Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

How to move to Canada (2013)

  • 12-06-2012 11:44am
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 6


    I'm hoping to move to Canada in summer of 2013 (or possibly a couple of months earlier. I would like to stay for at least a year.

    I have only just begun the process of researching this, and am finding some of the Canadian information websites a little hard to follow! I have never lived outside Ireland before this.

    I have a few questions, and would appreciate if anyone could help me out with any of these ...

    • I am currently in my mid-twenties and working in the field of accountancy in Ireland. This is not one of the listed categories where Canada is short of skilled workers. So, my understanding is that the only way I can move there is through the IEC application process. This will reopen in December/January 2013, am I correct? And, for those who have been through the process, what do I need to apply - is there anything that I can do now to make a headstart?
    • Does everyone who applies (before the applications run out) get a Visa? If not, what factors will determine whether you're successful or not?
    • I've heard mention of people applying through USIT - is this something completely different?
    • If I apply as soon as the application process opens in December, how soon could I expect to move over? And, if my application is successful, when is the latest that I could move over for a year? Do I have to decide exactly when I'll be moving as part of the applications process, or is it flexible?
    • Do people applying through this system generally have jobs set up already in Canada when they're applying? (I don't imagine so.) Or do they have jobs set up prior to moving? Or is it usually a case that you begin the job hunt once you arrive there?
    • What websites are best for researching jobs? Does anyone know how difficult it will be for a part-qualified accountant to get work over there?
    • Is there a minimum amount of funds you need in your bank account prior to moving (similar to Australia?) If so, do you need evidence of this at the time of applying, or at the time when you move? And - this may be a stupid question - but do you need to leave this money in your account the whole time you're over there?
    • What are the main costs involved in moving over there? (Would be great to get an idea of the amounts involved so that I can start budgeting!)
    • I have not yet decided what part of Canada I want to live in. Do you need to decide this before applying? And can anyone recommend good user-friendly websites etc to research the various areas? Or, what areas would you recommend (appreciate any opinions!)
    • If I want to stay living there after a year, will this be an option? If so, what's the process involved?


    I know there's a lot of questions there! :o And I'm only starting to look into this, so no doubt I'll have more! If anyone might be able to take the time to answer even just a couple of my questions above, or to give me any general information about the whole process, I'd be very grateful!


Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 1 bertiebigboss


    hi im in da same boat as you except im a chef. im moving over hopefully the same time as you.
    the only thing iv done is give my details to usit so when the competition opens up il be in early.
    the only bit of info iv got is that you need $3500
    it will be my first time working abroad and im in da frame of mind to go over to make money,no messing about just get down and dirty.
    i mean il travel around to see the place and explore but iv packed in da drink so money money money is on my mind.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,390 ✭✭✭The Big Red Button


    hi im in da same boat as you except im a chef. im moving over hopefully the same time as you.
    the only thing iv done is give my details to usit so when the competition opens up il be in early.
    the only bit of info iv got is that you need $3500
    it will be my first time working abroad and im in da frame of mind to go over to make money,no messing about just get down and dirty.
    i mean il travel around to see the place and explore but iv packed in da drink so money money money is on my mind.

    You don't need $3,500

    And you definitely, definitely should not go through USIT! I hope you haven't given them any money yet?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,816 ✭✭✭✭Panthro


    I got on to "go4less" and I have to say I was happy enough. I sent in my application to them. The very next day I got an email from them pointing out the mistakes I had made and asked me to send them an amended application. I did and it seems to have gotten passed on to the next stage.
    It cost 75euros, I've to look again at what that included but I think there was also a few extras included in that price, but there's no way I'd go through USIT and their 400 euros price tag personally.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,964 ✭✭✭ToniTuddle


    Had a whole big detailed thing written out and laptop freezes! >.<
    Canada2013 wrote: »
    I

    • So, my understanding is that the only way I can move there is through the IEC application process. This will reopen in December/January 2013, am I correct? And, for those who have been through the process, what do I need to apply - is there anything that I can do now to make a headstart?

    Everything you need to apply--> in this link


    You would need to check nearer the time in case any rules have changed. Nothing really needs to be done to make a head start apart from applying for your garda cert maybe a month before the applications open. Plus getting your passport photos and making sure your passport in date. If not apply for new one now to get it all sorted.


    • Does everyone who applies (before the applications run out) get a Visa? If not, what factors will determine whether you're successful or not?
    • I've heard mention of people applying through USIT - is this something completely different?

    No they don't. A lot of people(at least over 500!) messed up their application by not reading things right/not filling out the form/not sending on the correct documents etc Just take your time and read through that entire Step by Step guide and you will be fine.


    No USIT are just a go between. I've used them before for a J1 to USA and NEVER again. Completely screwed me over. While you have to take your time and just read through a good bit for the Canada thing it really does give you step by step instructions so follow that and don't pay an outsider!


    • If I apply as soon as the application process opens in December, how soon could I expect to move over? And, if my application is successful, when is the latest that I could move over for a year? Do I have to decide exactly when I'll be moving as part of the applications process, or is it flexible?

    No idea! Due to the high volume of applications this year the Canadian folks were overwhelmed and this were in chaos. Folks who applied in Feb are only getting their visas now or are still waiting. While people who applied in May have already got their visas! Worst case scenario would be 6months I'd say but hopefully for next year they will be well prepared and things should run smoothly for folks! :)


    Once you get granted your visa(LOI) you have a year to enter Canada. Once you enter Canada your year long visa starts. You don't have to decide when to move and it's not required on any forms.


    • Do people applying through this system generally have jobs set up already in Canada when they're applying?Or is it usually a case that you begin the job hunt once you arrive there?

    Plenty just go over and job hunt once they there. That's what I'll be doing but I did send on a CV to an Irish group but they haven't got back to me....must email them! If you know anyone over there then let them know you gonna be heading out and nearer the time they could give you contacts or point you in the right direction.


    • What websites are best for researching jobs? Does anyone know how difficult it will be for a part-qualified accountant to get work over there?




    No idea but a quick google of "accountancy jobs canada" throws up quite a few options.


    • Is there a minimum amount of funds you need in your bank account prior to moving (similar to Australia?) If so, do you need evidence of this at the time of applying, or at the time when you move? And - this may be a stupid question - but do you need to leave this money in your account the whole time you're over there?

    You don't need evidence of funds at the time of applying. You do need a bank statement a week before you are due to enter Canada to show proof of funds. That may change next year you never know so again keep an eye on that website. You need $2500 which roughly works out at €2000 depending on what the currency exchange is like. You don't need to leave the money in your account, that money is meant to be used to tide you over until you get a job.


    • What are the main costs involved in moving over there?

    I'm moving in with friends so thankfully my costs will be a lot less.


    -Flight(cheaper one way but if you do that then you must show you have enough to buy a flight home so add another €500 to your set money fund)

    -Travel Insurance(google the crap out various insurance websites/banks travel insurances. READ all the fine print about what activities are covered. Also watch out for some ones who if you return to Ireland or leave Canada briefly then your insurance is cancelled. They sly so spend plenty time comparing them all!)


    -Hostel/Hotel for first few nights/weeks
    -2 months Rent(think one is used for security deposit...depends on the place really)


    -Furniture(most places are unfurnished unless you move in where a spare room is going that way all you will need is bedroom furniture as the current housemates probably have everything else) Craigslist has a lot of cheap stuff/free items plus Salvation Army
    -Laundry/Food/Money for any bills for the first month anyway (hydro is common one but sometimes you can get renting where all bills/utilities are included)


    Before you go it would be advisable to maybe pop to dentist for a check up that's one less thing to worry about out there :pac: Plus factor in if you need any new runners/outfits for work etc Or if you need to stock up on any medication.



    • I have not yet decided what part of Canada I want to live in. Do you need to decide this before applying? And can anyone recommend good user-friendly websites etc to research the various areas

    You don't need to decide this but on the forms all they ask you is where in Canada will you be entering. So might be handy if you can make up your mind about east or west coast at least. You can tick the Toronto/Vancouver box and then once you get in you can carry on to any other city.


    Choices of cities
    http://www.i-cdn.com/
    http://www.canada-city.ca/
    http://www.aresearchguide.com/cancities.html


    Just google the crap out of every main city!


    • If I want to stay living there after a year, will this be an option

    If you go out on the IEC then get yourself another garda cert before you leave and you will be able to reapply for the second year of the IEC from out in Canada. Same process as first year all over again.



    Hope that helps! :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 nicola2805


    Hi. I am intending to apply for the IEC 2013 programme, which I understand won't open until Dec 2012/Jan 2012. I want to get out there sooner and have a friend in Vancouver I can stay with who has offered for me to go out in October. My question is:

    Has anyone applied for the IEC as a 'visitor' in Canada? It says on the form if you are not applying from your country of residence then you have to show proof of your status in the country you are applying from. How do you show proof of visitor status in canada since you do not need any kind of visa to be a visitor their if you are british? I just want to make sure that if I apply from Canada as a visitor that it won't cause any issues with my application!


  • Advertisement
  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 54 ✭✭Aganica


    Bump....


    Thats right. BUMP

    Mods if you dont like it suck my ass


  • Registered Users Posts: 130 ✭✭galwaygal27


    Hiya,

    I moved to Vancouver 4 months ago. I am a newly qualified accountant. Agencies are huge over here. I used Hays.ca and roberthalf.ca - both specialise in accounting but beware you will not get the job you want at first. I am in AP for the past 4 months - and I did an interview for an accounting position yesterday, in the place I am working in, fingers crossed I'll get it, but the key is, just to get a foot in the door somewhere, get some Canadian experience and then hopefully a few months later you'll get into a trainee accounting role. They do not really recognise ACCA here. You'd probably have to qualify with CGA also....

    Also look under finance jobs on craigslist.ca loads of jobs there, just beware of scams :)

    Hope this helps.
    • What websites are best for researching jobs? Does anyone know how difficult it will be for a part-qualified accountant to get work over there?


  • Registered Users Posts: 130 ✭✭galwaygal27


    This is a useful site

    http://www.moving2canada.com/


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,406 ✭✭✭Phonehead


    I am a qualified accountant and IMO the market here (Toronto) is very tough but there are jobs.

    The job website I like is indeed.ca, there are many but this seems to pull jobs from most of the other sites. As I said above it's a tough market here, Canadians for all their laughing at the USA are completely unaware that there are other 1st World Countries outside of the USA, UK and themselves. Therefore don't be too surprised when your Irish experience counts for very little, you will start with the lowly contract work but as you build up Canadian experience the real accounting jobs market opens up to you very quickly.

    Designation is the big word over here, they are obsessed with Chartered! Here's a tip, on your resume use the full ACCA title (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Canadians hardly have a grasp of their own Accounting bodies so once they see the word Chartered in your body they give you the credit you deserve.


  • Registered Users Posts: 402 ✭✭seb65


    Phonehead wrote: »
    I am a qualified accountant and IMO the market here (Toronto) is very tough but there are jobs.

    The job website I like is indeed.ca, there are many but this seems to pull jobs from most of the other sites. As I said above it's a tough market here, Canadians for all their laughing at the USA are completely unaware that there are other 1st World Countries outside of the USA, UK and themselves. Therefore don't be too surprised when your Irish experience counts for very little, you will start with the lowly contract work but as you build up Canadian experience the real accounting jobs market opens up to you very quickly.

    Designation is the big word over here, they are obsessed with Chartered! Here's a tip, on your resume use the full ACCA title (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Canadians hardly have a grasp of their own Accounting bodies so once they see the word Chartered in your body they give you the credit you deserve.

    How lovely of my country to let you in to find work, when there are many newly qualified Canadian accountants - and Canadians wanting to be accountants - looking for work as well - most of which have large student loans to pay off. It's a licensed profession and it's not the job of Canadian employers to try and understand your foreign credentials, get over it.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 27 vicquebec


    Completely agree with your point.. A lot of people on here seem to have this idea that they are entitled to things.. You have to work and struggle for everything you get! being IRISH counts for nothing Im afraid..


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 18,172 Mod ✭✭✭✭CatFromHue


    vicquebec wrote: »
    Completely agree with your point.. A lot of people on here seem to have this idea that they are entitled to things.. You have to work and struggle for everything you get! being IRISH counts for nothing Im afraid..

    :confused:

    I don't see any sense of entitlement from Phoneheads post.


  • Registered Users Posts: 27 vicquebec


    Hi, I wasn't referring directly to Phoneheads post.. Just seems in general there isn't a realization that huge persistence is required to secure the right job. I have found that your personality and willingness to do there job carry heavier weight than even qualifications sometimes.. sorry if I came across in the wrong way!


Advertisement