1. How easy is it to get a job in Canada - I am a Project Manager for an oil company and want some sort of change and direction in life
Very difficult without Canadian work experience and qualfications in all sectors but especially challenging in regulated professions such as Engineering. Be prepared to go back a few steps on the career ladder and the possibility of night school. However federal government is trying to address the issue of foreign credentials but IMHO this will not occur soon so your grace factor might be current high oil and gas prices driving E&P in Alberta coupled with increase in US demand as we pull out of a recession.
2. How long does it take to get a visa? i ahve been on a couple of sites and they range from 6 months max to over a year. And is there any advantage in using one of these companies who offer to do all the leg work for you?
Family class
1. Spouse, dependent children and common in law partner of Can PR or Citizen - 6-12 mths
2. Parents, grandparents + other relatives - 18-24 months.
Independent/Skilled worker
12 - 24 mths or more depending on visa post and security checks (based on where you have lived since age 16). A UK citizen who has lived in the UK more or less all their life, meets the points criteria and files at the Can High Commission in London will typically get processed in 12 months.
In regards to agents - they cannot get your processing expedited but they can make sure you have submitted the right documents. For Independent class unless you have some complexities e.g. criminal record etc IMHO there is no need for one as the guidance and application forms are fairly simple to follow. In the business class I would say consider getting getting one unless you really know what you are doing.
Go to
www.cic.gc.ca for more info.
Good Luck
