Just starting immigration process - few questions...?

[RupertM]

Hi everyone, I hope you can help...

We trying to immigrate from England.

1. I've looked at the waiting times for immigration processing. For some reason immigration times from the London office seem to be vastly higher than other countries (3 years for 30% of cases!) - Is this a realistic timeline? I've done the online test and scored 79/100.

2. I want to class myself as Skill Level A (professional occupations) - i'm an IT professional (Database Manager) with about 13/14 years experience (i'm 34). However for most of that time i've been self-employed through my own limited company doing contractual work - will that affect my status as Skill Level A?

3. Lastly, should I do the application myself, or through a 3rd party (eg a lawyer) - if yes, can anyone recommend someone good?

Many thanks
Rup

 

[Leon]

1. You are looking at timelines under the old rules for skilled workers. They were changed in 2008. The new ones will be posted here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/international/02b-skilled-fed.asp when they become available but they should be faster.

2. Skill level A is not really the problem, I am sure you can easily class yourself as something under skill level A or B. The problem is that under the new rules, it's not enough to get 67 or more points and be of skill level A or B to apply as a skilled worker. You also have to have either a job offer or have a profession on the list of 38 most wanted unless you are already in Canada. You can see the list here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp#list
The only computer related occupation there is 0213: Computer and Information Systems Managers. Your job description would have to match http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Profile.aspx?val=0&val1=0213 Since you are self employed, you are not really managing anybody but yourself so it's a stretch if you would be accepted for that. Your other option would be to try to secure a job offer.

3. There's no need to go through a 3rd party. It's all pretty simple when you get into it. Many people have actually found that they prefer to have their case under their own control and bad consultants have messed up some peoples cases with delays, not meeting deadlines etc.

 

[RupertM]

Thanks a lot Leon.

Looking around more, I think the closest exact match to my skills is 2172: Database Analysts and Data Administrators. However, I often act as project technical lead....

What kind of evidence do they look for to corroborate your application? References?

Thanks
Rup

 

[Leon]

Normally, you have to get your job description from your employer but since you are self-employed, you'd have to write it up yourself and possibly get some references from clients.

Since 0213 is the only IT profession on the list of 38, all the IT guys are now trying to class themselves as 0213 to be able to apply so immigration is applying a bit more scrutiny into their job descriptions to weed out the fibbers. If you were to apply as 2172 with a job offer, it wouldn't be that critical.

 

[RupertM]

Thanks again Leon.

"Since 0213 is the only IT profession on the list of 38, all the IT guys are now trying to class themselves as 0213 to be able to apply so immigration is applying a bit more scrutiny into their job descriptions to weed out the fibbers. "

Yep, I can see that...

"If you were to apply as 2172 with a job offer, it wouldn't be that critical."

Well, that's the million $$$ question, isn't it!

 

[commonwealth]

Million with $$$,$$$,$$$
As a DB manager, you best bet in under 0213. Cheers!

 

[aaycee]

HI..
HOW CAN ONE SECURE A JOB IN CANADA TO APPLY WITH JOB OFFER?

 

[Leon]

The same way you get a job anywhere. You apply. Since it's a hassle for the employer to apply for your AEO and then have to wait for months for you to arrive, that is if you ever do since you have no obligation to actually work for him, the odds are stacked against you but some other people have been successful. It may be hard but you have a much better chance of succeeding if you try than if you don't