Whether you’re finding the current president a bit much, or you simply want to live in the land where poutine was invented, you’re not the only one thinking of moving to Canada from the United States. The abundance of land, a strong economy, and world-class cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary have attracted immigrants for generations.
Explore Your Options
Seek advice from an immigration lawyer in Montreal or one of your potential new home towns. While the processing of your application will obviously cost you, many will offer complimentary consultations that will allow you to get a ballpark figure and a general understanding of what the process entails. At this point you might decide that the move is not for you, or on the flip side, that it’s everything you have every wanted!
Save Money
Immigration is going to cost money: from the application through paying for your legal services. Start saving the money you will need to go through the process as well as tide you over in your first few months in a new country as you figure out your finances.
Start Networking
Networking will never hurt you and going beyond the borders can certainly help. Start being vocal about your desire to move to Canada during professional opportunities in which you come in contact with Canadians in your field. Who knows? Maybe they have a job to offer you? Otherwise, it might be worth even going through the family tree and seeing whether you have a relative living in Canada. It could strengthen your application to have this kind of support, but remember you need to reconnect with them first, you can’t just put their names down!
Figure Out How to Approach the System
Your immigration lawyer will likely tell you what your best application option is. He or she will also have an understanding of the current social and political climate associated with immigration, helping you choose an option that will most likely end happily and at the lowest cost. From entering the country as a student, skilled worker, business owner, investor, or family member, you could have a range of options, and it’s important that you choose the right one.
Stay Committed
It might not turn out the first time, but you can definitely reapply! Just remember to stay committed to the goal and start envisioning and bridging your life in Canada. From picking up Canadian past-times like cross-country skiing and hockey, to catching up on your Canadian authors like Margaret Atwood. By staying excited and focused on your goal, you are more likely to succeed in your dream of living in Canada. Visit if possible, learning the culture and making friends who could help you later in your journey.
Immigration into Canada is partly luck and timing, but mostly about going through the process properly. If you have something to offer this mighty country, you’re in!