please help, I have some questions...

[donia]

Hello,
I, like many here, wish to move to Canada, and I am a US citizen. Some background information: I graduated from college in 2001 with a B.A. in History and Anthropology, but I have been working with youth (16 to 25) for a combined total of over 10 years. I also have completed certificate programs in print and web digital design.

My Questions:
1. When applying for a visa should I have secured employment waiting? / Will being "unemployed" upon entry be a problem?

2. Am I considered to be a skilled worker?

3. Does the move have to be temporary, or can I move and ask to stay forever upon entry?

4. Will my credit report be a factor in determining whether or not I can enter of work? [it is used in the US]

5. Are there any job placement / recruiting agencies in Canada that can assist with obtaining employment?

6. Is there anything I need to know about transfering my car and pets to Canada if I plan to stay?

7. If I become a Canadian citizen will returning to the US to visit family be difficult [under normal circumstances]?

As you may be able to tell, I really want to move to Canada and start my life over. Any response would be appreciated, and I thank you for your time.

donia

 

[AP]

Hello Donia,

I'm from India working in the US from past 7 months. I wish to move to Canada too. Since we both sail in the same boat here are my answers to your questions based on my research.

My Questions:
1. When applying for a visa should I have secured employment waiting? / Will being "unemployed" upon entry be a problem?

My first advice would be to go through this web site as it is very informative and answers almost all your queries:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp

You do not have to have a job in hand before going to Canada.U may still apply under the skilled worker catagory based on your work experience and whether your skills fall under the required catagory. It's given in the above website.

2. Am I considered to be a skilled worker?

As mentioned above please check the web site precisely this one here:http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/groups/index.shtml. Here you will find whether your present work experience falls under NOC(National Occupational Catagory).If it does you may apply under skilled worker catagory.

3. Does the move have to be temporary, or can I move and ask to stay forever upon entry?

Once you get your immigration i.e canadian green card you may stay there permanently. There is nothing temporary after immigration.

4. Will my credit report be a factor in determining whether or not I can enter of work? [it is used in the US]

Credit report is not a factor in Canada if you are applying under skilled catagory. however, you should show sufficient funds and proof that you can manage your stay for a long time in Canada once you land there. This information is also available in the "proof of funds"catagory of the website.

5. Are there any job placement / recruiting agencies in Canada that can assist with obtaining employment?

There are many consultancies and websites which may be helpful while you are looking for jobs there.

6. Is there anything I need to know about transfering my car and pets to Canada if I plan to stay?

I'm not sure abt this but I believe any country will have certain rules if you want to move your mobile and immobile assets to that country.Sorry abt the answer.

7. If I become a Canadian citizen will returning to the US to visit family be difficult [under normal circumstances]?

There wont be any problem as all you would need then is a passport to travel to US.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

AP

 

[donia]

thank you, I have a lot of reading to do.

 

[calvin1998]

With regards to obtaining Canadian citizenship, you can still keep your US citizenship. Many people in the US have dual nationality. There is no need to renounce your citizenship and I do not think that the Canadian government asks you to do so.

 

[thaiguy]

1. When applying for a visa should I have secured employment waiting? / Will being "unemployed" upon entry be a problem?

Being unemployed on entry, or even when you make your application, will not be a problem if you qualify under the skilled worker category. CIC wants to see that you have 4 years of full time employment within the past 10 years in an occupation that is needed in Canada. So do an online assessment to determine whether your specific employment qualifies. If you do not qualify under the skilled worker category, then the next best way to get there would be to secure a job offer and get a work permit.

2. Am I considered to be a skilled worker?

Not sure. The assessment will help.

3. Does the move have to be temporary, or can I move and ask to stay forever upon entry?

If you qualify as a skilled worker, then yes, you can go and live forever. If you obtain a job offer and work permit, it is not permanent.

4. Will my credit report be a factor in determining whether or not I can enter of work? [it is used in the US]

No. You'll restart your credit from scratch.

5. Are there any job placement / recruiting agencies in Canada that can assist with obtaining employment?

You can try www.monster.ca or there are other job websites for Canada. You might start by looking through canadavisa.com for relevant work links.

6. Is there anything I need to know about transfering my car and pets to Canada if I plan to stay?

Shouldn't have any problems as long as you own the car for at least 6 months prior to arriving (I think that's right). If you don't, you could be required to pay taxes on it. Pets shouldn't be a problem as long as they're not exotic (endangered species, for instance).

7. If I become a Canadian citizen will returning to the US to visit family be difficult [under normal circumstances]?

No. As Calvin said, you aren't required to give up U.S. citizenship. And even if you did, Canadians don't have problems visiting the U.S.

As you may be able to tell, I really want to move to Canada and start my life over. Any response would be appreciated, and I thank you for your time.

Good luck!