Moving on Temporary Visa with family? (UK to Canada)

[Bubbly90]

I wasn't sure where to post this, apologies if I'm in the wrong place. In a bit of a confusing situation here so would really appreciate any help!

Basically, I am wondering if my husband travels to Canada on a temporary visa can we as a family accompany him some how? Either on seperate visas or piggy-backing on his.

We are a young family of 3 (we are 25 and my son is 2) with another baby due in July. We live in Northern Ireland, UK and have always wanted to immigrate to Canada. A lot of our family already live out there (aunts, uncles, cousins, and brother temporarily). We have now found more family members are now also going ! They leave in 5 months. We have always wanted to go but never really looked too much into it as husband is trying to get more work experience.

My husband is a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic however it doesn't seem he has enough experience to be classed as that for skilled migration as he only has his level 2 in air con and refrigeration (full qualified would be a level 3) and 2 years experience but he has all his lisences.

I've been driving myself insane looking up all the ins and outs but there is just too much info out there! We have great family support in Canada and they are looking into things on their end but its been that long since they moved they can hardly remember and our family that go in 5 months have a very straightforward process and jobs in place.

I know temporary visas can be a little risky as obviously it does not garuntee we will be able to apply for PR in future. But as we are still young with no financial ties at home (no mortgage etc) we would at least like to give it a go!

I know I am kind of asking a lot here. But my brains fried trying to work it all out.

Thanks in advance.

 

[scylla]

What do you mean by temporary visa? Do you mean a work permit? Or something else?

To qualify for a closed work permit, your husband would have to find an employer in Canada willing to offer him a full time job and also able to obtain an approved LMIA (long and expensive process for the employer). Depending on the skill level of the job, you and your children may be able to accompany him.

There is also the IEC / working holiday visa program that gives someone a temporary visa without getting a job offer first. Downside are that there are many applicants and few places - also, this program doesn't allow family members to apply with you.

 

[scylla]

Just to add - if you're asking if you can move to Canada as visitors, the answer is no - all you can do it visit. If you arrive in Canada as visitors and it looks like you're trying to move here rather than just visiting, it's quite possible to be refused entry and sent home. If you are able to enter the country, as visitors you would not be allowed to work, your children can't attend school and none of you will qualify for health care coverage.

 

[Bubbly90]

Thanks for your reply.

No I wouldn't risk travelling on a visitor visa with young children and no health care entitlment so not looking at that option. To be completely honest I'm not 100% sure what I am looking at. I do intend on getting a migration agent for more advice etc but I have been told by 2 different agents (on a brief evaluation) that my husband would be entitled to apply through express entry. However, from what I have looked up this isn't the case (not that I am a professional) due to his experience. So i would like to be able to go to them with some idea before I throw away money trying to get a visa we may never get. Its hard for me to work out exactly how elegible my husband is for certain visas given that he has lisences and no official qualification. But he also doesn't have the 5 years experience that would make up for the lack of qualification??