, and priority will be given to those who have employment lined up in occupations under pressure.

Your best bet is to start reading the Wiki (be prepared to read for hours, it's brilliant!), this article would be a good place to start.........

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Quick_...an_Immigration

Best of luck.

The Lost Paddy

Thanks very much mate, cheers for the welcome too!

That's terrible about the backlog etc, I did not know, does that mean we are all in the same boat? Do you see any other route available to me? What about these agencies that take you out on temp visas etc to fill jobs in areas they are struggling to fill etc, and then they proport to work on your residency from out there?

Cheers,
TLP.

christmasoompa

It's not great but if you have a look at that article in the Wiki it will explain all of your options. Put simply, you need to find a job in Canada to stand any chance of getting there. What do you do and how much experience do you have? That might help us figure out your chances.

Be very wary of any 'agency' that claims to be able to help you - if you have a complicated application then a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer may be your best bet. But the majority of these agencies are not very well thought of usually - particularly if they are promising to find you a job for a fee as that's illegal in most Canadian provinces!!

Do hunt through the Wiki which will help you loads. There is a great section on job hunting which, fingers crossed and depending on your occupation, will hopefully help you achieve your goal.

Best of luck.

Edited to add link to the Wiki section I mentioned, just for ease!

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Catego...Hunting-Canada

The Lost Paddy

Mate, cheers for all the assistance, I've 3rd level qualifications, (2 x degrees) and 5/6 years work experience in Marketing/Sales type positions, Events Management too...how likely do you think it is that I could get across??!

Judy in Calgary

Conference and Event Planners (National Occupational Classification Code #1226) are on the Occupations under Pressure list for British Columbia. Various sales occupations are on the Occupations under Pressure list for Alberta.

The OUP lists give you some indication of the provinces in which it may be feasible for you to get a job offer and a temporary work permit or an employer's sponsorship to apply to the relevant Provincial Nominee Program.

Now that christmasoompa and I have given you those pointers, it really would help if you read the Wiki section of this website. That would get you up to speed with the basics and enable you to ask more focused questions.
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The Lost Paddy

Thanks, I've spent some time on the wiki section, it's quite difficult to ascertain exactly where I should look or what applies to me...I'll keep chipping away however, hopefully it will become clearer in time.

One final question if you dont mind please, working in events/marketing etc how likely is it that I could move out via a job offer? I know that's a kind of 'how long is a piece of string' type question, however I just dont want to go off searching on a wild goose chase if something is not viable, if this is the best route for me then that's what I need to focus on...many thanks.

Judy in Calgary

I think you have a reasonable chance.

The Wiki article called Occupations under Pressure-Canada explains the significance of the OUP lists.

Another thing that you have going for you is that Vancouver and Whistler are gearing up for the Winter Olympics in 2010. I would have thought that would have created opportunities for event planners.

It would be a good idea to read BC Business and other sources of information to get up to speed and keep up to speed with what's going on in British Columbia.

If you grow curious about another province, do a Google search for BUSINESS MAGAZINE + NAME OF PROVINCE.

I've just done a search on the Hcareers.ca website, and found that Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel is looking for an Executive Meeting Specialist, just by way of example. But, oh no, they also say, "Applicants who do not already have legal permission to work in Canada will not be considered."

Anyway, that is a site that would be worth visiting from time to time, even if only to find out who the players in the industry are.

Also use the Canadian Company Capabilities website to find out the names of companies in that sector.

See the Real Life Examples section of the Finding Job Opportunities article to find out how you can put this type of information to work.

And for the love of Pete, don't e-mail Canadian companies. Phone them.
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The Lost Paddy

Thank you very much, really appreciate it!