Any advice for an American teenager looking to immigrate?

Testamint · 1 year

Applicants wishing to immigrate to Canada are judged on a point system, described here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-factors.asp

As an American, you'll get points for being fluent in English. If you speak French, you'll get extra points, too. To earn the bulk of your points, though, you'll want to be a skilled worker with a high level of education. Basically, this means earning a degree (grad school gives you even more points) and having ~4 years of work experience.

Occasionally, Canada loosens the rules for occupations that are in high demand. In 2010, the following occupations got a shortcut:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp

I imagine they may repeat the process again, so all other things being equal, it may be worthwhile to consider an occupation on the list if your primary goal is immigrating to Canada.

There's even a eligibility quiz, though as an unskilled student, you're unlikely to meet the requirements:

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

Attending university in Canada is a decent way of getting introduced to the country and potentially making the contacts that will help you down the road (an offer of employment in Canada is often necessary to immigrate as a skilled worker). So if you're keen on the idea, it's certainly a good start.

daisy0808 · 1 year

I'm from Halifax, and we have a large number of foreign students attending our universities, which makes it easy for students to fit in. Our cost of living is a lot lower here, but job prospects are not as good as in Toronto or Calgary. However, it's a great place to study. You may want to check out St. Mary's University - they have the largest number of international students.

We also have Dalhousie University, Mount St. Vincent, NSCAD (Art college) and some technical schools. Close by is Acadia U in Wolfville, and St. Francis Xavier in Antigonish. We certainly have no shortage of schools!

adaminc · 1 year

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j1ggy · 1 year

Racism isn't anywhere near as bad, although not non-existant. The one thing you'll notice right away is there are a LOT of people from all races and cultures, not just a lot from one or two. Religious fanaticism like you see at home isn't anywhere near as high either, people are a lot more liberal minded. I'm from Alberta and the rest of Canada thinks we're all right-wing nut cases, which isn't entirely true. In reality, we're further left than your democrats would be.

Hongcouver · 1 year

No, there is no 'leniency' for Americans. As a student you will not get permanent residence. You might have a remote chance if you join the US military and desert seeking asylum (anyone now what the situation is currently on this?). You have (I'm assuming) no desirable skills or education. Used to be if you had $500,000 to invest in Canada you could apply for citizenship as an entrepreneur, or if you were a refugee from a recognized distressed state or repressive political system. Otherwise your eligibility is based on a point system, Google will lead you to a gov't website that you can see how you score. Citizenship is out as part of 'family reunification' if you do not have family to sponsor you.

So being an American you might be inclined to ask, 'Where's my loophole?' So here it is:

Marry a Canadian, for immigration purposes preferably of the opposite gender. Better even to marry a status aboriginal citizen of Nunavit (this should generate some some controversy here).

Don't even think about UBC as an option unless you can foot the bill AND have an incredible academic record, you are competing for entry with the brightest and wealthiest of Asia for the privilege of attending.

Now given you have decided to forsake your own country, because like so many other people have discovered, it is easier to move than to stay and improve the situation at home, and you do manage to gain permanent residency, I have a favour to ask of you.

I really don't mind folks who move to Canada, from wherever, but for the sake of everyone, keep your yap shut until you have been here long enough (>20years) before expressing an opinion on how things 'could be better'. You fled your own country so you are not qualified to beak off about your new home until you've done some time educating yourself about it.

Oh, and that legendary Canadian politeness you have heard so much about doesn't apply to British Columbians. Fuck you to all you 'polite' easterners who think they qualify as such.

Reed_Solomon · 1 year

advice? I dunno. If you're old enough to move out and go to university, well, I'm sure you'd be more than welcome in Canada for that. I recommend not rushing into anything. The grass always looks greener on the other side (except in winter, where the snow always looks .. whiter?) , but there are problems in Canada just as there are in the USA. Plus you still have to deal with bullshit coming out of America. You think they don't try to influence our laws? ACTA/DMCA type laws, anyone? Its be far more frustrating having to realise that America's influence spreads outside your borders, and not being a citizen, theres little you can do about it.

One of the easiest way to become a Canadian is perhaps to marry one, I guess. Go to university, fall in love, get married, voila.

There is no ease of entry for Americans to become Canadians, because.. well, probably because it rarely happens often enough that anyone thinks its necessary. "You're an American who wants to be Canadian? Well,shucks, thats so nice of you to say!"

zjtihmm · 1 year

No leniency--in fact, it can be more difficult for United States citizens to achieve Permanent Residency because there are so damn many of us trying to get into Canada. I am married to a Canadian citizen and I'm in month 8 of waiting for my Permanent Residency with absolutely no word from the CIC on where my application is in the process. Apply from outside the country--it takes less time (in most cases), and if not, at least you're still "home". As an applicant from inside the country, it is advised that you do not leave the country while you're application is processing, because if they decide not to let you back in, your application is forfeit. While there are exceptions to the processing time, expect it to take a while.

SuperSoggyCereal · 1 year

First, we call them universities here, because that's what they are. All the schools of good repute are named University of Y or X University. Colleges are for technical programs, diplomas, and things like nursing. Universities are for sciences, fine arts, etc.

Montreal has cheap rent and is a great place to be. I moved here recently. However, if you come to Montreal, make an effort to learn French. Please, please, God, make an effort to learn French. And by make an effort, i mean learn French.

chironshands · 1 year

I am also an American, making plans for a move to Canada. I've finished with school, but I'm going to look into getting permanent resident status because of my skills that fall under the category of "Stuff Canada Wants". It's too bad, but I don't think there's an immigration system geared for people who are fed up with the political landscape in their homecountry.

Gonzobot · 1 year

Immigration is when foreigners come into my country. You want to emigrate. I would suggest learning about this sort of thing, because Canada doesn't put up with fuckwits NEARLY as much as the US does.

Other than that, though, get on up here eh! Just don't be surprised when your internet and cell phone costs three times as much, and you don't get any of your favorite things (like Netflix GAH).

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