Considering a move to Canada following the 2024 Election results
The results of the election are in. Some are cheering and others are feeling more anxious than ever.
There is no denying that there has been a major surge in voters wanting to move to Canada as seen in the media coverage over the last few days. As a retired Canadian immigration officer working at the Canadian Immigration Consulate in Los Angeles for many years, I can testify that this is not a new phenomenon. This has been a consistent occurrence every 4 years following an election, and the Consulate always received a large number of calls, emails and in-person inquiries about moving to Canada for the weeks and months following an election.
Now I that own my own Canadian Consulting firm in the US, I see the same pattern emerging again, but I have noticed that this time something feels different, mainly because there seems to be an even greater level of serious intent to move to Canada.
Some will follow through and make the move. Often it is those directly affected or genuinely concerned with specific issues affecting them and their family members directly. Whether the fear of deportation, a desire to have access to affordable health care, reproductive and women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, concerns with gun violence, the environment or other civic liberties, all these reasons can justify making the move and seeking to gain permanent residence to Canada. In fact, many Americans, permanent residents and even undocumented foreign nationals are often fairly well-positioned to achieve this in Canada. This is because people living here frequently have the skills, education level, and English skills to be selected as permanent residents of Canada.
In general, Canada continues to remain the top country of choice for people from the US even before the UK. Furthermore, numerous individuals living in the US have a family member who is Canadian. Others can easily initiate an intra-company transfer through their current employer because they already hold a position within a US company that has offices in Canada. The bottom line is that our countries are directly intertwined in many ways and have been for years. This is because of geographic proximity, similarities and strong economic ties.
Canada is beautiful country. Overall, it is very safe, environmentally friendly and welcoming. There is universal health care, good schools, and very affordable post-secondary education. Winters can be cold but also magical in many ways because Canadians love to take part in all kinds of winter activities. Overall, Canadians are progressing, extremely warm and decent people. In addition, Canada offers the proximity to the US that Europe does not. But realistically speaking, not everyone will qualify and be able to immigrate.
If you are fairly young, college educated with high-level English skills, you may qualify for permanent residence based on your own merit. It is also important to mention that undocumented individuals and their family members can often obtain permanent residence to Canada without having to leave the US. In fact, for permanent residence, the lack of legal status in this country may not have much of a negative effect on a permanent residence application to Canada.
The ability to speak French, will make it even more probable that a person could qualify for permanent residence in Canada. Permanent residence is equivalent to a US green card and will allow a person to apply for citizenship should one wishes to do so.
It is also possible to qualify if a person invests and starts a viable business in Canada.
Of course, if you are living with or married to a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident, sponsorship can be an excellent option. Moreover, same-sex common-law partners are recognized for sponsorship immigration purposes under Immigration Laws in Canada.
Through lineage, several people living in the US may already be entitled to Canadian citizenship without knowing it.
Whatever the reason or avenue, the fact remains that, even outside of election years, several people chose to move from the US to Canada every year. If you are seeking a different permanent environment for your family, or simply a fresh start, Canada could be the perfect place for you.
The current times can be for many a period of reflection, and for some, naturally, it is leading to the desire to start fresh elsewhere. As the dust settles, decisions will be made but it is critical to state the importance of beginning the procedures early because the process of immigrating to Canada can often take several months.
If this is something you are seriously considering you can book a consultation. We provide fair, honest and professional evaluation of the options and the feasibility based on your personal circumstances. With over 20 years of experience in Canadian Immigration the BIC team is here to guide you through the process.
To book a consultation:
Annie Beaudoin
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Licence # R533869
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