UK family moving to BC for 1 year - advise appreciated

[d6moff]

Hello, Both me and my partner have been holidaying in Whistler BC now for the past 4 years and we are planning moving over for a year, hopefully next year or the year after at the latest.
I work offshore in Aberdeen on 2 on 3 off rota so my plan is to still commute to the UK to work and then have 3 weeks holidaying in whistler out of every 5 weeks.

We have 2 young children aged 4 and 2 who will be coming with us obviously, does anybody knew if my children are entitled to attend any kind nursery or primary school whilst there? (if not the plan is for my partner too self teach). This is so my children can enjoy interacting with the local kids there own age.

The other question I had was regarding getting to stay in the country for 12 months, I believe 6 months is the longest without an extension, how easy is it to get an extension and would you be granted entry if you told the truth that you were staying for 12 months. I plan to have a 12 month house lease already in place and medical insurance prior so I dont want to then get refused access on this basis.

I am 34 and my partner is 28, neither of us have a criminal record worth getting excited about.
Any advise of anyone that has done something similar would be gratefully received.

Thanks

 

[scylla]

How old are you and your wife? Are you young enough to qualify for working holiday visas (IECs)?

If not, there's really no guaranteed way to do what you have planned.

As a visitor, you're only allowed to visit. Not move or live here. If it looks like you're moving when you arrived (i.e. have a long-term lease, many personal belongings), then you might be refused entry or only allowed a short visit. Quite frankly, I think the 12 month lease is only going to create problems for you at immigration - not solve any. It's a huge red flag.

Also, there is no guarantee you will be allowed back into Canada when you leave and then return after your rotation. Once again, I think your behaviour will be perceived by immigration as that of someone who is living in Canada rather than just visiting for tourism purposes. What would happen if you were denied entry into Canada after a few months and separated from the rest of your family? I think this is a very real possibility. Your pattern of travel (a few weeks in and then a few weeks out) will not be regarded as normal tourist behaviour by immigration.

You will have to pay for nursery school if you want your children to attend. There is also a good chance you will have to pay for primary school (although the rules vary from school to school).