AIBU to want to emigrate (preferably to Canada) even though I have no transferable skills

[Wanttorunawayabroad]

Everything has broken down here, marriage, family, kids have told me they want to live with their dad, I have few friends and very little to keep me in the UK. The only thing I have going for me is my job/career I've worked hard at to forge my way as an unqualified allied healthcare professional.

I've long wanted to leave the UK and now seems the time to do it but I can't see how as I'm an unqualified worker. Can I migrate as a mature student, qualify in the country I move to and remain there? I am pushing 40 so am acutely aware time is not on my side on this.

In some countries you need to have the qualifications and have practised said skill for x number of years before you qualify for skilled visas in that profession so You wouldn't be able to become a student, then pass and get a skilled visa.
You also would have to pay huge international fees with no loans available.

Oh, and about your kids ... let them live with their dad for a year and then see if they still want to.

Growing up, my father always seemed more fun and relaxed. As an adult, I realized that was at least in part because my mother did most of the actual work, making sure rooms were tidied and homework was done.

Your children might be surprised at how different their dad behaves when he has to deal with them on his own.

We moved to Canada on a student visa three years ago. You do need to have enough funds (by their reckoning) to support yourself while you study. The figures are all available on the Citizenship Immigration Canada site.

Once studying, you can do some work to support yourself, similar to the UK. Part time during term time.

I was told by my college that it's easy to stay. They have study extension visas that give you an extra few years to work after studying. I'm not quite sure how that would translate to permanent residence. You do get a lot of extra points in the skilled worker category for having a job already, and for having lived in Canada already, so you may qualify for that stream once you graduate your studies. This is in Ontario.

A couple of provinces have their own sponsorship schemes that can be another way in if you are in an underrepresented job. The Atlantic provinces are normally looking for more immigrants.

I can't comment on whether it's a good idea in your situation, but there are ways in, if you decide it's for you!

Don't move far away from your DC. Even if they choose to live with their father it is important that you keep in regular contact with them and continue to see them and remain a part of their lives. I know you are feeling depressed but leaving your DC won't help.

Can you explain what it is about living in Canada that appeals to you?

Me, all thing being equal with kids, etc, I'd be buying a copy of The Lady (or similar, if that's gone to the wall) and either looking at fixed term work or advertising myself, given that you've got wanted skills.Toe in the water, and all that..

So, that's what I did. And Canada was one of my options, but job in Rome appealed, so that's where I went. Fixed term of 12 months, but before that, I'd found my feet - and wings- and I was off!

Never regretted it and for you, it adds to your long term cv. Result!