United States politics are so polarized that some citizens have publicly announced their intention to leave the country for good. The most popular escape is to Canada, the vast country to the north where Americans assume they will automatically receive a warm welcome. While Canada is a popular and attractive destination for a variety of reasons, those considering relocation need to learn how to apply for Canadian residency.
The two nations have long enjoyed a non-violent relationship, and travel has been simple. A lack of border restrictions and a similar popular culture has lulled some Americans into thinking of Canada as a more benign northern version of the United States, but that assumption is mistaken. In the second largest country on the map, permanent resident status is not guaranteed or automatic.
All applicants must meet basic eligibility requirements. There are several disqualifying factors, including poor physical health, a verifiable criminal history, a lack of personal financial resources and capabilities, being a government security risk, or even having family members who are officially classed as inadmissible. No matter how talented the applicant, those not meeting standards face hurdles in obtaining permanent status.
Some southern American states decry bi-lingual education and services, but in Canada these skills are required. The eastern province of Quebec speaks a version of French, while the remaining provinces communicate in English. In order to be considered, an applicant must first successfully navigate the International Language Testing System English exam, or the equivalent in French.
For people in a hurry, relocating first and then looking for work is not possible. Individuals seeking permanent status must have already been hired by a Canadian business, or have received a valid employment offer. In some cases, related higher education or verifiable life skills and experience can substitute. There are recognized pathways to employment for non-citizens, and applicants need to become familiar with their options.
Once eligibility is determined, an application must be completed and submitted. Forms can be found at government offices or on line. Additional requirements include having necessary personal documents readily available. In some cases a medical exam may be requested, and some applicants are required to complete a law enforcement check. There are associated processing fees to consider, and many people hire legal representatives to ensure accuracy.
Although the process is bureaucratic and time-consuming, being approved bestows many benefits. New permanent residents are given the same rights as citizens, which includes equal protection and treatment under Canadian law. They can travel both within the country and internationally without restrictions, and are allowed to work in any province, with the exception of high-security governmental jobs.
In Canada, new parents of both sexes enjoy maternity leave, and all citizens enjoy universal health care. Once approved for permanent status, residents can receive child tax credits or old age support, and public education is high-quality and free of charge. People who are out of the country for more than two years during a five year period may lose their status, but many qualify for citizenship after less than four years.
The two nations have long enjoyed a non-violent relationship, and travel has been simple. A lack of border restrictions and a similar popular culture has lulled some Americans into thinking of Canada as a more benign northern version of the United States, but that assumption is mistaken. In the second largest country on the map, permanent resident status is not guaranteed or automatic.
All applicants must meet basic eligibility requirements. There are several disqualifying factors, including poor physical health, a verifiable criminal history, a lack of personal financial resources and capabilities, being a government security risk, or even having family members who are officially classed as inadmissible. No matter how talented the applicant, those not meeting standards face hurdles in obtaining permanent status.
Some southern American states decry bi-lingual education and services, but in Canada these skills are required. The eastern province of Quebec speaks a version of French, while the remaining provinces communicate in English. In order to be considered, an applicant must first successfully navigate the International Language Testing System English exam, or the equivalent in French.
For people in a hurry, relocating first and then looking for work is not possible. Individuals seeking permanent status must have already been hired by a Canadian business, or have received a valid employment offer. In some cases, related higher education or verifiable life skills and experience can substitute. There are recognized pathways to employment for non-citizens, and applicants need to become familiar with their options.
Once eligibility is determined, an application must be completed and submitted. Forms can be found at government offices or on line. Additional requirements include having necessary personal documents readily available. In some cases a medical exam may be requested, and some applicants are required to complete a law enforcement check. There are associated processing fees to consider, and many people hire legal representatives to ensure accuracy.
Although the process is bureaucratic and time-consuming, being approved bestows many benefits. New permanent residents are given the same rights as citizens, which includes equal protection and treatment under Canadian law. They can travel both within the country and internationally without restrictions, and are allowed to work in any province, with the exception of high-security governmental jobs.
In Canada, new parents of both sexes enjoy maternity leave, and all citizens enjoy universal health care. Once approved for permanent status, residents can receive child tax credits or old age support, and public education is high-quality and free of charge. People who are out of the country for more than two years during a five year period may lose their status, but many qualify for citizenship after less than four years.
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