How does one become an expat? (employment, legal, Canada, border)

[Vanessa_456]

I have always wanted to relocate to Canada (although I have no family ties there). Is it simply a matter of finding employment in the country that you want to reside in, and having them sponsor your work visa?

[Opin_Yunated]

Originally Posted by Vanessa_456

I have always wanted to relocate to Canada (although I have no family ties there). Is it simply a matter of finding employment in the country that you want to reside in, and having them sponsor your work visa?

I don't mean to discourage you, but I briefly looked into this. I live on the Canadian border and have dated Canadian women before.

Canada (and most OECD countries) have much stricter immigration laws than the United States. They are usually based on a point system. Due to their larger social services, they take a lot of precautions to make sure you won't be a strain on their system. That means either being already rich, being sponsored by a family member / spouse, or being one of the coveted "skilled workers" class. This class just means that country needs your profession right away.

The best route to take really is to work for a multinational company and go over on a work VISA. Then you can apply for Permanent Resident I believe. It is very difficult, because foreign employers will not sponser you if they have a domestic applicant. They legally have to prove they can't find a citizen to fill the position.

Also, the United States does not have the best reputation among other countries, to put it simply. Socially one may be branded an outcast for some time.

[lycos679]

Originally Posted by Vanessa_456

I have always wanted to relocate to Canada (although I have no family ties there). Is it simply a matter of finding employment in the country that you want to reside in, and having them sponsor your work visa?

The easiest way (short of a transfer) is to apply through the skilled worker program. Like, the other poster said, Canada uses a point based system. Speaking english, french, having a degree, experience, etc will get you points. IIRC, you need a min of 40 points.

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by Opin_Yunated

Canada (and most OECD countries) have much stricter immigration laws than the United States.

Having been on the other side of that coin, I'll beg to differ, it's about the same - family-based immigration is generally allowed anywhere, and Canada with its point system is in some respects easier if you can't go the route of marrying a Canadian/Canadienne. It's a myth that US legal immigration is easy and/or relaxed.

[Chava61]

You might want to post this on the Legal Immigration forum to get more replies.