Need some advice on moving back to canada

[thetreble 19]

Hey guys...

Well I was up in Canada the past weekend and..I don't think I fully realized how unhappy I am here in the US until I was there. I've felt pretty out of place since I have been here in NJ, but I have tried to sort of beat down all those things.

Have any of you that became PRs in the US moved back to Canada and brought your spouse over? I'm conditional until Sept. 09 so if I wanted to move back, lets say, in a few months from now, would that be a breach of my PR status? I guess I'm just wondering if any of you out there have changed your mind and taken your hubby or wife back to your side of the border line.

Any advice/experience/suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Cassie 8]

We plan on moving back, but we're waiting until I get dual citizenship, because I'd lose my PR status and frankly, I don't want to start all over again if we need to move back to the US. But that's just us.

I know how you feel. I still don't feel 100% settled here. I love my hubby, and it's not bad here, but I'm not at 100% peace, like I am when I spend time on the beaches at home.

[thetreble 19]

So I would lose my PR status if I moved back to Canada? man that bites.

[thetreble 19]

I read some info on the situation and it seems that I can apply for a re-entry permit and go back for a couple years but without the intention of making Canada my home again. I sort of wish I had known that before I applied. haha Unless I waited here 4 more years to become a citizen, I'd have to abadone my PR status and lose the thousands of dollars we spent on it. Jesus. What a predicament eh?

[Sprailenes 47]

I think about going back to Canada ALL the time. Unfortunately my husband won't do it, he even told me before I came down that we'd go back after two years and now he keeps changing that date. Then the other day he basically said: "Well one of us is always going to be unhappy, and I don't want that someone to be me"

He's a charmer he is.

I hate NJ too.

[thetreble 19]

Sprailenes...lets move back to toronto together! haha

[MsZ 6]

Where are you guys in NJ? What about it is bothering you? Maybe some of us can help you find the sorts of things you are looking for.

I was born in NJ -- Southern NJ. I'm in NY at the moment. My husband will eventually (someday, hopefully, you know, possibly in this century) be moving here to NY and I sure don't want him to be unhappy. We're 6.5 hours from Ottawa, so that isn't bad. But it won't be the same for him. I know that.

I'm sorry you're not having a good time in NJ. Would your husbands consider moving to another state? I hear there are several others and they might be a better fit for you.

(PA is decent - cheaper taxes for one thing.)

[thetreble 19]

MsZ-

We are in Northen NJ just outside of Newark. It's incredibly urban and very VERY populated. Going anywhere is difficult as you have to factor in the time it will take you to get there because of traffic. I'm from Ottawa as well and want to move back there now SO badly. Ottawa is a really special place and your hubby might find it so different living in some place more in the suburbs.

What bothers me in NJ is there is nothing to do, even in the urban areas. I can't really walk around at night by myself because its not safe and there is no where to go any way. There are lots of seedy bars but when you are used to lots of parks within walking distance, cute little shops and festivals galore, it's hard to settle for anything less.

I really like PA because its cheaper and more easy going. But not a lot of jobs in the areas I like and probably would end up being more isolating for me than Id like. I'm only 24 years old and feel like im living the life of a 40 year old by living in the complete suburbs.

Also, the people are nasty where I live for the most part and Im tired of getting almost hit every day on the parkway and local roads.

I don't know..it's just different. I realize now I was so connected with my Canadian landscape and I just don't feel in sync with the one here.

[KarenCee 3]

From the USCIS website http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf

Keep Your Immigration Status

Permanent residents who leave the United States for extended periods, or who cannot show their intent to live permanently in the U.S., may lose their permanent resident status. Many immigrants believe they can live abroad as long as they return to the U.S. at least once a year. This is incorrect. If you think you will be out of the U.S. for more than 12 months, you should apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the country.You should file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document.You can get this form at http://www.uscis.gov or by calling the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676.You must pay a fee to file Form I-131.

[Krikit 1,164]

Treble, I know it's tough, but try to hang in there until you can naturalize. It's only a few years out of your life. Like Cassie says, the payoff will be worth it.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I'm moving to NYC and I'm from Mississauga, so it's very very different but I'm pretty much certain that I will love it. I am a city girl for sure. I've also been dating my boy now for 5 years, and been there at least 20 times, probably more, so hopefully I'll be okay.

We'll only be about 20 minutes from Manhattan and on the subway line, so I'll be more mobile than I am here in Mississauga that's for sure.

I kinda do like New Jersey, although I've only really visited Short Hills Mall and his aunt in Jersey City. It reminds me of Mississauga.

We're both against moving to Long Island, so I think we're good there.

I will definitely miss Canada but I don't plan to move back ever.

I forget the stat, but I think it takes like 2-3 years to become used to a new place and call it home.

[Eric_and_Corinna 0]

I just want to extend an invitation to all of you to move to Alaska...it's not Canada, but it's not really the US either. We'd be happy to have all of you. We can even open a Timmy Hortons so you have some creature comforts

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

I'm moving to NJ...I like it a lot but then again I've only visited.

The area where Nick is is lovely...even with the crazy traffic. There is lots to do and see and I felt safe walking at night.

I have many many people waiting for me when I go down there...a whole group of Nick's amazing friends (Who I adore) and his wonderful family.

Part of me is scared (especially after reading this thread) but this is what I chose to do...I'm going to be open minded about it.

I think I'll be okay. I'll miss Canada very much, I've lived here my whole life but I need to be with Nick right now.

We do plan on moving back after I get dual citizenship though...but hey, that could change too. Life is funny.

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time there....life is uncertain and we never know what it's going to be like. I suggest waiting it out too until you have dual citizenship and then moving home. You are with your love...try and make the best of it!!!

Good luck!

[Sprailenes 47]

Alaska sounds nice. Anything is better than Jersey.

I feel like I am living in the "joke state" it kind of stinks...no pun intended

Its not really a garden state, its more of a concrete state.

We are looking into moving to PA, north of Philadelphia, but that could take time as well. Oh well time is all I have.

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Alaska sounds nice. Anything is better than Jersey.

I feel like I am living in the "joke state" it kind of stinks...no pun intended

Its not really a garden state, its more of a concrete state.

We are looking into moving to PA, north of Philadelphia, but that could take time as well. Oh well time is all I have.