Including the course, expenses, insurance, etc, and given that I am planning to apply for permanent residency after the two year work visa is through, how much money do you recommend that I bring? I am already saving most of my wages and would like to know what sort of figure I should be aiming towards.

Many thanks shirley, keep up the good work.

I would suggest a minimum of $12000 (Canadian) plus your return airline ticket. I don't know what country you are from so I can not say if you have any hope at all of getting a visa. It would be a shame to put so much energy into saving your money if you won't be issued a visa anyway.