Nice places to live in Cornwall

[retromelissa]

You can use your Canadian debit card in the ATMs over here but I don't know about in the shops as they have a chip and pin card system. I know they can swipe a credit card but I've never tried my debit.

I only had trouble opening a bank account due to my first employer, Morrisons. Basically, the bank needed a letter from them to confirm a few details, including my address. In total Morrisons wrote about 3 letters, none of them had my address in it (there were 3 letters because they kept doing it wrong and I had to keep going back.) I went to them and said "look I NEED you to write my full address in this letter else the bank won't accept it." They THEN told me that they were definately NOT going to put my address in the letter because of some confidentiality thing. Even though I had given them permission. I ended up getting my wages from there paid into my fiance's bank account.
I soon got a new job though, and my new boss wrote me the letter without even batting an eye. No issues at all

When are you sending off the visa app? The unmarried partner visa is only valid for 2 years and then he will have to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. He'll also have to take the 'Life in the UK' test before he applies for it. ILR is up to £750 now and I hate to think what it's going to be when it's my turn to apply for it

[LittleMapes]

I've heard a few horror stories about setting up bank accounts. Funny, here in Canada, you don't need anything really to get an account, any kid can get one.

So you had no problems looking for jobs? What is your line of work? Did you notice a considerable cut in your pay compared to Canada? I've heard stories about that too.

Yeah I saw the 2 years bit, but I also read that if you can prove that you've lived together for 4 years, you can go over and apply for the ILR automatically. 750 pounds on top of the 1200 for the visa. YIKES! Well that is good to know.

I won't be sending off the application until about 3 months when we are ready to leave, so probably February/March time.

I just scheduled my little dog for a microchip appointment next week, have to get her ready for travel. Plus I just sent off my application to become a Canadian Citizen. I want to go over now, but I have too many things to prepare.

Look forward to chatting with you more about your experiences. I'm sure many more questions will arise over the next few weeks/months. haha!

[retromelissa]

I haven't had any trouble finding jobs, probably because I'm just a retail monkey--cashiering, supermarkets, shops, that kind of thing. Those jobs aren't too hard to come by Minimum wage is £4.60 for age 18-21 and £5.52 for 22 and over--so the pay is better (compared to Sask), but then the cost of living in Cornwall is higher so you don't really end up better off

I didn't know you could apply for ILR if you've been together 4 years! :O These prices are ridiculous though, it's like they don't want people to stay

I totally would have loved to bring my doggie with me! My mom wasn't going to let her go if her life depended on it though What is the microchip for and how do pets get shipped over?

I look forward to chatting more with you as well Hopefully I can answer all your questions but if not I know some people that can!

[LittleMapes]

Well it is good to know that we can find some kind of work before we lock down jobs in our professions. I can't wait to start, I wish I could fly over now. haha!

I was fearful to come over before, because i didn't want to put a dog in 6 months quarantine, really not fair for the dog. But now they have a PETS Scheme program, where you 'prepare' your pet at home, and as long as you meet the requirements and follow the steps, no quarantine is required. Microchip is first of many steps. I think the purpose is to track and make sure all they shots and check ups are being done. It takes about 6 months for the whole process to complete, and when they are ready, they fly over with us, in the baggage compartment. I'm extremely worried about this, but a lot of animals are shipped this way.

So how do you like the driving? Did you transfer your drivers license, or did you have to take a test again?

You've been answering a tonne of questions. thank you!

[retromelissa]

hehe no problem

I *think* that you will be able to use your Canadian license here, but you will only be allowed to drive an automatic car. If you want to drive a manual, you will have to take driving lessons and pass a manual test, then they will upgrade your license.


direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/index.htm << try that it might explain it better lol (sorry it wont let me post a direct link)

I don't drive here though! The roads are windey and scary! I know I'll have to take driving lessons eventually though--my fiance is going to make me! And it will be more convenient as we have a little family now and we're planning more once I get a spousal visa! I only had a learner's license in Canada, so I'll likely have to start over with driving lessons here. My fiance's instructor charged £20 per session, but my coworker's instructor charged him £30/session. so it's not cheap