Wanting To Head Off But Don't Know Where To Start!

Scootter
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 06 Jun 2006
Posts: 57
Location: Sawtry (Nr Peterborough)

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:26 am

 

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Hi Irishman,

Here is a handy link

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/applying/generalcaseworking/ukancestry

There is a number and a link to the forms. I entered as the spouse of an Ancestry Holder, (my now ex), and we had to provide birth certificate and marriage certificates.

You also have to be able to demonstrate funds to maintain yourself for a period of time, and what I did was max out my credit cards with a cash advance, popped the money in my account and printed off my statement, which made them happy.

Be sure you look into where you want to live and remember that things in the UK are the same nummber price as in Canada, there is just a £ sign instead of a $ one.

Except in London where it is just stupidly expensive.

Good luck with the investigations and if there is any other way I can help, just ask.

Scootter

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irishman
New Member



Joined: 01 Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Location: edmonton

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:10 am

 

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Ok, going to be getting in contact with their office to ask a few more questions. I'm also wondering guys, can a 2 year working visa turn into a citizenship as well or will I only have a shot if I obtain an ancestral visa? Also I am wondering where would you suggest I look at locating myself to?

I know this has also been asked many times but as for living expenses.like I have mentioned I am working with a bank and am hoping to get in with one when I move. If I were to obtain an entry level job in the UK #1) I'm not sure what the expected pay is even just as a teller #2)Could I expect to be able to support myself with living expenses etc. at the rate a teller makes on average? I am going with worse case scenario that I can only obtain an entry level job because the qualifications I have will probably be non-transferrable outside of Canada.

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irishman
New Member



Joined: 01 Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Location: edmonton

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:13 am

 

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Oh and thanks for the link scooter i didn't even see your post before i posted my previous response. Still though if anyone could give a little advice on those queries as well it would be greatly appreciated

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ballinger
Junior Member



Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 21
Location: London

Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 4:17 am

 

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Hi irishman - another new person here
I didn't qualify for an ancestral visa (my grandfather was the youngest in his family and the only one born in Canada - argh) so did the working holiday thing. If you qualify for ancestry that is definitely the way to go. The working holiday has more restrictions (need proof of more funds as you're meant to be on holiday primarily, and only supposed to work a total of 12 months in the 24) so you might find it more difficult to get a "real" job as the company will just expect you to leave in a few months. It's also nearly impossible to convert a working holiday visa into any other type of visa.

I have lots of British friends who've been hired by banks with no experience or qualifications whatsoever so I don't think you'll find it too difficult. Maybe you could make some enquiries now to get an idea of your prospects? Major banks here include HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds TSB. Most people seem to start at a London branch and then can ask for a transfer to another area after they've finished their probationary period (normally 6 months). It is expensive in London but you will also be paid more, and if you don't mind sharing a flat with others then it's not so bad (and a great way to meet local people!). My first job (in 1997) paid £12,500/year and I paid £65/week in rent, plus bills (probably £400/month?). I wasn't rich but I managed to afford quite a bit of travelling and I never felt destitute

Can't remember where you said your grandmother was born, but if it was in England or Wales try the Family Records Centre for help on the birth certificate, here's a link to their site:
http://www.familyrecords.gov.uk/frc/default.htm

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

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irishman
New Member



Joined: 01 Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Location: edmonton

Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:35 pm

 

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Thank you so much guys! I've e-mailed about my grandmother's birth certificate and hopefully I can get that in order and then go from there. I'm hoping to go to Manchester perhaps but I will not be picky. I just have to build up a savings I guess so that I can get that ancestral visa and then find someone to room with.oh and find a job of course! lol So I CAN expect to make a decent wage as a bank teller if i need to start off at this entry level position? Does anyone reading this forum happen to work within a bank that could give me an idea of what to expect from this perspective on my move out?

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irishman
New Member



Joined: 01 Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Location: edmonton

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 11:02 pm

 

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no bankers here? oh and also I have received word that they have found my grandmother's birth certificate at the website http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/living/liv-b...h-certificate.htm

they have informed me i need to send them 7 pounds sterling to pay for this and I am hoping they will be able to ship it to Canada because the way it was sounding it seemed as though it had to be sent to a UK address, but hopefully not

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ballinger
Junior Member



Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 21
Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 2:22 am

 

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Try HSBC's online job search facility, it will give you an idea of salaries. http://www.hsbc.com/public/groupsite/careers/en/onlinecareers.html (click the "search for a role" link). The "territorial allowance" is also known as "London weighting", it's the extra money all London dwellers get to balance out the higher cost of living. Maybe it applies in some other cities too?
Most salaries have a range, push for the high end of the range due to your experience.
Remember that the guideline is that you should expect approximately the same in £ as you are used to getting in $ at home! And more than 20 days of holiday, for sure

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