I HOLD BRITISH NATIONALITY & BEING A FAMILY OF FOUR. WIFE,

To apply for permanent residency in Canada you have to fall within one of the different classes or categories that gives you the grounds you need to immigrate to Canada.

From your information it would seem that the only possible way you may be able to apply is under the skilled worker class.

Here is the link that will provide you with all the information you need about this process:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp

When you read all the information you will see that there are basically two ways people can apply under this category. One way is if their occupation falls within the list that they provide you.

The second way is if one of you gets a job offer and then this job falls within the categories and levels that is listed on the National Occupation List.

You will also see that there is an eligibility test you can take to see it looks like you are eligible. Only one of you has to be eligible and the other with your children can come as part of that application.

Another idea would be for you to try and come here first on a temporary work permit.

If you are going to try and come to Canada by this route then you will need a job offer first.

The way it works isn't really that complicated.

What has to happen is this:

Your potential employer has to apply to the government for what is called a Labour Market Opinion (LMO). What this entails is the government reviewing the job market to ensure that there is a shortage of Canadians to fill your job. You cannot take a job away from a Canadian. So, you have to have a skill, or work experience, in an area where Canada needs workers and there aren't enough Canadians who have that skill or work experience.

If that's the case then the government will give the employer a positive LMO.

Then you can apply for the work permit.

You will need to prove your credentials and also need to undergo background, medical and criminal checks.

If all goes well you will get the permit.

Here's the webpage that has all the information you will need including the forms and information about the fees:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp

If you are here on a work permit for two years then you can apply for permanent residency under what is called the Canada Experience Class.

Here's the link for that webpage:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp

Finally, I don't know the facts but perhaps you could apply under the business class. This is more complicated so it's probably best to just read what the website says first:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/index.asp