From Singapore to Canada, what are the chances?

[neuronsmisfiring]

Hi, I would like to enquire how is it going to fair for me if I say I want to move to Canada from Singapore. I have 3 years work experience as a chemist and lab work. I got my chemical engineering diploma (local polytechnic) and and bachelors degree in chemistry (local uni- NTU). I must admit I had an exchange in Mcmaster University in Canada when i was pursuing my degree in NTU and I love Toronto and was hoping to work there. My girlfriend is also currently living and working in Mississauga Ontario for almost 8 years now, She is already a citizen there. She's a filipino and works as a nurse. I am filipino and a permanent resident in Singapore. If say I'm going to apply, what type of visa should I go for? Would I stand a chance if I try to apply to chemical companies or atleast my field or would I start from scratch?

 

[neuronsmisfiring]

BUMP!

 

[ragluf]

Hi, I would like to enquire how is it going to fair for me if I say I want to move to Canada from Singapore. I have 3 years work experience as a chemist and lab work. I got my chemical engineering diploma (local polytechnic) and and bachelors degree in chemistry (local uni- NTU). I must admit I had an exchange in Mcmaster University in Canada when i was pursuing my degree in NTU and I love Toronto and was hoping to work there. My girlfriend is also currently living and working in Mississauga Ontario for almost 8 years now, She is already a citizen there. She's a filipino and works as a nurse. I am filipino and a permanent resident in Singapore. If say I'm going to apply, what type of visa should I go for? Would I stand a chance if I try to apply to chemical companies or atleast my field or would I start from scratch?

Moving as in permanently residing, or temporary residing? I am assuming here this will be a permanent move.

First - immigration is a very personal decision. Seems you have not made up your mind yet to go full-steam with immigrating to Canada. The presence of a loved-one far away does present some added urgency to try to immigrate. However, you cannot go to this decision half-hearted - either you do, or you don't. Resettling in a new country is always a challenge, and reality is, most often you have to start again from scratch. If you go in half-hearted, the risk of being unsuccessful in a new country increases very very much. This is why you need to prepare, and do research first, on your job/employment opportunities and in what you need to successfully settle in Canada.

My advice, if you can - try to visit the country again. Your past exchange (i.e. having been approved to enter the country before) will bode positively in your application for a visit visa. Then while here - see for yourself, the job market, places to reside etc. If you are decided, you may even try to apply for jobs while visiting. Just a note, if you do find an employer, you can't just immediately start to work for them on a visitor visa - you need authorization to work (i.e. work permit) or be a PR.

If you cannot visit, then start researching on settlement issues/successes, residing in your desired location, as well as post your resume in job websites (workopolis, linkedin etc.) that allow you test the job market. Overall, if you see more positives in moving from SG to CA, you can decide to go ahead with immigrating.

Having dispensed the advise, then to answer the question - there are options for you to immigrate. Start reading up here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp
It takes time to read through and ascertain how you will proceed, but then this is the first phase of your research. As to chances, nobody can say for certain - this all depends on the qualifications and supporting documents presented with the application as well as employment prospects in Canada. If you match the requirements, then chances are fair for your application.

.../all the best