Question about relocationg to Canada

[Drunk Skunk]

I'm looking to move within the next two or three years. It's a long time away, I know, but I'd like to pin down where I'm going and start planning while there's still plenty of time, so things aren't rushed when all is ready. I'm seriously thinking of moving to Canada. Either the Maritimes or western Canada.

There are a few things that I'm most interested in. First, how are immigrants recieved? There's definately a stigma in the States about people immigrate from other countries. Secondly, generally, how hard is it to obtain a work visa, or working immigrant status/green card(Not sure of the correct term), and in the long run, citizenship? I'm not looking to give up my US citizenship, of course. Also, if anyone has done it before, how big of a hassle is it when crossing the boarder?

Thanks for any help.

[JD]

As for the legal stuff, I haven't got a clue.

As for there being a stigma surrounding immigrants, I'd say that depends on the person. I grew up in a neighbourhood where there were probably more immigrants than people born in Canada. I am used to being around them and encourage a more open policy towards immigration. Calgary is a great example of a place that could benefit from an influx of new workers. That doesn't necessarily mean everyone feels the same way, however!

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

I'm looking to move within the next two or three years. It's a long time away, I know, but I'd like to pin down where I'm going and start planning while there's still plenty of time, so things aren't rushed when all is ready. I'm seriously thinking of moving to Canada. Either the Maritimes or western Canada.

There are a few things that I'm most interested in. First, how are immigrants recieved? There's definately a stigma in the States about people immigrate from other countries. Secondly, generally, how hard is it to obtain a work visa, or working immigrant status/green card(Not sure of the correct term), and in the long run, citizenship? I'm not looking to give up my US citizenship, of course. Also, if anyone has done it before, how big of a hassle is it when crossing the boarder?

Thanks for any help.

How exactly were you planning on immigrating to Canada? Is it through the skilled worker category or do you have a family member in Canada that can sponsor you? What do you have for academic credentials?

[Displaced Flames fan]

You have to have a skill or profession that is in demand. Joe Schmo American can't simply waltz into Canada, get a job and become Canadian. I found that out the hard way many, many years ago. (and I had sponsors too BTW).

Legal immigration to Canada is also very expensive.

If you are serious, and you have the job skills that are in demand (they want to make sure you aren't taking a job from a Canadian) it is smart to start the process now.

I'm also pretty sure that you can't become a Canadian citizen without giving up your US citizenship. Yes, there are dual citizens out there...but it is my understanding that you can't immigrate, become a citizen and retain your native citizenship. I could be wrong about that.

[Dion]

This govt site should answer some of your questions

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

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

You have to have a skill or profession that is in demand. Joe Schmo American can't simply waltz into Canada, get a job and become Canadian. I found that out the hard way many, many years ago.

May not be the case. If he is applying as a skilled worker then he needs to obtain the necassary points (I think it is at 67 right now). Or if he has a brother, sister, spouse or parent in Canada they can sponsor him with out having to get any points.

Legal immigration to Canada is also very expensive.

The right of landing fee has been reduce to just under $600. As for other costs, not much else....have to get a background check and medicals done but there is no need what so ever to go through an immigration consultant or lawyer.

If you are serious, and you have the job skills that are in demand (they want to make sure you aren't taking a job from a Canadian) it is smart to start the process now.

If you are a professional than in most cases you will not be required to go through service Canada to obtain a labour market opinion and can get a work permit under NAFTA. Even if you do need an LMO it does not cost you anything, it is up to the employer to obtain it. And since the economy is demanding every job, there will be no problem in the employer getting one.

I'm also pretty sure that you can't become a Canadian citizen without giving up your US citizenship. Yes, there are dual citizens out there...but it is my understanding that you can't immigrate, become a citizen and retain your native citizenship. I could be wrong about that.

Yes, you can become a Canadian without relinquishing your US citizenship. There is no problems in holding both.

[evman150]

Just curious, but why the Maritimes?

BC and Alberta are the places to be, with Ontario in third place.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Man, a lot has changed in 15 years.

I guess economy dictates.

It was over $3000 when I was looking into it.

Most people aren't professionals.

[STeeLy]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

Yes, you can become a Canadian without relinquishing your US citizenship. There is no problems in holding both.

That is indeed the case, u may have multiple citizenships in Canada... but it is the US that will not allow it.

I'm currently a Hong kong citizen and a Canadian citizen.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

That is indeed the case, u may have multiple citizenships in Canada... but it is the US that will not allow it.

I'm currently a Hong kong citizen and a Canadian citizen.

The US DOES allow it.

[STeeLy]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

The US DOES allow it.

I have heard of cases where you had to swear to give up ur current citizenship if u want to emigrate to the US.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

I have heard of cases where you had to swear to give up ur current citizenship if u want to emigrate to the US.

Unless the person wishes to relinquish or renounce their citizenship then they will be ok.

http://www.amcits.com/dual_citizenship.asp

[Caged Great]

There are a few things that I'm most interested in. First, how are immigrants recieved?

There's tons of people from every nationality in Canada. Usually there's no ill will towards any group one way or another.

Secondly, generally, how hard is it to obtain a work visa, or working immigrant status/green card(Not sure of the correct term), and in the long run, citizenship?

It depends, if you have any relatives in Canada it's always easier. If not there's always the Marry a Canadian website.

I'm not looking to give up my US citizenship, of course. Also, if anyone has done it before, how big of a hassle is it when crossing the boarder?

Boarder crossing isn't really that much of an issue. It's not the US Mexico boarder.

[Drunk Skunk]

Very interesting so far, thanks for all the help. I'll try to answer a few of the questions that have been presented -

How exactly were you planning on immigrating to Canada? Is it through the skilled worker category or do you have a family member in Canada that can sponsor you? What do you have for academic credentials?

By trade, I'm a construction worker, landscaper, and soon to be bartender. By the time I'm ready to move, I will *hopefully* be a published writer. I've a degree in English.

Just curious, but why the Maritimes?

BC and Alberta are the places to be, with Ontario in third place.

A good friend of mine is from PEI, and has said it's absolutely gorgeous there. I've visisted Ontario a few times, but didn't get to spend much time out of the cities. Basically, I'm looking for a place that's more in the country, but yet close(within two or three hours) or a bigger city. As dumb as it may sound, it has to be near a minor league or NHL hockey team.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

By trade, I'm a construction worker....

Geeze, say no more - demand for there is pretty strong here. Call up some of the construction outfits around town (residential and commercial) in Calgary or Alberta. If you're a ticketed trade (and maybe even if you're not) they might hire an immigration lawyer and pay your way here just to get you.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

That is indeed the case, u may have multiple citizenships in Canada... but it is the US that will not allow it.

I'm currently a Hong kong citizen and a Canadian citizen.

Both my sister and brother married Americans and both have dual citizenship.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

Basically, I'm looking for a place that's more in the country, but yet close(within two or three hours) or a bigger city. As dumb as it may sound, it has to be near a minor league or NHL hockey team.

Well, that sounds like Alberta. You've got (barely) two NHL teams here, and five WHL teams, and an entire Alberta Junior Hockey League. So wherever you go, there will be hockey nearby.

Calgary I believe has the largest American population within Canada, largely thanks to the oil and gas industry, so you would fit in as well here as anywhere else in the country. Furthermore, as a tradesperson you will be strongly in demand here, assuming Calgary doesn't completely bust by the time you arrive.

As for immigration, not really sure how easy it will be but I have a friend who just moved here from Iowa so I can ask her how she did it. I think she had some difficulties and still has a few hiccups at present with her visa.

[DAN0383]

I love dual citizenship... I have Canada/France dual... the France citizenship is like a key to the EU!

[HalifaxDrunk]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

A good friend of mine is from PEI, and has said it's absolutely gorgeous there. I've visisted Ontario a few times, but didn't get to spend much time out of the cities. Basically, I'm looking for a place that's more in the country, but yet close(within two or three hours) or a bigger city. As dumb as it may sound, it has to be near a minor league or NHL hockey team.

PEI is beautiful! My wife is from there. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, we have a QMJHL hockey team (The Mooseheads). We're pretty much out of luck for NHL, there isusually 2 exhibition games in preseason but thats it. The major issue here would be finding a job, they are here, just hard to find with so many university students (there are 11 universities in the province) and such a small population, there a under a million people in the whole province.

You can live in the country and still work in Halifax. There is country living within 20-30 mins of downtown.

Ontario is nice (I lived there for 5 years) but if you want country living you will not live anywhere near a major city that has hockey.

I know a couple Americans who live here, they love it.

[Caged Great]

In Alberta especially, you can get work no problem. Elsewhere, especially maritimes, work is a little more scarce. I remember someone saying a few months ago that they thought about moving back to nova scotia but there was only 1 construction job and he wouldn't have even gotten it because he was too experienced.