There's a Maple Leaf on my Stars-and-Stripes!

[DeadPoolX 9]

Yes folks, I've done the reverse of what most of you have already done or are in the process of doing. Instead of immigrating from Canada to the United States, I immigrated from the U.S. to Canada! Now that I've finished typing out that redundant sentence, I can continue my excessively wordy post regarding my experience.

First let me say that Canadian immigration seems much quicker and more organized than U.S. immigration, but to be fair, Canada has fewer people overall (about 33 million compared to America's 303 million or so) and probably less immigration hassles as well. Regardless, the speedy nature of this process was the core reason why I moved instead of my wife. We figure that we can always go to the U.S. at a later date, but the objective was to be together ASAP.

As scheduled, the visa process was completed in a little under six months. Naturally, I had to go through some medical examinations and criminal background checks beforehand, but all of those were finished quickly. All I had to bring with me to the airport, where I "landed" in Canada, were some documents and the visa attached to my U.S. passport.

Interestingly enough, the CBSA officer who dealt with me first seemed quite confused by my visa. He left his booth to confer with some buddies and then returned, only to leave again and talk it over some more. Finally, he waived me through and I was sent to "immigration." The woman there was in an absolutely awful mood (she actually yelled at me and told me, "you will do what I say, when I say it"). In a very uncharacteristic move, I didn't talk back and just did as instructed. If this hadn't been such an important situation, I doubt I would've put up with the abuse, but I was only thinking about immigrating properly and seeing my wife; besides, an airport is the last place anyone wants to start trouble nowadays. Finally, I was sent somewhere to deal with whatever packages I would have sent up after me.

After all of that, I was finally done. At least for the time being. I still need to get my Social Insurance Number (which confuses me a little bit, since it apparently isn't assigned at birth like Social Security Numbers are in the U.S.) and eventually receive my PR Card. I've been holding off on both since my wife and I moving to another province, so we want the mailing address to be accurate, plus whatever the immigration officer adhered to my passport acts as some sort of "temporary PR Card" so I'm good to go right now. I know I can also drive for a while on my Texas driver's license too.

That's about it, so far. There haven't been too many surprises. I've been here enough times on trips to see my wife that most of the "shock value" has disappeared by now. B)

[MrsCat 6]

Sounds like it might be a little late, but - WELCOME TO CANADA - BIENVENUE A CANADA!

I him

[rae_and_scott 1]

Congrats DeadPoolX!

I'm planning on doing this in about a year. I'm curious, did you use roadtocanada.com or anything else? Where did you get most of your info?

It's good to hear it went smoothly and quickly for you.

[Reba 2]

Wow, the immigration lady sounds just like a lovey welcome to the country eh? sheesh! Is it a requirement of the job to be a beeyotch?

Welcome to Canada! Just think, in 3 months time you can have "free" healthcare too

[Moosker 7]

Ok so it's that easy to immigrate to Canada? I may have to convince my hubby if this whole U.S. visa ordeal doesn't work out for me he can high-tail it over to Canada. 6 months is excellent time!!! Were you able to work immediately after it was approved?

[Sprailenes 47]

you lucky duck. I miss home sooo much. Have a green mint aero...for me. kthx.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Congratulations!

Yes, having had experience in both the US and Canada immigration processes (undergoing the US one personally and assisting others through the Canadian one when I worked for the MP) I would agree that the Canadian system is better organized and faster. They accomplish the same thing re: medical and security checks as the US does (in fact, they require you do get the security checks done first on your own and submit the results with the application) and they truly do support family re-unification. While a spouse 'sponsors' a foreign spouse, they don't have to meet a minimum income requirement as other family sponsorships do. Once you 'land' your status is permanent - no conditions attached to it and you can count any legal time spent in Canada prior to receiving PR status on a ratio of 2:1 for up to one year of the 3 year citizenship eligibility.

Because of security risks, however, Canada did away with fiance(e) visas a number of years ago so you actually have to be married before you can start the process. Six months to a year seems to be the normal processing times involved, depending on where the foreign spouse resides.

Again, congratulations. You should get your S.I.N. soon, however. It is a simple process and you don't really need to notify them when you change address as it is only used for federal benefits and you either apply for those directly or your employer provides the necessary information. If neither of those circumstances apply, then you can file to change your address. It is not nearly as widely used as the SSN is and is supposed to be only for federal benefit use. Don't forget to apply for your Provincial Health Insurance card as well - there may be a waiting period until you can apply (3 months in Ontario, don't know about elsewhere). Remember to carry your PR card with you whenever you leave Canada as you will be required to show it for re-admission.

Moosker, actually, a foreign spouse can work even before official landing once he/she gets 'approval in principal' which comes as a letter. It means that the paperwork isn't all finished but the application is approved, barring unforeseen circumstances. Once the processing is finished, the applicant has to 'officially' enter the US at the border and he becomes a permanent resident with all benefits. The PR card follows shortly. afterwards in the mail.

[angie007 0]

really ?..it only took under 6 months?.well,im really not decided to move to U.S. but from what i know there's no fiance visa in Canada..we're not married yet....you think if my fiance moves here in Canada and we get married here..can he stay with me while i'm sponsoring him?..and maybe we could just extend his visa if the processing will be over 6 months?I'm waiting for my Packet 3 and I'm scared to move in the U.S..first of all,you have to pay for your medical there and houses are much expensive than here,i know it depend on the place but from where my fiance lives its nothing below 500k

Edited August 22, 2008 by angie007

[MissStacey 1]

Congratulations!!!

I hope you love your new home!!

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

This is sad cause I thought it was MUCH harder than this!!

Congratulations DeadPool, that's awesome.

I didn't think that Nick would be able to work right away after getting here.............what if we have made a huge mistake.....

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

I think I'm going to be sick.

I researched this and always believed there was a minimum requirement needed by me, I only worked part time.

Oh my...

[rae_and_scott 1]

Laura, don't freak! You didn't make a mistake. Whatever could have been or wasn't or whatever... look, you and Nick are together now, you're married. If you decide to move back to Canada in the future, you will. Just later. Look at the fact that you completed the K visa successfully and are no longer apart! There's no use going over what could have beens. Just focus on now and on the future.

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Laura, don't freak! You didn't make a mistake. Whatever could have been or wasn't or whatever... look, you and Nick are together now, you're married. If you decide to move back to Canada in the future, you will. Just later. Look at the fact that you completed the K visa successfully and are no longer apart! There's no use going over what could have beens. Just focus on now and on the future.

Thank you hon, I needed that.

Had a good cry, missing my parents, my cats and my lovely street that I lived on but I'm okay now.

I'm with Nick, that's all that matters.

[rae_and_scott 1]

Glad to hear it.

Sometimes crying really helps and you just need to get it out.

[MissStacey 1]

Adjusting can be hard-I love my life here but I still have days when I'm a little sad and miss everything in Canada.

Don't worry- Canada will be always be there. Whether to visit or move back together if you decide to one day.