Best way to apply to Canada

[alecma]

Hi All,

To date I have done a lot of reading through various pages on websites about applying to move to Canada.

Right now I am 27 year old Computer Programmer, and my fiance is a 27 year old nurse. We are trying to move from the UK. I lived in Canada as a minor from age 1-5. I have 2 brothers and a sister who are still currently living in Ontario.

I realize its hard to be approved for permanent visa without a job offer.

But wanted to know what the best way to approach this:

is it best to apply for a job in Canada then try and get a work permit?
is it best to apply for permanent visa?
is it best to go for a year Canada experience then apply when there to stay?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[NetMecca]

Hi

Not a single of your questions have a simple answer unfortunately. They are all good options, though complex in their own right, with more challenges than you can imagine at this time.

The first question I would ask, if I were you, is your time table. How soon do you wish to come to Canada. That will largely dictate your choices. In addition one of your options (finding a job here) opens up other options for applying, like the PNP (provincial nomination program).

The quickest route would likely prove a job offer, work permit, and subsequent application after arrival in Canada. This being one of the fastest routes to physically get to Canada will likely still take you 6-9 months before you get on a plane.

The alternatives much longer, several years in fact for most.

Canada is a great place to live, so if you can make it, do it. For me it was worth the risks, stresses and cost.

Good luck!!...

 

[alecma]

Thanks for getting back NetMecca.

I have been in touch with several people today and it seems my best option is to apply for the following:

International Canada Experience. As an Irish passport holder we can stay for 24 months on this scheme and then after the 2 years If I want I would be eligible to apply for the Canada Experience Class.

My only worry is will companies look badly on the 24 month visa and would we both struggle for jobs.

I am just trying to find out now if the International Canada Experience if we apply in early 2014 will our application be processed and will we have to move that year as in what are the deadlines from when you recieve your letter to state you can move, im wondering is it 1 year from the date of that letter or 1 year from date of application or within the calendar year.

Our main worry is we have booked our wedding for Early 2015 in Ireland so would ideally like to move in May/June 2015. Our best option may be to apply for the 2015 intake and go later in 2015 after we are married.

 

[scylla]

International Canada Experience. As an Irish passport holder we can stay for 24 months on this scheme and then after the 2 years If I want I would be eligible to apply for the Canada Experience Class.

Staying 24 months and working won't necessarily qualify you to apply for PR through CEC. You will also have to meet the CEC requirements to apply.

 

[alecma]

I realise that but it will put me in a better position to apply hopefully, also give me and my fiance an opportunity to prove ourselves to a company who may help us stay.

I think its a perfect opportunity for myself and my fiance to get a real experiemce for Canada and if we want to stay we will be in a stronger position than we are now

 

[NetMecca]

Hi

Time limit to arrive is from date of approval (letter).

Depending on your skill sets if you are able to qualify for a work permit, you will not have much trouble finding a job (well finding a job usually means you can get a work permit (subject to LMO)). And you may have to travel for the interviews..

I would also suggest that though you are thinking CEC as an option I would treat this as a backup option. Try to apply asap under one of the other classes. Means you are less likely to have issues with work permit renewals and extensions.

And if you have a job (in the right NOC) and qualify under other requirements, I would seriously consider exploring PNP. Can get you landed status in under 12 months. And you can apply for this even if you are on a work permit. If anything this may help you, especially if your employer likes you, or needs you.

Good luck

 

[alecma]

Thanks for the help.

CEC would be a last resort we would be hoping that one of the two of us will get a permanent Visa through other means such as PNP etc by working hard and impressing so our employer can help us stay permanently in any of the possible options and then as a last resort apply for CEC. For us just getting into the country and getting jobs and working hard for 24 months will hopefully lay the foundations for long term stay.

Am i right in assuming that since we will be married if one of us gets permanent visa that will allow the other one to stay?

Thanks for your help

 

[NetMecca]

Hi

For any immigration application (including work permit) one person in a family (even if common law spouse) will be the primary applicant, and the other may come along automatically. Dependant children (with some requirements) are also incuded automatically.

Though if you come on a work permit, your spouse will not be able to work unless he/ she gets own work permit. So you will be sole provider. If you come together on a PR card, then both will have the ability to work as both will get PR status based on primary applicant success.

One thing to realise is that if you are physically in Canada, finding a job (even without status) is considerably easier, because you can actually meet with an employer. (do the physical interview etc.)

You no doubt have quite an adventure ahead of you. I did pretty much the same, and it was lots of fun :

Good luck