Immigrating from UK

[breakers141]

Hey guys

So me and my girlfriend are thinking of moving to Vancouver before we're 30 (i'm 25 and she is 24).

We both work in junior digital roles at the moment. I work in email marketing for a big UK retail brand and she works in SEO for a big retail brand as well. We both have bachelor degrees from UK unis in history and English.

We would like to move to Vancouver and are just wondering what our options are in terms of immigration. I’ve started to look at some of the work permit options but there are so many options.

Ideally we’d simply like to sell our place in the UK (of which we own equivalent of around $530,000 Canadian), move to Canada, buy a place and find some jobs once we’re out there.

I know this is unrealistic in terms of simplicity so just wondering how you guys think we should play it?

Happy to answer any questions if you guys feel they’re relevant in letting me know best route to take

Cheers

Tom

 

[canuck78]

Given your age I would consider IEC but that is a 1 year program. You may want to see if you enjoy living in Vancouver.

 

[breakers141]

I

Given your age I would consider IEC but that is a 1 year program. You may want to see if you enjoy living in Vancouver.

I grew up in Seattle (I’m British however) and spent a lot of time in Vancouver

I thought IEC was 2 year?

 

[breakers141]

Given your age I would consider IEC but that is a 1 year program. You may want to see if you enjoy living in Vancouver.

Also am I correct in saying you can’t extend an IEC?

 

[scylla]

Also am I correct in saying you can’t extend an IEC?

Correct. If you want to stay and work longer - you need a full time job offer from an employer and approved LMIA.

 

[canuck78]

I


I grew up in Seattle (I’m British however) and spent a lot of time in Vancouver

I thought IEC was 2 year?

Sorry just checked and IEC from UK is indeed 2 years. Given you may not have much work experience yet and are not married you may consider waiting a few years.

 

[breakers141]

Ah ok. So with the job offer and an LMIA what would my IEC turn into?

 

[scylla]

Ah ok. So with the job offer and an LMIA what would my IEC turn into?

Your IEC would expire. With the job offer and approved LMIA you would apply for a closed work permit (closed work permits are tied to a specific employer - while the IEC is an open work permit that allows you to work for anyone). Note that the vast majority of employers aren't willing to go through the LMIA process due to the expense, effort and wait time.

 

[breakers141]

Your IEC would expire. With the job offer and approved LMIA you would apply for a closed work permit (closed work permits are tied to a specific employer - while the IEC is an open work permit that allows you to work for anyone). Note that the vast majority of employers aren't willing to go through the LMIA process due to the expense, effort and wait time.

Right... it’s sound pretty darn difficult to go and live there then

 

[breakers141]

Your IEC would expire. With the job offer and approved LMIA you would apply for a closed work permit (closed work permits are tied to a specific employer - while the IEC is an open work permit that allows you to work for anyone). Note that the vast majority of employers aren't willing to go through the LMIA process due to the expense, effort and wait time.

*googles New Zealand*

 

[scylla]

Right... it’s sound pretty darn difficult to go and live there then

You need to spend time researching Canada's immigration programs if you are interested in making a permanent move and it's really a priority for you (unfortunately there's no short cut to research - apart from hiring an immigration consultant/lawyer). Provided you have a few years of skilled work experience and meet other requirements - it may be quite possible. If you can get at least one full year of skilled work experience in Canada - that will help. Detailed info here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp