Estimated reading time: 18 minutes
Discover my immigration journey of moving to Canada from the UK and starting a new life filled with opportunities, love, and financial success.
Today, I’m just going to talk briefly about where we searched for information about making a move to Canada, how we went about it, and how fast the results came in.
The Best Move I Ever Made Was To Canada
Living in Canada was never on my bucket list until I met the love of my life ten years ago while on vacation.
Once I made my move to Canada, I never looked back.
I still haven’t been back to the UK only because starting a new life in Canada has been hectic for Mrs.CBB and me. (Update: I returned in 2017 and 2024)
Our years have been so busy in Canada that it’s taken me this long to get on my feet and into a career I love after returning to school for a second time.
Since coming to Canada and returning to school, starting a new career, and having a baby, we’ve also paid off our mortgage and are debt-free.
Life is good, and we are thankful for everything.
We plan to head back to the UK for a visit in 2017, but for now, we will continue to live the Canadian dream or, at least, our dream.
UK Stock Markets
As the stock markets tumble after the shock of the UK Referendum (Brexit), where voting determined that the UK was pulling out from the European Union (EU), I received some emails from fans, which I expected.
I don’t know if they were fans before the referendum, but they wanted to learn about my move to Canada, the process, and how long it took me to get here from start to finish.
Global stock markets lost about $2 trillion in value on Friday after Britain voted to leave the European Union, while sterling suffered a record one-day plunge to a 31-year low and money poured into safe-haven gold and government bonds.
My PR Experience Moving From The UK to Canada
In my five years of blogging, I haven’t talked about my experience with becoming a permanent resident (PR) in Canada and my dealings with the Canada Immigration Services.
I’ll be upfront and tell you that we paid not even a penny to an immigration lawyer to help us apply for my PR status in Canada.
We completed the entire immigration documents package to become a PR in Canada.
That took time, but we got it done.
One of the most significant sources of information came from the website British Expats.
Many experienced people are on the forum, along with immigration lawyers and other consultants, to whom you can ask questions.
The best part is reading about personal experiences and how they like living in Canada like you are with me right now reading this post.
Related: 5 Things I Love about Canada Since My Move From the UK
Determining Your Immigration Eligibility
We needed to check our eligibility before we decided whether I would move to Canada or Mrs. CBB would move to the UK with her EU Passport.
Now that the UK has withdrawn from the EU, we must see what’s in store for the EU passport.
It will be a rocky year or so in the UK, but things will eventually get back to some even ground.
Sponsor Your Family To Move To Canada
We reviewed immigration policies and my eligibility to move to Canada under family sponsorship.
There are other ways to apply to move to Canada, which revolve around a Canada Point System.
- Express Entry
- Quebec Selected Skilled Workers
- Caregivers
- Self-Employed
- Immigrant Investor
- Provincial Nominee
- Start-Up Visa
- Refugees
- Family Sponsorship
Review Your Eligibility
You can check your eligibility to apply and ultimately move to Canada by filling out the online form at Immigration Canada.
Do you want to work, study, visit, travel through or live permanently in Canada?
Answer a few questions to find out what immigration programs you can apply for.
Each immigration program has different application and eligibility requirements.
You will need about 10-15 minutes to complete the form.
Dating a Canadian Girl
Mrs.CBB and I dated for over a year before I popped the question to her. I was ecstatic when she said YES with the biggest smile.
My parents were happy; my siblings were thrilled, as were Mrs. CBB’s parents and siblings.
We did quite a bit of flying back and forth to see each other and had plenty of MSN chats during this period.
It’s incredible how much you can learn about someone by chatting with them online instead of just going on dates.
This was a new experience for us and one we will never forget.
All the chats helped bring our story together for Immigration Canada, which I will explain in another post.
Our Canadian Wedding
I spent some time in Canada so we could work on our immigration paperwork together, which ended up being the size of a giant encyclopedia.
Honestly, we were both stripped naked by immigration as they wanted to know just about everything about us as part of the process.
We just wanted to start our lives together.
Luckily, with the help of family and friends, we put together a lovely $1400 wedding, more than we had expected.
Unfortunately, I decided not to stay in Canada and apply for a Visa so I could work or apply for my PR, so I flew back to the UK to start the process.
At the time, I couldn’t work in Canada had I chosen to stay without my PR card.
Returning to the UK made things easier: applying for my PR and figuring out the paperwork.
I could work and stash cash before I moved to Canada by going back to the UK, which made more sense to both of us.
Sorting Our Lives
Before moving to Canada, I decided to keep a bank account in the UK with some cash and my UK pension. ( I still have this today, 2024)
While in Canada, I opened a PC Financial Bank account (now Simplii Financial) with Mr. CBB.
I did this because I needed to build a credit rating in Canada, and since I didn’t have one, this was my opportunity.
Fortunately, I could open a secure Sears MasterCard with a $500 credit limit, which helped build my credit score.
Related: How to build your credit as a permanent resident in Canada
Over the years, I’ve transferred most of my British pounds to Canada but left a bit for when we travel.
I thought I sold my house in record time, which helped take a load of stress off my back.
Related: Emigrating to Canada: Should I Sell or Rent My House?
Saying Goodbye Before I Moved To Canada
While living with my family back in the UK, I worked seven days a week (surprise there, I bet) to keep my mind occupied and make money.
That was all I was doing, making money and spending time with my family because I wasn’t sure when I would return to see them again.
Thankfully, my parents have been to Canada since my move, and I get to see my friends and family via Skype.
Saying goodbye at the airport was one of the most challenging things I had to do before I moved to Canada.
Renting A Room In Canada
Mrs. CBB didn’t have much to sort out as her life continued normal.
She would go to work, work out, hang out with her friends, and chat with me.
At the time, she had sold her house, which became too much to handle, and decided to rent until she was ready to buy again.
Related: Is it better to rent or buy?
Then I came along.
I moved in with her when I finally got my PR and made my move to Canada, which worked out great.
Renting was less of a responsibility for us as we organized our lives and returned to school to change careers.
In 2007, Mrs. CBB paid $400 monthly to rent a big room with a bed, couch, television, closet, side tables, dresser, and closet, and when I came along, an extra $100 was added.
Medical Status For Permanent Residence In Canada
I had to complete a medical in the UK, which is another reason I returned after marriage.
Included was a mandatory full medical completed along with HIV testing and chest x-rays.
Shortly after, I got the all-clear, and the medical reports were sent to the High Commission in the UK for review and then to me to include in my immigration paperwork.
Even my dog needed a medical to join me on the plane on our adventure to Canada.
Immigration Canada PR Paperwork
If you want to move to Canada under family sponsorship, you will have plenty of paperwork to complete.
Honestly, the paperwork for us was easy and didn’t require any phone calls for legal advice.
I will caution you to review everything with a fine-tooth comb.
Include what they want, or you will get your package sent back and possibly end up at the bottom of the pile when you re-submit.
Some people can wait years to get their PR status; others happen quickly, and most often, it boils down to errors and how busy they are at Immigration Canada.
We kept our paperwork organized, numbered, and used color tabs to separate each application form section.
The easier you do the job for the immigration officer reviewing your family sponsorship submission, the happier they will be and the quicker it will be processed.
What We Included In Our PR Paperwork
Some of the things we included along with the paperwork were photos, chats, letters from family and friends, plane tickets, receipts of all sorts from our time dating, and so on.
Our submission was standard as we didn’t have any children, medical was clear, finances were up to snuff, and there were no divorces or anything that would take more time or leg work to get through.
Mrs. CBB agreed to risk three years of financial responsibility for me.
This meant she needed sufficient income, a long-standing employer, an employer letter from HR, money in the bank, and faith in our love.
She had nothing to doubt as we were madly in love.
If we divorced and I was not working, I would not have been able to apply for any form of social assistance in Canada.
Mrs. CBB would have had to support me until I found work or up until the three-year financial responsibility was completed.
That’s a significant role to take on, even if something happens.
I’m honored she put so much trust and faith in our relationship.
Time Frame Immigrating From the UK to Canada
It took us about five months from start to finish, from the initial PR application to sending the completed package to Immigration Canada.
Along with the PR package, there was a $1000 fee (I can’t remember the exact fee) for our paperwork to be reviewed for approval.
Always send your application via Purolator so you can always track where it is.
We also kept a copy for ourselves in the event it went missing.
The last thing you want is to re-do the entire application over again.
I’m sweating just thinking about that, ha!
Waiting For A Reply From Immigration Canada
The application arrived and was confirmed!! Now, the wait began.
We tracked the package online after receiving a tracking number from Immigration Canada, who informed us they received it and reviewed it.
The scariest time was at that point because we were nervous that we may have messed something up.
We didn’t, though, as it was meticulously organized and detailed, with evidence of our love for each other and valid marriage in Canada.
Preparing the entire immigration application took us over two months while I was visiting Canada, and then another month of paperwork when I returned to the UK.
It was daunting to get it all done, but ultimately, a huge weight was lifted from our shoulders.
Congratulations Your PR Has Been Approved!
During Mrs. CBB’s last visit to the UK, after we were married, I got the fantastic news via Royal Mail that my PR was approved, and I was ready to move to Canada.
This took over 100 days, somewhere around 158 days, I believe.
I had some time to do so, but I was ready to start my new life and be with my new wife.
Once ready, I resigned to my employer, knowing I was moving to Canada.
Packing My Life To Move To Canada
After many boot sales, I boxed up what I had left and shipped it to Canada in a container on a boat via a local shipping company.
This is not cheap; some people ship furniture and other heavy belongings, so choose wisely what you bring.
My stuff arrived a few weeks after I moved to Canada, which was fine as I had packed what I needed in my luggage and carried on.
All my stuff went to my in-laws for storage until we got our place.
Since moving into our house, I still have most of my stuff in boxes in our basement, which I rumble through now and again.
PR Card Arriving In Canada
When I arrived at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), I was pulled aside and brought to a room to be welcomed to Canada as a new PR.
It was a wonderful experience as the immigration officers explained what was happening and gave me a package about my arrival in Canada and things to expect.
My actual PR card came in the mail a few months later, but I had a legal document from immigration Canada that stated I was a PR.
It’s one of the prettiest plastic cards I own.
This is the short version, as much more happened in between and after to bring me to where I am today in Canada.
I honestly can’t say that I have had any bad experiences in Canada besides my struggle with drivers who don’t care about the rules of the road.
That’s another post, though, lol.
Canada Day is next Friday, July 1, and I’ll be spending it with my family, watching the fireworks and enjoying the festivities.
I’m honored to live in such a beautiful country with so many opportunities to take hold of and help conquer my dreams.
If you have any specific questions, please email me or leave a comment on this post, and I will add them to my future posts, which I hope will be more in-depth for you.
Also, I’ll tell you if you want to know what I brought, what I sold, how I did something specific, and what my life in Canada was like after landing.
Please read other immigration posts under the Immigration category here at CBB.
Canadian PR Resources
You can also read how to immigrate to Canada on the Government of Canada website, where you will find information that may include new rules for Canada Immigration since I made my move to Canada.
Mr.CBB
What did I do this week?
This week has been hectic, even though I was home for a few days.
We bought a swing set for our son that was used for a fantastic deal for $80.
Once I sanded it down, I began adding some bits for him.
I found an excellent idea online to help kids with their hand and eye coordination that I’m going to make.
It’s a piece of plywood with all sorts of gadgets, such as chain locks and bolts, sometimes called a Trinket Busy Board, similar to the one below from the website.
I’ll add quite a bit more to the board I make, but this is the idea I’m working from.
I will attach it to the inside of the play structure to weather protect it, but I can take it in over the winter.
Sorting Out Stuff Around The House
We cleaned up the back garden and made a few trips to the park with our son.
Our friends also had their first baby, a boy with lots of hair so we visited to see him.
Both the mothers are excited and thrilled like any other parents, especially after many tries with IVF, which can be financially draining but worth it in the end.
We loaded up on goodies for the little guy as we have tonnes of stuff here that we never even opened after our son was born.
Also, we offered to pass along the boys’ clothes to his lovely mums, which they were more than happy to receive.
Next week, more swing set duty, swimming, and heading out for Canada Day festivities for a few days with the in-laws and some friends.
We wouldn’t miss Canada Day festivities for the world.
Published Posts This Week
If you’ve missed any of my blog posts this week, I will share them all below.
If you are looking for past Saturday Weekend Review posts, scroll down to the bottom of this post, where I will list up to 5 previous weeks for you to read.
Top-performing CBB Post this week: How Much Should My Grocery Budget Be?
- Big thanks to Rob Carrick for sharing my post, “Why You Should Always Ask For Your Grocery Receipt,” at The Globe and Mail Online.
- Copy Cat Dairy Queen Chocolate Dipped bananas
- Why Free Food Offers Are Attractive Temptations For Consumers
- How to Spot a Money-Smart Woman
Fan Budget Brags
You got WHAT for HOW Much?
Hi Mr.CBB and Fans,
I have some more awesome Garage Sale deals for you this week!
Here are today’s deals:
- Brand new bracelet craft $2 (for a birthday gift)
- Skating aid $1
- Puddle Jumper flotation device, two pairs of pj’s, swim shirt, rugby shirt, fleece sweater (brand new with tags) $5 (asking was $10)
- Two diaper genie refills and girls’ shorts (new with tags for a birthday gift) $10 (asking was $13)
- Bag holder for green bin $1.50 (asking was $3)
Total spent: $19.50 (less than the cost of one puddle jumper).
Excellent job, Jen! I should go to garage sales with you, the master negotiator.
Yummy Recipe Find
Food and grocery shopping are relevant because food is a large part of the budget, which people struggle with the most.
We all have to eat to survive, but just because we have a budget doesn’t mean we can’t eat delicious home-cooked meals that are drool-worthy.
If you would instead buy convenience foods, consider cooking homemade meals or baking from scratch.
Not only will you save money, but you will be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and you’ll see that from the smiles on those you feed.
For the past two years, I’ve had a second Facebook page called The Free Recipe Depot, where I exclusively share recipes from Food Bloggers worldwide.
This week, our Top Recipe Pick goes to Alyssa at Good In The Simple for her Chocolate Peanut Butter Heaven, a No-bake dessert.
Top Pinterest Idea
Canada Day is July 1, 2016!
Editor’s Choice
This week, I read a post by Lara Rutherford-Morrison at Bustle.com about how each generation wastes money.
I found it interesting since eating out topped the list for all three generations.
See how it compares to your guilty pleasures.
Baby boomers, Gen X-ers, and Millennials all have eating out, uneaten or expired food, and groceries in their list of top five money wasters.
Finance Quote Of the Week
Every time I read this quote, it only haunts me because I’ve worked non-stop in the last two years.
Our lives have been on hold ever since, but I still prioritize my family when I am at home with them.
I pray that something good happens for my career so I can be home to get back on track with our lives.
CBB Google Search Terms
Every week, I get thousands of people visiting the Canadian Budget Binder because they did an online search and found my blog.
The spelling errors below are because I shared how they typed their search engine query to land on my blog.
Some of them are serious, and others are meant to laugh.
- Can I return an item to Bulk Barn?– I don’t know, but this is a good question. I will say no if it’s a bulk product because it’s accessible, and you can twist and tie it back up. Other products that are sealed are likely. Just call.
- Can I get stuff out of the Home Depot dumpster?– Probably not a good idea
- Is pasta safe to buy at Dollarama? – I’m pretty sure you will be safe
- Code 33 Superstore– Everyone duck!! I have no idea, do you?
- Cheapest grocery list– What an odd thing to look for.
That’s all the fun for this week; thanks for dropping by, and we’ll see you all again next Saturday!
Mr.CBB
What is one thing/experience you miss in UK? And, What is the best part of living in Canada?
Wow! Your process to move to Canada was much quicker than mine to get a US Green Card. Thanks for featuring my blog today!
Yes I was fortunate that it happened quickly. How long did it take to get your green card?
That sounds almost identical to the process and timeline that Rom and I went through! We also did all our own paperwork, he returned to the UK after our wedding to file, and he arrived 5 months later and shipped a crate of belongings over! Since that time (2009) the govt is now more lenient about allowing the non-Canadian spouse to stay in Canada and work while awaiting the PR card. Rom got his Canadian citizenship in 2014. I hope you will go for yours if you haven’t already!
No, I have not gone for mine yet as I need to get my son his British Passport first which I’m working on now. I was shocked how fast it all happened but like I said we went over everything quite a few times. How did you find doing the paperwork yourselves? We didn’t have any issues at all. The immigration lawyer wanted over $1000 to do the package. I”m not sure about what the government allows for spouses waiting on PR card and working. It would have been nice rather than having to go back to the UK however I still had to do my medicals, tie up loose ends with shipping etc. It all went pretty fast thankfully. Did you ship stuff over that you wish you didn’t?
Hubby and I filled out our own paperwork as well as I did not want to spend the money getting someone else to do it, and it honestly was not that hard to fill out as long as you have enough evidence you are a legit couple. LOL I was shocked that they needed to know who was at our engagement party and that they needed pictures/paperwork on our entire relationship. Thankfully we had been together for a while so had lots of proof. I was fortunate enough to be able to work in Canada under the youth work visa while waiting for my PR card to be processed, which was really nice. Denmark (which is where im from) just allowed for dual citizenship so Ill be working on that before my PR card expires. I love living in Canada and has never regretted my decision to move here:-)
Tre’s blog sent me! Just wanted to say, Tre is one of my all time favorite bloggers! It’s always a treat to learn more about her. 🙂
Hi Kay!!
Thanks for passing by to check out Tre’s feature on CBB!! I see you have a personal finance blog as well? If you would like to be featured email me and we can fit you in. There are limited spots left for 2016. I hope you enjoy your stay and check me out on social media!! Mr.CBB
I would be really interested to find out how you went about finding work as an immigrant and particularly finding well paid work. I lived in Canada from 2002 – 2014. I struggled to find work and then managed to get some in my field – but I developed repetitive strain injury as a result of a work contract (given a f/t workload in p/t hours). I stepped away from that field (with no compensation – it was a temporary contract), eventually retrained to work in the field of social work. Graduated with my third degree (I had 2 from the UK relevant to my previous work area) from a Canadian university only to find that I couldn’t get work in that field because I was told I now needed a Masters in Social Work. I didn’t want to do another degree so I left Canada in 2014 and went back to the UK. Picked up work very quickly there but encountered a lot of difficulties with renting, couldn’t afford to buy and the cuts to social services made work very difficult. I returned to Canada this year and am now, at the age of 52, about to start a 1 year Masters degree this Fall. I hope I can find work in Canada in social work after I have completed this qualification – ideally in Ontario but I am prepared to move. However I’ve found the whole employment situation extremely difficult in Canada. Even if you have qualifications and do lots of volunteer work, getting work relies a huge amount (it seems to me) on who you know as much as having the right qualifications and that can be challenging if you live in a relatively small city and you are an immigrant and haven’t grown up in the community. As well, employers expect you have to all the skills they want and don’t seem willing to train or to invest in their staff in the same way that happens in the UK. Curious to know what your employment experiences have been like? I live in a small city 2 hours from Toronto where 1 in 5 adults live in poverty and the major employers are hospitals and educational establishments – most of the heavy manufacturing has gone. There is a lot of precarious p/t minimum wage jobs. I can use a computer these days but cannot use it 100% all day which limits my ability to apply for certain jobs – so many involve a lot of computer use.