Moving to the US from Canada.

Moving to Canada from the US?

• I am currently a legal citizen of the US and I am dating someone who lives in Canada. In several months he will be moving from Ontario to Alberta and I would like to move up to Alberta with him when he does. I have tried doing some research on how the whole process of moving there works, but I find it a bit confusing... so any clarification on this would help greatly. I am currently working just a temporary job, and I took about two years of college classes but I currently do not have any degrees. I did, however, get certified as an EMT-Basic. Ideally, I would like to move up there in about 2 months. I heard something about it being possible to move up to Canada and look for work, and then applying for a temporary work permit that allows me to stay there, after getting a job offer. Can I do this? Or do I need to get some sort of permit before going there? I am aware of the option that we can get married and he can sponsor me for citizenship, but I would like to know what other options I have available. Also, I've heard it's recommended to find a specialist or lawyer to assist in this matter, but I'm not sure who or where exactly I should go for that. Any recommendations would be welcome. Thanks.

• Answer:

  For starters, the job situation in Alberta isn't nearly as good as it was a few years ago. Before he (and certainly, you!) chooses to move there, it would be wise to check things out more closely. Housing costs can be very high, so it's wise to make sure about job and accommodation, until you have lots of $$ saved. If you want a temporary job permit relatively quickly, there is a provision that allows people from other countries to work as domestic workers (nannies, etc.), For that permit, as for all other work permits, one must apply from OUTSIDE of Canada. (I think there's an exception - available to employers - to import migrant workers for short periods of time, to do agricultural fieldwork, etc. You might want to 'get into shape' by spending some time in the fields in California!)) Your boyfriend might marry you, and sponsor you for immigration (note please: immigration, not citizenship!). But it's not as easy as a person might hope. Among other things, there are investigations to make sure that it's not a 'marriage of convenience', for immigration purposes. Some of these can be surprisingly invasive. As an immigrant sponsored under the 'family re-unification' provision, you are at an advantage compared to someone without that connection. But 'family re-unification' applications have a lower priority than an application from someone with valuable skills and/or business $$s. (And many of those have applied and re-applied for years!) Immigration 'advisors', 'consultants', etc., have been exploiting would-be immigrants, so much so that laws are being drafted to control that plague. Any and all information you can get from them is also available from Canada Immigration and Citizenship. (see address below.) With a passport and a clean record, you will probably be allowed entry to Canada as a "visitor" for 6 months. This is NOT a work permit. Without a work permit, it is illegal for you to work, and for someone to employ you.