A couple with some questions....

[Vladimir Marenus]

Hello.

I am asking two questions- one on behalf of myself and the other on behalf of my girlfriend, Julie Sager. We are both seeking the opportunity to immigrate to Canada, to live and work there, and are unsure how to go about it.

My question-

I have received no official training past high school, and have worked in both retail and office positions since I was 16 (I am currently 21). Ideally, I would like to live, work, and attend college in Canada, my career goal is to become an RN / Nurse Anesthetist. The former requires a two year degree (in the US), and the latter requires both a four-year nursing degree, and a two-year supplemental degree in Anesthesiology. When I look at sites, I don't see an option for a 'normal' person to obtain a resident or work visa / permit. Can I still enter Canada and work?

Her question-

She is 28, has a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), and is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and is interested in coming to Canada as well. I believe she would qualify for a visa under the skilled worker program, is that correct? She was also wondering what the average salary for a Social Worker in Canada was, if you had that information available.

Thank you!

Dallas De Marr and Julie Sager

 

[thaiguy]

You're probably right that your girlfriend would qualify as a skilled worker. If her first language is English and she has 4 years of work experience as an LSW, it seems pretty straightforward. Salaries are roughly equivalent in the U.S. and Canada, although I've found some to be lower in Canada. But with a Master's degree, it seems she should have no trouble being well employed. You can find some statistics on various Canadian government websites with regard to how much she can expect to earn.

Your situation is a little different. You can apply to go to school in Canada, and generally U.S citizens don't have a problem with getting the visa. If you aren't a U.S. citizen, though, your application could go through more scrutiny, because CIC is well acquainted with the notion that "students" apply to go to school here and often never show up. They're just looking for a way to get into the country before disappearing.

The only problem I think you might have is showing that you have enough money for school. So unless you're parents or your girlfriend are extremely generous, you might have to do a bit of saving first!

After your girlfriend gets her PR, and assuming you can prove that you two lived together for at least 1 year in a common-law relationship, she can sponsor you. But I really suggest you wait until you are both in Canada - she as PR and you as student.

Good Luck

TG