Back Up Options - 2018

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!

Are you planning to go by yourself or with your family? Is it even possible to take with your family for Express Entry program?

I'm going by myself. Single, no kids.

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

My family is USC/PR. I'm only one on DACA. But thankfully I have extended family and friends in Canada so will have some support there.

Yes, you can take wife/husband and kids with you for EE program (need larger amount tho for proof of funds if no job offer).

You can eventually sponsor parents if you'd like to take them with you. I don't know about siblings - I suppose they can apply on their own thru student visa or EE if they qualify. I think siblings can be sponsored but not sure. Def worth looking in to tho.

Just trying to help you guys out and give back - I'm a long time lurker on this blog.
It took me a LOOONG time to even get myself to apply - but am now SO relieved that I have this as a backup.

Nvm. He answered the question ^. Mods delete my post pls.

Thanks to both of you! Now I see how it works. So once you are approved for Express Entry Program (maybe we can receive a permanent residency card while staying in US, not Canada?), can we stay in US as long as we want or do we have any deadline to enter Canada to not lose your approved status? If our situation is resolved in Congress, we don't actually need to go to Canada.

I would add -

Just on initial application - please respond honestly and be truthful about have no status in U.S. I was honest about being on DACA. I entered with inspection and provided them my entire immig history in US, including being w/o status before DACA was announced.

Correction on earlier...for proof of work:


Yes, they did ask for proof in the form of last couple paychecks, tax return and a letter from manager or colleague (I did the latter for my last job!). for current job, just obtained a letter from HR thru our automated system and asked them to fill in necessary info. Did not want my manager finding out I was moving, haha.

Yes, the last stage of app requires you to send your passport to Ottawa for PR stamp.

You then have to enter Canada at the earlier of:
1) passport expir date (must not expire within 6 mos) OR
2) 1 year from immig medical exam

That is your deadline to enter. Many folks from US such as H1-B holders do their landing and come back the same day. (Must give a canadian address for them to mail your physical PR card...but this can be done in 30 days after landing).

However WE cannot do landing and return in one day becuz it triggers the 10 year bar for us...but you can technically go ANYWHERE in the world. You don't have to STAY in Canada. To maintain your Canadian PR you have to be physically present just 2 out of 5 years.

Yes, if situation is resolved in congress then you don't need to pursue Canada PR. That's exactly my plan. But at least this way you have an option....if going back to home country is not feasible.

If you are serious about this....please know that the entire process takes about 8 months.

I first submitted Educ. Assessment with WES and took IELTS right after Trump got elected. Then submitted my applic online to get selected in the pool. (This process takes time.....and depends on how many points you have). Meanwhile, sent in FBI background check to Virginia which takes 6-8 weeks. And also started gathering all other docs for final online application.

Final app approval takes in 2-4 months. So it does require a couple steps...but you have peace of mind of having a backup in case DA doesn't pass.

Sending good vibes that it passes!

PS: If you took French - that really helps and adds quite a few points on top of your English speaking skills. I hear from friends that Montreal is awesome...but you don't have to move to Quebec. French def gives you an advantage

Please continue discussion in the following thread:

http://dreamact.info/forum/showthread.php?t=78360