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[–]Testamint 6 points7 points ago

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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.

[–]sibtiger 0 points1 point ago

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I'm pretty sure that if you have spent 4 years in Canada going to university and then get a job in your field there is another route to permanent residency that bypasses a lot of the skilled worker requirements.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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Well, even if I can't become a citizen, spending three years legally in Canada permits you to apply for Permanent Residency. I could get a work/study visa and just wait. Then, once I'm a Permanent Resident, I can always come back to Canada.

[–]daisy0808 2 points3 points ago

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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!

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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I thought about Dalhousie.

[–]daisy0808 0 points1 point ago

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Do you have an idea of what you'd like to study? Each school has its own merits. Acadia and St. Fx are consistently rated the top 5 undergrad universities in Canada. Dal is good for professional degrees, and sciences. St. Mary's has the best business school. The Mount has mostly women (it used to be a Catholic women's college at one point) so if you are looking to meet a gal (possible marriage!) the ratio is in your favour.

I went to Dalhousie myself, so I am biased towards it. There's plenty of variety to study since it's a big school, but first and second year classes can be quite large. It's also right in the city, so location is very convenient. (As is St. Mary's)

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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I'm currently looking towards computer engineering or journalism. That's why I like UBC so much.

[–]HighRisk 0 points1 point ago

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I graduated Mechanical Engineering from UBC, and I can't encourage UBC engineering enough. Engineering at UBC was recently rated one of the very best in Canada... plus, it's freaking Vancouver.

As a whole, the faculty is surprisingly tight-knit and active, with lots of different clubs / projects to get involved in (if you choose). I've done a fair amount of outreach (to local colleges mostly) on behalf of Mech. Eng, but most of the points we cover apply to everyone. I grew up in Alberta, so I can probably also speak to some of the "student in a new city" questions, but less so to the "international student' questions.

If you like, I can answer anything else you might want to know too.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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I know, right? I want my iron ring (something Americans don't do). I want to use metric units with companies from around the globe and not have to dumb myself down for the carpenters/assemblers. I want to drink at 19.

[–]j1ggy 0 points1 point ago

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Just so you know, imperial is still used for many things here, including carpentry.

[–]inyouraeroplane 1 point2 points ago

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But at least you guys understand it.

People here, even if you're trying to install shelving that came with metric directions, will ask you "How many inches is that?" We don't have any idea how far a kilometer is. You can't quote Celsius degrees without people saying "That's what in Fahrenheit."

It's so damn annoying. It makes more sense to use base 10. Imagine if we counted in base 4, 8, 16, or 5280 and changed between them depending on what we were talking about. It would be so impossible to do anything.

[–]dmacpher 0 points1 point ago

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There is more to being Canadian aside from the politeness, drinking and median nature. Its a very conflicted country. There is no common goal. To me it feels like a country in turmoil that refuses to choose sides so that the conversation will continue.

If youd like a really strange experience Wwoof(http://www.wwoof.ca/) in BC. Road trip the prairies. Explore Toronto's ethnic neighboUrhoods. Get drunk in Montreal Or Hallifax and get a job as a liftie(Free seasons pass, easy work, few credentials needed) At BC ski resort.

Ive left Canada to travel and its always been perspective changing. But its amazing how different each prov,region,city,class really blows your mind.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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I know about the whole "Canadian identity" struggle and subsequent requirements of Canadian content (very strict, IMO).

But I'll take no goal over "Colonize...er, uh, I mean liberate the hearts and minds and natural resources of every human being and society on the planet in our new global empire... I mean, country. WE'RE NOT BEING IMPERIALIST!"

[–]SuperSoggyCereal 0 points1 point ago

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Most expensive school in Canada, and for a foreign student it'll probably cost you close to $30 000 a year just for tuition and fees.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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30 grand! That's a steal. Some out of state places here cost about 30K a year. The whole UC system, New York University, University of Chicago.

All over 30 thousand a year.

[–]SuperSoggyCereal 0 points1 point ago

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That doesn't include residence, food, or extraneous expenses. Residence and food will tack on about $3 000-4 000 a semester (at least).

I realize it's not the worst compared to schools in the States, but depending on your specific program there may be cheaper and probably better schools.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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UBC then? A province school, good for engineering, cheaper city than anywhere in the Maritimes.

[–]SuperSoggyCereal 0 points1 point ago

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If you want engineering go to University of Waterloo. End of story. KW is also a pretty alright city (Guelph is better, I went to school there), is reasonably close to Toronto, and has a fantastic farmer's market. The only downside is that the city and its entire surrounding region are Conservative, but really that shouldn't affect your day-to-day life that much.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago* 

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KW? Kitchener-Waterloo?

There are always conservative parts of even the most liberal places, California has Bakersfield, New York has everywhere that isn't NYC, Buffalo, or Albany (that one large city is what keeps them Democratic), Illinois has a lot of non-Chicago land.

Let's also note that none of those states has legal same-sex marriage, but for some reason, Iowa does.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]adaminc 5 points6 points ago

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College in Canada is cheap, University isn't as cheap. They are completely different things btw.

[–]j1ggy 0 points1 point ago

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College in Canada != College in the US. Slightly different meanings.

[–]j1ggy 6 points7 points ago

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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.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points ago

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Anti-native racism is still really bad in Canada, people just don't talk about it much. Especially on the prairies.

[–]Hongcouver 1 point2 points ago

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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.

[–]MechaBlue 4 points5 points ago

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Marry a Canadian, for immigration purposes preferably of the opposite gender.

I know someone who took this route (well, married for love and then immigrated). It took hella long time and he said he was told that it would have been faster if he had not been married because he had to prove that it wasn't merely a marriage of convenience.

Anecdotal, yes, but look into it before making any decisions.

[–]Xaeres 1 point2 points ago

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True. I actually visited a friend in Calgary and sent to one of her friend's birthday parties who is from England and was knocked up by a guy in Lethbridge. They were saying how there has to be an 18 month investigation to make sure it's not a scam, the guy has to have X amount of money in his bank, and she has to stay at her parent's house once a week. Seems like such a hassle.

[–]antlion 0 points1 point ago

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I married and immigrated, and you're right -- it is NOT a fast route, or an easy one.

[–]Hongcouver 0 points1 point ago

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Yeah, I have heard this, but it is sort of a 'loophole' if not qualified on any other basis.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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I've never been east of the Rockies, are the other parts of Canada really more polite?

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

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This guy is full of shit, Easterners are no more polite than British Columbians. If anyhting they are far less polite, especially on the prairies.

[–]Hongcouver 0 points1 point ago

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Damned if I know, Americans seem to think so.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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British Columbians are less polite? Where the fuck did you get an idea that retarded? Have you been to Calgary, Toronto or Winnipeg?

[–]Hongcouver 0 points1 point ago

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Never been east of Sask. myself but I have been told by people, particularly from Ontario, that they find BC'ers a cold bunch. Maybe that doesn't qualify as 'rude' but what the hell is the definition of rude anyway?

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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Those people are wrong.

[–]CdnGuy 0 points1 point ago

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Not in my experience, though it could just be Vancouver being used to paint the whole province. I lived in Vancouver for over a year and found the people there to be very cold. People at your job were great, but people always seemed to prefer to avoid conversations with strangers.

Being a newcomer to the city that was just fantastic

[–]Xaeres 0 points1 point ago

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I've been to Calgary, was only there for 2 weeks got there the 1st of July, they weren't too bad. I was staying in what people call the "ghetto of Calgary" which is NE. Looks nothing like the ghetto of Cincinnati but whatever, they were fairly nice people to me. There were a few jackasses everywhere I went, every place in the world will have them somewhere, but mostly everyone was nice. However a buddy I met there said that Winnipeg was full of rude people.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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Only problem with the "Marry a First Nations woman from Nunavut" plan; I would have to live in Nunavut. That's worse than staying in America as far as I'm concerned. Now, in a place where you have a median between 24 hours of sunlight and blizzard in complete darkness, I would certainly marry a Canadian.

I thought McGill was fairly interested in American students. I would have to learn French though. That's a big deal breaker.

UBC has contacted me with "Have you considered an international college experience?" flyers and such. They must have a passing interest in me. It's also quite a bit cheaper than American universities. I could go to University of Texas for about the same price, that's only because of in-state tuition.

[–]civildefense -1 points0 points ago

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yes there is "leniency" in that an american doesnt need a visa, you can come in and stay for up to 6 months without one.

I have been here 6 years and i can honestly say, the CRTC can go fuck itself. fine.. I said it. so there.

[–]Hongcouver 0 points1 point ago

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OP was asking about permanent resident status leading to citizenship, the 6 month deal works both ways but you are not entitled to vote or avail yourself of social services while 'visiting' the neighbouring country. Yes indeed the CRTC can go fuck itself, I would say the same about the US gov't but saying so on the internet or at the pub with friends is different from forming a lobbying group to influence gov't. For instance the ambitions of some Muslims in Canada petitioning to allow Sharia civil law principles to govern themselves with makes me grid my teeth.

[–]Reed_Solomon 0 points1 point ago

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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!"

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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Since I'm fed up for political reasons, could I possibly get a refugee status?

I also have no intention of renouncing my US citizenship. I would only use it to vote absentee.

[–]Reed_Solomon 0 points1 point ago

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no you can only get refugee status for certain nations where its obvious that there are refugees escaping from something.

[–]zjtihmm 0 points1 point ago

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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.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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I figure if I go to college for three years, I could go home for Christmas or Spring Break after I've spent three years in the country (that's the requirement, right?) and apply for permanent residency at the consulate in Dallas. Maybe even just go to Detroit or Cleveland.

[–]zjtihmm 0 points1 point ago

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You'll find that if you go to other areas of the US, they're nowhere near what Texas is like. I have a lot of family in Texas, and going there is like a completely different universe.

And no, 3 years in country is for citizenship (I believe), not permanent residency.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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So how long is it before you can get a Permanent Resident card?

[–]zjtihmm 0 points1 point ago

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You can apply whenever. You don't have to live in the country for any period of time.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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But are there qualifications on that? Do you need a work or study or skilled worker status to even get a Permanent Resident card?

[–]zjtihmm 1 point2 points ago

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You have to check the CIC website. There's a sort of "point" system that determines whether or not you are qualified for Permanent Residency.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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And doesn't it take years to get approved for Permanent Residence.

Now, I'm not saying I will do this, but how long can I stay in Canada "on vacation" or with an expired visa before they come and deport me. Since I'm American, I would guess I might be able to blend in better.

[–]zjtihmm 1 point2 points ago* 

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It can, or it can take a few months. It all depends on the traffic load for that year, what they're looking for, etc. That's why I said apply from outside the country, because it is advised against leaving once you apply from inside Canada. Meaning you could be prevented from visiting/going home for a long time, like myself.

A visitor can stay in the country for 6 months without any paperwork (from what I've read).

Dude, just go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/ They will have any information you want. It takes a lot of paperwork and qualifications to immigrate to another country, along with money, and even then you're not guaranteed to get legal status. Maybe you should look into other states first? Much less effort to move that way. There are parts of the country that are vastly different from where you live, and Canada is absolutely not without its own beaurocratic problems and religious/political fundies.

[–]genericuser1 0 points1 point ago

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Texan here. Concur.

[–]SuperSoggyCereal 0 points1 point ago

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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 0 points1 point ago

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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 points0 points ago

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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).

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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Zip.ca and torrents are your friends.

[–]Gonzobot 2 points3 points ago

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What I mean is, you pay three times as much per month for service, PLUS you get capped to boot!

I'm talking a ten meg cable line, for just shy of $100 monthly, that is capped at 80 gigs. I've never heard of anything like it in the states.

[–]Xlyfer 0 points1 point ago

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Really? where do you live? I live in Greater Vancouver and my internet is 15Mb cable for $45 monthly, the cap is at 125GB but I've doubled that many times without any repercussion.

[–]Gonzobot 3 points4 points ago

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Ontario. Rogers is entirely made up of fuckers.

Who's your provider? I'd love to see if they're available over here too. Rogers decided this year that they can charge up to $50 in overage per month. I decided to stop paying them. :)

[–]Xlyfer 0 points1 point ago

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using Shaw Cable.

[–]inyouraeroplane 0 points1 point ago

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We're getting there. AT&T has stopped unlimited iPhone plans and now you can't go over 2GB.