Immigration Questions

[stellacat]

Since the political climate here in the U. S. is so horrible now, I've actually somewhat considered going to another country, and Canada seemed to be the best option. It was suggested I go to the consulate site that handles my state, but I didn't find it helpful. There was no info as to what I really would like to know before even applying; all they wanted you to do was answer their questions online to try to find out what programs you might be eligible for. NOT helpful at all.

Now this may all be covered somewhere (I did try one search (you can guess about what ... but it would be helpful to me to to have some idea:
1) How long the process of having an application reviewed might take.
2) Do you have to be IN Canada before being accepted as a PR?
3) What about my cat? Is it possible to bring a pet?
4) Just suppose I do decide to move ----- I've searched for personal relocation consultants with not much luck; any relocation consultants I found seemed to be 'corporate' relocation consultants; there are so many aspects to such a big move, I'm sure I would want some guidance... and very trustworthy guidance as there are real financial issues in changing countries. Any ideas?

I'm just in the "what if" stage, so I don't know if this is the best decision for me and my aforementioned cat. That's why just some basic info that I have not yet found might be very helpful. Any insights would be quite appreciated.

 

[scylla]

1) Anywhere from 6 months to over a year. Additionally it would likely take you several months to prepare to apply (i.e. gather all of the required info).
2) No - you don't. However Canada does have a number of different immigration programs and you have to meet the criteria to apply and be selected (whether you are in or outside of Canada). Being selected depends on a number of factors that can include your age, experience, education, occupation, language skills, whether you have a job offer in Canada and if you have sufficient funds to establish yourself in Canada. If you haven't done so already, I would recommend you read through the various programs here to get an understanding of what it will take to apply. Note that there is no special process for Americans - they follow the same application processes as everyone else. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/apply.asp
3) Yes - you can.
4) There are immigration consultant and lawyers who can help you apply for PR if you decide to proceed (expect to pay around $3K to $5K for their services). However all they deal with is the application process - not relocation. It's also entirely possible to apply all on your own without help (most of us here have done that). If you do want the help of an immigration lawyer - pick on in Canada. There's nothing state-specific. As for relocation consultants, to the best of my knowledge they are limited to corporate relocations as you have found.

 

[stellacat]

Thank you Scylla for a helpful reply.

I had done a bit of reading about some of the different programs. Certainly my language skills and education would be ok; at least I would hope so.

I didn't realize it would take so long (months, you said) to get the application together. That is pretty daunting. And that's even before the review process. Oh, boy.

I probably wouldn't need to shell out for an immigration lawyer ($3 - $5 thousand, wow!), but certainly could very well use a relocation specialist; but if they're mostly corporate-serving? Ah well.

I'm glad to know that if it comes to it, I can bring my kitty, though

Again, thanks so much; your reply WAS quite helpful. I knew it would be a daunting process, but I think now it's even more so than I thought. So I'll probably stay put. But that's what gathering some basic info is all about. Thanks.

 

[foodie69]

It is as daunting as applying for a green card as a Canadian. But no worries, Trump will not win.

 

[stellacat]

Hi foodie69 -

Ah, you guessed what was so concerning to me. How that --- whatever--- has gotten any support boggles my mind. The mindset around this really can be scary.

I REALLY hope you're correct.

After last night, I just wonder again if I should get going. Leaving could be daunting, for sure, but I keep wondering just how risky staying would be also. Certainly I've lived through some politically challenging times; but the dangers this ---- whatever you want to call him----- pose concern my as I've not been so concerned before.