Canada - British Expat Forum

Hi

I'm fairly new to this forum but tought it would be nice to chat to some other mums who are currently waiting to move to Canada.

I have two children, and girl and a boy, 21months and 6months. We applied for our PR in September 2006 and we are hoping to hear soon regarding the submission of our full application.

We woule like to move to Nova Scotia and have set our hearts on the Kings County region. We are doing another research trip in May 09!!!

Anyway, it would be nice to chat to others in a similar situation!!!

Thanks

Pressie

Hi Pressie,

I've got a 15 month old little girl and we're hoping to move to Canada, fingers crossed. We're waiting on our submission letter too, but prob won't get it for a few months yet.

We had a holiday to Ontario in March 07 and loved it. We saw a couple of towns near Toronto but also loved the big city, so we're hoping to move near there. Jasmine was 6 months old when we went and the Canadians were so lovely to her, most would smile and say hi to her as we were walking past - yes even in the city! It was quite a shock coming back to Heathrow, don't think she understood why no-one was waving back anymore

Have you been before or will May be your first trip?

I think setting up a chat for Mums is a lovely idea, hopefully there'll be lots of posts soon.

Sarah

Hi,

My name is Alison and I am mum to Morgan (7), Max (6), Samuel (4) and Poppy (2). Oh, and my hubby is Kevin.

We are in love with NS as well and just like you we particularly like Kings County! We visited NS twice in 2008 and would love to go again around Easter. The boys also loved Canada and are just as keen as us to go! Have you been before?

We are only just in the process of applying but we fall under the new system for skilled workers, so hopefully our wait shouldn't be too bad. They are saying 6-12 months, which seems really quick, not that I'm complaining.

Have you told your family yet? My hubby is not close to his family at all and having spent 22 years in the Royal Navy they are so used to him being somewhere else that they are not remotely bothered. I, on the other hand, live in the same village as my parents and they see the grandchildren everyday, so I just don't know how to tell them. I really must soon though!

Anyway, it would be great to hear from you. I would of asked a few more questions, but don't want to seem like I'm being nosey!!!!

Alison

Hi Alicat
Firstly, Thanks for putting my mind a rest regarding the new PR applications.
I am Melanie and I have 2 children, Emily 2 and Oliver who is 10 months. My husbands name is Paul.

I am the principle applicant and hope to resume my career once we land, becasue the children came quite close together, I decided on extended maternity leave.

I have been to Canada loads of times and Nova Scotia twice. We love NS and it has been an ambition of ours since 1999 to live in Canada. We are planning to go back to NS when we get a positive response from the embassy. I have had my 90 day letter and I am sending off my full details on Tuesday, and I can't wait to get rid of them.

My family are pushing us every inch of the way to Canada as they feel it would be a better life for the kids (my mum has lived in Canada and knows what its like, plus we have family, although distant living in BC) My sister has also applied and she is about 1 month behind me in the application process. So its a mass exodus from Oxfordshire!!!
As for hubbies family, he does'nt really speak to them. Like you I live 1/2 mile from my mum and dad and I see them everyday.

I am doing all the paperwork and application on my own, and to be honest I am finding it really stressful....I am so desperate to get in but have this nagging feeling that we are going to be rejected. I don't know anything about the new system. Is is just the job side/career that has changed?

Thanks for contacting me........

Melanie

Hi Melanie,

How wonderful to have the support of family....... like you say, it has got to be better for the kids.

The new skilled worker still runs on the same points based system, but you have to fit into one of the three categories that I mentioned. Luckily, my hubby has the required work experience in two of the 38 occupations that they have listed. Basically, they are just cherry picking applicants to fill shortages and get people out there quicker!

It is so nice to hear of someone else wishing to live in other parts of NS, the norm seems to be Lower Sackville/Fall River etc. During our time in NS we visited everywhere including all the South Shore, Yarmouth, Digby, Truro, New Glasgow etc, but we just felt that something about the Wolfville/Kentville area hit the right spot!

I know what you mean about the refusal issue, as much as you think to yourself why would they refuse us, it is still nagging away in the back of your mind. The paperwork thing is a total nightmare, we haven't employed an immigration agent so it is left to me to sort everything out. For me, the family info was easy as my mum and dad have only ever been married to each other and I have one brother. Unlike my hubby who has two sisters, one brother, two step sisters, two step brothers and a half sister. I feel like I eat, sleep and breath CANADA at the moment!!!!!

Anyway, thanks for the chat, keep me posted and hang on in there, it will be happening really soon for you now.

Alison

P.S. - A friend of mine emigrated to New Zealand last Monday, so many people are just looking for alternatives to the UK.

Hi All (and Alison again)

We are hoping to move to Nova Scotia and are in the process - hopefully will receive confirmation of eligibilty in next few months as husband is on 'the list'

I am 5 months pregnant and have a 14 month old (Alex) and husband (Chris). We haven't been to Nova Scota as yet but have really got a good feeling about the place. We are planning a recce trip in Sept 09, unless PRV turns up before hand!

My family live a mile away and don't know about our plans as yet (bit difficult with number 2 on the way). Chris is not as close to his family so that won't be a problem. Waiting for eligibility confirmation before we say anything.

Great to meet some other mums - this is a big old process and I think we worry and think about practical things our husbands miss!

Hope to keep in touch with you guys. Keep me posted.

Rachael

Hi Rachael,

I'm pretty sure you won't regret your decision to go to NS, it really is such a wonderful place. Have you been anywhere else in Canada?

With regards to family, your situation sounds very similar to ours. My hubby has very little contact with his lot, but I on the other hand see my Mum most days. There just never seems to be good time to tell her about our plans as she will be in bits. However, I don't think she will like the fact that we have been keeping it from her either!!!!!!

Anyway, when I do finally tell her I'll be back on here telling you all i've been disowned.

Keep in touch

Alison

Hiya, I have just moved to Canada from UK (end Aug) I have a 22 month old little boy and another baby on the way. I am more then happy to share any experiences about moving, random stuff, baby stuff!
It would be nice to make some friends.