British Expatriate Network

It's been a while... 8)

Well, we've been back in the UK now for nearly 6 months, and me and the missus (American, big long K-1 story, etc), much as we both love the UK, have come to the conclusion that it might not be the right place for us to stay in the longer term. Her homesickness has kicked in with a vengeance, so we're considering the Canada thing fairly seriously now, as Toronto is only a half-day's drive from her family and friends in NJ, and from my perspective, comes across like the US, but colder and without the bits I disliked. Canada has a health service, pretty-coloured money, a half-decent government and a more European feel. Oh, and they still spell words properly, and BBC Canada shows Eastenders and Top Gear. mrgreen

I do have a few questions for anyone who lives there though (Keith?)...

1) Schools. We're planning on doing the kids thing eventually, and one thing I disliked about the US was the incredible US-centricity of schooling there - my missus told me they did one semester of European history in her entire secondary education. Do Canadian schools have a little bit more of a global outlook?

2) Credit. This one's more for the missus, I know I'd be starting from scratch, with the whole pre-paid credit card thing and so on (although, I believe, if I transfer my bank account to HSBC over here, they can transfer it to Canada, being a Canadian organisation). Does a US credit history follow you to Canada if you immigrate? I think she's trying to escape hers... wink

3) Is the immigration process for skilled workers into Canada as long-winded as the immigration process for the US? Our K-1 visa, when I originally wanted to move to the US, was extremely long-winded, took months and was a less-than-pleasant experience. We did the online assessment, and got 89/100, so we've more than exceeded the pass mark.

4) What is the average vacation/holiday allowance for full-time employees in Canada? Is it better than the pitiful allowance given to Americans?

5) Driving. Can a UK licence be used to get a Canadian one, or do you have to go through the whole driving test thing again?

6) Are British food items readily available in Canadian supermarkets? In the US, you used to find a small British/Irish food section in most supermarkets, with tea, jam, sweets, occasionally Marmite, etc. Is this the case in Canada?

7) What are the downsides to living in Canada, and what are the common misconceptions?

Any other Canada experiences would be welcome, too. )

Actually, never mind.

I've just discovered that new applications for a skilled worker visa for Canada can take FOUR YEARS. shock shock shock

Guess we should forget about that then. cry

Most of my comparisons between the UK and Canada would not be relevant as I came here 43 years ago when there were few restrictions. We settled in Ottawa and stayed. We have never regretted our move.

We came with two children that are now in their late 40's and have one grandson. All have got excellent educations. ( We have two Universities and one Technical college)
One of the main reasons for our satisfaction, I believe, is that back in our early days we didn't go back for visits. We did have parents over a couple of times but generally were quite happy spending our vacations here or on the US east coast.

I believe you will need to take a Canadian driving test and your credit history doesn't transfer. Foods. UK foods? Many are available in regular supermarkets.

I have generally found that we have more in common with the US than the UK, but you will find some similarities. The Queen is head of State, we have a Parliamentary system and in Ottawa you can watch the changing of the guard.

Hi, I was wondering if you were aware that the government is really pushing the "Provincial Nominee Programme" since about Setp 12 of 2006. If you have a job offer, the company in Canada sponsors you and you can probably clear everything quickly. Not 4 years....

I was sponsored by my company but it still took 51 weeks to get a work visa, which had to be renewed after 1 year and then another 2 years. I since married a Canadian and just got my permanent residence through spousal sponsorship after applying 16 months ago.

As for your questions, my step children (Canadian) are obviously schooled here and I think they are somewhat behind the UK education system. They generally do well, and maybe I just think they should be pushed harder. I had a fantastic state school (Grammar) education in the UK, but that was in the 80's!!

I don't own a car living in Toronto, but do rent a car occasionally and they still accept my UK licence - must change it over though, but believe I do have to resit a test as the side of the road is incorrect here!!

My vacation IS a pitiful 10 days plus the statutory holidays, but I have to say the working hours/conditions are much more flexible here than the UK.

Don't think you can automatically switch to HSBC Canada. I too had HSBC UK and when I wanted to change my name and even transfer some money, they were completely useless!! I have kept one UK account and got a Canadian account too. RBC are really good about helping immigrants. Though I had to wait 5 days for my bi-weekly pay cheque to cash intially, I got a visa card with a substantial credit limit.

Downsides? My husband guarantees I WILL hate the snow and cold after 37 winters here (this will be my 4th), but we'll see............

PNP has brought a number of workers in the Okanagan (BC) ... the few skilled workers that I know were granted PR within 6 months. Unfortunately, Ontario doesn't have PNP set up, but I've heard that the province is looking at the program.

The BC PNP website has listed employers looking for workers, so the search for work might be a wee bit easier than trying to find contacts yourself.