Help! DH wants to move to Canada...

[lizardqueen]

We have never been to Canada, don't really know the first thing about it. He just says that he is ready for a change. Where should we start looking? I'd like to at least know a little bit of information before we pack up our bags. I thought maybe some of you Canadian DISers could give me some info on your locations and what you like/dislike about it. What are good areas? If you were us would you move from NJ to Canada? Well, I know you can't really answer that last question, but you know what I mean... Any help/ideas would be appreciated.

I'm not against moving, heck, I've been trying to get him to move out of NJ for forever now & he has always said a big NO. So I'm up for it. If we don't like it, we can always come back. Anyway, TIA for any advice.

 

[RadioNate]

Is your DH Canadian? I've heard it is pretty hard to move there. You have to have a 'skill' that they want and a job lined up.

I think there is a section on immigrating on the Canadian government website.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I don't think you can just "move there". Does he have a job there or something that he can legally move there?

 

[NewJersey]

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

check that out.

 

[Sandy22]

Canada is a great country! But I don't think you can just pack up and move here - we do have immigration laws to follow. In the event you do qualifiy to immigrate here, I would check out the eastern and western coasts - stunning scenery and great communities.

You can also post your question on the Canadian community board to get more answers

 

[grinningghost]

We live near the Canadian border, so we've been in Canada countless times. It's a beautiful country, at least what I've seen. It's very clean and well cared for - the public areas anyway.

People tend to be pretty friendly, but not in a super outgoing manner.

My uncle moved to Canada in the 70's because of his job. It took years for my cousins to become Canadian citizens. Don't know if that's because it's rigorous to do so, or if they were sort of dragging their own feet.

Funny, because there are alot of illegal aliens living in Canada - quite easily.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

well I think the first step would probably be to actually go there for a visit first --
I mean I'm all for adventure and everything but I don't think I'd decide to move somewhere without at first SEEING it first.

Somewhere on that link that was giving above is a quiz you can take to see how likely it is that you would be allowed to immigrate into Canada. I remember taking it about a year ago during one of the Immigration debates. I think there are lots of points given for college degrees, work experience, and specialized skills.

 

[mickeymo]

We lived in Red Deer, Alberta for a year and a half as part of a temporary assignment. We absolutely loved it. The climate adjustment from Texas was a bit rough. If anyone would have told me I would be skiing every weekend and loving it - I wouldn't have believed it!

The biggest adjustments in our area were not being able to grocery shop until 9:00 am (no last minute runs to the store for kids' lunches before school) and the mall closing at 6:00pm. Our community was fantastic - the city parks and recreation facilities were incredible.

I don't know if you have kids. The kids' schools were good and kept pace with our school district (at the elementary level) - some of the jr high and high school students were having more difficulty transitioning in languages and math... (Behind in languages and math courses were structured differently...)

It was also an odd feeling to walk out of the dr's office without paperwork or a bill. We didn't have concerns with socialized medicine - we were only doing routine checkups..

We loved Alberta and just about explored every inch of it, especially falling in love with Calgary.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Funny, because there are alot of illegal aliens living in Canada - quite easily.

Certainly not at the same level as the United States.

 

[grinningghost]

Certainly not at the same level as the United States.

We'll leave that for the Debate Board, if they ever bring it back.

 

[Quinn222]

I'm so jealous! I would love to move to Canada. It takes a lot of time and paperwork (a friend of mine did it) but it is so worth it. Both of my parents families are from Canada and sometimes I wish they'd never left.

 

[tiff13]

You may also want to ask on the Canadian board.
I'm also interested in this. I'm going to BC next summer for school. If I enjoy it, I might also immigrate after I graduate.

Good Luck lizardqueen!

 

[MosMom]

Why Canada of all places, especially if you've never been there? Does your DH have any mob ties?

Canada is a big country and just like the US different provinces have different things to offer. Do you have any idea WHERE in Canada you would like to live?

Don't pack your bags too soon either as you will have to wait quite some time until your papers go through.

 

[MosMom]

Another thought....can you take your foster kids to Canada legally?

 

[milkabum]

Move near the border. Perhaps a little place outside of Toronto, perhaps Mississauga Hello neighbour Mississauga is a great place to live, and it's only 4 hours from the border.

 

[milkabum]

well I think the first step would probably be to actually go there for a visit first --
I mean I'm all for adventure and everything but I don't think I'd decide to move somewhere without at first SEEING it first.

Somewhere on that link that was giving above is a quiz you can take to see how likely it is that you would be allowed to immigrate into Canada. I remember taking it about a year ago during one of the Immigration debates. I think there are lots of points given for college degrees, work experience, and specialized skills.

I agree, come see the CN tower in Canada, or visit Vancouver. Maybe reading some books would be good.

 

[Luv'sTink]

Research, research, and more research and you really should take a lengthy vacation to where you think you may want to move.

You can't just up and move to Canada, it is another country with immagration laws. Well, you can but you would be illegal.

My DH moved from Vancouver, B.C. to Washington state when we got married, he had an adjustment period and so will you. The cost of living is really very high in that area, so, make sure you have a good job linned up.

 

[crazee4mickey]

Canada is a really beautiful country--I would definately come here to visit first though! You honestly would not believe how clean it is or the huge areas of vast open space(in certain areas!)
Depending on where you are coming from, if you are coming from a southern state you might really want to look at the winters here. On the prairies we can have temps of -43 with windchills well into the -50's...just a little chilly
Cost of living where I live is amazingly low compared to more populated areas...
I agree that you won't just be able to pack your bags and move up here but it is definately worth looking into!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

We'll leave that for the Debate Board, if they ever bring it back.

No need to debate it -- 200,000 estimated illegal immigrants living in Canada. Over 12 million estimated illegal immigrants living in the United States. The US population is approximately 10 times the size of the population of Canada.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Move near the border. Perhaps a little place outside of Toronto, perhaps Mississauga Hello neighbour Mississauga is a great place to live, and it's only 4 hours from the border.

I'm thinking that Milkabum enjoys taking the meandering back roads to the Canada/U.S. border near Gananoque, Ontario. Highways will easily whisk a driver from Mississauga to the Queenston/Lewiston Bridge in about 90 minutes. The 401 would take about the suggested 4 hours to the border at Detroit or the Ivy Lea Bridge in Gananoque.