Break free from America?

Canada Immigration Forum (discussion group)


 
       
Subject: Break free from America?
  I hope this is an appropriate forum for this
I am an American who´s to the breaking point with the United States. I´m sick of the crime, the foreign policy, the increasing cost of college tuition, health care premiums, the ignorance and the dangerous nationalism. I´m a second year college student studying to become a teacher. I really do not want to support the United States in the form of my taxes and I certainly do not want to start a family here. I have been employed since I turned 16 (currently 21) and am willing to work extremely hard to escape my country.
At this point I need to know what are my options to make a successful move to Canada. I have been in Canada many times and loved it there. I do not have any family currently in Canada nor do I have any friends in Canada (all I have is close family on the border of British Colombia in Washington). I was wondering if there is anyone that can help at least get me better informed about Canadian immigration and Canada in general.
I won´t be looking to move for a while. I have moderate means and have already started saving as much money as I possibly can.
I have jobs skills in Business and Computer Science with 3 years experience.
my email is peter@incameramusic.com

[03-11-2004,13:56]
Peter A. Jex
escape (in reply to: Break free from America?)
Canada has problems too - trust me...but I hear you. I think it is safe to say that most Canadians were quietly hoping for a different US election result.

My suggestion: www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/index.html

get a sense of what is involved, Google for some Canadian immigration websites for a different explanation of the same materials. and one more thing... remember that almost 48% of your country feels like you this morning! Good luck

[03-11-2004,14:09]
sharon
one more thing (in reply to: Break free from America?)
if you are wanting to teach... it would be in your best interest to finish your teaching degree in Canada - that way you get your license immediately without requalifying.

You may want to come as a student. CIC has information about this as well on their website.

[03-11-2004,14:11]
sharon
(in reply to: Break free from America?)
Peter,

I strongly suggest you to visit Canada and stay for some time with a view to analyze every aspect. DO NOT BE IN A HURRY!

Get a feel first...


[03-11-2004,14:48]
sanrup
I feel so happy to be in Canada (in reply to: Break free from America?)
I feel so sorry for those american who wanted a change in their country, who are almost the half of the population.
George Bush made an excellent job getting the vote of those Pseudo-Christians who want to ban same-sex marriage , but the don´t care about killing americans people and Iraquies in the war (just to give an example).
It is a sad day for the world and we can do nothing better than feel lucky to be in Canada and appreciate our canadian values and keep them. This just makes the difference between Canada and the US.

[03-11-2004,14:58]
APPLE
(in reply to: Break free from America?)
I appreciate the quick responses.
I don´t plan on doing anything for a year or so. It will take me quite a while to save up enough money and make the proper connections in Canada to make the move.
It´s not a rash decision being made based souly on the presidential election (though that was the kicker). I do not like the values, morals, intelligence, and reason of the people I´m surrounded by. The mass hysteria is frightening where I am (Salt Lake City, Utah). I can´t compare it to anything I´ve experienced in my life but I can say it scares the daylights out of me. There´s to many issues to get into but my main problem with America is I want to start a family some day and I don´t want my kids growing up in this country.
I´m young, ambitious, educated and motivated. I don´t have any roots dug in. If I can get out I´ll have to try now.
The world is united in their disdain for what we´re doing across the world.. it´s not going to get better.. trust me. I hear fascist level extremism several times a day no matter where I go. I just want to live somewhere that bases their lives on ACTUAL family values, domestic issues and human equality.
I will look into what´s been posted, please keep them coming.

[03-11-2004,15:33]
Peter A. Jex
freedom (in reply to: Break free from America?)
YIKES! Salt Lake City... you really are in the middle of it.

Nothing is more discouraging than to feel like the world it out of control around you. Really and truly...Canada has its struggles too. We are still arguing about Gay marriage/Civil Unions, universal health care, freedom of expression but I think we are trying to move forward instead of backwards. All I can say is we are still talking in Canada and that is a good sign. Losing the freedom to exchange ideas and think outside the box is very scary.

Chin up.

[03-11-2004,16:12]
sharon
(in reply to: Break free from America?)
Hi Sharon,

In reference to policies in canada, in terms of employment, even though i know it is difficult for immigrants to get jobs in canada, do you think the canadian goverment is working on that. Please let me know.

Thanks


[03-11-2004,17:53]
Ramesh
policies (in reply to: Break free from America?)
I am certain the Canadian government is working on some of the employment issues we have been talking about. The entire country would love a lower unemployment rate but we have been living with those numbers for several years. In Canadian politics, things take 10 times longer than you want them to so we might have to be patient.
[03-11-2004,17:59]
sharon
(in reply to: Break free from America?)
Hi Sharon,


Thanks for the info. So, getting a PR in canada would not be a waste according to you as i dreamed of coming to Canada for a long time. I am aware of the hardships one would face in canada.

Thanks

[03-11-2004,18:14]
Ramesh
There are other options too (in reply to: Break free from America?)
You know, you do have other options...

Being American I can truely sympathize with you. I am originally from Michigan, my wife is Canadian so I´m living in Ontario.

I would say get out of SLC... That is truely the lions den for extreme conservative beliefs. Obviously you are a more laid back, liberal, value oriented person. There are tons of places in the USA with the same views. I bet you would do very well in the NorthWest, Seattle area. Its near to BC, and has similar beliefs... Just an idea. Also upstate NewYork and Vermont are very similar in the Canadian way of life. In fact, many sound exactly like they were born in raised in the good ol´ north country.

Its a matter of values, and there are much easier options than immigrating to Canada. I will be the first to tell you, it is FAR from easy. Just remember that because you live in a free country you do not have to agree with everything the administration tries to force. I´m just as depressed about Bushs re-election, but I also understand that America is a strong place and can and will recover.

Stay Strong

[03-11-2004,19:22]
Fellow American
Feeling blue in a blue state (in reply to: Break free from America?)
Is it possible for U.S. citizens to apply for political asylum in Canada? I´m speaking only partly in jest. I´m a 51-year old American and my husband and I are discussing retiring to Canada in six years--if we can last that long. I am so ashamed of the path this country has taken in the last 4 years--both here and abroad--and we´re Minnesotans living in one of the more liberal blue states! Today´s election results are so depressing for us; and I don´t forsee the end of the Bush administration ending this nation´s downward spiral into intolerant, arrogant, anti-intellectual, selfish, imperialistic nationalism. We are planning to visit B.C. next winter with an eye to eventually relocating there.
[03-11-2004,22:24]
Ann