How did you get to Canada?

Question

How was your immigration experience?

Answer 1

I initially came as an international student to do my undergrad here. I met a guy in my first year of uni, and we ended up getting married.

He sponsored me as a spouse, and here I am!

The process after that was pretty straighforward--- lots of paperwork, though. I'm now a Canadian citizen :)

Answer 2

Somewhere around 1718 a boat, some chains and no return ticket.

Answer 3

well its a long story with lots of gorry details but a long long time ago there was the cutest little baby born THAT WAS ME I WAS BORN HERE

Answer 4

Not too bad really, started July/2006 and finished October/2007.

Answer 5

are you asking about crossing the border by land? well, here is my experience by land. And since i live nearby the border, I have taken many trips to Canada.

Before I received my passport, I've been using my Naturalization (I'm not born in the US) document along with my NYS Driver's license. They asked several questions such as, "have you been arrested in the past? what is the reason for your visit? and many other questions which I don't remember them.." Basically, they gave me a really hard time with a bunch of questions, not to mention that they made me stop by the Immigrations Services Office for some background check before they let me go on.

However, when I went to Canada with my PASSPORT, they didn't give me a hard time at all. They just asked me how long I'll be in Canada for, where in Canada, the reason for the travel, and then they just let me proceed.

From my experiences, going back into the United States from Canada is even harder than going to Canada. However, your passport will be the golden ticket for 95% of the time. Sometimes they would have canine dogs sniffing your car as you wait in line to pass the border. Sometimes they make you pull over so they can check inside your car. And if you use other forms of ID other than a passport, they would question you like a criminal if you don't look "american." ("american" means that you are born in the US, showing them your birth certificate")

BTW..

They were trying to pass the rule where you MUST have a passport to cross the border by land... but it kept being delayed ever since 2007. They are delaying it to June 2009 now, so don't get a passport unless u plan to travel to Canada very often.

Answer 6

can't remeber it .My parents came from SOuth America to Canada in the 70's and I was an infant

lol

Answer 7

I was born here, but I have a friend who is just about to apply for an extended visitor's visa and then she will probably apply for her permanent resident status in about two or three months.  She is already here, and her situation is a bit unusual.  But most likely I think her PR status will be approved.  I know several people who have immigrated to Canada, and for most of them the process took between 18 months and 2 years.  Best of luck with your plans.