Just getting started

[freakedmom]

Hello all,
I hope this post isn't annoying/redundant. I am terribly confused about how to get started...
My husband and I are thinking of coming to Canada due to the strict gun policies. We have 2 small children. We are both US citizens. We both have Master's degrees. He works from home and loves his job so would like to continue that. I am a social worker but I only work pool, once or twice a month. If we lived in a new country, there is no way I'd go full time right away. When I go to the immigration website, it tells me I am not eligible to immigrate to Canada under current federal programs. Is this because the Skilled Worker program doesn't open back up until May 2013? Are there steps I can take in the meantime to get started anyway? Reading the threads, it seems there are a LOT of steps to take before we even submit our applications. Thanks so much for your time and your kindness.

 

[scylla]

Yes - the application process is quite involved. You'll need to do a lot of reading to familiarize yourself with the process and ensure you submit a complete application (incomplete application = automatic rejection). If you don't feel comfortable doing this research yourself, one option is to hire a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant. And yes - it's quite possible you won't qualify until May since the federal skilled worker program is currently only open to candidates with job offers in Canada and those completing their PhDs.

Either you or your husband will have to be the primary applicant. The primary applicant will need to take an English test (IELTS). This is a mandatory part of the application and no - it doesn't matter that you are from the US. The test is still required.

There are many other requirements on top of this one. If you plan to apply in May, I would start working on the application now. As soon as CIC starts accepting applications in May, there will be a flood of applicants and you'll likely need to submit your completed application immediately if you want to have any chance of being accepted.

One good source of information is the following thread which is discussing the new rules for the federal skilled worker program:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/new-fsw-points-criteria-announced-new-federal-skilled-trades-class-fstc-t115576.0.html

If you haven't done so already, you may also want to read up on the provincial nominee programs to see if you qualify for any of those (although many of them do require a job offer in Canada to qualify).

Good luck.

 

[freakedmom]

Thank you so much. This reply is both reassuring and helpful. If I can ask one more thing...is it wise to make the primary applicant the person w the less common occupation? My husband is in management and it seems that might be very common with quickly filled slots.

 

[scylla]

It's difficult to answer your question because all of the information for May 2013 hasn't been released yet. It's important that the primary applicant have sufficient experience, education, etc. so that they have the points to qualify.