How would I begin the process to move to Canada?

Question

Hello,

My husband and I are hoping to move to Canada within the next year, and are currently US citizens. I know that you need a passport and a permanent residency card along with a SIN number, but could some one please explain to me what Exactly we need to move, and what order? We have been looking in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta as far as destinations, although my husband seems partial to Vancouver.

Also, Can anyone tell me Gas prices, and possibly Suggestion a city to live that is not Huge, but a decent size?

Answer 1

I am an American that has married a Canadian and moved to Canada.  You need permanent residence here if you plan to stay and get a job.  You can do it as a skilled worker or you can get a sponsor if you have relatives in Canada.??  You cannot get a SIN until you have permanent residence.  My husband sponsored me to move and it took almost 4 years.  It is a lenghty process.  You can view the applications on the Immigrations Canada website  www.cic.gc.ca

I live in Edmonton and I like it here.  There is a booming economy right now and jobs are plentiful.  There are smaller towns close to here that are nice if you don't want to live in the city.  (St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan, Morinville, Leduc)  Gas here right now is 1.31cdn per litre (5.34/gallon).  The US dollar and Canadian dollar are pretty close in value too right now.  The housing market is absurd here.  A normal 3 bedroom house is going for 300,000-400,000$ this summer here in Edmonton.  We are a family of 3 (we have a 4 year old) and we spend on average 500.00/ month on groceries.  Most things here are more expensive in comparison to the US.  The minimum wage is also higher here too.

I would be happy to answer any more questions that you have if you need more specific information.  [e-mail]

The application requires you to list every address you have lived at since the age of 18 and all employers.  You have to list your education and degrees or certificates obtained.  You must provide security clearances from every state that you have lived in for more than 6 months.  You must also provide an FBI background check and a set of fingerprints.  You will not be allowed to enter Canada if you have a criminal offense on your record.  You must provide information on your family members  (including your parents and siblings).  You must get and pass an immigration medical.  You must pay the application fees and permanent residence fees (about 1,000$cdn/ person).  

You fill out the forms and send all the documentation in and wait.  Citizenship and Immigrations Canada will notify you if they need further information or want to schedule an interview.

Answer 2

Tackle things in the right order.

Canada uses a points system for immigration purposes similar to their USA. The Embassy site has an on line test so you can see if you qualify. Take the test.

If you nearly qualify then all is not lost as Alberta has recently lowered the points needed to pass. They are trying to recruit skilled trades, certainly from the UK maybe elsewhere as well

AFAIK this is confined to Alberta so Vancouver might not be an option.

If you qualify than the site will tell you how to proceed.

Ian M

Answer 3

First of all: call to the Canadian Embassy to get the proper info.

Answer 4

learning French if you are planning moving to Quebec