Hi I am a Canadian Citizen, 21 years of age, and have graduated a private career college dealing with heavy equipment operation: Bulldozers, Graders, Backhoes, Loaders, and Excavators. I am thinking of joining the Canadian Military for 3 years and then moving to the UK to live there permanently. My wife is 19 and she has the same aspirations and qualifications. We do not have criminal records.My question is, what do I have to do to move to the UK legally, and reside there permanently? How long does it take, from start to moving time, and would I be able to get in on the basis of the certification I hold, or would I just have to wait until I serve 3 years in the Canadian military first?
First off, getting a visa to work or stay in the UK is extremely hard nowadays. The minimum requirements that you need is a recognized master's degree, earnings of at least ?20,000 over a 12 month period in your home country (Canada in this case), as well as a certain amount in your bank account for 3 months. This is called the Tier 1 visa, which after being granted, allows you to move to the UK and look for work, but has to renewed every 3 years. The other way is to find a company to sponsor your work visa (Tier 2). However, this is a difficult route as the company needs to show the authorities that they are unable to recruit someone from the UK or EU with suitable skills, and not many employers are willing to go through the hassle of Tier 2 visa s.
www.bia.homeoffice .uk/ukresid... Read the BIA website (UK immigration dept) you must be educated, qualified and have a job that is in demand.
