is IEC to CEC even possible? Any success stories?

[heysoulsister]

Hi guys, I've decided to create an account here in hopes of finding someone who has been through what I'm currently facing and can accurately advise me on my next steps.

I've received an email from CIC stating that my application for the IEC visa is successful and that I have within a year to enter Canada with that Visa. I have no idea how unrealistic some of you think this might be.. but my plan is actually to land in Canada with a visitor visa, start hunting for a job and then activate my IEC visa on my first day of work so that i can fulfill CEC's requirement of 12 months full time work experience in Canada.

However, I only have 1 year of working experience in the finance sector (I'm turning 23 this year) meaning there's going to be sooo many other foreign workers with better experiences/credentials than me.. not to mention the locals...

So my question is, does this plan even sound feasible? Even if i am willing to take any job that qualifies for the CEC's requirement is it even possible for me to get a job considering that employers will know that my visa is only valid for a year? Or should i look for a 1 year contract position (but does it qualify for CEC's requirements?)

And even if I do find a job (be it a 1 year contract or permanent employment), will i even qualify for the CEC program since my work experience will only be exactly 1 year (IEC for Singaporeans cannot be renewed).



I'd really hope someone who has been through similar issues can help me out here......................



Thanks in advance!!! ;D

 

[heysoulsister]

[size=10pt]any kind souls out there??
[/size]

Hi guys, I've decided to create an account here in hopes of finding someone who has been through what I'm currently facing and can accurately advise me on my next steps.

I've received an email from CIC stating that my application for the IEC visa is successful and that I have within a year to enter Canada with that Visa. I have no idea how unrealistic some of you think this might be.. but my plan is actually to land in Canada with a visitor visa, start hunting for a job and then activate my IEC visa on my first day of work so that i can fulfill CEC's requirement of 12 months full time work experience in Canada.

However, I only have 1 year of working experience in the finance sector (I'm turning 23 this year) meaning there's going to be sooo many other foreign workers with better experiences/credentials than me.. not to mention the locals...

So my question is, does this plan even sound feasible? Even if i am willing to take any job that qualifies for the CEC's requirement is it even possible for me to get a job considering that employers will know that my visa is only valid for a year? Or should i look for a 1 year contract position (but does it qualify for CEC's requirements?)

And even if I do find a job (be it a 1 year contract or permanent employment), will i even qualify for the CEC program since my work experience will only be exactly 1 year (IEC for Singaporeans cannot be renewed).



I'd really hope someone who has been through similar issues can help me out here......................



Thanks in advance!!! ;D

 

[whymeee]

Sounds challenging, but doable? How about moving to either Saskatchewan or Manitoba and applying under their provincial nominee programs? Less competition and less stress from worrying whether your plan is going to work.

Good luck

 

[jsm0085]

Sounds challenging, but doable? How about moving to either Saskatchewan or Manitoba and applying under their provincial nominee programs? Less competition and less stress from worrying whether your plan is going to work.

Good luck

1) You will need to activate your visa before you can get a social insurance number - which is required for the formalities before starting the job. The number is given to you on the day you go into service canada to register.

2) you can usually extend / renew / reapply for the IEC for another year?

3) Could you not get visa active, find a job then reapply/renew IEC visa for another year? Giving you time to gain the 12 months FT work experience and apply for CEC?

 

[heysoulsister]

1) You will need to activate your visa before you can get a social insurance number - which is required for the formalities before starting the job. The number is given to you on the day you go into service canada to register.

2) you can usually extend / renew / reapply for the IEC for another year?

3) Could you not get visa active, find a job then reapply/renew IEC visa for another year? Giving you time to gain the 12 months FT work experience and apply for CEC?

Regarding 2) & 3), citizens from my country are only eligible to apply once for the IEC visa.. No renewals allowed.. :'(

Do you have any idea whether i can arrive in Canada as a tourist when I'm looking for a job and only activate my IEC visa when i am already in Canada? I asked the consultant who helped to apply for my IEC visa and she said that it's not possible.. But then again, it's a pretty new programme over here in my country and i doubt the consultant really know the rules too...

Thanks!

 

[Regina]

How do you think "to activate visa"? Where? "Visa activation" happens OUTSIDE of Canada. That means you have to leave Canada at land port of entry and then enter it again on IEC visa. You will be asked questions why having IEC visa you went in Canada on visitor visa?

Besides VO KNOWS you have IEC. They will be curious why now you ask visitor visa.

 

[Dimitris]

Hi. How can you prove that you r a skilled worker to the government? Because my paid stumps doesn't say that either my T4. So? Only with a reference letter for your boss?

 

[nickutis]

You'll be short few days for a year in any case because of formalities

One of the options would be to land a really good job and ask employer to apply for LMO and get closed work permit for you..

 

[LPS]

You'll be short few days for a year in any case because of formalities

One of the options would be to land a really good job and ask employer to apply for LMO and get closed work permit for you..

It looks like someone brushed the dust off an old thread.

Hi. How can you prove that you r a skilled worker to the government? Because my paid stumps doesn't say that either my T4. So? Only with a reference letter for your boss?

Yes, only the reference letter can prove your job duties.