Canadian immigration question

[fenriswolf]

i just found out i have two great grandparents who immigrated to the US before they had my grandfather. Does this help at all in trying to immigrate to canada. I know all about the point system and the different visa's but does having heritage in canada help in trying to become a citizen?

[NanceGreggs]

1. I'm not an expert in these matters ...

... but it sounds like it falls into the chicken soup theory: It might not help, but it couldn't hurt.

I came to Canada in the 'seventies, but there are a few things that still hold true as 'pluses' in applying for residency: a proficiency in English or French, the ability to support yourself once here (a pre-arranged job here is golden), a skill or vocation currently in high demand (a visit to the Canadian immigration website will probably provide a comprehensive list), a relative currently living in Canada, a solid educational and/or work experience background. Any criminal record, of course, will land you at the bottom of the list (and they DO check).

I have not visited it myself, but I understand there is an on-line 'test' you can take which will give you a good idea if you qualify to apply for residency here or not. (I believe this is available on the Canadian Immigration website.)

Wish I could be more helpful - but if you wind up here, be sure to look us up in Toronto!

P.S. This is a GREAT place to live!

[silverojo]

4. If they check for criminal backgrounds

How come so many American fugitives have gone up there...only for the Canadians to refuse to extradite them?

And anyone who thinks Canada isn't going to sink when the US does is living in a dream world. This is a global economy now. When one economy sinks, so will the rest. :scared:

[Spazito]

5. Canada will weather it, we will be impacted but it is not as it was

twenty years ago. Canada has diversified it's markets, reduced it's dependence on the American market to export it's products. As well, the US imports from Canada essentials like oil, natural gas, water and electricity, essentials the US will still need even during a recession/depression.

Times have changed, many countries knew the direction the US was headed wrt to it's out of control debt, reduction of manufacturing ability and the increase in using credit as it's foundation instead and those countries have been working on diversifying to reduce the effect on them when the "shit hits the fan" in the US, imo.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

2. No

"by descent" is defined as having been born to a Canadian parent outside of Canada.

The easiest way into Canada is a NAFTA professional visa, this is a list of eligible professions, the list is universal to Canada, the United States and Mexico. http://www.nafta-sec-alena.org/DefaultSite/index_e.aspx?DetailID=167#Ap1603.D.1

I hate it here and think an American seeking the a "liberal homeland" will be sorely disappointed, but to each his own.

[fenriswolf]

3. moving for both political

and ecological reasons, I figure the US will get way to hot and uncomfortable in most parts. . Also economical, I have no faith in the broken american economy.