by John Rooney on behalf of Autoshippers
Providing a fascinating mix of strong national identity with stunning natural beauty, it is no surprise that every year thousands of Brits make the decision to up sticks and move to Canada. Nearly 10,000 UK residents were admitted to the country in 2010, complimenting an already broad range of ethnic diversity made up of 34 ethnic groups with at least 100,000 members in each.
However, if you’re considering becoming one of the many migrants who choose Canada as their new home you will need to consider numerous factors before you begin the process of starting your new life.Are You Inadmissible?
Although the vast majority will have no problem qualifying for residence in Canada, some UK residents will be inadmissible, and there are a variety of reasons this could be the case:
• Criminality or organised criminality – you may be inadmissible to Canada if you have committed a serious crime that would be punishable by a maximum prison sentence of at least ten years in Canada, as well as various other more minor crimes such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, you may be admissible if it is deemed that you have been rehabilitated;
• Health grounds where your condition is likely to endanger public health and safety or lead to excessive demands on services;
• Financial reasons through an inability or unwillingness to support themselves or their family;
• Misrepresentation, where false information related to your immigration decision is provided or relevant information is withheld;
• You have an inadmissible family member.
Please note that this information should only be considered as a guide and for reference only, and you cannot guarantee that you will gain citizenship until you apply officially.
Prepare for your Move
Although Canada is a largely English-speaking, Westernised nation you will still need to prepare extensively for your move.
Your paramount consideration should be your financial state, and whether you will be able to afford to live in Canada. You will need to establish the cost of living which will vary on where in the country you decide to settle, and you will need to assess whether the job you move into will be able to service these costs.
However, as well as taking into account your prospective finances, it is advisable that you take some time to familiarise yourself with the Canadian national as well as local culture of the province you are going to be living in. Although English is widely-spoken certain states, such as Quebec, have a large French-Canadian contingent so it may be worth brushing up on your Francais!
Finding Work in Canada
The key to forging a successful application for emigrating to Canada is to have a job already secured, as this can prove to the authorities that you will be financially stable. However, if you are moving before finding employment there are a couple of things you need to consider.
The first of these is whether your UK credentials are equivalent to the standard demanded by the same industry in Canada, as you will struggle to find work in your chosen profession without the relevant qualifications. If this is the case, it may be that you need to undertake some Canadian work experience to allow employers to assess your suitability for a role if they’re unsure of what your credentials mean in relation to your skill set.
Moving outside of the EU always involves a considerable amount of groundwork, preparation and patience while you wait for immigration authorities to make their decision. However, with the proper skills and attitude, there is no reason why you would not be able to enjoy a successful and fulfilling new life in one of the most beautiful and dynamic environments on the planet.
This guest blog was written by John Rooney on behalf of Autoshippers, experienced and professional providers of car shipping to help you start a new life abroad.