On a non flying related bit.
If you're intending on emograting, prepare to wait a while. I put my papers in last year and was told that at best it'd take 2 years to complete. Unless you plan on marrying your girlfriend (Although an american in my office said it took her 9 months after marriage)
Also, when I went to Transport Canada to see about getting my maintenance training converted, they wanted to see that I had relevant work permits.
Just a pointer from a brit who's going through the process.