Visa - Not the Credit Type

Whether you are traveling or working in a new country you need to have a visa.  Each visa is unique and has their own obstacles and requirements to be granted, but I would have to say I am a fan of the Youth Mobility UK Visa as thatis what I applied for (and received).

Here is a bit of information on the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa:

• Allows persons for Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, Taiwan and North Korea
• You must under 31 years of age; you have no children under 18
• Grants you the ability to live in the UK for 24 months either working or studying
• This visa does not require a work permit to be present
• You can enter the country as many times as you would like over the 24 months

What do you need to apply?

• Passport showing your age (under 31) and that you are from one of the seven countries listed above
• Proof that have access to at least £ 1600 in your bank account
• A passport picture of you (follow the Canadian guidelines for the restrictions and you will be OK!)

Hints to applying?

Do it as early as possible - you have the option of putting your own start date on your visa, so you can apply early and get everything sorted out.  There are also a few questions on the application that you may not know the answer to.  You can save your application and
Renew your passport - see if you can renew your passport before applying for your visa.  Keep in mind that your passport is not valid if it is within six months of its expiration date; so if you are within one year (for Canadian passports) you can renew and get another five years! 
Show up early for your Biometrics Appointing (Toronto) - although you are scheduled for a time, you can show up any time before your scheduled appointment and get in line.  This means that if you have a 4:30pm appointment, you can come in the morning and get a higher spot in line.  The wait times at the Toronto office are crazy long, so I would suggest going early and having the possibility of getting in (and ultimately out) earlier.

Welcome

Exactly 48 hours ago, I boarded a flight from Toronto International Airport bounded for Manchester, UK.  Not my final destination,  I would then board a train and head on the three hour trip to my new life in Cleethorpes UK. 

I am a recent graduate from Queen's University and the University of Waterloo (just finished this June - woot!) and I accepted a position teaching at Cleethorpes Academy in Cleethorpes, UK.  Yes, this means that I needed to pack up my life and move to a new city in a brand new country.  Fortunately my partner accepted his position at the sister school and has moved here with me - so I am not completely alone.

So this is a blog, for me to keep track of all of my advice, thoughts and experiences to share with those who may be interested in (or are) coming over seas to pursure their teaching career.  What a learning curve that lies in front of me, I am glad you will be sharing it with me.