Looking for work while visiting BC Canada.

[desantos]

I am a British citizen (born, 35 yrs old) and currently taking a year out of working as an IT Network Consultant/Engineer (Project work, Service desk work, 6 years experience with BSc Hons) and I am travelling in the US at the moment. Previously I was up in Vancouver for a few weeks and really liked it there.

Before my time is up in North America (July) I would like to consider options of moving to Canada and carrying on my career there.

Would it make any sense me heading back to Vancouver and searching for jobs there while I am on this side of the planet at the moment.


If so, what would be the first steps you would take ? Has anyone had any experience in looking for work while visiting Canada.

 

[Lammawitch]

There's a very comprehensive guide on the subject here:

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Category:Job_Hunting-Canada

Also worth reading:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/englisH/immigrate/index.asp

 

[scylla]

The process for hiring you is fairly involved. When you meet with potential employers you should make sure they are aware of the process that will have to be followed to hire you and are willing to go through it (both the time it takes and the expense). If you find an employer who is willing to offer you a job, the first step will be for them to advertise the job for a minimum of a month to prove that no Canadian could be found for the role. Once this is done, the will have to submit an application for something called an LMIA which gives them approval to hire you. The cost for this application to your employer will be $1,000. Processing times for the LMIA will probably be somewhere from 2-4 months. If the LMIA is approved (not all are), you will then apply for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer and go through additional waiting time. Once the work permit is approved, you will be able to start working.

You should be aware that it tends to be fairly difficult to get an LMIA approved these days for most IT jobs since there are many qualified Canadians who are able to step into these roles. Having said that, by all means give it a try and good luck.

 

[desantos]

Thanks for your help guys...