First Steps

[juergens]

My wife and I have been discussing a potential move to Canada for several years (although I've considered it for several decades). I never applied until now because I have a daughter from a previous marriage and (although I had custody) shipping her back and forth between the US and Canada would have stirred up a big mess, so thought I'd wait until she was older. Anyway, she is now 19 and off to school, so we are now taking a serious look once again. I clearly meet the points requirements (Master's degree, job experience, ample funds). But where do we start? I filled out the application for the Skilled Worker Class as best I can, but should I have a job lined up already? I also don't have a particular province in mind (I'm open for anything from Ontario to BC and maybe even the Maritimes, although I've never been there). I am just wondering what they are really looking for?

I'm not fleeing the USA. I just like Canada. It's the lifestyle. But just how welcomed are Americans in Canada? I had an aunt and uncle that used to live in NW Ontario (spent many summers there) and then lived in Montana and Washington State, making many visits to Canada. I really enjoyed the lifestyle (although I am still not sure I could put my finger on exactly what it is I like). But it's another thing to live it. Are people as rabid and as divisive about politics in Canada? Is there really less crime (everytime I'm there I see lots of teen agers just hanging out but never seem to see many signs of crime)? As I get older will I regret the quick access to health care in the States? Are things really greener on the other side of the fence? I'd just be interested in hearing from other Americans as to their experiences and in how to go about making contact with other Canadians (job prospects, etc.).

 

[Leon]

Skilled worker is undergoing some rule changes so new applications are already going in under new rules but the new rules have not been posted yet so nobody knows what they are yet. It is better if you have a job offer. If you find a job, you can even come in on a temporary permit and get your PR later.

Who says we don't have quick access to health care in Canada? I've never had to wait more than 3 days to get an appointment with my GP but if you need to be seen right away, there are plenty of walk in clinics you can go to as well.

 

[ghiaskhan]

Who says we don't have quick access to health care in Canada? I've never had to wait more than 3 days to get an appointment with my GP but if you need to be seen right away, there are plenty of walk in clinics you can go to as well.

All depends upon location and schedule of doctors appointments.Some surgeries are busy and work on appointments only,
some prefer walkin practise. However they all entertain emergencies.

 

[juergens]

Thank You Leon and Ghiaskhan. It appears I have nothing to worry about concerning health care. I'm just lost as to how to go about making contacts and find prospective jobs. I work at a higher ed institution (university) and am behind the scenes dealing with distance education and teleconferencing between campuses. I do faculty training and have taught some college level courses in Telecommunications management. But my wife is in the medical field, as an EKG tech and front office medical. I think I just need to talk with Canadians in these fields and see what is available. Oddly enough, the online classroom platform which I do training on is based out of Guelph/Waterloo. Maybe I need to make a run up and say "hi". Everyone there is at least 20 years younger than me though. I just wonder if anyone would hold a job for me for that long while I wait the paper work. That is why I asked if I can apply without a job lined up, but can show that I have a very steady work history. Any ideas where to start and what companies hire Americans?

 

[Leon]

If you are in a field of shortage or your wife is, you can find an employer who will wait for you. If not, of course they prefer to hire somebody they don't have to get a work permit for as well as it would be hard to get a work permit for somebody if there are a lot of local candidates available for the job. Surf for jobs online. Call the employers and chat. Send your CV. Even go up for a visit and do interviews. If you or your wife can find a job with a temporary work permit at a skilled level, the other one can get an open permit and you can later do permanent residency through a provincial nominee program or Canadian experience class. You can include your daughter on the PR too if she is under 22 at the time you apply for PR or if she is over 22 and still studying.