Rs85,
One of the many things that I very much appreciate here in Montreal is the diversity of people. Some come from places that I would go on vacation, others come from places that I would never risk my life to visit. For whatever reason, they decided to settle here, and (in my opinion) the majority of immigrants today are quite hard working and family oriented.
There are opportunities everywhere in the world – perhaps Canada will offer exactly what you want, perhaps not. It is certainly not a “free ride” for anyone, but from your posts I get the sense that you are not looking for a free ride. I have the feeling that you are an honorable person looking to improve your situation that is unafraid of the risks and effort that will be required to do so. You've built a comfortable life for yourself there, but know inside that it isn't what is going to make you happy.
Knowing what you want and actually doing something to change your circumstances are things that you should be quite proud of. It's also something that most of the people on this forum share with you.
In my case, my family came to Canada in the 1600's from France to start their lives anew. Due to economic circumstances, a part of the family (my part) decided to leave for the U.S. in the late 1800's. I am the first of my family to return to Canada from the U.S. (with a veeeeeery French Canadian last name, I might add) and I did so because I met and married the perfect person who happened to be a Canadian citizen. I accepted the risk of starting over from what many would consider an easy life. I was recently granted permanent residency (it took almost 10 months) and will apply for Canadian citizenship in the future when I am entitled to do so.
My suggestions are:
1. Do the research, as others have suggested. Part of this should include communicating with people already in Canada that you can trust to give their opinions. You've already started by posting your messages here. Recognize that not everyone will be aligned with your opinions but that whatever they are saying will usually have some level of truth in it. Research, research and more research.
2. Don't try to get around the system. Take each step seriously and follow the rules to the letter, as failure to do so may have dire circumstances at a later date. Personally, I followed a policy that the facts of my life and my innermost feelings and intentions would eventually be available to “those that make the decision”. Any misrepresentation could mean disaster – even many years in the future.
3. Read the instructions. Read them again. Know the law. Don't assume anything (again, see #1). Go to the source when you receive conflicting information.
Sometimes the best written instructions will “almost” apply to your situation. If an issue is confused or unclear even after consulting immigration or a “'top level” resource, write a concise letter requesting written clarification of your exact situation. Include their response and all necessary documentation to prove you qualify with whatever application you may submit.
4. Hang in there. Patience is a real virtue when it comes to Canadian immigration. If you come to a point where you don't believe you can move forward, go back to suggestion #1 and work to find (legal) ways to get past the block. Don't waste your time on depression or anger – invest this energy back into yourself!
5. Don't allow yourself to be dissuaded by those with a negative viewpoint or a bias against immigration. Respect their feelings and opinions; however, consider that if the person you are communicating with isn't 100% Native American, then someone in their family past was also an immigrant to Canada.
Like the U.S., Canada was built on immigration and Canada continues to welcome a huge number of immigrants each year. If you qualify and make the effort, you will be successful. That's a fact.
I really hope that you find what you are looking for. Best of luck!
