Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well after 2 years of waiting to hear from the Canadian immigration we got a 120 day letter this morning!!!! It's all the more brilliant when you think of how long they said it would take them to get to us.....42-48 months!
They simply want copies of everything, nothing notarised and work history 10 years prior to original application up to present day....brill!!!
Told hubby when he got in from work and he was more excited than me...if that's possible!! Celebrated by taking the 5 of us off to see Harry Potter....lacked a good fight scene but otherwise pretty good!
So we have until November 17th 2009 to get all the documents back to London including the Police checks...should be straight forward I hope!!

My mymuchmor blogs!

When I heard that mymuchmor was shutting its website I decided to try and log in and save some of the blogs that I have posted on there over the last two years. I thought these would be another reminder of this immigration journey. Some of the later posts have already been posted in this blog but I wanted to keep these together so I'm posting them again! So here they are.....

Countdown
(9:25 PM on Thursday 16 August 2007)
Sent off the 'simplified' application forms to the CIC at the end of May in the hope that we could emigrate to Ontario in 2010. The AOR arrived in July and we were gutted to find that the CIC would not contact us again for another 42 to 48 months! Well no good moaning......there's nothing we can do but wait .I work in further and higher education mainly teaching psychology and early years. I've already started job networking by contacting colleges and universities and have made a couple of good contacts so far. We had really wanted to live in or around Collingwood where we have friends but due to the lack of jobs we may need to be nearer the cities.

Holiday booked
(10:02 AM on Monday 20 August 2007)
Well I've just booked 3 weeks in Ontario for next year. We are going to use it as a fact finding mission to see which areas we like/dislike. We'll also check out travelling distances for potential workplaces. It may seem a bit mad as we're not due to emigrate for a few years yet but the plan is to make this one of the last holidays to Canada and then concentrate on holidaying in UK and Europe as we will probably never be able to do that again once we've landed. This will be our 6th visit to Ontario ........our first was almost 14 years ago. We decided to make it 3 weeks this time to coincide with Collingwoods Elvis Festival where Elvis impersonators from around the world converge on the town....I could well regret this (I'm not a big Elvis fan and my youngest child doesn't know who he is!) but I'm told its brilliant! :-)
We are going to stay in a small town near Collingwood. We've stayed there before and have made good friends there. There's great shopping in nearby Barrie, loads of eating/coffee places in and around Collingwood, not to mention it's right on the lake and obviously surrounded by beautiful countryside. There are loads of activities for the kids (I have 3) such as sailing, tennis, canoe races, hummer tours and glow in the dark bowling (locals take this very seriously and frown down on us noisy amateurs!)

Mymuchmor
(2:02 PM on Monday 15 October 2007)
Well I can't believe it's been 2 months since I first signed up to this site and boy has it grown. It feels like we've had to build an extension to the 'home' to accommodate all the new people joining everyday. Since the first day I feel like I've been a part of everyones journey....from those thinking about going, to those like me in the 'process' of going , to those who've finally landed. It's been a roller coaster of emotions so far, some ups and quite a few downs and I'm sure there'll be plenty more to come but there's always someone with a sympathetic ear .....you know who you are and ta for that! It's become part of the daily routine to check the site, chat to pals, look at everyones photo's/websites/blogs. It 's what keeps me going by making me and mine feel close to Canada even though there's still a way to go till we get there!
I'm still being very practical regarding the wait....well there's nothing you can do about it is there, so me and the kid's have decided to pretend that we're in the UK on a 3-4 year twp!

Mad or what?
(4:43 PM on Thursday 7 February 2008)
Although we are not due to land in Ontario until 2010/11 we have the opportunity to buy a new build in our chosen town of Collingwood! My best pal lives on the estate and the thought of being within staggering distance of her BBQ was a big incentive! Also as she has introduced us to the developers we get $500 each
We are now deciding which model to buy and when we go out this July we'll sort out tiles, units and any upgrades. It looks like the builder might be happy to leave building our home till last as we're in no rush to move in. Can't decide if we're mad or not but as there are limitations on the choice of new builds going up in Collingwood this may be the best thing for us. The school is at the bottom of the road so our 8 year old will have friends close by and all amenities are also very close. However there are a few 'hidden' costs to consider which could make it too expensive. A finished basement knocks up the Canadian equivalent of council tax and if you want a plot that's not overlooked there is a steep premium to pay! Ruled out older properties as the electrics etc are in need of overhauls and we'd just like to move in and be done. So emails are now flying across the pond between us, the developers and my pal Sophie!! Am keeping my fingers crossed!!

Modernising immigration procedure??
(6:34 PM on Monday 17 March 2008)
Well I read this on CIC and felt a bit deflated:
Amendments to Modernize the Immigration System.
On March 14, 2008, the Government of Canada introduced legislative amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to modernize the immigration system, to ensure that families are reunited faster and skilled workers arrive sooner.One of the challenges facing our immigration system today is the large number of people waiting in the queue. This is especially a problem in the skilled worker category which makes up most of the backlog.Under the proposed measures, Citizenship and Immigration Canada would have greater flexibility in processing new applications, especially from skilled workers.The legislation is intended to provide greater flexibility in addressing a range of labour market needs. It will not apply to refugees and does not affect our objectives related to family reunification.Ultimately, this will result in reduced wait times and improved service. It will also help manage the growth of the backlog of applications. Once passed, the new measures will apply to applications received on or after February 27, 2008.Those who applied prior to February 27, 2008, will not be subject to the new measures and will be dealt with fairly under the existing rules.
Does that final sentence basically mean as you were, you're no better off? Should all of us who applied last year reapply?(lol!!!).....think I'll just leave my application where it is!!

Simplified Skilled Worker Application
(10:36 AM on Saturday 24 May 2008)
Well those of you who know me know I have my little moments of blind panic and here's today's!!
Browsing another site (I should know better and leave well alone!!) I came across this very recent discussion thread (and supposedly reputable source) regarding processing times:
CIC only reports average processing times for cases completed (visas issued) in reported period. Thus, whatever London time lines are stated they are for cases submitted between 2003 and 2005, well before introduction of simplified application form (Sep 2006) and implementation of the policy to expedite process of cases with arranged employment and PNP certificates. Those cases are processed now within 3 to 10 months (reported time lines of course don't show it) and are taking majority, if not all of available visa quotas in SW class. As result simplified applications are being pushed farther and farther - expected 5 to 7+ years wait for request for full application package from London for those who submitted only simplified forms between Sep 2006 and Feb 2008 is very optimistic and I won't be surprised if such wait for many will exceed 10 years or so. As for those who submitted simplified forms on or after Feb 27 2008 - if tabled amendments to the law pass then some of them (those with occupations in high demand) may wait just a year to few years longer than applicants with PNP or arranged employment, while most with occupations not in high demand will have their applications returned without processing.It then goes on....
As of September 2006 only applicants with PNP certificates or proper arranged employment are eligible to submit full, standard application packages........... And they are being processes with highest priority - within 3 to 10 months.Applicants without PNP or arranged employment can only submit simplified application form (it is not a full application!), unless they are eligible to apply through Buffalo.Then they wait - first, highest priority and first available visas from annual quota are given to applications with PNP or arranged employment, second priority and any remaining visas are given to pre Sep 2006 full applications . As for now none of applicants who submitted simplified applications to London were asked for anything and if trend continues they won't be asked for anything for at least 4 years from application date, maybe even not for 5 to 7+ years.
So I'm more than happy for someone to tell me that there is no need for panic and that my simplified application will be processed in the time I was stated (42-48 months). Or am I wasting my time and need to find Canadian employment and fast??!

Finally off to Ontario...well for 3 weeks!!
(9:35 AM on Thursday 10 July 2008)
Well we're off to Collingwood on Saturday for 3 weeks holiday or as my kids now say...we're popping home for 3 weeks!! It's part holiday part research trip. Looking at houses but probably won't buy...good excuse for a nosey look around though.
The eldest two are looking at Universities in Toronto and Guelph. Although we're not landing for a while yet its an opportunity for them to see what the Uni's are like. I now fully understand why Canada and USA do 4 years for an honours degree compared to UK's 3 years. Canada's education is very broad and UK's is narrow. Therefore UK students enter Uni at a higher level so only need to do 3 years. This doesn't mean UK is better...its swings and roundabouts.... a broader education can often be more advantageous. At the end of the day everyone comes out of the degrees at the same level.
Really looking forward to spending time with family and friends that we haven't seen for over a year!! Just hoping the weather will be kind ....can't be worse than here surely?!
The kids have a huge list of things they want to do and see but not sure if 3 weeks will cover it!! Hubby feels its his duty to check out the golf courses so I'll take that as my cue to go shopping!!! We'll take loads of photos to put on the site when we get back. I've very little Internet access while away so may not be on here much. The downside is I still have to take work with me to do....no rest for the wicked eh!!!
Just wanted to say good luck and all the best to Sadshirt and his family and Britchick and her family. You'll probably both be landed in NS and Saudi by the time I get back....keep in touch and of course I'm jealous of you both (ha ha!)

Holiday update!
(6:16 PM on Friday 18 July 2008)
Finally arrived after an 8 hour flight on a very small Thomas Cook plane. Dark when we landed so tense 2 hour drive to Collingwood! Really worried that we would arrive and all or some of us wouldn't like Canada and decide to remain in UK. Can safely say we all love it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now in holiday mode. Been meeting up with friends after not seeing them for over a year, visiting the usual haunts. Kids are playing tennis everyday as the weather is great....huge thunderstorms through the night though!Have viewed some houses and are undecided as yet! My only Internet access is the local library which is really nice so that's ok. So here's to the next two weeks and I know we'll be dreading having to leave and return to UK, but we'll be a little bit closer to the final move...hurray!!!!!!!!

No Way!!!
(10:58 PM on Friday 25 July 2008)
Well we're having a great holiday still! Have been to Owen Sound....you're town is really nice AmandaUK. The Elvis Presley impersonators have descended and there are some pretty dodgy ones I can tell you!!
We went to Toronto last Friday which was great. My eldest looked around the Art College and loved it. After a great lunch at the Pickle Barrel we went to the Worlds Greatest Bookstore. Whilst deciding where to start my 16 yr old daughter headed to the dvd section and saw a man coming towards her. She stopped.... he stopped..... they made eye contact..... unsure what to do or say she wandered off. She turned the corner and there he was again.... same thing happened. She came and stood behind me and nudged me. Meanwhile this man was right behind us. I was so busy trying to get the 8 year old to her book section I completely ignored my 16 year old. I got them all onto the escalator and apparently she looked back and saw the man then leave the store. At the top of the escalator she turned to me and said...'Mum why didn't you turn round, David Beckham was right behind you?'..........No Way!!!!!!!!!!!!

Research trip
(5:49 PM on Tuesday 5 August 2008)
Well we're back from our 3 week holiday/research trip to Ontario. This was the first time we'd been since putting in our application and it felt very different.....more like visiting home than a holiday destination!! Many of you already know this but I can't state how important networking is when you're out there. Luckily hubby plays golf.....got lots of info from a cardiologist, policeman and a fireman! If hubby had been a hospital doc instead of GP the cardiologist would have hired him there and then!!!! The fireman (Wayne) gave great info on the nearby towns to live in. We had looked at Orangeville but not felt comfortable...Wayne said it was a 'small' town that doesn't take well to strangers. Angus was an army base so a no no for us. Apparently Uxbridge is meant to be fab just outside of Toronto. Alliston was fab but relies on a huge Honda plant which if closed would result in a ghost town....of course that may never happen. We're now looking at Barrie at the moment as its only an hour away from Toronto so ok for commuting. Collingwood is actually more expensive than the city and 2 hours from Toronto!!!
Our youngest, now 9, had been unsure about the move but now loves Canada and can't wait to live there! The eldest 2 are now aiming for Uni in 2010 though they may have to go as international students......covering the costs by hubby staying on in UK for a year or 2 and he'll be flying in and out....just have to make sure he meets the PR requirements of 3 years out of 5!
So so far so good and we're still on track fro moving hopefully in 2010 when the middle one has completed her A levels!

Getting nearer!!!
(3:12 PM on Tuesday 21 October 2008)
Well it looks like CHC are now beginning to process the last of the old skilled worker applications..... so hopefully it won't be long before they start on those of us who applied under simplified skilled worker!
It'll be interesting to see if they slow down at all once they start processing them....hopefully not much will change which means that with our AOR being July 2007 we may get to hear from them earlier than stated.....dare I say even at the end of next year....hey one can hope lol!!!!! Guess we'd better get the documentation pulled together!!

Verification.....yeah!!!
(7:47 PM on Saturday 25 October 2008)
The person on BE has finally verified that they are indeed one of the first Simplified Skilled Worker applicants....hurray!!!
They've somehow got an August 2006 AOR rather than a September one but its dated for the end of August so that may be why.
They did indeed receive a standard 90 day letter asking for all their documentation.
Feels like a huge leap forward.....roll on 2009!!!!!!!!

All change again...perhaps!
(10:28 AM on Thursday 13 November 2008)
Well the plan in the Northernlass1 household, as many of you know, was to try and land in 2010, youngest to start local school, eldest two to go to University in Toronto and hubby to stay on in UK for two years and fly in and out (due to work/financial commitments). The eldest at 18 is completing a diploma in Art at the moment and was then going to take a gap year before starting his degree in animation. He now thinks its too long a wait and is unsure if Canada is really for him. So he may now start Uni in the UK in 2009, fly to Ontario for holidays and then see how he feels about it. He may decide to transfer to Toronto or he may stay in UK. He'll land with us to activate his PR and we'll just go from there!
So it now looks like it may be just me and the girls living in Ontario to start with.
Not quite the way we planned it but this way everyone's needs are met and it's only temporary after all! I know there are many on this site who have had to make huge compromises/sacrifices in order to get to Canada....some have hubby's still in UK, some are doing jobs they did many years ago rather than their present day job, others have had to change provinces, others have had to change routes of entry and so on....so I don't feel that I'm alone in this, it's yet another challenge to tackle

Pre Feb 08 vs Post Feb 08
(8:43 PM on Sunday 11 January 2009)
Well I've been in this queue for over a year and a half now and I know we won't get a 90 day letter until this summer at the earliest....so I'll be honest and admit I felt a tad rattled seeing post feb 08 applications being processed less than a year since applying. Had we known we could have waited and applied Feb 08 as I have 2 jobs on the list of 38 and hubby has one!! Its not the applicants fault but its hard to watch what feels like queue jumping.....
Now before you all start messaging me that I'm not being fair to the post feb 08's I have had a long hard think and I reckon I've actually gained more by having this long wait. I signed up on this site when there were only about 20 members. Wobblyknee and I would 'put the kettle' on at 10am and send a couple of emails of support....wasn't much else to do on here in those days!! Our wait time was given as 42-48 months in July 2007 but I've always known we would land in 2010 as this was our goal....to be fair we never wanted to go before then really but if the option presented itself we would have taken it!!
I've watched many people land via PR, TWP, PNP, Spousal visa etc. Some have remained on the site while others have gone. I've spent the past 18 months researching Canadian immigration....I know it sooooo well now but have no idea about the UK's! The time has definitely made sure that we know that Canada is the right choice for us....otherwise we'd have definitely given up by now!! We've changed where we want to live in Ontario twice, we've had time to save financially, have had time to take further qualifications now we know what Canada wants from us which is why I have 2 jobs on the list. We've had time to make amazing contacts both through mymuchmor and emailing colleges and Uni's...never thought I'd have a University Dean as an email pal!!.....and have created a support network for when we land. The time has also enabled our kids to get used to the idea of moving and the older two have been able to make decisions that are best for them regarding higher education. Family have had time to come round to the idea after initially being horrified and refusing to say the word 'Canada' for 6 months!!
I've had amazing support from you guys on here and am sending you a huge Thank You... you're all brilliant!!
So am I still miffed at not being processed as quick as the Post Feb 08's..........nah........I wouldn't change the experiences of the last 18 months for anything. I wish everyone good luck with their application.....honestly I do!
Tracey

Hello Spain, goodbye mymuchmor!

I've just had a fantastic week in Moraira, Spain. Temp was 30C+ every day and the villa was brilliant. Hubby stayed Saturday till Tuesday but he managed to chill out anyway. We basically laid by the pool every day relaxing.

I read Emma Kennedy's 'The tent, the bucket and me'..sooo funny...I swear she was describing all my childhood holidays on varios dodgy campsites in stinking hot tents! Did no work at all on my Masters....got soooo much catch up to do now that I don't know where to start! Have to say EasyJet could not be faulted....brilliant there and back!! Also big thanks to Gold Car rentals who, although they laughed mercilessly at my dire parking (yep all of them at the window...I kid you not!), rang hubby in UK to say I'd left the Tom Tom in the car who in turn rang me at the check in desk so I could retrieve it. The office was full of Brits complaining about their cars....one had the nerve to turn up without actually going through the booking procedure in the terminal......so when I thanked the guy for the Tom Tom he looked so shocked and said he was so glad he could please someone today!!!
Whilst on hols I found out that mymuchmor the social networking site that I've been a member of for 2 years was closing down....its now gone:-(
Recently its been so hard to log on the mymuchmor site that I just haven't bothered much and have been using British Expats instead. I think that now the application process for Canada has changed there's not a lot that I can offer anyone so I've decided not to join the new muchmor social networking site. To be honest I haven't got the time. I had to join Twitter as part of my Masters and I spend quite a bit of time on there now. I can keep in contact with some of the mymuchmor people through their blogs so its not all bad.
So now its getting this Masters completed and passed...I've another assignment and then the final research paper to be submitted by September 27...aaargh!! I've got a new course to tutor starting this October as well as tutoring on one of my existing ones. Hopefully I can take time in October to enjoy the trip to Ontario with 2 of my kids....a whistle stop tour of Toronto University and Halls of Residences on St George Campus, viewing houses in Barrie and Innisfil, meeting up with pals!
Now just waiting for the 90 day letter which I reckon should arrive around the end of August!!!

Everyone's on the move!!

Youngest child broke up from school last Friday. It was an emotional day as the headmaster and one of the teachers who we've known for more than 10 years both retired. There were actually a couple of mums and teachers who came up to us to say goodbye thinking we were off to Ontario this July.....I wish!
Now busy packing before heading off to Spain next Saturday...bliss!! Promised the youngest she can have her ears pierced as she got 3 awards for schoolwork!
I've been extending the house search to include Innisfil and Stroud....going to check them out in October along with Barrie.
Still no 90 day letter but that's fine with us as we still don't want to land before July next year. We actually have someone interested in buying the house.....wants to view when we get back from Spain. Not holding my breath but hey you never know!!!
My Aunt is now selling up and moving nearer her daughters in Birmingham and my sister has just sold her house in Manchester and is moving into a rental there....she's bought a clapped out barn in Teesdale that she and her hubby are going to convert to a 4 bed house. It has the most amazing views and will make a fab family home. So everyone is on the move not just us which I think is great...makes it a bit easier for us to leave if things don't seem so set in stone!