Moving to Canada eh?

[WS6]

Just thinking out loud and asking questions. Is it difficult to move to Canada? I'm referring to vehicles and my cat really. I'm thinking it's a little more involved than moving to a new state but to what extent I haven't a clue. So can anyone give me some quick insight/advice


I'm asking because a job is available in Calgary that interests me and it puts me closer to the mountains than I currently am. I don't even know if I can apply as a US citizen or if it's only for Canadians. It just got the wheels in my head turning, and before I got in over my head, I figured I'd ask.


Thanks

[Kenova]

WOW, 24 hours and no response. I thought for sure one of the guys out west would have chimed in by now.
I don't have any experience with Calgary, but I won't let that stop me from giving my two cents.
Your cat will probably have the easiest time moving to Calgary. I suspect a bit of paperwork from a vet indicating it has had it's shots and it's probably a done deal.
Your car may have to pass safety and emissions certification but I can't say for sure.
In the case of yourself, I would think if your company wants you in Calgary they would handle most of the legal red tape. I'm sure there are different legal options and channels that you could take but I really don't know what they would be.
One thing to keep in mind is that Alberta is very much a "boom" province. The population and wages are growing faster than some of the infrastructure, primarily housing. You can make some pretty serious money, but you will spend a lot on every day living expenses.
Not much help, I know, but it's something to think about untill some of our western members respond. Have you spoken to anyone in the company about the job?

Ken

[parsonsj]

It's not easy to "move" to Canada -- I'm assuming you aren't planning on becoming a Canadian citizen, right? Canada isn't too keen on Americans going up there and taking jobs from Canadians. You'll need some help with that from any potential employer.

[Happyfunballs]

Canada isn't too keen on Americans going up there and taking jobs from Canadians.

That's putting it mildly. I go up a few times a year. I've seen several unmarked back rooms at the border.

[rentedmule]

Alberta is a bit of an exception to that though, there are more jobs than people in a lot of fields so companies put significant effort into attracting skilled labor from where ever they can find it. There was a point about 6 years ago when fast-food joints were importing employees from South America to fill positions because locals could all find better jobs.

[WS6]

Thanks guys. Like I said, it's just me thinking out loud. I'm not sure the job is still available or if US citizens can apply. I also have to decide if it something I want to do. I think it would be really cool but for me, it's a big step. So we'll see what tomorrow brings. Lots of decisions to make.

[Kenova]

Canada isn't too keen on Americans going up there and taking jobs from Canadians.
If there is a shortage of skilled professional, white or blue collar, companies don't seem to have to much trouble importing the necessary skilled labour. Just as the USA has lost a great deal of it's skilled labour, so has Canada.

Ken

[parsonsj]

If there is a shortage of skilled professional, white or blue collar, companies don't seem to have to much trouble importing the necessary skilled labour.

You'll need some help with that from any potential employer.We agree. :cheers:

[looter]

I live in Calgary. let me know if you need some info on the city or area.....as far as immigrating, it's involved but not impossible

[streetnova74]

That's putting it mildly. I go up a few times a year. I've seen several unmarked back rooms at the border.

Lol you should try to go to the USA and work from Canada, like 4 phone books of paper work to fill out, money and that was to just to supervisory work. Weren't allowed to do any work at all.

[Poopy]

Living near the border....everyone knows you don't have ANY work related paraphernalia in your vehicle when crossing the border. No work boots, no tape measures etc etc....they can be real *****s!

[chops101]

Like stated, you for the most part need to be sponsored by a company.
You have to have a good reason for being there, like above, shortage of local white collar experience.
I worked in Nova Scotia for 6 months, came thru immigration every two weeks from trips home, learned the same officials at those stations, and still got the nth degree of "what are you doing here?" just about every time.
It took a Canadian law firm to properly obtain work permits.

[axisg]

That's putting it mildly. I go up a few times a year. I've seen several unmarked back rooms at the border.

and they think it's funny to walk in the room and drop a box of rubber "examination" gloves on the table just to see the expression on your face :)

Most of your questions can be answered here.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp

[killer69]

That's putting it mildly. I go up a few times a year. I've seen several unmarked back rooms at the border.

Don't think it is ANY different when we come to the US...... we are not even allowed to unload our own delivery truck with our own product at our own whse!!!


i will meet you at the boarder and we can just trade passports....................that would be the easiest, no gaurentee how long it would work for ....lol

[killer69]

lol god forbid if you have a business card in your truck!!!! i go through the border 4-6 times a month, and everytime it is the same guys at the booth, and everytime they look at you like your from another planet, not just another country.... like your an ALIEN.....

[olason]

I think the big part of crossing the border is if your a local, and to what area of the border you are crossing at. My dad used to cross a lot to go to the John Deere dealership to get parts or look at equipment, not so much as of late, but knowing the guys to get back into the U.S. is huge. It also helps when they know you or your family by name. Got to love small town USA.

[Kenova]

My youngest son drives for an international transport company. After just six months on the job he knew which border crossings cause the biggest headaches. Some are manned by Barney Fife and others have personnel that really couldn't give a damn.

Ken

[Happyfunballs]

Thanks axis, I know those sites very well. I typically cross in Buffalo at Queenston/Lewiston. I've crossed at Whirlpool bridge and was interrogated there as well.(yes, I have a Nexus card and I still get shyte) I intend to cross in downtown Buffalo next time. Haven't been to immigration there......yet.

[WS6]

Thanks guys. I've still not heard back from anyone to know if they job is even available to US citizens. It would be with my current employer so who knows. I'm not holding my breath at this point since it's been almost a week since I sent the email off. It's always a possibility though since my company is global.