Originally Posted by daca12 (Post 634782)

Researching on moving to other countries, our unlawful presence in the US is a real obstacle. I wish we can draw more attention internationally as humanitarian crisis and the immigration officer at other country can at least ignore the fact that we were undocumented in the US. Then, at least we can apply for student visa or work visa to Canada or other countries.

Originally Posted by lila17 (Post 634869)

Those of us who got DACA before 18 - will we be able to visit with the Canadian PR? Or do we still face the ban for unlawful stay? I just hate the thought of never visiting here again.

Originally Posted by magnifica369tesla (Post 634773)

Canada should welcome up to 30,000 DACA young people facing deportation in U.S., senator says

Originally Posted by Immigrant (Post 635186)

Canada has a point based immigration system that prefers college graduates in STEM field.

Not all DACA beneficiaries are the same, this means DACA beneficiaries working in either Silicon Valley or in New York Finance Industry would leap most of 30K slots.

Originally Posted by daca12 (Post 634782)

Researching on moving to other countries, our unlawful presence in the US is a real obstacle. I wish we can draw more attention internationally as humanitarian crisis and the immigration officer at other country can at least ignore the fact that we were undocumented in the US. Then, at least we can apply for student visa or work visa to Canada or other countries.

Originally Posted by zara12 (Post 637770)

Hi,

It is not an obstacle for Canada. I think they look favorably on DACA recipients.

Several of us have successfully applied and are in the last stages of the express entry process.

Definitely look in to it!

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!

They have a 4-6 month processing timeline and mine was processed below that timeframe. I think being in the US may have given us an advantage - US education, employment and US criminal 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.


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:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...cussion-board/
and
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...f-interest.54/
and
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...tshell.394158/

Originally Posted by cooltalker (Post 637773)

Hi, can you tell us how much the whole process cost you (for express entry)? I would consider Canada as a last backup, so I really don't want spend too much money on it.

Originally Posted by zara12 (Post 637770)

Hi,

It is not an obstacle for Canada. I think they look favorably on DACA recipients.

Several of us have successfully applied and are in the last stages of the express entry process.

Definitely look in to it!

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!

They have a 4-6 month processing timeline and mine was processed below that timeframe. I think being in the US may have given us an advantage - US education, employment and US criminal 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.


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:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...cussion-board/
and
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...f-interest.54/
and
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...tshell.394158/

Originally Posted by trac3rt (Post 634873)

You'll trigger the 10 year bar if you have been in the US illegally for more than one year after you turn 18.

In other words, if you go daca before 18, but are now 19, you will trigger the 10 year bar.

Originally Posted by zara12 (Post 637775)

Yes, it's my backup too.

I spent about $800 on the entire application process. This includes application fee, Education Assessment (~$150), IELTS test ($240) even if you went to US college, and FBI background check (~$20).

If you are single and no family, and don't have a job offer, then you have to show proof of funds...of $12-13K CAD.

No, you don't need a job offer.

I don't have one. And it doesn't give you any advantage.

It is more difficult to get a job offer - the employer has to post your job and make sure they can't fill it before sponsoring you (called a Labor Market Opinion or LMI, I think).

The only advantage is that you don't need to have proof of funds if you do have an employer sponsoring you.

I had to show proof of $12-13k CAD before I applied - to prove that I have sufficient funds in my account to support myself when I land in Canada while I look for housing/employment. It's to ensure that we won't need federal benefits.

I was able to save portions of my paycheck over a couple months and my YE bonus to gather the funds. This amount is different if you have a spouse or family. The money just needs to be in your bank account - and you can get a gift from a family member.

You don't need to actually spend any of these funds for the requirement.

Canada is a last option for me too but what choice do we really have?

Originally Posted by zara12 (Post 637745)

Hey guys - I'm a long-time lurker and new user.

Just wanted to reach out and recommend all you guys to apply for Canada as a back-up.
Their point-based system was recently modified and Trudeau's government has loosened some restrictions. These may not last as his popularity is declining.

However - 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.

I am not in STEM and recently was able to apply thru EE. They have a 4-6 month processing timeline and mine was processed below that timeframe. I think being in the US may have given me an advantage - US education, employment and background check.

I really urge you guys to apply ASAP! If Congress comes thru then great. If not, then you have a backup.

Use this forum for any questions you may have. It really helped me throughout the process:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...cussion-board/
and
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...f-interest.54/

I'd be happy to help you guys with any questions before/during the app process.

Praying for all of us!

Originally Posted by freshh. (Post 637815)

Would you have the time to create a separate thread with a short guide and answer questions? I know plenty of people here would be interested in what you have to say.