What would be the best way for me to move to Canada?

[GiverSSJ]

I visited Canada a few times in my teens and always wanted to move there since. I am 28 years old. I have some teaching experience. I am a college graduate. I would like to go there for my ph.d. I am fluent in English and have some knowledge in French. Any advice?

 

[scylla]

One way would be to complete your PhD here. After you finish two full years of PhD studies, you would qualify to apply for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker program. Note that you will have to pay foreign tuition fees until you become a permanent resident and these are considerably higher than domestic student fees.

Other options for immigrating are listed here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/apply.asp

You'll have to spend time reading through this information in detail to see if you qualify. Alternatively, if you are too busy or don't feel comfortable doing this research yourself, you can hire an immigration lawyer or consultant to help you.

 

[scylla]

Just to add - you should tell us what country you're from. You may qualify for a working holiday visa program.

 

[GiverSSJ]

I am coming from the United States.

 

[scylla]

Then you can take a look at the following program. It doesn't let you move to Canada permanently but does allow you to come here for a year to work,

http://www.swap.ca/in_eng/us_index.aspx

 

[pickednotes]

Do you want to swap?

I'll give you my PR card if you give me your green card. ;D

 

[GiverSSJ]

I don't have a green card,pickednotes, but if I did, I wish I could swap(if only that were legal). Any other programs available to me that could help me transition to permanent resident status?

 

[scylla]

I don't have a green card,pickednotes, but if I did, I wish I could swap(if only that were legal). Any other programs available to me that could help me transition to permanent resident status?

OK - so when I said "what country are you from" that meant "what passport do you hold". You don't qualify for SWAP. Hard to provide any help if you don't tell us where you're from. You need to provide details if you want people to help.

 

[GiverSSJ]

I currently have an American passport

 

[GiverSSJ]

Does the type of education help in trying to emigrate?

 

[lpc19800]

Easiest step is to get your temporary status sorted first.
After 1 year in a skilled job, you can apply for your permanent residency via Canadian Experience Class.
If you qualify for SWAP then you only need to find a skilled job, work for a year and then apply for PR

 

[GiverSSJ]

Legally, I am able to visit Canada for six months without a visa. When you mean "temporary", what do you mean exactly? Like getting a temporary work visa?