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| Subject: How to start the immigration....? |
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Hi,
My husband and me desided to immigrate to Canada (skilled worker category), and we have to make a desision now how to apply for immigration - do it on our own, hire a consultant, or hire a laywer. I read some threads on this forum about consultants and laywers, and I understand that people don´t recommend to hire anyone if the case is straightforward. I don´t know if our case is straightforward, or not, so I would like to discribe our situation and I would appreciate any opinion about what is a best thing for us to do.
So, here is our story. I am 39, citizen of Kyrghyzstan (one of the ext-Soviet republics). My husband is 51, citizen of Israel. We have a 2 years old son who is a citizen of USA. We are currently living in USA. My husband has a working visa (E-1). He´s been in US on this visa for 25 years. I have a spouse visa (E-2). I have been in US on this visa for 5 years. Our son was born in US.
My husband has a job as a Network administrator, and his salary is pretty good. He has a bachelor degree in Marketing from New York University (not really related to computer, but he has many, many certificates from different computer courses).
I have started a company two years ago, but the company doesn´t bring much income yet and all the income goes to the company needs (basically, I can not claim that I have a salary). My husband is on the board of directors of our company.
I have a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from on of the universities in Russia, one year course of Business Administration from an Australian college, and several computer certificates.
So, I have a whole bunch of questions, and I would appreciate ANY feedback, and ANY idea:
1. Is our case straightforward or not (since we don´t apply from our home countries, but from US, and we have different citizenship)?
2. Should we hire a consultant, or laywer, or do it ourselves?
3. Who should apply - my husband or me? I believe that probably my husband, because:
(1) He has a good salary
(2)If there will be a question what he can do in Canada if he does not find a job, he has a backup (our company where he is on the board of directors, even though the company is just in the developing stage, still it is up and running)
(3) My husband will be getting pension from US when he reaches the pension age (this a legislation in US - if you worked in US more than 10 years, you get pension from US even if you move to another country)
However my husband is 51, so it might be the age issue. Is the age in the most important parameters for the immigration?
If, on the other hand, I will apply, I can not claim that I currently have a salary.
So... what do you think.......?
Thanks in advance
Olga Agady
[07-09-2005,21:31]
[**.15.134.12]
Agady |
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(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
I would go on the CIC website and find the tool kit that measures your points to see who has a better application.
[07-09-2005,23:06]
[***.20.170.23]
sharon |
(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
Thanks, Sharon,
...but what is CIC website? I tried www.cic.com, but it doesn´t look like the right place. Or you mean http://www.canada-city.ca?
[07-09-2005,23:45]
[**.15.134.12]
Agady |
(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
Hi Agady,
the site is http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html
Your case looks pretty good except that the age of 51 is not exactly the best age when looking for new jobs in a different country, and from what you describe, you are both very much used to upper level decent living. If you have the skills to start your own company, I would suggest that you think about it when migrating to Canada: it is not hard to own a business there from what a lot of people say. Aim for large city and higher up North since Toronto or Vancouver are pretty much hard to settle in these days.
I hope that helps a little.
[08-09-2005,00:16]
[**.93.62.28]
cool25 |
(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
Thanks, cool25
I will check this site. Thanks also for the encouragement.
[08-09-2005,02:08]
[**.15.134.12]
Agady |
(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
1. Since you have lived in US for over a year you can apply from the US
2. Age is definately going to be an issue. What has Canada to gain from you if you come to Canada at this age? Don´t take me wrong - I mean soon enough you and your husband can claim medical and Senior security benifits. This is definately going to come up at the IA stage.
3. Even you will not make the points as you don´t have a MS or PhD.
Canada no longer issues visa for retirees so you only recource would be an "investors" category - something related to your expertise or your husband. Basically to show what new are your bringing to Canada?
You should definately consult a consultant on this as they will help clearly assess your case. Most do assessment for free so you have nothing to loose.
[08-09-2005,02:19]
[**.244.28.75]
starwars |
(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
From what I can gather, they aren´t too interested in the salary you have now as much as a) funds set aside for the first couple of months relocating and b) your ability to secure employment in Canada.
The other thing is that you have a lot of different nationalities/ places lived listed there. That increases your paperwork since you have to get police clearenaces from all the places you have lived. If you can handle the paperwork, then forget about hiring a lawyer.
I totally agree with Sharon. You should go through the self-assessment test twice, once as if you were your husband, and once as yourself and see which offers higher points.
[08-09-2005,02:38]
[**.223.143.66]
Greg |
(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
your husband has a great job on IT my advise stay in the US you will make more money, if money is not important and you look for a peaceful place come
[08-09-2005,04:33]
[**.80.112.55]
Karajito |
(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
Thanks, everyone
I did the self-assessment, and I gained 73 points, and my husband 65 (yes, he almost fails on age points - 4 out of 10). Looks like it has to be me to apply for the immigration.
We can not go on "investors" category since we don´t have those 400.000 dollars required. But the fact that we are going to move the company to Canada can play some role.
Yes, we have to talk to consultants.
Thanks a lot
[08-09-2005,21:08]
[**.15.134.12]
Agady |
(in reply to: How to start the immigration....?)
Could someone recommend a reliable consultant?
[08-09-2005,21:18]
[**.15.134.12]
Agady |
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