[gstang23]

Figured people that come to this forum will know.

Ok. Things are finally in motion for me. I formally put in for a transfer with my job up to Ontario. The last few months its been about talking about taking the plunge and immigrating north. But I finally took active steps. So now I feel nervous, scared and excited at the same time. Both my boss and HR in both Canada and here in Florida say they will do what they can to make this happen. The only obstacle for me is getting a position. I have to be either really outstanding, or the only one to apply. I cant take a position from a citizen. (Understandably and rightfully so). but once that hurdle is cleared...its all paperwork.

My main question is, if I am granted permanent resident status am I still a US citizen with residency in a foreign country, or am I not a citizen of anywhere? Since I have to reside there at least 4 years before I can formally apply for Canadian citizenship. Will I have to pay US income tax as well as Canadian?


The rest of the stuff I think I know. SI#, drivers license, stuff like that. Getting use to actually using metric system. (Can do 100 legally!!!) On that note, I am looking to get a vehicle soon. Should I sell mine in the US then just buy one there (mainly asking because of the spedometer).

[usababe]

yeah, good question. i think you'd still be a US citizen until your approved.

this site might help: http://www.how2immigrate.com/main/

[gstang23]

Many thanks for the link

[sk4forum]

Hey Guys.
I currently live and work in California and am on H1B Visa. I am planning to apply for Canada PR. Does anyone know how long the process is?

[gstang23]

Everything ive seen or read looks to be about a year or longer

[sk4forum]

Thanks gstang23.
A year seems a good amount of time. But when you say it could be longer how much longer could it go? Remember i'll be applying to the Buffalo office.

[nooobody]

Current times are 18 months to forever (situation in December 2006), depending on your personal circumstances and assuming you are applying in Buffalo and DO qualify for PR in one of the numerous categories.
I'd recommend to start from the official Gov-t of Canada site of CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)

[Brenda]

Hey there,
As long as you are in process for PR, you are an American Citizen. When you have your PR, and live in Canada, you will be a Canadian Resident. When you work in Canada, you pay taxes in Canada, and only US taxes over the time of the emigrationyear you spent in the US. You stay a US Citizen, untill you've taken the Canadian Citizenship test, which is NOT necessary. You can stay a Canadian PR for the rest of your live. You can only not vote. But you could still vote for US...

Here are the processing times from last year, which is no guarantee it will be the same this year (Berlin had 80 % in 15 months in 2005, now it's 22 months, and I don't think we belong to that 80 %, since we are in process for 601 days today, that is 20 months, and we have not done our medicals yet...)

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department ... d-fed.html

You should get yourself a Canadian car. I cannot ship a car younger than 15 years to Canada. (no idea why though ) I have no idea if that one is for US-citizens too. It should be registered, and inspected. But any car crossing a province - border in Canada must be inspected. If you move from Ontario to Manitoba, your car must be inspected too.

Good luck on your application!

[travior]

Under certain conditions you can import a car without any problems. Everything you need to know is on this page:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/menu.htm

As far as the speedometer, just look at the little numbers (km/h). You get used to it. And cars in Canada are much more expensive. I plan on taking mine with me.

As far as citizenship, if you are not planning on staying in Canada permenantly, I wouldn't worry about it.

[kenmore]

What is your country of origin??

[casaken]

Its a question that you need to do research on. Look at the government websites to find the answer. You could also find the answer at the following link.


Mod edit to remove link. Note the date of the thread, it safe to assume the answer has already been discovered.

[Brenda]

Ohhhh! Spammer!!! Shit! I shouild have noticed sooner!!