UK Software Developer looking for general novice advice

[Wullie2015]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and not sure if there is a better place to post this thread; if so just let me know and I'll move it.

I've thought long and hard and decided I would love to live and work in Canada. I'm totally new to the whole migration scene and it's a bit daunting to be honest, if any body could offer some general advice it would be greatly appreciated.

So... I'm a 23 year old software developer from Scotland, UK. I've never been out of work since leaving Secondary School and have always worked within the IT industry. However, I left Secondary School after standard grades and went straight into an apprenticeship programme through which I achieved numerous training certificates an SVQ and a Higher National Certificate in Computing. That's all the qualifications I have. I do however have a wide variety of experience over the years.

Would I need a higher level of qualification to be eligible?
Would I have better chance of entry going down the temporary work route and then later seeking permanent residency once there?
Is it essential to have a definitive job offer or would an employers interest such as an interview suffice?
Would I be looking to apply for assessments etc just now or should I wait until I'm ready to go?
I currently have £2k put by, roughly how much money would I need to make this leap comfortably?

I have been doing some research but I just don't know how OR more accurately when to start this complex process.

 

[scylla]

Having a definite job offer in Canada is your best bet if you want to qualify to immigrate. I would also recommend that you take the quiz in the link below to see if you qualify. For most programs, you need a minimum number of points to qualify to apply. Your level of education is unfortunately going to make this more difficult.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/eligibility.asp

I would recommend that you have at least $20K (Canadian) to make this leap. Preferably more. If you don't have a job offer waiting for you in Canada, you'll have to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself when you first arrive to qualify to apply. I believe the amount you'll need to show is around $18K.