AP_LOVELIFE: Yes I can understand the frustration. I didnt know that IT was included in the fsw until April this year (I hadnt kept tabs on CIC or anything) and it wasn't until I got the IELTS results, WES, employers letters etc, until early June (I had a delay with WES which was my fault, doh!). I am not hopeful at all I have made it this year, given that early June applicants was sent back (so far 1 according to our spreadsheet). I have family in Toronto too, so that helps at least, but I would rather go there for work than study. Also I am over 30, so as you can imagine, studying would be the last resort as means to get into the country legally. Its not a bad thing as it can help my career to some extent, but only as last resort for me
You can try your luck for 6 months, but to be honest, I think you be wasting your time because IT is such a competitive job market, there are so many good developers out there, in Canada and outside. I have had a hard enough time here in UK looking for work, let alone anywhere else. If you have skills that are in demand, you stand a good chance in getting an offer. But also, some employers aren't willing to hire foreign because of the hassle and cost in getting the work permit (but this
may not be a problem if you've already got IELTS, WES, PCC etc sorted
and already living in Canada). You could contact some recruitment agencies now or when you're there, and network with them. Sometimes they can be helpful, but I cant vouch for the ones here in UK (I cant stand them!)
If you are very keen to get into Canada asap,
and you can afford to pay high student fees, then go the student route, pick a course you're happy to do and willing to finish (otherwise it would be tedious and boring). I am fed up with my job too, have been for a while, but I have an opportunity coming up in a few months for project management training, which I have waited for so long so and would be stupid not to take it for the sake of going to Canada. To be honest, I am going to wait till Jan next year and re think my options then, maybe CIC have announced the next NOC's for 2014 by then? who knows..
Good luck in whatever path you decide to take
AP_LOVELIFE said:
barcomi / melkouk / fsw2174
Thank you all for your suggestions and comments. Only if I sent off for WES 1 week early I may have had a chance to get my application into CIC in the last week of May. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for FSWP, however I know my chances are now very slim :-(
I guess FSWP is the easiest route as you can go straight to Canada and search for employment etc...
I guess studying in Toronto would be great, but again it will be a drain on my finances and especially if I want to go to Rotman School of Management or University of Toronto. Humber College would be cheaper I suppose...
To be honest I don't know which option to go for.... Just travelling there and searching for a job for 6 months may be a good option as my sister is studying in Toronto already, therefore accommodation wouldn't be a problem plus I am fed up at work / To get anywhere have to take risks.... 6 months I think it would be possible to network and get an LMO / work permit? Or is this wishful thinking? LOL
