First steps.....

[indy]

I'm currently a British citizen living in London in my mid thirties. I'd like to move to Canada but was wondering if there was resource anywhere that details what the process is I need to go through to achieve this?

My sister (also a British citizen) married a Canadian citizen but although she qualifies for citizenship under the 'family' rules from what I can tell I don't. I'm looking at qualifying under the 'skilled worker' rules but again I'm unsure what 'skilled' means in this context. I don't work at McDonalds but then again I'm not a brain surgeon either!

Also is there a time-scale that I should be working to in terms of getting an answer to my plans?

Any help that can be offered would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

Indy....

 

[poke]

Hi Indy

I'm in the UK too and started the application process in January.

You really need to look at the CIC website - just type immigration Canada into google and it will come up - it gives masses of info and alos tells you how to apply.

Another good thing to go into is the 'NOC' list - again type it into google - it's essentially a list of what Canada considers to be skilled trades - your skills may be in there.

My boyfriends a carpenter so obviously he's considered to be skilled - but I was surprised to find that I am too (I'm a just trained in equine care and management!!) - so you never know it's worth checking!

 

[indy]

Poke,
Thanks.... what an informative site! been googling on and off for around 6 months on this but hadn't really come up with anything useful.

Having applied, what are your general (early) thoughts on the system/process?

For me making the actual decision to leave the UK has been pretty momentus but I'm suprised at how daunted and to be honest 'afriad' I feel about what lies ahead. I'll probably feel better once I know what the timescales/process is, but still!

Regards

Indy.....

 

[poke]

Hey Indy!!

So far not too impressed - like I say we sent off our application in January and as yet we've not received an acknowledgement that our applications been received!! But apparently that's normal it's just you kind of want to know that they've got everything and that the process has begun!

I'm finding reading these forums really informative and it helps knowing that other people are going through the same process.

To be honest the thought of immigrating scares the crap out of me but I know I've got to do it!! Canada is such an amazing place and will offer us the life we want - we are real outdoorsie types and can't wait to be able to pop up snowboarding for the day etc!!!

It'll be hard leaving everything here behind but it will give us a brighter future, and if it does all go horribly wrong we can always come home!

 

[indy]

Thanks again, Poke!

What sort of timeframe are you looking at in terms of actually moving? I (think) I remember somebody saying that from start to finish its around 3 years?

As you say its nice to know that other people are also going through the same process. I've had the day off work and was going to go down to the Canadian embassy here in London to see if they had any information but I think that the link you posted above should give me enough information to start the ball rolling... thanks!

The 'better life and opportunities' also rings a huge bell with me
Cheers

Indy....

 

[poke]

Hey Indy

The official time frame given by CIC is 6 - 56 months - which is a bit depressing!!

Realistically, we're looking at being out there in 5 years - hopefully we will get processed before that, but looking at the boards it seems unlikely!!

The way I see it, it just gives us more time to prepare!!!

Get your application in asap - because you've probably got a long wait after that!!

Take care

Poke