Canada?

Hey folks, does anyone know or know anyone who has migrated to Canada after being illegal in the US for some time? How does that work and is that something you would recommend? Thnx

I've been thinking about scheduling an appointment with a Canadian immigration attorney to discuss this. If you'd asked me this back in May when this shitty presidency was promising the moon and stars on immigration reform, I'd have never dreamed of feeling this desperate. But the more I research Canada, the more I find how good of a place to live it is. I have heard of several cases of Mexican nationals who were undocumented (they weren't students) who successfully immigrated there. Mind you the last person I know about, moved there in early 2007, but I think it might have been easier because at that time Mexicans did not need a visa to enter Canada and that's how he applied for permission to stay upon arrival. I'll post a reply if I'm able to meet with the attorney soon. There are plenty of them in the Seattle area.

I ask because I know 3 families that left last year, undocumented like us (overstayed visas) and now, a year later, are Canadian residents, in school, working, driving and starting over a new life in Toronto. they love it. Its gotten me thinking.

I know! In fact, my mom went to the Canadian embassy in Seattle (she is legal here in the U.S) and the consular person told her that relocation to low-population areas included right now Toronto! She went to ask because of me, so I think you have given me the little push I needed to pursue this. Apparently, if you aren't a LPR in the States, it is required to apply from your country of origin. And the consular official confirmed that max wait time is 6 months. Now, there has to be a way to do it from here if others have done it. Thanks.

I am thinking same as well, but only if I finish my BA/BS degree at least.

Based on what I see, DA is very not likely to pass. IT MUST PASS this time really. Soon many democrats will be replaced in the House upcoming midterm election. I am not saying DA will not pass but the chance of it is not promising.


As far as I know, Canada immigration policies go by point system. Their website seem so much organized and helpful.

I am gonna endure as much as possible in the next 2-3 years and get my degree and if DA doesn't pass, I am gonna leave the US for good and live in my native country to earn some cash and then consider moving to Canada.

If not, there are many wonderful places else like Australia, NZ, Japan etc.

there is way to leave from here, they have done it! Im not gone put all the details I know on here because its not appropriate but its been done. Just putting it out there because it is an option for all of us if DREAM fails to be passed. Just Sayin'

Really?! I must know more details.. how would you go by getting a visa and becoming permanent residences there?

yep by points.. you need 67 points to enter and become a residence? I believe. You need to know french to get more point, worked in Canada and have a high education. With that being said its prob going to be hard to get all 67 points.

Yeah. 67 points. if anyone interested, check their immigration site.

Basically you need to be proficient either English or French. But knowing both languages really boost your score. 16 points for English and 8 points for French.

And education is also important. If you are MA+ then you get like 24 points. But if you finish BA or 4 yr accredited university degree, you get like 22 or about that range. So try to finish education here in the US. At the worst, get AA degree from community college and I think you get like 22 points.

Also age 21-49 or so give you full 10 points. So we should get all 10 points.

The rest is about working experience. That one takes pretty big points as well. And also work invitation in one of Canada's companies.



However...
I think it might be better as an option to study as international student for 2 years or so.either MA or BS if you graduated from community college. Downside is that it will cost a lot. So while staying in our native country and work as a citizne there, we can earn some cash and save and apply for student visa. Student visa is much easier and don't have to go through all that immigration point system. Once you stay in Canada and finish education there, maybe changing status there might be possible.

From what i hear, Canada usually welcomes law-abiding immigrants. And I hear they do the job much better than here.


The best option is still DA passing. I still like this country. I have lived here 13 years. This is basically home. Anyway I will sustain myself until next year.