Canada Here We Come!

springotter · #1 (**permalink**) 19th July 2008, 05:44 PM

Hi there!

I am Cat from Manchester, UK and my partner and I are hoping to apply to immigrate to Canada as soon as possible. I have researched various websites, but am after a little bit of advice. Having read the various friendly replies to threads on this forum, I am hoping someone can help me! What is the total cost involved? I have read about the basic application fees, but am wondering what other costs (police reports, etc) are likely to be? Are there any tips when applying through the skilled workers programme? Would anybody who has been through the process recommend the use of a migration consultant? They seem pretty expensive and I am wondering if the cost would be well spent. Is the process as complicated as many sites make out or can anyone who has researched the process and is willing to spend time completing the necessary forms get through the application successfully? Any advice would be gratefully received! Good luck to all who have already made the jump (I am so jealous!!)

elmotto · #2 (**permalink**) 19th July 2008, 08:39 PM

Hi there
Are you hoping to go permanently or would a temporary work permit be better ? One takes several years the other can take several weeks if you have a clean record and don't need a medical (nurses, Dr's etc)

I have just successfully gone through the temporary work permit route and although complicated at times it saved me the £4500-£8000 i was quoted from immigration specialists. That said other people have really rated them.

The Canadian high commission website offers a vast amount of info and you need to determine which route you want to take.

It took 6 weeks to get our work permit but my husband had already secured a job and had a positive Labour Market Opinion.

Good luck
Louise

springotter · #3 (**permalink**) 20th July 2008, 10:12 AM

Many thanks Louise, will look into it

Canadadreaming · #4 (**permalink**) 16th August 2008, 09:57 PM

For 2 adults, 3 young Kids under the skilled worker programme I estimate it cost about 2.5K all up. Costs of application fees are clear on the website, police certificates £35 each; Landing Cards are clearly shown on the website. Medicals £900.Photos about £50.
However, we made some trips to Canada to check it out, I have not included this.

lovebug · #5 (**permalink**) 23rd September 2008, 03:25 AM

hi, i'd just like to know if you need to find a job BEFORE applying for a temporary work permit, or if you can apply for the work permit and then go to Canada and find a job. any advice would be much appreciated ! thanks !

Pricefamily4 · #6 (**permalink**) 23rd September 2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovebug

hi, i'd just like to know if you need to find a job BEFORE applying for a temporary work permit, or if you can apply for the work permit and then go to Canada and find a job. any advice would be much appreciated ! thanks !

I've not made the jump yet but are seriously looking in to it. I have to say the main advise on this site is to get a job first rather than look for one out there, as it can be frustrating and ruin your experience as a whole. someone pointed me to workopolis . com (or might be.ca) but that has thousands of jobs on there.

elmotto · #7 (**permalink**) 24th September 2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovebug

hi, i'd just like to know if you need to find a job BEFORE applying for a temporary work permit, or if you can apply for the work permit and then go to Canada and find a job. any advice would be much appreciated ! thanks !

I am not 100% sure but i think you need a job first and there are plenty here to be had. We are now in BC and we're having a ball. Everywhere seems to be advertising and there are two ways to do it. Go through a company who do everything from find you a job, get you the visa and help you relocate ( obviously you pay for this and the price and service varies on what you want and where in Canada you want to go) or you can e-mail your CV to companies and search the internet then when you have enough interviews lined up arrange to fly out for the interviews. If an employer wants you they can speed up your work permit application. (we did this and saved £8000 but maybe another company wouldn't have been so expensive anyway)
Where are you looking at relocating to? Download the forms on the high commission web page and read all the related info -there's plenty.
Good Luck

lovebug · #8 (**permalink**) 24th September 2008, 03:29 PM

thanks to both of you for your speedy replies. i have looked at workopolis and there sems to be lots of jobs. we were looking at going to toronto or montreal. does anybody have any tips with regards to these 2 cities ? thanks again !

Pricefamily4 · #9 (**permalink**) 24th September 2008, 03:50 PM

Do you speak french? as montreal is on the French side of Canada (I hope or i'm going to look really stupid, lol). And I think if your visa is there you need to pass a french and english test although this could be just rumour, best to check with someone there.
My wife and I are looking at Toronto all the way round to Hamilton as it appears on the net to be only 8-10 hours flight back to blighty if we need to get back in an emergency (Dad has a heart condition). Also I have a friend from ON and she says that it is like a friendly London, lol but we are going to go on holiday before we make a move out there and see for ourselves. I've already been to Alberta and visited BC while I was there. I loved edmonton, calgary and vancover but I want to see what it is like in Toronto before I make up my mind.

rob mc · #10 (**permalink**) 24th September 2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by springotter

Hi there!
migration consultant as it can be quite costly,try the canadian embassy web site
I am Cat from Manchester, UK and my partner and I are hoping to apply to immigrate to Canada as soon as possible. I have researched various websites, but am after a little bit of advice. Having read the various friendly replies to threads on this forum, I am hoping someone can help me! What is the total cost involved? I have read about the basic application fees, but am wondering what other costs (police reports, etc) are likely to be? Are there any tips when applying through the skilled workers programme? Would anybody who has been through the process recommend the use of a migration consultant? They seem pretty expensive and I am wondering if the cost would be well spent. Is the process as complicated as many sites make out or can anyone who has researched the process and is willing to spend time completing the necessary forms get through the application successfully? Any advice would be gratefully received! Good luck to all who have already made the jump (I am so jealous!!)

hi cat im moving from stockport to canada in oct 2008 this might help -medical records £50 pp -police records-£30 pp -a medical if needed £180.yry the canadian embassy web site its quite helpful