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[–]BrainInAJar 71 points72 points ago

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Dill Pickle chips, Coffee Crisp (it's a chocolate bar, we don't have candy bars), all iced tea is sweet, Thanksgiving is in October, Mexican food here sucks.

[–]Juggernath 34 points35 points ago

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Ketchup chips too.

[–]DWillms 27 points28 points ago

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But realize, they taste nothing like ketchup, but 100% like delicious.

[–]Juggernath 2 points3 points ago

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Surprisingly, putting ketchup on ketchup chips doesn't make them taste any better. Ya know, try and up it's deliciousness to 150% but I guess it doesn't work that way...

[–]harrywhite1 1 point2 points ago

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No but mayonnaise on fries.... Yum.

[–]notpowercat 27 points28 points ago

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Are you telling me that americans don't have coffee crisps??

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 16 points17 points ago

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We do not.

[–]rainman_104 17 points18 points ago

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Oh, and leave your attitude about guns behind. We think Americans are rather childish with their obsession over handgun ownership.

Long arms btw are for hunting, and automatic rifles aren't necessary for civillians to own.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 3 points4 points ago

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I don't have any (nor desire to have any) handguns, but I do own a few rifles and shotguns, but purely for hunting. Assault rifles are just overkill, no pun intended...

[–]ignatiusloyola 2 points3 points ago

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You can hunt in Canada, but remember that we have gun registration. You would likely be happier just leaving your guns behind (selling).

[–]munchbard 2 points3 points ago

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Hunting is fine! Come to Saskatchewan in the spring and help get some of the deer off the roads.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]bdfortin 24 points25 points ago

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POUTINE!

[–]heyheyitsbrent 2 points3 points ago

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Poutine in BC leaves much to be desired...

[–]nolcotin 15 points16 points ago

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I never realised how much Mexican food in Canada sucks until I went to the states... it's like a whole different food

[–]gravis27 6 points7 points ago

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Or Chipotle. Damn you Toronto for being the only city to offer it.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 2 points3 points ago

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DAMN. I LOVE THAT PLACE. I was hoping BC had it.

[–]omguard 2 points3 points ago

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This is true except for Mucho imo

[–]citybythesea 2 points3 points ago

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I went 25 years without knowing the magic of Huevos Rancheros.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Quick question: Do you have Chipotle burritos up there?

[–]rainman_104 1 point2 points ago

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You're talking about Chipotle the chain owned by McDonalds? No. They haven't come up here yet.

We have Red Burrito though and Taco Del Mar.

[–]bendynachos 10 points11 points ago

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Pop, not soda.

[–]Showbizzah 50 points51 points ago

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TIM HORTON'S GODDAMN IT, TIM HORTON'S

[–]tehrahl 12 points13 points ago

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No apostrophe, despite all grammar rules.

[–]kimb00 4 points5 points ago

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All dressed.

[–]kchoboter 4 points5 points ago

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Smarties!

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]SuperSoggyCereal 11 points12 points ago

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ARE YOU KIDDING ME.

They are what Jujubes try to be. They are the reason Licorice gets up in the morning. They are first-grade curriculum for jelly beans. Big Turk chocolate bars look at Wine Gums in the club, then go home to masturbate, because like they could ever get with her. One time Jawbreakers thought to himself that he was better than Wine Gums, and then just for having thought it, wrote Wine Gums an apology letter.

Wine Gums own the candy world.

[–]BrainInAJar 1 point2 points ago

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They also don't have Big Turk in the states

[–]SuperSoggyCereal 5 points6 points ago

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Jesus Christ, how do you people survive? No Coffee Crisp? No Big Turk? NO MOTHERFUCKING WINE GUMS?!

Forget the economy... it's the candy, stupid!

[–]headdesk 1 point2 points ago

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And Kinder Eggs are totally legal here.

[–]roxykesh 2 points3 points ago

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You must not live in the GTA. There is a Chipotle at Younge and Dundas but to be honest it's not even the best Mexican in the city!

[–]dcreemer 1 point2 points ago

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Coffee Crisp and Aero Bars are now both available in the SF Bay Area!

[–]puppetaccounteh 61 points62 points ago

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Posting with a puppet account (see the username). I was in your position about 3 years ago. Here's some things I wish I'd known in advance:

  1. Mailing stuff to Canada -- even stuff that is pretty clearly not recently purchased merch is extremely expensive due to duty and brokerage fees getting charged to you. Bring EVERYTHING you want to bring with you when you land (show up legally in Canada for the first time). I moved with two suitcase by plane and had my wife mail quite a few big ticket items afterwards. That was a mistake.

  2. Getting set up with a car works like this: First, head to the ministry of transporation and get a license for your province. They'll confiscate your existing US license and issue you a temporary one on the spot. The real one shows up at your address two weeks later. This is made MUCH easier if you have a friend to use for an address until you have an apartment or if you can get a bachelor apartment in someone's basement without a pile of paperwork. After you have your license, go find a reputable insurance broker and make contact with them. After you've found one willing to work with you, then you can go and buy a car. After you sign on the dotted line, call up your insurance broker and get them to insure the car. A couple days later, you can pick up said car and drive off.

  3. You won't have health insurance until after a 6 month waiting period. Don't wait to visit the ministry of health. Sign up the day you have a place of residence to get the timer rolling. The people behind the desk will use any excuse to try to extend this waiting period they can think of. I made the mistake of waiting 3 months before heading in, had a car title in hand AND a brand new canadian passport to show significant residential ties and still ended up having to wait another 6 months. I was lucky enough to get interim health insurance from work, but you may not be.

  4. Network, network, network. Make friends -- especially canadian ones as you never know who can help you out in unexpected ways. An IRC buddy of 4 years ended up setting me up with a job and a introduced me to a number of my friends today.

  5. When filling out immigration paperwork, dot every i and cross every t. It's a huge stack, but you'll manage. Look up requirements in advance, if possible as some of the stuff you can't easily do from Canada, like the FBI background/fingerprint check.

  6. Get a canadian bank account as soon as possible. You don't need to have a canadian address or legal status to get one if you show up in person. I set up an account with TD and provided my passport for ID. They won't need a physical address or a SIN. You'll get a debit card, a sheet of 3 cheques and a direct deposit info sheet in a neat little green folder. Next, you'll need to put money into it. This doesn't have to happen at the same time -- I took 4 months to do that while waiting for a good exchange rate. Redflagdeal's personal finance forum will tell you how to get the wiring info including SWIFT code, etc. After you show up to live there permanently, you can get a chequing account and credit card. Again, show up in person and bring a letter of employment if you want a real credit card. Otherwise, you'll end up getting a secured card with a wimpy limit ($500). Your US credit history is meaningless in Canada. You'll have a clean slate -- make the best of it.

I bid you luck. Don't forget to try the poutine.

[–]sempuki 17 points18 points ago

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Regarding "not having insurance (for 6 months)"; this means you'll have to pay some $100 or whatever for "elective" visits to clinics. You do however have emergency coverage merely by virtue of being in the country.

If you are seriously ill, just visit the emergency ward of a hospital, and they will sort you out. They may attempt to collect some fees here or there on discriminatory basis, but they cannot refuse you service, and there will be no 4+ digit bill.

It might even be possible to get reimbursed for expenses within that 6 month period.

Maybe somebody knows where the law is spelled out more explicitly?

[–]sempuki 2 points3 points ago

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This comes from experience with foreign students who were in the country for short periods but didn't have any fancy insurance from the country of origin. Things like emergency rape kits or abortions or broken bones, I don't recall anyone having to pay a dime.

On the other hand, when I declared myself non-resident, I recall every clinic telling me I had to pay for the entire cost of the visit even though I am a citizen.

[–]butteryhotcopporn 1 point2 points ago

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Things like emergency rape kits or abortions or broken bones, I don't recall anyone having to pay a dime.

Damn, that must have been a tumultuous stay.

[–]Ronin_301 13 points14 points ago

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Just a note on number 2:

I notice you (OP) is moving to BC, so there is no need to visit the Ministry of Transportation separate from the insurance company as they're all glomped into one crown corporation called ICBC. We don't have private car insurance options here. :(

[–]pumpupthevolume 19 points20 points ago

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why the sad face? try ontario and watch your premiums go way up.

[–]vyllym 11 points12 points ago

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why the sad face? i'm from sask and we don't have private car insurance, personally i find it works great!

[–]calmblueocean 9 points10 points ago

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Agreed. ICBC is going to be lowering rates slightly this year. How often do you see that with private insurers?

[–]elai 3 points4 points ago

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Whenever I compare ICBC rates to rates in the USA, I always get frustrated how they are about double to triple the same amount for basic liability (which is the majority chunk of all insurance costs)

[–]Totemhead 2 points3 points ago

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who is they in this statement?

[–]elai 1 point2 points ago

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icbc

[–]opethfan 3 points4 points ago

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I like ICBC. I'm a young male. I would not be able to afford a vehicle if I lived anywhere else. ICBC is not allowed to change rates based on the age or gender of the operator.

[–]crankybadger 2 points3 points ago

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In Ontario you get screwed, and you get screwed harder, those are your options. It's not unusual for a six star driver to be shelling out $2200+ a year if they're in a major metropolitan area. To pay less you have to trim it right back to liability only, so if your car is stolen or burns to the ground you pay for it yourself.

The insurance companies always have an excuse as to why your premiums are going up, like they pull them from a hat. "Higher costs of claims", "9/11", "part costs are increasing", "higher rate of solar flares", and it's just a cash grab.

Insurance in Saskatchewan is cheaper than a monthly parking spot in Toronto. Not surprisingly they have a public option.

[–]kchoboter 1 point2 points ago

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from my experience (being from Manitoba and moving to Ontario), public insurance (Manitoba) is much less expensive than private (Ontario) and gives you better benefits.

[–]mrAsshole 1 point2 points ago

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We have private insurance in Ontario and we pay like 3x the amount you do for insurance, be glad.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 3 points4 points ago

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This was EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you :D

[–]slimatic 3 points4 points ago

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Pro tip for #1 if you live around Vancouver.

Mail everything to the Point Roberts post office. http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w269/joshmend/snapper1183254901169.png

Go pick it up yourself and you avoid any extra costs

[–]Xiaozhu 30 points31 points ago

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I moved to Canada from France a few years ago and I personally didn't regret it. I love my new country!

Expect to go through different phases: a honeymoon phase (everything is new, everything is fun), a hate phase ("nothing is as good as hooooome!!!") and then eventually you will settle for good.

If you really want to live in Canada, you will also have to take care of the legal aspects of it. I assume you are under a student visa, not sure whether you have the right to work or not. You will eventually have to apply for permanent residence, which is basically the equivalent having a green card (you can live, work and study in Canada for as long as you want). After three years, provided you meet various requirements, you may apply for Canadian citizenship.

[–]ballpein 9 points10 points ago

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I would suggest you try not to live on campus while you're at UBC, at least for a while - it's pretty insulated out there, and the surrounding neighbourhoods are pretty bougie, you just won't get the right vibe of Vancouver. I would suggest trying to live around Main Street or Commerical - transit is decent, probably about a 30 minute express bus ride from Commercial, less from Main. Kits is nice and all, but it doesn't really feel like Vancouver to me. Plus, cost of living gets way, way cheaper the further east you go (relatively speaking).

[–]SuperSoggyCereal 1 point2 points ago

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Spot on. I lived in Europe for a year, learned a new language, etc. and went through this exact patter. The honeymoon phase only lasts about a month or so, then I was depressed until I learned the city I was in. Then I wasn't a tourist any more, and it sucked to leave.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 2 points3 points ago

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Most likely no homesick phase xD and thanks for the advice

[–]gagaoolala 20 points21 points ago

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Liquor is dramatically cheaper at the official government stores rather than private stores.

[–]jesuisnapoleon 15 points16 points ago

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It's still ridiculously expensive compared to anywhere in the states. Even compared to the rest of Canada, liquor is more expensive in BC than anywhere else I have been.

[–]neon909 16 points17 points ago

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That's okay because Canadian weed is half as cheap as anywhere in the States and twice as strong :)

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 2 points3 points ago

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So I've heard. I'm not a big drinker, just some whiskey from time to time and Canadian and western European beers...

[–]OriginalSyn 4 points5 points ago

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If you like whiskey try rye. Gibsons is my favourite

[–]blocky 1 point2 points ago

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I like Gibsons. Do they have crown royal in the US? How bout sailer jerry's rum?

[–]option_30 2 points3 points ago

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Big up for Crown Royal.

[–]sinsyder 1 point2 points ago

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Love Crown and Gibsons but the "Aged 12 Years" is bullshit. It's so popular that they bring out the reserves early.

[–]theclansman22 1 point2 points ago

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My favorite rye is Wisers Gold Label.

[–]flashtastic 1 point2 points ago

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Our regular whiskey is rye-whiskey and we just call it rye. As in, "Can I have a rye and coke?"

While you're here order a Caesar at the bar, it's like a bloody mary but with Clamato juice (clam+tomato) and is infinitely better. Get it spicy. I hear they don't have those south of the border.

[–]mathmavin 1 point2 points ago

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Oh! Side note on UBC pubs.

The immediately most visible pub is also the most expensive with mediocre food (Mahoney and Sons).

The Student Union Building (SUB) has 2 pubs (but 3 places to drink). The Pit has more of a club atmosphere, it's where all the under-aged kids try to go, especially for Meat Market Wednesdays (hey, whatever floats your boat). If you're going to drink in the SUB, I'd recommend The Gallery. It's quieter than The Pit (usually), more of a pub atmosphere and has an awesome weeknight bar tender. The Pendulum is the third place, which is a restaurant deal where a beer can be enjoyed with some alright food.

There's 99 chairs on Main Mall, but this is also a Cafeteria type of area. In fact, it's the only place where students can use their food card program thingy to buy booze.

Finally is the hidden Graduate Student Society's pub, Koerner's Pub, located near the Rose Garden. This would be my favourite except for their sadly mediocre food and irregular hours (despite posted regular hours, it's not uncommon to stroll over to the doors for them to be locked). But they do have the best beer prices and the best atmosphere.

[–]jellicle 20 points21 points ago

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You don't need any tips. Canada is similar enough that the transition will be seamless, and the differences are pleasant rather than unpleasant. Except for bagged milk. But I don't think BC has bagged milk.

Do read the immigration rules carefully. You can apply to be a permanent resident under the "canadian experience" guidelines for international students, but you have to time everything carefully to make sure you're always legally in the country.

[–]adaminc 40 points41 points ago

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Go Bag Milk or Die!

-- Southern Ontario

[–]HunterIrked 11 points12 points ago

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I've always lived in Toronto, and until I was at least 13 or 14, I thought milk only came in bags. A carton was a foreign object made for holding orange juice.

[–]Chuckabilly 23 points24 points ago

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Go Die, Southern Ontario!
-- BC
:) Everythings ok with a smiley face

[–]adaminc 25 points26 points ago

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We are going to build the worlds largest trebuchet and launch Milk bags from Ontario to BC.

[–]Airtech77 12 points13 points ago

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..And then we shall taunt you a second time.

[–]adaminc 14 points15 points ago

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I can just picture people in BC sitting around at the park, it is a nice sunny day, they are having picnics and stuff. Then all of a sudden it gets very dark, something very large has blotted out the sun, it has a strange rectangular shape to it.

Then BOOM, and a huge milk tidal wave sweeps across the land!

Victory is ours!

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points ago

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The bag is rectangular?

[–]manitoba98 9 points10 points ago

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[–]adaminc 4 points5 points ago

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I have that same container! As well as 2 others.

[–]Znof 7 points8 points ago

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I think everyone has that container

[–]pkz 2 points3 points ago

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What other shape would a bag be?

[–]Chuckabilly 5 points6 points ago

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We'll have our bags of weed and Oreo's ready for battle!

[–]uhclem 7 points8 points ago

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You throw bags of weed at us, and we throw bags of milk at you? I like the sounds of this battle.

[–]ReleeSquirrel 1 point2 points ago

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That totally sounds like something Ontario would do. Says a guy from Ontario.

[–]english_major 11 points12 points ago

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We had bagged milk in BC when I was a kid, but it was phased out.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]lowenheim 4 points5 points ago

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You can apply to be a permanent resident under the "canadian experience" guidelines for international students

Just to clarify, to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, you also need at least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled position in Canada after graduation (work experience as a student doesn't count). So you need to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit as a bridge between the Study Permit and permanent resident application.

[–]jellicle 3 points4 points ago

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What he said. That's what I mean: read the immigration procedures carefully and plan out what you must do in advance. Write it all down: This month I have to get accepted to school in Canada. This month I have to apply for a student permit. This month I have to apply for a work permit. This month I have to find a job in Canada. This month I have to apply for permanent residence and extend my temporary work permit. Plan it all out in advance. The hoops are not really excessive, but they are hoops, and they are on fire, and if you fail to jump through them properly, you'll get burned.

[–][deleted] ago*

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[deleted]

[–]feyrath 9 points10 points ago

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wreck beach has nudists and drugs, but don't be fooled into thinking its legal. just widely ignored.

your american credit does not give you canadian credit. keep your american credit cards and a free checking account. even if you plan on never moving back, just in case. otherwise you have to rebuild your american credit. Figure out how to transfer money south (paypal, wu), to pay it off. avoid using your us credit card but try to keep it active - once a year or so charge something to it. To get canadian credit, buy a car, cash, but get a loan for a tiny amount (like $1000). pay it off for a year, then apply for some canadian credit cards. ask at a credit counsellor for other ideas.

you can import your car, if you have one, see riv.ca. double check the site before you do. some makes/models can be real hassles and its better just to sell and buy when you move.

any stuff you bring with you is stuff you are importing. check with canada customs.

[–]danglingmodifier[!] 4 points5 points ago

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The nudism is legal, the drugs are not.

[–]salmondance 1 point2 points ago

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Blissful treats to get you buzzed!

[–]mangeof 7 points8 points ago

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Get it OUT of your head that you can abuse the civil justice system for easy money.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 4 points5 points ago

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That is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves. I fight that tooth and nail as it is.

[–]mangeof 2 points3 points ago

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Welcome to Canada :-)

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points ago

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vancouver is a REALLY multicultural place

do not be alarmed

[–]theducks 1 point2 points ago

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Vancouver total population (2001): 1,967,480 Vancouver visible minority population (2001): 725,655 Vancouver aboriginal population (2001): 36,860 Vancouver total non-white population (2001): 762,515 Vancouver percentage of non-white population (2001): 38.76%

I'm happy posting this (even though I found it on stormfront via a google search..) since I'm an immigrant to Vancouver, and I don't see a problem with it. I think it's great - I live in Chinatown (well, Richmond), love Indian food, and it's pretty cool seeing Sikh men carrying daggers in public.

[–]Dillagent 1 point2 points ago

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A darkie! Quick, shoot him!

[–]diablo_man 7 points8 points ago

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I'm in Vancouver pretty often (gulf island boy myself) and its pretty great. if you can though, id recommend getting into UVic if the program is there. living is cheaper, and vancouver island rocks.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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What's UVic?

[–]beeblez 4 points5 points ago*

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UBC, SFU, and UVIC are all very good schools (BC is lucky that way) and all three of them are consistently in the top 10 for Canadian University Rankings. I went to Uvic, and my mom works for UBC, and everything I've experienced about both has been stellar. SFU is for jerks.

Victoria has a very similar social climate to Vancouver, but is a bit more "laid back." Less busy, less going on, but lots of young people and lots of social events. If you're at all out going you'll be plenty busy. I grew up in Vancouver, but graduated from uvic 2ish years ago and have stayed in the city to work. I love it here, but it's a lot sleepier than Vancouver, less exciting in terms of stuff going on. It's also a lot cheaper to live in than Vancouver. It's about a 30 min drive + 1 hour 45 min ferry ride to the mainland, and then about another 45 min to Downtown vancouver. So plan on doing the entire commute in about 3-4 hours each way.

Additionally, the uvic Campus is covered in adorable bunnies. True fact! It's also covered in utterly gorgeous girls in ways that SFU and UBC can only dream of (unless you're super into Asians). If you're a lady, be warned, hippy dudes and nerdy "nice guys" abound.

[–]elai 1 point2 points ago

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I don't like victoria because of it's isolation, it's a $100 round trip by car in ferry fees, and say bye bye to going to the usa for it's one practical advantage (better shopping). If you want something cheaper rent wise just live in a suburb close to a skytrain station in vancouver and take the skytrain, significantly faster and cheaper than commuting from victoria! (Food is cheaper in vancouver, sushi is alot cheaper and you can use your smartphone to figure out the transit system of vancouver vs. victoria) And why would you like the constant rain of BC anyway? It's only nice here 5 months of the year, otherwise its rain, cold and winter jackets and this is the nice part of canada. I just wish canada and the us switched places and canada had the better shopping and it would be perfect!

[–]blocky 1 point2 points ago

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I've been at UVic for 4 years and I can confirm all of this. The city is Vancouver light. Everyone is more laid back, it's pretty standard to hear people thank the bus driver when they get off. There are definitely some good bars (One has a beach volleyball court and a bar on the roof), but still only a small fraction of what's in Vancouver. Much less expensive on the island also.

Oh and the girls at UVic are mostly the ones who wanted to move away from their parents. The ratio of girls to guys enrolled is approx 3:1 (3 girls per guy)

[–]mathmavin 2 points3 points ago*

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University of Victoria. I grew up in Victoria. I consider it a great place to visit, but I'm not exactly sure I could ever live there again.

[–]diablo_man 1 point2 points ago

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university of victoria.

awesome awesome campus, great location, victoria is a great city. often a little easier to get into,pay for than ubc

[–]brentathon 1 point2 points ago

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University of Victoria

[–]calmblueocean 1 point2 points ago

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When Vancouverites need to get out of the city before they go postal they go to Vancouver Island to recuperate. Ahhh, much better. UVic is a great school.

[–]directrix1 7 points8 points ago

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Like hockey.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 9 points10 points ago

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Oh I'm waaaay ahead of you there xD

[–]sylvan 4 points5 points ago

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Something you will encounter here in Vancouver, is something we share culturally with Seattle (a city very similar to ours): it's called the Northwest Chill or Seattle Freeze:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2005/0213/cover.html

http://derek.theblog.ca/is-vancouver-an-unfriendly-city

Essentially, we're generally polite to a fault, but also reserved and it can be difficult to make new friends; people can be a little insular.

That's not true of everyone, and depends on the social circles you travel in.

Good ways to meet people include through school (you've got that one cinched), or site like MeetUp with groups devoted to interests you share.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Thank you! I'm a pretty proficient skier, so gore-tex is already a large portion of my wardrobe, and thanks for the tips of everything for the university and and equipment!

[–]mathmavin 1 point2 points ago

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If you're a skier I'm going to suggest UBC's Varsity Outdoor Club. We do a fairly large amount of back-country skiing at a fraction of the cost of Whistler (yes, even if you stay at the stolen UBC cabin). The majority of my trip this past season, also my first season, were hut trips... I would highly recommend checking out the wiki. It's very beginner friendly, I had a whopping 6 days of resort skiing ever before I started in on VOC lead back-country ski trips. Another plus, after a work-hike is completed for the club (something as easy as cleaning up the club room's library or something more interesting like trail building qualify) equipment rentals are free.

I found the Ski and Board club more or less exists to get their club executives drunk.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Thanks! :D

[–]Foaric 5 points6 points ago*

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Well first up we don't call Universities "Colleges", we call them Universities. :P

Colleges are the more technical places you get a diploma from rather than a degree.

Edit: Spelling, quotes

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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We now call EVERYTHING a university. 'Capilano University' just sounds so wrong to me.

[–]bloobloobloo 12 points13 points ago

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TELL YOUR FRIENDS IT SUCKS

[–]DeliciousWolf 14 points15 points ago

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Never, ever tell people about why America was better than Canada. (Even if it might be true.)

Resist the urge because at first you're going to want to talk all about your life in the United States, which is okay, but Canadians are remarkably thin-skinned about comparisons to the US. It's not that Canadians dislike America/Americans, but we have a bit of an inferiority complex that is a sore point. It's kind of like a younger brother (Canada)/older brother (US) relationship. You love him, but he's a dick.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]DeliciousWolf 5 points6 points ago

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This is because you're dealing with Americans. Americans are inherently hostile to any suggestion that things could be possibly done in a different way - an 'un-American' way. To even suggest there are alternatives (like a single payer healthcare system) is an affront to all things American and America's being 'best in the world' - on everything.

[–]munchbard 5 points6 points ago

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Snow and cold weather CAN and WILL kill you.

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points ago

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When asking for a carbonated beverage, do not say "soda". You'll get looks. It's "pop" up here.

Edit: Unless it's Club Soda.

[–]mrtherapist 19 points20 points ago

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Addition: If you say, "I am getting a Coke." and come back with a carbonated beverage that is not Coke you will be laughed at.

Coke actually refers to Coca-Cola and not to pop.

[–]omguard 16 points17 points ago

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Waiter: What would you like to drink?

Me: I'll have a Coke please

Waiter: Pepsi ok?

Me: Yup, thats cool

[–]MorningNapalm 4 points5 points ago

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From the waiters side, I go word for word through that conversation at least 400 times a day.

[–]BrainInAJar 1 point2 points ago

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what if you changed your mind :(

[–]ReaverXai 23 points24 points ago

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YOU WILL BE LAUGHED OUT OF THE COUNTRY FOR BEING INDECISIVE.

[–]mrtherapist 8 points9 points ago

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"I am going to get a drink."

This is a very common thing to say in Canada when you are not 100% confident in your beverage decision.

[–]necrobot 9 points10 points ago

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No, not really. Born and raised canadian, I call it soda, and no one has ever questioned me.

[–]Sunergy 19 points20 points ago

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Truly, we are a cultural mosaic.

[–]english_major 5 points6 points ago

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I have never heard a Canadian use "soda." It is something I notice as soon as I cross the border, along with, "Wanna sack?" (that is how American store clerks ask if you want a bag for your groceries)

[–][deleted] 13 points14 points ago

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You sir, are an anomaly to me.

[–]kaythetall 2 points3 points ago

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In central Canada, I've only ever heard it called 'soft drink' in person.

[–]shiduke 2 points3 points ago

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Soft drink is an acceptable alternative to pop. Never say coke and try and avoid soda, though.

[–]majeric 1 point2 points ago

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I would go so far as ot say that "soda" is transparent pop. Orange crush can be refered to as 'orange soda" without it being too weird.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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I'm gonna slip up on that one a LOT, especially considering being from California.

[–]jd230 2 points3 points ago

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Don't worry about it. In Vancouver, nobody bats an eye if you say soda. I say it all the time, and the only person who calls me out on it is my wife.

[–]thisis4reddit 1 point2 points ago

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Unless you're in Quebec - then you have to use soda or you get a blank stare.

[–]RedditInVivo 3 points4 points ago

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The differences will be small, but will add up enough to make you a much happier person. Things in BC are especially great, and I'm from Victoria which is extremely close to UBC. Enjoy yourself and don't stress the changes. They're for the best! :)

[–]bCabulon 3 points4 points ago

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Your edit makes you sound naive. Have you spent any time living in Canada in the past? If not, don't be surprised if it doesn't live up to your expectations. Canada's a great country, but it isn't going to be the simple Canada good US bad you seem to expect.

Be prepared for mild culture shock and possibly even something like paris syndrome.

[–]redstreak 3 points4 points ago

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I love Canada too, but I think you may be looking at it through rose-coloured glasses. We are not all that different from Americans as a people and our government is just as infuriating as yours in many ways. I know you weren't looking for this kind of advice, and you probably don't need it, but I would like to say this: Enjoy being where you are. Take advantage of the sites and attractions around you (as much as you can, being in college) If you live always looking toward the future you will miss out on the good things you could be enjoying today.

[–]fungz0r 8 points9 points ago

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UBC is a great university, you will love it there, great campus, great students. I've live in Canada all my live, namely in Vancouver so I'm pretty biased as to how awesome it is here. Main thing I really like about Vancouver is that you can drink the tap water, yes you can turn on the tap and drink the water! Haven't been to another city where I was able to do that. Only drawback i'd say is that the price of living here is quite high, as is the price to fill up your oil tank. Vancouver probably has one of the most expensive gas in Canada.

[–]majeric 12 points13 points ago

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Sssssshhh... Don't tell everyone.

Vancouver is a horrible place. THe crime rate is AWWWEFUL. People are just dying in the streets all the time. It's virtual lawless up here. Stabbings, shootings, candy being stolen from babies.

[–]sheldybear 3 points4 points ago

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Dogs and cats living together; it's anarchy!

[–]mizike 10 points11 points ago

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yes you can turn on the tap and drink the water!

You're just used to the taste of Vancouver water, I'm sure it's not significantly cleaner than the water in your average Canadian city. I've lived in and visited places where you actually can't drink the water and none of them were in Canada.

[–]danglingmodifier[!] 1 point2 points ago

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It does taste better though. I've lived in many different places, but whenever I go back to BC, I can drink the tap water no problem. If I've been away for awhile and I come back to Southern Ontario? Its no good.

[–]ledsam 5 points6 points ago

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It's true, BC water tastes great. There's an International Water Tasting Competition every year in West Virginia, and since 2005 at least one BC town (usually two) has been in the top 3 in the world for Municipal Water.

http://www.berkeleysprings.com/water/awards2.htm

Big ups to my home municipality of Clearbrook! 2nd in 2007, tied for 1st in 2008 and 1st in 2009.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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I've heard that it is actually drinkable throughout all of Canada, but BC has the best. Here my water is slick and has oil and shit floating around it in...

[–]StoicRomance 3 points4 points ago

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But one of the best transit systems to offset that.

[–]seanhallaren 3 points4 points ago

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It is entirely possible (and reasonable) to not own a car in Vancouver, which is nice, because it IS very expensive otherwise.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]Bender248 8 points9 points ago

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Well I can understand your wish to move to Canada however I think you are a bit misguided. Canada isn't that different from the US. You might want to move here for a more socialist type of government unless you want to move to Quebec then you will really feel like you're in a different country.

Few things you need to know.

Beside Vancouver sky train (which isn't that great) public transit is very lacking and not of great quality but that's mostly due to the size of most cities.

Canadian history isn't glorious at all. In the US you have the founding fathers and a very rich and proud history of justice democracy and church/state separation, however seems like no one remembers any of it. Here we have French colonization, native killing, British conquest, British oppression and we constantly take the stance of a lap dog. History here is very polarized and some issues still very much alive. (I might get down voted just for talking about Quebec).

Education is going to cost you an arm and a leg unless you get your citizenship then it might be a bit more affordable, that is a major factor because if you want to be a university teacher you will be required to get a phd. Another way to go about that is if you move to QC and manage to stay there for a year you will be elligible for a QC residentship which gets you all the provincial benefits (think lowest tuition fee).

Anyway good luck with your endeavor but I think you might be going at this for the wrong reasons, you might want to try San Francisco first, they are more progressive than the federal government we have here.

[–]swordgeek 13 points14 points ago

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As a Canadian I say this: Stay there.

No offense, you understand - it's just that I'd rather see Americans stay home and FIX their country, rather than abandon it, letting the problem fester and get worse for the rest of the world.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 8 points9 points ago

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Honestly, trying to fix everything over here is only getting worse, and the way I see it, the world breaking it's massive dependence on the US would be greatly beneficial for all parties involved. This does not mean we should let the country rot, but be more wary, and hopefully humble the US a bit...

[–]rotidder 9 points10 points ago

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Perhaps you can try moving to the Washington state instead of immigrating? I heard the climate there is pretty similar to BC, and people's general attitude, behavior and thought is probably as close to Canadians as Americans will get. And you can easily drive over to Vancouver from Seattle (~3 hours journey) for beer and food and what not if you so desire. Try to get a job that provides health care there, and I would imagine, in that situation, your life wouldn't be that dramatically different from that of a regular British Columbian.

And by the way, trying to become a tenured professor, especially in the Arts subjects (and in UBC, one of the best universities in Canada no less), is a pretty daunting undertaking. I would encourage you to think thrice before really going forward with your immigration plans.

Remember, the grass is always greener on the other side.

[–]bdelgado 3 points4 points ago

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Indeed. This original post has a strong whiff of naiveté.

[–]majeric 1 point2 points ago

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You've seen the map of "The United Stats of Canada" and "Jesusland"... It will happen!

[–]porcuswallabee 2 points3 points ago

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Shave your beaver.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Sweet! I'll certainly look you up!

[–]paraedolia 2 points3 points ago

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Start the immigration paperwork NOW! Takes for-fucking-ever.

[–]mattgrande 2 points3 points ago

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I prefer Canadian transit

Hahahaha, that's adorable.

[–]waterwingz 21 points22 points ago

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Why do so many American believe they can just move to Canada to live there? How many of them think its okay for Mexicans to come north and just live in the USA? Not many, I'll bet.

[–]iamunderstand 35 points36 points ago

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How many Canadians are going to be bitter and hateful about it? None.

And that's the difference between us.

[–]Sirkkus 56 points57 points ago

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Because they're welcome? We don't have to share their closed immigration policies.

[–]Xiaozhu 6 points7 points ago

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You are so true! Can't believe how many times I argued with Americans about that... "But we have a NAFTA agreement" - yeah, well, I still need to do quite a lot of paperwork if I want to come live in the U.S, so it's the same for you.

[–]exotics 4 points5 points ago

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paper work for Canadians to go to the USA is much tougher than for an American to come here... I know.. I married one! we looked into the process each way.. because I refused to go to the states - and because it was WAY more difficult (they actually suggested getting an immigration lawyer to go Canada to USA, but not the other way around)

my husband moved here. know what? he got free health care from the moment he arrived and wasnt even a legal resident.

[–]Spazsquatch 2 points3 points ago*

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My wife and I have done it both directions and it isn't any harder or easier in either direction. Lots of paperwork, lot of waiting, a few silly formalities, a little more paperwork and bam!

Edit: Into the US was pre 9/11, so my opinion might be outdated.

[–]exotics 1 point2 points ago

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yup.. ours was after.

[–]hempoilguy 10 points11 points ago

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maybe we need some Arizona legislation to stop dem mericans from coming in here and stealing our jobs and beer.

[–][deleted] 30 points31 points ago

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We don't need a fence we have a calendar, specifically November through February, to keep illegals out.

[–]swilts 1 point2 points ago

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Dey Took er snow!

[–]hasavagina 5 points6 points ago

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day turk our jarbs!

[–]majeric 4 points5 points ago

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Well, it's horribly convenient of them to provide a clear division of desirable americans and undesirable americans. They even label themselves with a cute little picture of a donkey and an elephant so we can clearly distinguish between the two.

[–]SarcasmOrgasm 3 points4 points ago

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Welcome to BC, the best part of Canada(haters gonna hate). I moved here from California as well. I feel the exact same as you towards politics and culture. I much prefer Canadian politics and Canadian beer. No regrets here, I love this country. Been here 2 years, and have never looked back.

[–]glacierfresh 2 points3 points ago

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[–]pseudotype 1 point2 points ago

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Come on back here some time. We are getting better, and we are right next door. Don't be a stranger buddy, OK?

[–]blocky 1 point2 points ago

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Try the sushi at Omio Japan in the UBC village.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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My step brother has also highly recommended this place :D

[–]mathmavin 2 points3 points ago

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Can I suggest One More Sushi in the village? It's better sushi for the same price... Tokyo John on Cambie has even better food for the same price as either of these places in the village.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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As many as you like :D

[–]ornithomimosaurus 1 point2 points ago

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I hear they have good weed. Look into it.

[Neil Young is from Canada. 20 points to Canada]

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 2 points3 points ago

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On it ;)

[–]greekseligne 1 point2 points ago

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Does Canada need any more people?

[–]glacierfresh 2 points3 points ago

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If you're ready to work, study, or do something with your time here. The rest we don't need. People originally came here because they wanted to contribute and make something for themselves, and now it seems like our good faith attitude about the world gets taken advantage of by all kinds of leeches. Come here if you want to DO something. That's what Canada is about. Just fuckin' giviner.

[–]sonofarex 1 point2 points ago

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3 Canadian beer = 5 or 6 American beer...

[–]crankybadger 1 point2 points ago

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If you're used to Miller Light and you try a Fin Du Monde, it might take only one. Those Unibroue brewers are like mad scientists, but their stuff is spectacular. This isn't some trashy over-proof beer like Labatt Maximum Ice, either.

I do laugh at the "Canadian strength" versions of American beer you see now and then, 4.5% vs. 3%.

[–]glacierfresh 1 point2 points ago

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UBC? .study all day at Wreck Beach.

[–]timprague 1 point2 points ago

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Bring a coat.

[–]skeena1 1 point2 points ago

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[–]AmandaKerik 1 point2 points ago

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Not that anyone's going to see this, but: BC = Bring Cash.

Take a look at the prices for houses, and the prices for rent. Yeah, ouch. If you can afford it, though, it's worth it!

[–]ellemmbee 1 point2 points ago

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Be friendly and smile a lot. You will fit right in.

[–]Juggernath 2 points3 points ago

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If living on the coast, buy winter tires for your vehicle. Vancouver seems to shut down with a foot of snow. Buy winter tires, maybe some chains, and beat the rush of people stuck in the ditch.

[–]seanhallaren 2 points3 points ago

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Vancouver shuts down if someone so much as has a scary dream about snow.

[–]majeric 2 points3 points ago

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You haven't lived in Victoria if you think Vancouver is bad. Victoria has one snow plow for the entire Greater Victoria Area.

[–]BrainInAJar 2 points3 points ago

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Vancouver seems to shut down with a foot of snow.

Vancouver shuts down with any snow. For the 2 days a year it snows people freak out and wonder what this white stuff falling from the sky is, and assume it's the apocalypse so they run their cars off the road (ever seen "left behind" ? Better prevent that )

[–]Juggernath 1 point2 points ago

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I laugh at the coasties. Than thank the gods I'm not on the prairies freezing to death.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 2 points3 points ago

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I have a car, but it seems a bit erroneous considering the flawless transit system of Vancouver and BC in general...

[–]xenucide 2 points3 points ago

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You're hilarious! I hate Translink with a fiery passion. It's fine if you live and stay in Vancouver, though.

[–]opethfan 1 point2 points ago

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I take it you live in the Burbs too, eh?

[–]bardak 1 point2 points ago

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flawless transit system of Vancouver

Whoa slow down there. I would say that Vancouver has a good transit system but I would not call it great let alone perfect.

[–]Tophersaurus168[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Compared to San Francisco? Oh ya.

[–]Juggernath 1 point2 points ago

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The transit in the East Kootenays here is quite flawed. Cranbrook has a basic, over priced system, Kimberley has a system for pretty much disabled and elderly only. Sure it's great in the city but out here it's useless. That's also my beef with the carbon tax. We pay for gas to convince us to use transit when there is no transit available in our area, but that's another debate for a more appropriate thread.