Immgrating to Canada

[jlm1632]

Currrently me and my boyfreind are looking to live and work in Canada. I live here in America. He lives in Israel. Its been his dream to live and work in Canada. he asked me about this about 3 weeks ago. I told him this sounds like a good idea. I would love to go there. It sounds like a good work opportunity. He is educated in computers. As far as I know he has college education. The only problem i know he might have is his English skills. his speaking and understanding is ok but needs some work. I am unsure about his chances for applying for work visa or permit would be until his english improves. I've a challange as well. I don't have a college education. I thought of persuing one but never had the resources to do it. My problem is I am not sure if I fall under a catogery for a skilled worker. I would love to work here but I only have expereince in the following feilds: grocery retail (cashier/stock),restaurant (cashier/salad bar prep/some additional food prep/hostess/cleaning/take to go orders etc),light industrial (trimmer/ general machine operation in plastics such as vents/ shutters) and a little hospitality work ( wasn't there very long but got the basic idea of housekeeping area cleaning rooms etc) I can handle money or do hostess work in any restaurant or grocery setting. I would love the chance to work here with skills I have. I've some questions below if anyone can help me answer them I will be most grateful. It will be a big help to my boyfreind as well.

1)The biggest question right now I have is: How can I apply for a job outside of Canada without a work permit? (Some don't want you to apply unless you have one) 2)How can I get offer from a job once I start applying for work? (I've been advised I would need a offer of work to get permit or to be considered for permanet residence) 3) How much money would me and boyfreind need to bring entering into canada? these are just some of the questions to start off with.

Any help will be much appeciated. Thank you in advance.

Jackie

[wilson]

Hi jackie, Your ambition to settle down in Canada for a better future is fine. Unfortunately it seems very difficult to get a work permit or permanent resident visa for Canada with yours  and your fiance's qualification and experience under the current immigration rules of Canada.

I have a suggestion. Do a self assesment for both of you from here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/app/ctcvac/english/index

If you are not satisfied with the result then try for  a 'free assessment' from any consultant.
 Here is one of the reputed Consultant:

http://www.canadavisa.com/immigration-eligibility-assessment.html

[Leon]

Unfortunately, there is no avoiding the dreaded job offer unless either of you goes for a student visa and you get married so that the other one can get an open work permit.  If you were to do that, student visa I mean, it would be $$$ in tuition fees but the one with the open work permit would be able to get their foot in the door with an employer and work on your PR status.

Otherwise, he should be the one to try to get a job offer because he is more skilled than you are.  If he gets a work permit for a skilled position, if you marry, you can get an open work permit based on his permit.

[scylla]

I agree that executing your plans won't be easy.

As you have already found, many employers aren't interested in hiring foreign workers. This is because it involves a lot of paperwork, takes time - and isn't always successful.

You can't get a work permit without having a job offer first. If an employer decides they want to hire you, they will have to first advertise your job for a minimum of two weeks (to prove they could not find a Canadian for the role) and then submit something called a Labour Market Opinion for approval. If the Labour Market Opinion is approved by the government, they are then allowed to hire you and you can apply for a work permit. (Note that Labour Market Opinions aren't always approved.)

I agree that it's more likely (although still difficult) that your boyfriend will be able to secure a job offer due to his experience and qualifications. However if his English isn't strong, this will pose another barrier.

If you don't have any luck finding job offers, you could consider postponing your plans by a few years. This time could allow your boyfriend to improve his English skills and allow you to gain more experience or education.

Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions.