In search for answers...

Hello,

I've been looking through most of the Canuck Abroad forum and even though it has answered a few questions, it seems to raise even more questions. From what I gather from everyone's posts is that everyone has a different experience and I'm really looking for some advice for my specific situation.

Basically I'm leaving at the end of October on a one way ticket flight to Leeds. I was originally going to go to London, but I think Leeds is a better fit for me personally (and let's be honest financially). My first question is about YMS. It's the only problem I've really looked into, but I find that some answers can only be provided by people who've been through the experience. I read somewhere that my visa may not be accepted since my flight was one-way? Is this true? If so, is there a visa that won't be denied due to my one-way flight?

Also, in regards to YMS, what are some of the disadvantages? I've seen a lot of advantages from getting one but that was from the website.

Maybe to provide me more answers, I should give you a better idea of what my plans are. I'm 22 years old and I'm looking at getting out of the country and be more independent for once. I've always wanted to go back to Europe and I've never been to the UK so I thought it would be a good place to start. Basically, I just want to live in the culture and have a good time. I'm not looking for a career or to settle down permanently. Just an easy job that will cover some of my expenses. I know that the UK is not in the best financial state right now, but I was wondering if finding a simple job was hard to find in Leeds.

If you could provide me any other advice, such as should I find a flat before going? Should I look for a flat with roommates? Is it possible to set up a job upon arrival or do I have to look for a job once I'm there? Is the YMS visa best suited for me? Or is there another visa I should look into?

Thank-you in advance for anyone who can help me out with my situation.

Hey KNEWSTORY!

Hopefully I can help - I, like you, moved to the UK 2 years ago. Exact same situation - one way flight, nowhere to stay, no plans, no job. It was tough at times, but it went well and I loved every minute of it. Now, I actually work for an Australian company that sorts out pre-arranged jobs for Canadians, Aussies, and Kiwis (or anyone on the YMS visa) - and we give assistance with everything involved relocating (temporary as it may be) to the UK.

The one-way flight, so long as you have a visa, should never be an issue. I arrived on a one-way ticket to London Gatwick myself, YMS visa in hand - they asked how long I would be staying, and I said that my visa is valid for 2 years, but that I had planned to see how things go! The final call is always at the discretion of the agent you see at the border, but I had no trouble at all. The YMS visa is quite open, allowing you to enter and exit as many times as you wish while the visa is valid. Showing with no visa, and a one-way ticket on the other hand - that will cause you some issues!

To be honest, there are not really 'disadvantages' to the YMS visa. Length of stay is 24 months - there aren't too many restrictions on the type of work you can do (no access to public funds, and there are some restrictions around being self employed). It also maybe be that the YMS visa is your only option - unless you qualify for an EU passport, or a UK Ancestry visa... The criteria for the YMS visa is: Canadian citizen holding a Canadian passport; aged 18-30; has at least $2600 CAD in savings (you will need to provide proof of these funds with you application); and ideally, no criminal record - if all of that is cool, you'll have no problem receiving a YMS visa.

Unless you have friends or family who can hook you up - having this prearrange is difficult.

You are right in that the job market is tough - and competition for jobs is very high. Your best bet will likely be in hospitality - but I've spoken with pub managers who, within 2 hours of posting a job vacancy online, have received 100 applications.

Arranging a flat before you go will be the same - as well, UK landlords and estates agents will want things from you such as UK tenancy references, UK banking history, and UK employment references (or proof that you have a job) - all things that you will not have. This was the hardest obstacle that I had to overcome - in the end, in lieu of not having these things, I had to leave a 3 month deposit with the landlord, rather than 1 month - so it drove my move-in costs up quite high. Your best bet in the UK to make living costs more affordable will always be to rent a room in a shared house. www.gumtree.co.uk is a good site to look on for room postings, but again, most of the time, while the ad's posted will be from the current house mates - they will still have to filter through whoever manages the property, and that property manager will require references etc. Also, on Gumtree, watch out for scams - NEVER send anyone money first, or transfer money to a western union account to prove you have it - if something feels sketchy, it's probably a scam!

Jobs can be pre-arranged, but this would be done through a company like the one I represent. There are other companies as well - but to come on board a program like ours, there is a program cost involved. For most people, it ends up being cheaper to use our service to get settled, than it would be to show up on your own - so I would be more than happy to talk to you more about what we do, and how we do it. With that said, my intention here simply to help any way that I can - so if you just want some more advice, I am happy to give you that as well.

Why don't you email me at greg.dion@londonpubco.ca and we can talk some more about your plans! As I said, I am happy to help any way that I can!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Cheers,

If you could provide me any other advice, such as should I find a flat before going? Should I look for a flat with roommates? Is it possible to set up a job upon arrival or do I have to look for a job once I'm there? Is the YMS visa best suited for me? Or is there another visa I should look into?

-You're on the exact right visa for your plans. Two years, no commitment and you are out.

-I arrived on a one-way ticket and had no problems, so I doubt you will. Unless you're perceived as shady in some way, I doubt they'll scrutinize you like that. When I arrived I got virtually no questioning. I got more questions when I arrived back in the UK after a weekend in Berlin.

-I strongly suggest just getting a flat when you are there. It's best to be able to check out the areas in which you want to live, as well as check out the apartment and meet the roommates to make sure you'll get along. Leeds is not as competitive or expensive as London, so you don't need to worry about not finding a place. Plan to stay in a hostel or private home for the first while and then you can search once you get there.

I would recommend living with flatmates because it allows you to meet new people and establish a social network. It can be very isolating living alone in a new country unless you plan to be very active and busy outside of your home. You want to maximize opportunities to meet people wherever possible. Plus, you are likely to have to jump through hoops to get a lease if you have no credit history or local references or established account. I would suggest that you live with roommates for the first few months at least. After that, once you are settled, then move into your own apartment if you want.

-You can pay to have companies set up jobs for you before you go, but I don't think it's worth it if you're just looking for 'whatever' to pay the bills. I would say just bring some extra money so that you can live while you're looking for work. If you have any experience with international retailers like Zara or H&M or food chains like Starbucks or Subway, make sure to go to those places to apply for work. Your previous experience will be an asset.

Hopefully that helps!