Single Mum moving to Canada

[Vcampbellau]

Hey guys,
I am a single mum of two boys (12 & 15) and am considering moving from Australia to Canada (Alberta??)
I am a registered nurse with 3 years experience in Emergency Nursing and recent experience in Community nursing.
I am considering moving with the plan to stay for 12-24 months initially while keeping an open mind to staying longer if we enjoy it.
As I am a single mum with no family or friends that have done a move like this before: I don't have any sounding boards to bounce this idea off so I'm hoping to get some input here.
I am familiar with the logistics of spending extended time in canada as an Australian expat (such as visas, how to get my nursing qualifications and registration recognised etc) but have found Google a little lacking in providing the stories and feedback of other people in a similar situation who have successfully relocated to Canada and how they have found it (challenges vs positives)
My purpose for moving: to spend some of the final years with my boys (before they go off and live their own lives) living in a new city and country, to explore, to enjoy one last adventure together. I want to embolden them and get outside our comfort zone as a trio to experience a new way of life, the weather extremes, the melting pot of the culture that Canada as a country harbours.

I guess from you I am wanting: encouragement, stories of how you found making the same move, challenges I may not yet be aware of yet.... basically any input would be valuable.

Date of arrival: (approx) September 2020
Estimated cash in the bank on arrival: $30,000
Ages at time of arrival: 35 (Me) and 16 (son) and 13 (son)
Thank you so much in advance.

 

[Bs65]

So maybe clarify when you say you are aware of the logistics of an extended stay in Canada such as visas etc. which visa/permit exactly did you have in mind ?

At 35 you are right on the limit for an IEC permit which gives you upto 24 months providing applied for whilst still 35 . What other options do you believe you qualify for or are you planning to apply for immigration ?

 

[Buletruck]

You might just want to wait a few months until the dust settles from the upcoming provincial election. The anticipated change in government might result in some significant changes in healthcare spending and as a result, Deer jobs available.

 

[scylla]

As others have said, you would need to secure a work permit ahead of moving to Canada. The IEC visa would be a very good option provided you apply before you turn 36. Otherwise you would need to obtain a job offer and approved LMIA from an employer in Canada which tends to be very difficult to do.

Have you looked into what it will take to be certified to work as a nurse in Canada? It may not be possible for you to enter the profession immediately.

Also note that you will need the written consent of your children's father to move them to Canada.

 

[bellaluna]

I guess OP would be better suited at an expat forum or blog than a visa one. But there are a few success and horror stories here, if you look hard enough. You’ll find that most people here are immigrants (settled permanently) than expats (settling temporarily) which what your mindset right now seems to be, from what you describe.

 

[canuck78]

You also may find it difficult to get a full-time nursing position. Many are working multiple part-time nursing jobs and don't receive extended benefits. Wouldn't really suggest uprooting a child in their last 1-2 years of high school. Have you looked at your earning potential and expenses in both countries? You will likely have to arrange relicensing which will likely delay start date for work.

 

[Umar-kiwi]

Well! I'm new to this forum though I don't really have anything to offer yet but I think I have learn a lot from the previous and foregoing comments and responses. Thanks I hope learn more.