Q&A for How to Move to Canada

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  • Question
    What if you are retired and on social security?
    Community Answer
    It may be better if you do not apply for citizenship, but instead get a visa. That way you can keep your social security and be considered an abroad citizen.
  • Question
    Can I bring my dogs to Canada? What documents will I need for the two of them?
    Community Answer
    Yes provided you have a signed document from a vet declaring the dogs' shots are up to date.
  • Question
    Should I look for a house and job before or after getting the visa?
    Community Answer
    Apply for your visa first and wait for it to be approved/denied. Then think about making a visit to look for housing/employment. Make sure to register with the government's employment site and check often for updates. This can speed things along, but ensure entrance first instead of assuming.
  • Question
    Should I move to Canada if I'm retired and financially secure?
    Community Answer
    If it is what you want and are willing to move from family and friends, then there is no reason why not. It's a good country to spend your twilight years in.
  • Question
    Do Americans need to get visas to move to Canada?
    Community Answer
    Yes. There is no short-cut for an American to move to Canada. As an American, you can visit for up to 6 months without a visa, but you will not be able to legally work while you are there. To permanently move to Canada, you must do so legally or risk deportation. A couple of ways you can do that are to get a student or work visa, or become a permanent resident.
  • Question
    How can an American get permanent residency? How does one go about the process?
    Community Answer
    Visit the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship website to find out how to register for permanent residency.
  • Question
    If you get Supplemental Security Income in the United States, can you receive that in Canada?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you will receive your benefits deposited in the account you set up in the USA. Just use your debit card to withdraw your money and also check on your balance statements.
  • Question
    How easy is it to get a nursing job in Canada?
    Community Answer
    There's a currently a shortage of registered nurses in Canada (as at 2016). In 2015, 1% more nurses left the profession than entered it. If you're from out of the country and want to work as a registered nurse, you'll have to pass the Canadian Registered Nurses Examination.
  • Question
    If I am disabled, will I lose my benefits from the United States?
    Community Answer
    When you revoke your citizenship, yes. If you get dual citizenship however, you might be able to find some kind of loophole to maintain your benefits -- speak to your lawyer.
  • Question
    If I get a visa, is there a time limit within which I need to move to Canada?
    Community Answer
    No, there is no time limit, and if there is then they will tell you in the mail when you get your visa.
  • Question
    Can I move to Canada if I am retired?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Question
    My wife and I just want to retire in a country that appears to be civil and clean and we have cousins that live in Canada. Can we go there from the USA?
    Community Answer
    You might get a special visa because you have a family member living there. Check Canada's immigration website to find out more about it.
  • Question
    Usually, how long it would take to secure a job in Canada?
    Community Answer
    This depends entirely on what kind of job you are looking for. If you're looking for a service industry job, you probably won't have much trouble. If you're looking for something specific, it might take some time.
  • Question
    As I'm waiting for residency, am I still considered an American citizen and entitled to the benefits that gives me in the US?
    Community Answer
    The US does not recognize dual citizenship, while other countries do. Even if you become a naturalized Canadian, the US will still recognize you as a US citizen, unless you take active steps to renounce your US citizenship by filing a DS-4079 form at a US embassy.
  • Question
    Can I sponsor friends?
    Community Answer
    No. Only immediate family members can sponsor another person for immigration to Canada.
  • Question
    What do elementary school teachers get paid in Canada?
    Community Answer
    New elementary school teachers get paid around $44,000 per year, give or take a little.
  • Question
    I have relatives in Canada. Can they sponsor me to expedite the process?
    Community Answer
    Depending on the province you live in, they can. For example, Saskatchewan has a very limited amount of immigrants getting into it and your family may have to wait a long time (many years) to be able to bring you over. However, if you speak French, have all the requirements needed and a sponsor, Quebec would be more likely to accept you.
  • Question
    Can I move to Canada permanently while also being a student?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Just apply for a student visa there, or you could choose to continue your classes online.
  • Question
    When you stay for your six months, then get kicked out, how long do you have to wait to go back?
    Community Answer
    You have to be in Canada for six months minus a day and be outside of Canada for six months plus a day, it resets every year.
  • Question
    How can I request a job in Canada if I don't have one already arranged?
    Community Answer
    There are many websites that you can use to look for a job, such as Indeed Canada. In Canada, unless you are a skilled worker of STEM or desirable trade like HVAC or welding, it is difficult to gain employment.
  • Question
    My uncle lives in Vancouver and my cousins in Toronto. Would this make me eligible to apply for a family-sponsored visa?
    Community Answer
    Yes, Canada allows you to apply for a family-sponsored visa as long as at least one family member is currently living in Canada.
  • Question
    Do I have any rights if my grandmother was a citizen of Canada?
    Community Answer
    If you are also a citizen of Canada, yes. If not, no. You have to be a citizen to be granted rights.
  • Question
    Where is the best area to move to in Canada for policy professionals? Or working for think tanks or political and security risk analysis?
    Community Answer
    Ottawa. To slightly lesser degree, any of the provincial capitals.
  • Question
    It is possible to move to Canada as an autistic, even if I'm living independently?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is possible, as long as you meet the immigration requirements, are 18 years of age or older, and have permission from the country you currently live in.
  • Question
    Can I move to British Columbia and keep my job in the U.S.?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    How long can I stay in Canada on a visa?
    Community Answer
    This depends on whether it's a temporary, study or work visa.
  • Question
    How much money do I need to have in my bank account to be considered able to support myself?
    Community Answer
    You have to have more than $2,000 in the bank before moving to Canada, a secure job, and ideally, a place to live.
  • Question
    I am an Australian citizen . Can I immigrate to Canada for employment?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    As long as you obtain the correct visa and work permit from a Canadian embassy, you can move to Canada to work.
  • Question
    Are there any exceptions to the criminal record exclusion for moving to Canada?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    No, there are not. Having any kind of criminal record can disqualify you from becoming a fully naturalized Canadian citizen.
  • Question
    Are there teaching jobs in Canada? In the US we have teacher shortages, so it's relatively easy to find work as a teacher.
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    Yes there are lots of teaching jobs throughout Canada due to a high demand.
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