going to Canada (live, married, visa)

[kitty71]

Darrenfromalberta:

I have a friend who eventually plans to move to Red Deer - do you think she will have difficulty finding affordable housing, or, should I say a house, period, LOL...

Is it becoming just as expensive there as Calgary?

[geos]

Originally Posted by Darrenfromalberta

My opinion. Either city is a great choice. I live in Red Deer. Which is directly between Calgary and Edmonton. It's roughly a 1 hour drive either way.

I have to ask, HOW do you deal with all that cold??? Here in NYC we've had a pretty mild winter until recently. Now after only a week or 2 of 10o-20oF weather (and no snow) I'm ready to jump out the window (tho flying to FL is a more attractive alternative).

[geos]

I've heard (from a Candian friend) Quebec is the easiest province to get into because of a declining population. Knowing French is a BIG bonus.

[Fox Terrier]

Originally Posted by dullnboring

It's easier to immigrate to Canada than it is to immigrate to the United States. Their immigration laws are more liberal. There is a link somewhere on this website that I can't seem to find that someone posted, that directs you to a Canadian government website where you can take a free test to see if you'd qualify for a skilled worker visa. You had to score a 67 to "pass" and be considered for a skilled worker visa. I scored a 65 and I'm not particularly skilled in anything so I was surprised by that. And going back through my answers and tweaking some of them, I realized I could easily pass if I simply achieved basic or moderate proficiency in French. I'm sure immigration is much harder and involves more aspects than this little online test, but it's a good beginning step to sort of see where you stand. Basically, you get more points the more educated you are, if you speak English, French or both, if you have a job lined up, and if you have family already in Canada.

Now if only I could find the link...

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizen/howto-e.html

[Nea1]

We would love to relocate to Cnada, but no money to. I dont know if a company would hire a Project Manager in Construction there.

[mrvgs]

Do you need a job if you own property and rent it out. Can you run your own business in Canada and become a citizen so a person from the US could have duel citizenship? I would like to have a place in the Vancouver Islands for retirement someday and it would be nice to be a duelie. Does anyone know? Also what is life like in Nova Scotia?

[dreameyes]

Hi there.
Can't help you with your first couple of questions although I don't see how it would be a problem. My friend lives in Canada and she has American Citenzenship.
Anyways Vancouver Island is a great choice for a retirement home. I've been there and it is awesome. My sister and brother in law live in NS and they like it there. I've been there too. It's quite layed back and very beautiful and I think would be a good place for retirement. Halifax is quite an old city. The buildings and architecture are very unique and interesting. Dartmouth which is just across the harbour from Halifax is a very quaint little city. Very beautiful place, gorgeous old homes. Very affordable also. The winters can be quite hard to take but overall the weather is quite mild. Don't think I could handle those winters though? I've heard they can be pretty brutal.

[charlie1]

Just a couple of comments regarding moving to Canada. Check out the govt websites and you'll find out all you need in advance.
The big issues is working and not being a burden on the Canadian Health care system.
Yes, anyone can own property but that has nothing to do with your abililty to work in Canada
Unlike the US greencard, in Canda you get a work permit for a specified period of time, location, position and company.
As some of the other posters have already said particuly in the West, Alberta and BC are seeing a lot of growth and need a variety of skills and trade people. You might be able to pick up the papers and conatct them for help in immigration.
Goodluck

[mrvgs]

Is property management connsidered a job? Or do you needto work for a company? Is being self employed considered a job? Thanks for the input everybody.

[Canuck73]

Just curious: Where in the US are you living now???