[lucid day dreamer]

Hello,

I am Canadian and I am doing some research on Florida and moving there. I do not have any family in the US, and I am wondering how hard it is for a Canadian to relocate. The only reason I'd move is because I WANT to, not because I have to. Just doesn't seem like an easy thing to do. I wouldn't mind coming for a year to see how we like it.

For those of your from Canada who have moved to Florida, how did you find the transition? What do you like and what don't you like? Was it hard to get a green card? Over all are you happy with your decision?

For those of you from Canada who plan on moving to Florida, what is making you decide to move to Florida? What are you plans so far?

Anyone else, if you have anything to add, please do!

[CollegeGuy9]

I guess the obvious question is immigration. If you have a green card it will be no problem. Otherwise, the folks over at ICE will be a headache to deal with.

You're probably from Ontario because for some reason people rent to follow the interstate. All the Toronto people move to Jacksonville and other cities along I-95. All the Northern and Western Ontario people follow I-75 and move to Tampa

[lucid day dreamer]

Originally Posted by CollegeGuy9

I guess the obvious question is immigration. If you have a green card it will be no problem. Otherwise, the folks over at ICE will be a headache to deal with.

You're probably from Ontario because for some reason people rent to follow the interstate. All the Toronto people move to Jacksonville and other cities along I-95. All the Northern and Western Ontario people follow I-75 and move to Tampa

Actually, I am from Nova Scotia, but currently living in Western Canada (Calgary, Alberta). I am pretty sure if I did move to Florida I would like to live somewhere on the Gulf Coast. Leaning more towards Tampa, Bradenton or Sarasota, but I can't say I've ruled out other areas.

I do not have a green card, part of what I was wondering is if Green Cards are 'as hard' to get as I have read everywhere. Also, wondering if you apply and wait in Canada, or move etc. My husband has cousins that live in Oregon, but besides that we have no family in the US, and I am guessing it might be fairly hard for a Canadian to get hired in the US? It's hard to know where to start. Also I know the economy is not great, but it's not GREAT anywhere right now.

I was also wondering how people from Canada were finding the climate, health care system, and all the other changes in living, housing, jobs, people, schools. From what I've read for the most part there are down falls to both health care systems. I also know it depends on where you live etc.

So over all just doing some research. I know visiting somewhere is so much more different than living somewhere. I've only ever visited.

[annerk]

There are generally five ways to immigrate to the US.

1. Marry an American citizen
2. Win the visa lottery
3. Be sponsored by a US company
4. Buy a US business and get an E2 and hope and pray it will be renewed--no guarantees
5. Be sponsored by a family member.

As a Canadian with no family in the US, #1 or #3 are probably your best options. What field do you work in?

[lucid day dreamer]

Originally Posted by annerk

There are generally five ways to immigrate to the US.

1. Marry an American citizen
2. Win the visa lottery
3. Be sponsored by a US company
4. Buy a US business and get an E2 and hope and pray it will be renewed--no guarantees
5. Be sponsored by a family member.

As a Canadian with no family in the US, #1 or #3 are probably your best options. What field do you work in?

I am married already, so I guess my only option is # 3! I am a Corporate Paralegal at a law firm here in Calgary. However I don't have a University degree or anything. Just a few courses and experience. My husband is in big builing maintanence and operations and we have a 6 year old daughter.

Do you know if it's true that you have to have a university degree to get sponsered by a US company? If so, then I guess we have NO WAY of ever immigrating.

Can any member of your family sponser you? Cousin? What does sponsering mean to the person sponsering you? What do they have to do? What are they responsible for?

I was really hoping the moving between Canada and the US would be much simpler. ha! I guess not!

[annerk]

Generally a company will only spomsor you if they are unable to find a US citizen to do the job--we don't have a shortage in either of the fields you are in, so it's probably not going to work for you.

Your cousin would have to prove the financial means to support you for a certain amount of time and sign that they would be completely financially responsible for you.

[lucid day dreamer]

Originally Posted by annerk

Generally a company will only spomsor you if they are unable to find a US citizen to do the job--we don't have a shortage in either of the fields you are in, so it's probably not going to work for you.

Your cousin would have to prove the financial means to support you for a certain amount of time and sign that they would be completely financially responsible for you.

Oh wow, the odds seem pretty grim then. Thank you for all this information, it was a lot of help!

[CollegeGuy9]

There is still the visa lottery if you want to give it a shot.

[lucid day dreamer]

Originally Posted by CollegeGuy9

There is still the visa lottery if you want to give it a shot.

I think I read somewhere that Canadians cannot apply for the lottery? But thanks for the suggestion. I am reading up a bit more about TN Status. I don't have the plans of moving or anything, but I am interested, so I'd like to figure out how if at all possible I can go about it!

Thanks again!

[windsorslp]

You can go to the website "canuckabroad.com" and read through the forum posts. You can also go to USCIS.gov and read up on different work visas. Most of the time, you need a degree directly tied to what you are going to do as a job but there are other categories. Canadian aren't eligible for the lottery (its to allow people from countries who tend not to immigrate to the US to come over, therefore increasing diversity). A green card is very hard to get because employers have to pay big bucks in legal fees ect and don't always want to do that.