Ray of Hope - 70th Draw!

[Waqasalibabar]

Predictions anyone ?

 

[andieangel]

@andieangel are you NOC code 1111? If so, you should watch for the next opening of Nova Scotia PNP as 1111 is one of their in demand codes:
https://novascotiaimmigration.com/move-here/nova-scotia-demand-express-entry/

Thank you @trumprefugee, my lawyers did contact me about this PNP for Nova Scotia but we did some research and we are not so keen on going there, life standard is not so good.

We have our eyes set on Alberta, Calgary, we really have high hopes of getting there...

 

[DBOR]

Predictions anyone ?

If tmrw with 3000 ITA.. crs= 425 +-1
If 23rd with 3000 ITA.. Crs= 430+-1
If a week after.. crs= 441+-1

 

[andieangel]

Yeah, never say never. I actually was going to retire from the corporate world last year to go full time with my athletic and artistic endeavors. But now I am planning to keep working for a while because of this Canada immigration, and I would like to save up a good number of Canadian dollars once I settle down there, so I now am no longer planning to quit corporate jobs any time soon. Also, I have heard that the pace is slower in Canada than it is here in the US (at least the big, demanding companies here in New York), so I might even be able to get to the next level in my sports and arts without quitting the corporate world in Canada. I even interviewed for a job that sounded really interesting to me and would have been something I would have wanted to keep doing indefinitely (unfortunately I was rejected, but that was an eye opener that I might not need to rush the quit the corporate world). Life is full of unexpected twists and turns ...

That's so awsome, about you getting an eye opener! I'm still waiting for that, in sense what I want to do. I'm accountant with 10 years of experience and I love my job, but I'm still thinking I have so much unfulfilled potential and carrier switching in Canada is possible.

 

[trumprefugee]

That's so awsome, about you getting an eye opener! I'm still waiting for that, in sense what I want to do. I'm accountant with 10 years of experience and I love my job, but I'm still thinking I have so much unfulfilled potential and carrier switching in Canada is possible.

One reason I'm choosing Canada is because there are better opportunities to try something new. Here in the US, at least in the bigger cities, work in technology and finance can be very demanding and take up all your time. There isn't much flexibility to go part time, and losing health insurance when you work part time or take time off is always a big issue. You can really become a slave to your well paying, benefits-providing corporate job here. Health insurance is not an issue in Canada because you can always go on the national plan. I read on some website discussing the startup scene in Toronto that Toronto is a great place for entrepreneurs because you have a growing economy with a lot of technology and finance opportunities, and you don't have to worry that quitting your corporate employee job to start your own business will leave you without health insurance.

 

[andieangel]

One reason I'm choosing Canada is because there are better opportunities to try something new. Here in the US, at least in the bigger cities, work in technology and finance can be very demanding and take up all your time. There isn't much flexibility to go part time, and losing health insurance when you work part time or take time off is always a big issue. You can really become a slave to your well paying, benefits-providing corporate job here. Health insurance is not an issue in Canada because you can always go on the national plan. I read on some website discussing the startup scene in Toronto that Toronto is a great place for entrepreneurs because you have a growing economy with a lot of technology and finance opportunities, and you don't have to worry that quitting your corporate employee job to start your own business will leave you without health insurance.

That's great, thanks for info! It seems you are 100% ready for Canada, you did your research! Update us more please, when you can.

 

[shaun75]

Yes, please. I am also an anxiously waiting member of the ~410 club.

You are in great company. There are some exceptional people in that sub 410 group... and @andieangel is here as well!

 

[shaun75]

I'm late to this thread, but I agree with everyone who says you guys can switch and your wife would have no obligation to work after landing. Also, one useful tip I learned for listening is that we native or near-native English speakers need to make a conscious effort to stay alert and pay attention. The speakers speak slowly in the listening section, and it can be easy for us natives to doze off and get distracted. I remember taking a practice exam and missing one question because I had gotten distracted.

Also, you should encourage your wife to join this forum!

Ha ha. Is there a dislike button? My wife does read these posts. She worked out my cunning cryptic name and has started to read my posts. I need to resist the urge to make bad spouse jokes.... but it's a losing battle!

 

[shaun75]

Yes. Native English speakers often assume the IELTS is a joke, but we all have to prepare! I was surprised that my writing score ended up being this low, but it was an effort to write so much by hand now that we all use computers and never write by hand, and my handwriting is terrible. I tried to write as neatly as possible but it still came out as chicken scratch.

I know exactly what you mean. I did miss a whole listening question because my mind was elsewhere. And the writing! It was a test of endurance. I've never written so much by hand in about 20 years. I couldn't read it so I don't know how a marker could make any sense if it. Maybe he just laughed at it and gave me marks out of pity?

 

[shaun75]

You likely will not find a job as well paid as what you currently make in the UK, unless perhaps you live in a small town in the UK and plan to move to Toronto. Canadian salaries are significantly lower than UK and US salaries. I have been in the job market for a few months and am realistically targeting a salary that is 75-80% of my absolute US dollar salary here. Before that, I was looking for jobs in the UK (when I was still considering the UK and hadn't decided on Canada), and the pay range would have been almost equivalent to my US pay after applying the exchange rate. However, cost of living in Canada is less, and I think quality of life is better than it is in the US or UK. But honestly, I am moving to Canada for quality of life, not for money. If I just wanted to maximize my wealth, I would stay in the US.

I know what you mean, but I think Northern Ireland pays lower than the U.K. average. So hopefully I can find something comparable. I also see housing prices in Canada as sky high. Living costs in other areas are okay, but housing really scares me and is a real stumbling block. We have a lovely house here and a comparable in Canada would be silly money. Another bridge to cross when we get there I guess because, as you say, it's quality of life that counts, not money.

 

[canuck78]

One reason I'm choosing Canada is because there are better opportunities to try something new. Here in the US, at least in the bigger cities, work in technology and finance can be very demanding and take up all your time. There isn't much flexibility to go part time, and losing health insurance when you work part time or take time off is always a big issue. You can really become a slave to your well paying, benefits-providing corporate job here. Health insurance is not an issue in Canada because you can always go on the national plan. I read on some website discussing the startup scene in Toronto that Toronto is a great place for entrepreneurs because you have a growing economy with a lot of technology and finance opportunities, and you don't have to worry that quitting your corporate employee job to start your own business will leave you without health insurance.

Just wanted to clarify that benefit plans are still important just not as important as in the US. Only basic care is covered. Doctor visits, tests, hospital stays although only in ward rooms (private or semi-private go to those with private insurance and can pay first), medication but only in hospital. Medication is subsidized for those on social assistance and seniors. No vision, dental, physio/massage/chiro/etc, medical/assistive devices, prescriptions, ambulance and there are more. People have the false impression that our medicare is as generous as in Europe. Should mention as someone with a rare disease I am still very thankful but I still spend many thousands yearly.

 

[shaun75]

Yeah, never say never. I actually was going to retire from the corporate world last year to go full time with my athletic and artistic endeavors. But now I am planning to keep working for a while because of this Canada immigration, and I would like to save up a good number of Canadian dollars once I settle down there, so I now am no longer planning to quit corporate jobs any time soon. Also, I have heard that the pace is slower in Canada than it is here in the US (at least the big, demanding companies here in New York), so I might even be able to get to the next level in my sports and arts without quitting the corporate world in Canada. I even interviewed for a job that sounded really interesting to me and would have been something I would have wanted to keep doing indefinitely (unfortunately I was rejected, but that was an eye opener that I might not need to rush the quit the corporate world). Life is full of unexpected twists and turns ...

To familiar to be funny. Work life balance here is very poor. Work rules your life here and we do have a national health service. One of my key objectives is to sort out my balance. I really hope you can find a balance that works for you also.

 

[canuck78]

Not sure why people think Canada is much different especially in the larger cities although NYC/Greater SF win hands down but the compensation is so much better so it probably evens out. Don't want people to think Canada is some sort of magical place.

 

[shaun75]

Not sure why people think Canada is much different especially in the larger cities although NYC/Greater SF win hands down but the compensation is so much better so it probably evens out. Don't want people to think Canada is some sort of magical place.

Magical is probably a relative term. To NY or SF or even London it's probably similar in some aspects. But coming from other less developed places in the world it probably is somewhat magical. At least in terms of opportunity. I lived there on and off for some time so I know some of its good and bad. And while I don't think it's magical and paved with gold, I do recognise a much nicer culture, more opportunity and better weather.

So I understand your point and agree with you in terms of going there with your eyes open, but to me it's got a very special place in my heart and that's magical to me.

 

[canuck78]

Magical is probably a relative term. To NY or SF or even London it's probably similar in some aspects. But coming from other less developed places in the world it probably is somewhat magical. At least in terms of opportunity. I lived there on and off for some time so I know some of its good and bad. And while I don't think it's magical and paved with gold, I do recognise a much nicer culture, more opportunity and better weather.

So I understand your point and agree with you in terms of going there with your eyes open, but to me it's got a very special place in my heart and that's magical to me.

Sorry was talking about work/life balance