Is it becoming impossible for Americans to move to Canada? (university, live)

[MimzyMusic]

The way immigration is being restricted - will I have to be a millionaire or have some really in-demand degree to move from Oregon to Vancouver, BC?

Will they just close the door on immigrants in general? Is moving there a pipe-dream in the 21st century?

[Cornerguy1]

Is it impossible for Americans to move to Canada?

Of course not.

Canada welcomes upwards of 250,000 new immigrants every year, but there is no special line just for Americans; they get to treated just like everyone else.

Canada's immigration policy is chiefly aimed at benefiting Canada. If you meet the established thresholds, you'll be welcomed.

[minibrings]

You just have to do your research, CIC website, and pass the points test and the physical. It is actually much harder for someone to migrate to the US.
There are already quite a few threads on CD on people asking questions about moving to the land of mounties, Timmy's, Butter Tarts, Poutine, Ketchup Chips, Nanaimo bars, Swiss Chalet special sauce... yum. Im making myself hungry

[KevK]

Originally Posted by MimzyMusic

The way immigration is being restricted - will I have to be a millionaire or have some really in-demand degree to move from Oregon to Vancouver, BC?

Will they just close the door on immigrants in general? Is moving there a pipe-dream in the 21st century?

Unlike the United States, Canada wants immigrnats that will work and contribute to Canada. They don't want the uneducated, loafers and people looking for a handout.

[Kristan]

Um... on a side note....

...I have a couple of questions:

(a) Does the application process really take 2 years, or are there ways to shorten it (or, alternately, ways to inadvertently lengthen it)?

(b) From what I can tell from playing with the automated questionnaire device over at the Immigration Canada website, I think I may have enough points to qualify. Does Canada still accept *everyone* who has enough points, and who also otherwise meets the requirements (ie: no criminal record, etc.) ?

(c) I have an A.A. degree (2 year college degree), and I'm now enrolled in a 4-year university, where I'll be for the next 2-3 years getting a B.A. ... would having only an A.A. at the time of application be a stigma somehow, even if the points requirement was met?

[Deezus]

Originally Posted by KevK

Unlike the United States, Canada wants immigrnats that will work and contribute to Canada. They don't want the uneducated, loafers and people looking for a handout.

We don't really want that either, unfortunately we share borders with Mexico and Canada..Just kidding.

I lived in Canada for four years as a kid when my dad got a job working at a semiconductor plant in Edmonton, Alberta in the late 80s. Even though he was completely qualified and recruited by the company there was still a mountain of red-tape for US citizens to get a work permit in Canada, even back then..Doesn't Canada still give preference to immigrants from countries in the Commonwealth. It's still probably easier than immigrating to the US, though..I've known many legal immigrants who are still dealing with the bureaucay of the US immigration system.

If you're Australian however, you can always move to Whistler..

[Cha Ching]

Originally Posted by minibrings

You just have to do your research, CIC website, and pass the points test and the physical. It is actually much harder for someone to migrate to the US.
There are already quite a few threads on CD on people asking questions about moving to the land of mounties, Timmy's, Butter Tarts, Poutine, Ketchup Chips, Nanaimo bars, Swiss Chalet special sauce... yum. Im making myself hungry

Don't forget dill pickle dip and the GOOD Mike's (the kind with the vodka!). All we get down here is some lame malt liquor version.

[Robynator]

Originally Posted by Deezus

Doesn't Canada still give preference to immigrants from countries in the Commonwealth.

No, there's no preference at all, and it doesn't make it any easier, either.

[west_end_don]

Originally Posted by Deezus

If you're Australian however, you can always move to Whistler..

Lots of Aussies out there!
That seems to be the entry point for Australian under 30!