Pensioners in Canada

[WinnieB]

Hi, I would really like to retire to Canada. I have family already living there and would ideally prefer to get there under my own steam rather than the family sponser us. We have applied through the work route and were turned down but have been told if we have a job to go to or wish to apply for a work visa and reapply it will be considered. I would still be working when we get there as I am not yet at retirement age.

How do I go about getting someone to sponsor me for work in Canada. Do I just write to companies or put my CV onto the web sites?

My husband has worries that we would not be supported by the CHS as he is aleady past retirement.

The area we would want to relocate to is Ontario (Burlington) but I seriously worry that time is running out.

My husband also worries that the weather there will affect his arthritis badly and feels that he would not be able to get out and about in the winter months.

I know loads - sorry but hope you can advise.

[Auld Yin]

Originally Posted by WinnieB

Hi, I would really like to retire to Canada. I have family already living there and would ideally prefer to get there under my own steam rather than the family sponser us. We have applied through the work route and were turned down but have been told if we have a job to go to or wish to apply for a work visa and reapply it will be considered. I would still be working when we get there as I am not yet at retirement age.

How do I go about getting someone to sponsor me for work in Canada. Do I just write to companies or put my CV onto the web sites?
There are basically only two ways into Canada. One is with an occupation that Canada is in need of and the other is with pre-arranged employment. The sponsorship rules do not necessarily apply unless the relationship is relatively close. Canadian employers do not respond well to CV's or resumés as they are known here. They much prefer face to face applicants. May I ask what you do for a living and what relationship to you/husband are the possible sponsors?.

My husband has worries that we would not be supported by the CHS as he is aleady past retirement.
His age has nothing to do with receiving medical care. Once legally here he would be treated like everyone else.

The area we would want to relocate to is Ontario (Burlington) but I seriously worry that time is running out.
Sorry, but I don't know what going to Burlington has to do with time running out.

My husband also worries that the weather there will affect his arthritis badly and feels that he would not be able to get out and about in the winter months.
I also have arthritis and because it's much less damp here, it is nothing like as bad as in the UK. The winter in Burlington is not too bad and he would be quite able to get out and about, as I do.

I know loads - sorry but hope you can advise.

There;s no doubt that immigrating into Canada is not easy. If you are determined you will have to set your mind and focus on doing it.

[WinnieB]

Originally Posted by Auld Yin

There;s no doubt that immigrating into Canada is not easy. If you are determined you will have to set your mind and focus on doing it.

Thanks Auld Yin for your response, by time running out I mean age wise for myself. Perhaps I will be too old to move to Canada.

I am currently employed as an Administrator (I believe Exectutive Assistants in Canada). Our relatives out there are Daughter and Grandson.

[Auld Yin]

Originally Posted by WinnieB

Thanks Auld Yin for your response, by time running out I mean age wise for myself. Perhaps I will be too old to move to Canada.

I am currently employed as an Administrator (I believe Exectutive Assistants in Canada). Our relatives out there are Daughter and Grandson.

In my opinion the only way for you to enter Canada is with the Sponsorship from your daughter, unless you can find pre-employment and, if you do, I think the Government will not issue you the necessary visa on the basis that Canada can easily fund such positions from within.
I assume you are aware that your UK government pension will be frozen at the amount it's at when you claim it and/or immigrate to Canada.

[WinnieB]

Originally Posted by Auld Yin

In my opinion the only way for you to enter Canada is with the Sponsorship from your daughter, unless you can find pre-employment and, if you do, I think the Government will not issue you the necessary visa on the basis that Canada can easily fund such positions from within.
I assume you are aware that your UK government pension will be frozen at the amount it's at when you claim it and/or immigrate to Canada.

Hi Auld Yin, thanks for your response, yes I am aware that pension will be frozen but are we not able to 'top it up' even if we move out of the country?

[Armysig]

Winnie,
If you are employed as an administrator, you should be able to find employment in Canada quite easily. Try this government website Welcome Page | Page d'accueil. As for your husband’s arthritis, Ontario is extremely humid in the summer months. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have much dryer climates. As well, Alberta is very strong economically and of a wide range of employment opportunities, although anywhere north of Calgary or Red deer has fairly cold and sometimes harsh winters.

Good Luck

[WinnieB]

Originally Posted by Armysig

Winnie,
If you are employed as an administrator, you should be able to find employment in Canada quite easily. Try this government website Welcome Page | Page d'accueil. As for your husband’s arthritis, Ontario is extremely humid in the summer months. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have much dryer climates. As well, Alberta is very strong economically and of a wide range of employment opportunities, although anywhere north of Calgary or Red deer has fairly cold and sometimes harsh winters.

Good Luck

If we are sponsored by our daughter how does that affect health care. I understood that if she sponsored us then it could be anything from 3-10 years and I 'assumed' that meant for all things including health care we would have to pay for.

[Auld Yin]

Originally Posted by WinnieB

If we are sponsored by our daughter how does that affect health care. I understood that if she sponsored us then it could be anything from 3-10 years and I 'assumed' that meant for all things including health care we would have to pay for.

If you are in Canada legally as a resident, sponsored or otherwise, you are entitled to healthcare the same as everyone. Most Provinces have a 3 month waiting period before it kicks in so you would need to purchase insurance for that period.
Sponsorship, I have read, is usually at a minimum, 6 years.
As a matter of interest, and without knowing your age, you must be a resident for 10 years before being entitled to Canadian Old Security pension.

[WinnieB]

Originally Posted by Auld Yin

If you are in Canada legally as a resident, sponsored or otherwise, you are entitled to healthcare the same as everyone. Most Provinces have a 3 month waiting period before it kicks in so you would need to purchase insurance for that period.
Sponsorship, I have read, is usually at a minimum, 6 years.
As a matter of interest, and without knowing your age, you must be a resident for 10 years before being entitled to Canadian Old Security pension.

I find the sponsorship most confusing - what exactly does the minimum of 6 years cover - food, home, health?

[Auld Yin]

Originally Posted by WinnieB

I find the sponsorship most confusing - what exactly does the minimum of 6 years cover - food, home, health?

I'm sorry if I confused you. What I meant to relay is my understanding that it can take up to 6 years from the sponsorship application to its approval.