Foreigner Worker

[Oakham86]

Hi there, I’m looking to move to Canada in July and have been researching my options for the past month or so. I’m here to see if anyone can help to see if I have overlooked anything.

I have a skilled profession, I am a computer programmer (have 5 years of experience and a relevant UK degree) but without 2 years prior Canadian experience I am not entitled to apply for a skilled visa. I am not looking to study so as far as I can see my only two options are to either be offered a job before hand with the LMO or to undertake the experience Canada program. Is this correct, am I missing anything?

If I was to apply for a working holiday do you think it would be possible to find work during my year in Canada? Is it a deterrent to have a temporary visa when applying for a job, if so do you think it is worth coming?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Oakham86]

I’m not sure if I am entitled to the Federal Skilled Worker Program as I do not have a PHD? I have mixed impressions of the requirements, when checking the criteria on various sites I qualify on the point system (69vs67) but on the CIC site it states:

For your application to be eligible for processing, you must:
• have a valid offer of arranged employment, OR
• be an international student enrolled in a PhD program in Canada (or graduated from a Canadian PhD program within

Which I do not.

 

[amikety]

I'm not sure if I am entitled to the Federal Skilled Worker Program as I do not have a PHD? I have mixed impressions of the requirements, when checking the criteria on various sites I qualify on the point system (69vs67) but on the CIC site it states:

For your application to be eligible for processing, you must:
• have a valid offer of arranged employment, OR
• be an international student enrolled in a PhD program in Canada (or graduated from a Canadian PhD program within

Which I do not.

That's the very limited FSW program open right now. The full program should re-open in a few months.

If you can get a working holiday, it's quite likely you could find a job as long as you have relevant education and work experience in the UK. In fact, most employers will count UK experience as Canadian. You might have to apply for entry level, but that's better than no job, right?

If you're planning to try to immigrate to Canada permanently, make sure to look at the Provincial Nominee Program for your (future) province and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Those are usually faster than FSW. (Although the new FSW might have new shiny options.) Learn what you need to qualify and it'll be all good.

 

[Oakham86]

That's the very limited FSW program open right now. The full program should re-open in a few months.

This is music to my ears! I thought as much from reading other sites but wasn't quite sure. I will keep my eyes peel'd on the CIC site to apply as soon as registration opens. I may even start learning French just to give me a few more points if need be

An entry level position would be better than nothing. I am planning to move to Toronto, I will pretty much take what I can get at first and go from there.

Thank's for the advice.

 

[scylla]

This is music to my ears! I thought as much from reading other sites but wasn't quite sure. I will keep my eyes peel'd on the CIC site to apply as soon as registration opens. I may even start learning French just to give me a few more points if need be

An entry level position would be better than nothing. I am planning to move to Toronto, I will pretty much take what I can get at first and go from there.

Thank's for the advice.

You need to start preparing now by gathering the required documents, taking the English test, etc. CIC will start accepting application for those without job offers starting May 4th and you need to be ready to send in your application as soon as the program re-opens (we expect the available spaces to be filled extremely quickly). Not all of the rules for the new program have been announced yet. There is a detailed thread on this forum that is following this new program and related announcements. You should join the discussions there:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/new-fsw-points-criteria-announced-new-federal-skilled-trades-class-fstc-t115576.0.html

 

[Oakham86]

So I would need to take a IELTS to prove my English skills which would need to be completed before May 4th. I'm not sure how hard the test is but I'm sure I could at least make 16 points for my first language (0 for second). So with that:

Language: 16
Age (26): 12
Work Experience (5 Years): 13
Education (3 year degree): 21
Arranged Employment: 0
Adaptability (Accompanying spouse/partner): 5

Which lands me on 67, the requirement.

I guess I need to prepare for my English test and gather proof of prior work experience & my Education.

Thanks scylla.

 

[scylla]

Correct - the IELTS test is mandatory.

 

[Robin_19]

Can anybody tell me about criminal conviction or arrest?? I was arrested for assault in UK & waiting for trial. Am i still eligible to apply for canadian visa?? I need proper information on this plz!!

 

[amikety]

Can anybody tell me about criminal conviction or arrest?? I was arrested for assault in UK & waiting for trial. Am i still eligible to apply for canadian visa?? I need proper information on this plz!!

Pretty sure you'll be labeled inadmissible. You will have to reveal you're charged with assault.

 

[scylla]

Can anybody tell me about criminal conviction or arrest?? I was arrested for assault in UK & waiting for trial. Am i still eligible to apply for canadian visa?? I need proper information on this plz!!

Agreed with amikety. You're inadmissible right now. No point in applying for a Canadian visa.