Thread: BATUS Canada

Hi,

My boyfriend has just been offered a 2 yr posting in Canada starting at the end of this year and wants me to go with him. Do people know of girlfriends going abroad in such cases? I understand the army wont recognise me even being there, but I'm 20 and don't want to get married yet so I (think) I'm prepared to go it alone. Initial plans would be to rent a flat in MedHat and both lve out of camp.

Does this all sound do-able?! I'm worried we're taking on too much, but its such a good opportunity for both of us to travel a little :/

Thanks, Shell x

I'd say go for it. If it was me I'd do it in a heart beat. Think you're very sensible not getting married just to follow him out there, I have known lots of marriages fail very quickly for that very reason.

He could even look into whether there is any surplus accomodation there on the camp that you could perhaps rent out at "normal" rates, its always worth a try.

My uncle went with his wife and kids a could of years ago and they all loved it. My hubby can't get posted there, bugger!

Surplus accomodation? That sounds great, if possible. Do you know of anyone that has done that before? Apparently there isnt a great deal of married accomodation there. We will definatley look into it. Thanks Mrs_M

I don't know about Batus, but on most RAF camps there are single people living in surplus accomodation if its available. Its worth asking!
He would have to check whether you're allowed to live there or not though

What a fantastic opportunity!

Accommodation matters aside, I'd get started on a visa application - your boyfriend won't need to make one (I don't think) so you'll be sort of "together but apart" and your circumstances might be a little outside what Immigration are accustomed to processing. As British (I'm presuming you are) you don't need a visa to enter Canada for a visit, but if you're intending to stay for two years or so it makes sense to go about it the right way. It certainly can be done. They have a Declaration you can sign to say you're de facto i.e. common-law married; this might help. The Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website is really helpful:

Welcome Page | Page d'accueil

Medicine Hat will be an experience! You like it hot? Good. You like it cold? Good. Prepare yourself for both. Good base for travel though, also to the USA.

Good Luck!

There is barely enough quarters for the marrieds so I can guarantee that you won't find a surplus kncoking around. There's loads to rent down town though.

Unsure of the rules for living out there short term, but I know to apply to live there you need many things, like sponsers, garrenteed income, that your skilled in a job they have short staff in etc.. because you can't claim any sort of benefits from the state. It's a very hard country to emmigrate to.
If you are thinking of renting a place out there out of camp, Your best bet would be to ring the canadian embassy to see if you would be allowed to follow him there for two years.
My aunty moved out there over 20 years ago and the rules were tough then, they've gotten much tighter these days.
Good luck tho xx

I would definitely get started on visa, and job applications. It can be a very lengthy process. I am sure that you will also need a fair amount of cash to start with too. You will need deposits, rent and enough to get by until you get paid. As Kitty said there are no benefits.
I know plenty of people who have rocked up at Whistler and started work, but that was only for six months at a time so I don't know the implications for longer.