Hey guys - I'm a long-time lurker here and just decided to join.

I found a thread discussing back-up options last week but can't find it again. Maybe they need to put a sticky on it. Sorry!

Anyways, just wanted to see what everyone is doing as a backup in case Congress doesn't pass DA. I know quite a few said they would leave - and I have similar thoughts.

I am getting tired of the waiting game at this point. What are you guys going to do? Please feel free to share. Would love your thoughts.

I would recommend all you guys to apply for Canada PR as a back-up - if you can.
Their point-based system was recently modified and Trudeau's government has loosened some restrictions. These pathways may not last as his popularity is declining.

I urge you all to look in to getting a student visa or the Express Entry program (formerly called skilled worker). They also have a provincial nomination program - but you have to first apply thru EE and then got a province to nominate you if they have a need for your particular skills (ie. Compuer Science, Engineering, etc.).

It provides you a Canadian PR without ever leaving US!

I am not in STEM and recently applied thru EE. They have a short processing timeline and my initial steps were processed below the given timeframes. I think being in the US may have given me an advantage - US education, employment and background check.

DACA allowed me to work at my dream job - and the work experience that I obtained helped me get the necessary points for Canada. For those in school - Canadian colleges have relatively lower or comparative tuition as US.

My application is pending and am planning to wait till early 2018 to see what happens here.

I really urge you guys to apply ASAP! If Congress comes thru then great. If not, then you have a backup. It took me a long time to arrive at this decision but in my mind, Canada is the next best thing to the US.

Use this forum for any questions you may have. It really helped me throughout the process: (#3 lays out each step of the process)
1) http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...cussion-board/

2) http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...f-interest.54/

3) http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...tshell.394158/

Let me know! I'd be happy to help you guys with any questions before/during the app process. I had a paralegal help me apply but I used these forums to thoroughly understand each stage of the process and steps required.

Praying for all of us!