What is the best way to earn money in Edmonton, Canada?

Q: I'm an Australian looking at working in Edmonton for a year. What jobs earn the most without high qualifications? (I'm a teacher in Aus but only have three years of uni so as far as I am aware I can't teach in Canada). Also what types of visa would I need? And if I want to travel to the states whilst I'm there (over the 90 day visa free period) what is the best visa to get? Any other advice? Thanks!! I did a semester at a uni in Canada last year and whilst I'm there I'll be doing a fourth year of my degree in Australia by distance education so more study in Canada isn't really an option (trust me I looked into that as it would've been ideal!) I'm sure Calgary is a nice place to live but let's face it... Flames just suck! lol no offense anyone! I lived in Edmonton last year for four months and I loved it and made a lot of good friends there. Just really feel like I need more time there. But hey maybe I'll visit calgary again and change my mind... but for now its all about Etown!

A: The best visa to get is a working holiday visa (you qualify if you are between 18-35 years and have either just finished/started a uni course or are still a student and planning to go back to uni) It gives you a year in Canada and you are eligible for most jobs (although not in teaching or medical profession) Edmonton is a really easy place to find a job. Go to the malls as a start (West Ed is always hiring) as you'll probably prefer to be inside during the winter months. All the restaurants are always looking for waitresses and things, so they are easy too. Depending on where you live, you could look for office jobs in downtown Edmonton. If you live on the southside there are plenty of jobs around South Common, but if you can't drive the bus system is pretty poor around there. On the Northside, the northeast is the better place to live. You have the LRT for transport (which is always nice) and the buses are really good. You can get to downtown easily and quickly and as long as you aren't fussy you can get any sort of job. Usually in the food industry you earn minimum wage, which is $8 in Alberta at the moment, but you can easily earn double that in tips each hour too. To visit the states you just get the visa at the border (I90 I think it's called) so when you get to the border you fill out a piece of paper and they give you the temp visa. Make sure they don't take your Canadian visa out of your passport though...happened to my friend and it caused a lot of fuss! When you get to Canada make sure you organise your SIN (Social Insurance Number) right away, because you can't get paid without it. Also, fill out a tax exemption form so that they don't tax you federal tax, because it's hard to claim it back once you leave the country. And by the way, don't listen to the Flames fan...the Oilers rock and always will do. You should try and go see them at Rexall when you're there. The atmosphere is electric. If you have anymore questions you can email me...I just spent the past year in Edmonton working (I'm English) so know what you're going through at the moment... Hope this has helped a bit at least. EDIT: Accomodation in the north east is probably cheapest, I have a few contacts if you want them who can probably help you find a place. OR you could go to roommates.com. They pretty much find you a place straight away too. I wouldn't worry too much about sorting stuff before you go, it's easier just to figure it out when you get there. I moved there and 3 days later I had a job and somewhere to live. It was really easy and nowhere near as stressful as I had thought it would be. Some advice though, try and spend a few months working down in the Rockies...you will find lots of Aussies/Brits like yourself and they have the most amazing scenery..you won't regret it!!

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