Hi Andrew
There are a few options for you. I came to Canada on a student visa from Australia thinking it would be simple to obtain a work visa. It’s not always the case. Here are few suggestions to make your transition easier.
This is basic list of things you will need regardless of what type of visa you choose.
Passport, try and make sure it has at least two years validity, it’s a pain to renew it out of the country.
Your University degree, final transcripts etc.
Bank statements. How much you have etc.
A letter from your employer stating you have worked for them, your experience with them, what special skills you possess.
Financial backing is key; it’s really great your Mum and Dad can help you out. They will probably have to write a statutory declaration stating they are willing to help you out.
Now onto visa types…
If you just want to visit you can come to Canada for 90 days with no visa. You will not be able to work or study though.
The first (and easiest) is to apply for a one year working visa. HOWEVER be aware that you cannot extent this type of visa. http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/missions/unitedkingdom-royaumeuni/youth_jeunes/menu-eng.asp . However if you decide to get married or are in a defacto relationship (I think you have to live together for 12 months) with your girlfriend she can sponsor you for a further visa…it will make life MUCH easier than the following options. IF you decide to go this route pretty much as soon as you arrive get joint back accounts, join her lease, joint EVERYTHING you can think of. Also start taking photos with you both together out and about, with her family etc. This just proves to immigration that you are actually together not just together on paper.
If you wanted a longer visa you could apply as a skilled worker. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/tool/index.asp take this survey to figure out if you are eligible. This can take quite some time, perhaps up to 2-3 years, longer from non-western countries. Also it makes getting a job a bit difficult the employer must prove to the Canadian govt that they can’t find a Canadian to do the job. A lot of employers don’t like having to do this; some are super good though and go out to fight for you.
The best thing you can do is contact a Canadian immigration lawyer, they normally give you a free first consultation and outline your options then you can decide if you want to proceed. Your girlfriend could go to the consultation (In Canada for you). It’s also useful even if you don’t want to use a lawyer they outline your options and you can then file the forms yourself.
http://www.canada.org.uk/visa-info/site_map_nonimmigrant.htm Check out this website, it’s the CIC UK website.
Good luck!
