Should change my name to Fedup but that one was taken!- Still no word and this after being told that would hearback from minister in a few days- this is two weeks ago, then all week have been getting strung along with more delays and no answers so blew my lid a few days ago and basically told potential employer that if we did not have an answer this week that I was not going to waste any more time on this and am going to look for another job elsewhere. Seeing as its now Friday night and no updates I am pulling the plug on this. In the time I have been waiting could have found another job and relocated already!

Looks like Bermuda really does suck!

well the lounge in the immigration floor improved alot.  I see three windows....but only one immigration officer helping the people.

So Bermuda really does suck! After waiting almost sixmonths I am finally denied my work permit .
I am told that the government felt that a Bermudian should have been hired, even though according to the employer this person had lousy references , was not what they consider a good fit with the organizations corporate culture etc, etc. This person was however "Qualified" so apparently that is all that matters- you can suck at your job, have crappy references but because you were born inBermuda you are "ENTITLED" to the job. Doesn't matter that they won't end up hiring this person. Everyone loses and I really feel sorry for the corporations that are going through this crap that have to start over again. What a way to do business

Going for an interview for the Cayman Islands with popluation of 40,000 of which 20,000 are on work permits and not having any real issues with that!  Hope to end up there instead as 1) Cheaper - can actually buy a home for under 200,000 USD
2) Can trade in my canadian drivers license for a Cayman license- no test, 3) Can bring my stuff in duty free, etc,etc. and the salaries are still tax free with a cost of living only 20-25% higher than in the US.
 Am I bitter? You bet!

Chalk it up to the amazingly wonderful system that makes this such a wonderful place.  You take from the competant and give to the dumbass.  I would like to know how your job search works out as well, good luck Waiting.

CC

Sorry to hear that, Waiting.

Be sure to update us on your Cayman experiences. It's one of my back-up plans if the UK doesn't work out. I'd be interested to hear your first-hand views of the differences between there and Bermuda.

Hello waiting 2-2006, welcome to the forum.

To say one thing about the work permit system here - it sucks!

This is the single most challenging part of being a stranger in this strange land.  Having your employment governed by what seems like arbitrary rules and delays is much more emotionally harrowing than anyone who has not been through it can understand.  You put your life on hold, make financial commitments and try to prepare based on the the government supplied information and... the game changes while you are playing it.

My advice: hope for the best, plan for the worst.  Assume you will not get the work permit; go on with life, work and social relationships as if they are the only days you will have to enjoy them.  If you get caught in the emotional limbo of having your hopes and dreams pinned on that permit, you are going to suffer disappointment.  If not with outright rejection, then certainly with the delay you will inevitably experience.

Please keep us informed, and keep your spirits up.

Mike's advice is pretty sound... I do feel for you, it is frustrating to be in limbo (I spent many months in that situation courtesy of Bermuda Immigration). Make the most of the time with your family and maybe consider setting a deadline if your husband needsd to get back to work. The fact that it takes ages does not mean anything either way, don't fall into the trap of trying to read anything into the delays. Agencies probably make no real difference - it really is, like the link Mike posted, up to anything from what the magic 8 ball says to whether the moon is in Venus, whether someone's in a good mood, likes or dislikes your x-ray pictures or whatever. Random.

Depending what your husband does, it may be worth considering contract work, if  that is available in your area.

From my experience, most transactions with Immigration, whether work permit or other, tend to take around 3 - 4 months.