Darren Bardsley, 36, a graphic designer and website designer, is emigrating from East Lothian in Scotland to Canada

I’ve lived in other countries, and I always knew in my heart of hearts that I wouldn’t spend the rest of my days in Scotland. I decided to emigrate to Canada because, having visited it a couple of times, I feel at home there – strange but true! I also have friends in Canada, which was a factor.

I chose to go to OE Visas because my brother-in-law had used OE Visas when he emigrated to Australia, and he recommended the firm. From the beginning, I found the experience reassuring, and any questions I had were answered very quickly. Filling in all that paperwork and getting the necessary information together for the application can seem quite a daunting task, but I found Eric Katz, from the Canada team, to be very patient and supportive when explaining the finer, more complex issues of the application process. Although the process was slow it was quite straight-forward, without any great dramas along the way, and having OE on hand to help and answer my questions was very reassuring.

It took three years to get my visa. I thought that it would take a year and a half, but when I looked back at the letter from the High Commission a year and a half into my application, it said that I would have to wait three and a half years. I must admit I hadn’t read the letter properly the first time! My heart sank; having waited a year and a half was long enough, without the prospect of another two years of waiting. But, if anything, it made me even more determined to get to Canada.

While I was waiting for my papers to come through I visited Canada several times, actively seeking work. While I was in Vancouver I had an interview with a large advertising agency, which was very productive and encouraging. Visiting Canada also reassured me that I was making the right decision. I looked around Vancouver and Montreal and Montreal came out top. I love the city, and as an added bonus my girlfriend lives there.

My family’s reaction to the news was one of sadness, which is understandable. My mother has said she doesn’t want to come to the airport and see me off because of how emotional it will be for her. However, some of my family are pretty happy because they will now have a good excuse to come to Canada.

I am planning to enter Canada in April 2009 - I have a Metallica concert in London to go to first! - and I plan to land officially in Ottawa and sort out all of the paper work there, before starting to look for job as a designer. I’m excited about the future, and looking forward to my new life in Canada.