Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've always wanted to live in Montreal, and am trying to scope out how difficult it would be to do so. If I were to, I wouldn't be looking to move there until around July at the earliest, and was thinking of holding back on applying to places until March or so (being the naive american who of course assumed getting a job in Canada would be no different from doing so in the US). But after looking up on immigration concerns, I'm wondering if I should be jump-starting my search earlier and consider the fact that it could take much longer to get a chance to move there than expected.
In any case, after looking through this website as well as others, one question I have does not seem to have been answered. If I were to apply to a position at a company in Montreal as a US citizen, am I expected to have all the immigration paperwork handled already, or do most companies help out with the process?
It's worth noting that I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and am currently working as a Research and Development Engineer. This means that, at least in the US, I should be able to get a position working on software or doing more electrical engineering work. I know that Engineer and Computer Systems Analyst are both listed professions under NAFTA, but am not sure whether I would qualify for either (since I don't know if I'm technically a Computer Systems Analyst, and it seems like I'd have to pass the Quebec engineering exams to qualify as an Engineer...before applying for jobs??).
I'm currently learning french, and am very interested in becoming as fluent as possible before moving. Since I'm fluent in both English and Spanish (I grew up in South America), I've found that I'm decent at understanding spoken french, but still have a ways to go before I'd consider myself great at speech and writing.
Any advice on the issue? Should I be trying to get the immigration procedure done immediately on my own and then begin applying to companies, or can I expect help in doing so?
I'm sorry if this seems obvious or negligent on my side for not knowing. I know that most American companies state clearly whether they hire non-U.S. citizens and otherwise will help with the visa process, but have no clue how this works in Canada, much less Quebec. Thanks so much for any advice you can give.
In your applications to work for a companies in Canada your previous work history in the USA may prompt some Human Resource Department personnel to inquire about your immigration intentions. others may assume you have completed all required immigration documents,either way you wont be working in Canada without a Social Insurance Number which comes with a legal move to Canada or at least a work visa.
A company may offer assistance in your move and immigration if you are a specialist, however i dont think a bachelors degree in computer engineering is special enough as they seem to be the preverbial "dime a dozen" these days.
It's worth noting that I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and am currently working as a Research and Development Engineer. This means that, at least in the US, I should be able to get a position working on software or doing more electrical engineering work. I know that Engineer and Computer Systems Analyst are both listed professions under NAFTA, but am not sure whether I would qualify for either (since I don't know if I'm technically a Computer Systems Analyst, and it seems like I'd have to pass the Quebec engineering exams to qualify as an Engineer...before applying for jobs??).
I'm currently learning french, and am very interested in becoming as fluent as possible before moving. Since I'm fluent in both English and Spanish (I grew up in South America), I've found that I'm decent at understanding spoken french, but still have a ways to go before I'd consider myself great at speech and writing.
In your applications to work for a companies in Canada your previous work history in the USA may prompt some Human Resource Department personnel to inquire about your immigration intentions. others may assume you have completed all required immigration documents,either way you wont be working in Canada without a Social Insurance Number which comes with a legal move to Canada or at least a work visa.
A company may offer assistance in your move and immigration if you are a specialist, however i dont think a bachelors degree in computer engineering is special enough as they seem to be the preverbial "dime a dozen" these days.
So would you say I should be beginning any application process for a work permit before I even consider applying to jobs? It seems from what you've said that electrical eng./software companies aren't necessarily inclined to help in the immigration process.
As for what you said about the Human Resources Department inquiring about my immigration intentions: is the desire of an American to live in Canada for 2-3 years frowned upon largely?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dougie86
jambo101 gave you a good answer.
Are dealing with hardware.
Check your DM.
Hey dougie, I got your DM. Thanks for the info. By the way, do you think this is a very difficult thing to do, moving to Montreal as an American? Am I too optimistic about the possibility of this than I should be?
So would you say I should be beginning any application process for a work permit before I even consider applying to jobs? It seems from what you've said that electrical eng./software companies aren't necessarily inclined to help in the immigration process.
As for what you said about the Human Resources Department inquiring about my immigration intentions: is the desire of an American to live in Canada for 2-3 years frowned upon largely?
Hey dougie, I got your DM. Thanks for the info. By the way, do you think this is a very difficult thing to do, moving to Montreal as an American? Am I too optimistic about the possibility of this than I should be?
Nothing would be frowned upon, you'll fit into the Canadian milieu just fine, your problem would be if an employer accepts you for employment and you then have to tell them that you cant start work until you get the proper paper work which could take some time..I wouldnt count on a company helping you through the immigration paperwork..
Start here..Welcome to Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
