Maine to Here

[JimmyD48]

So...I met someone from the Toronto area in a medical group online. Been reading these posts, she has been too (she suggested me to join). She was thinking of coming to New England, but she's got a mountain in front of her, with having to get new doctors here (maybe 5 specialists), accessible housing...it would be a huge task. Would be easier for me to go to her I believe. I know there's numerous threads on here already about 'how to do this/that', how to walk down the street and whistle, but I wanted to get one going on my name, if you will. We've been looking up info the last week or so. There's numerous companies in that area that I believe I could transfer to (saw another post today about how that works), so it looks like I'd have to talk with corporate about arranging that, and applying for spots in the local store. Just..any and all help would be appreciated folks. I know it's a lengthy process to become a citizen, and not an overnight thing. If it was to happen by January '17 I'd be thrilled

 

[scylla]

It's impossible for you to become a Canadian citizen by 2017. It might be possible for you to become a permanent resident. Citizenship takes much longer and requires you to be a permanent resident first.

It's not clear if you are looking to move to Canada temporarily or permanently.

If you are looking to move temporarily (under a work permit) then you will first need to find an employer in Canada who is willing to offer you a full time job. That employer may also need to obtain an approved LMIA (if your occupation does not fall under NAFTA). If an LMIA is required, you should note that most employers aren't willing to go through the process due to the time and costs involved. Another option would be to work for an employer in the US who then moves you to Canada under an Intra Company Transfer visa - however this is really restricted to managerial positions and would most likely require you to work in the US for quite some time first.

If you are looking to move permanently, then you will have to apply to immigrate (permanent residency). Canada has a number of different programs with different requirements. You will have to research them to understand what those requirements are, if you qualify, and what your chances are of actually being selected. Information about these programs can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/apply.asp

Note that the person you have met in Toronto cannot sponsor you for permanent residency until you are either married or common law (common law means you have lived together for a minimum of one full year).