★ Which Route to Take?

Which Route to Take?

Canada Immigration Forum (discussion group)

Subject: Which Route to Take?

Hi Guys, this is going to be a long post - SORRY!! Please read on.

I think I have a complicated case here and would like to know the best route to apply for PR.

Me and my spouse are currently on a 12 month open-working visa through SWAP.

I am currently working for a "Small" Web Design company who would like me to stay.

Some background info on myself:

Age: 27
Marital Status: Engaged (living with Fiance of 6 years)
Country of Birth: England
Education: 14 years with BSc (Hons) Degree in Computer Aided Design
Spoken Language: English (no french)
Work Experience: 1 Year IT Technician 2.5 years full-time in Graphic/Website Design & Development.
Arranged Employment: My current company have offered to help me through the process and have offered me employment.

Spouse info:

Name: Stacey Cook
Age: 25
Country of Birth: England
Education: 12 years with 2 Year College Diploma
Spoken Language: English (no french)
Work Experience: 6 years full-time working for a Bank in England + 6 months head of customer service at a big Furniture store.
Arranged Employment: Company offered her employment and want her to stay.

Now, I was told in an immigration-consultation that I have 2 options to apply for PM:

1. Skilled worker (Fed. SW 2 (with AEO) - I was told that because of the amount of Canadians looking for work in this field my case would be difficult. I fall into 2175 Web Designers and Developers Unit Group (not a field that is desperate for people) and would need to somehow prove that I fall into 0123 Computer & Information Systems Manager (a field they are seeking people to fill).

I scored 69/100 in the eligibility test. 22/25 for education, 17/21 for Work Experience, 10/10 for age, 0/10 for AEO, 16/16 for language and 4/10 for Adaptability. So that´s all good my side.

2. BC PNP - This would have been the ideal solution from what I understand, but I was told the company needs to have a MINIMUM of 5 full-time employees who are already residents here. Currently it is only myself and the owner of the company who work full-time here.

I was told that I could not apply for BC PNP as the company is too small and that my only option would be to find a new job with a bigger company who would meet the criteria and would be willing to assist me in the process. Also my wage doesn´t quite meet the minimum prevailing wage here but I am sure my boss would be willing to re-evaluate my pay to help with my case.

I currently have 6 months left on my open-visa which will expire in November this year, and it would be a tough task for me to find a new job at this point whilst meeting all of the criteria. BUT I am willing to do that if it´s the best way for me.

One other thing I should mention i that I am currently working on a self-employed basis even though I am working full-time hours.

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UPDATE
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I just got off the phone from an immigration Lawyer who suggested the best option for me would be to get my current company to apply for a LMO (2 year work permit) and once my 2 years work experience is complete then apply for CEC.

Would this be a better avenue than BC PNP?? (I currently can´t qualify for BC PNP because of the damn company is too small)

Skilled worker sounds tricky as I need to basically bend the rules to make it look like I was an Computer Information Systems Manager rather than a web designer / developer.

It´s all so confusing to me!!! - CAN ANYONE GUIDE ME???

Thanks in Advance,
Mike

[13-05-2010,16:51]
[**.68.103.206]
Mike