Crossing Borders: Making the Shift from US to Canada

Settling into a new environment is never an easy job. It requires understanding the new space, figuring out the people and dealing with your own emotions. Making the decision of moving countries can be due to several factors, such as religious, educational, political or merely due to the opportunities a country equips you with. While the cultural norms and language are similar for both the US and Canada, it is nevertheless important to figure out the country before shifting bases.

With a wholly non-discriminatory system and law, Canada allows the fair and equal treatment of all individuals that apply for PR. This leads you to gain access to an equal opportunity to better your life and widen your possibilities. That said, in case you’re grappling with finding your way through this confusing process, then you can trickle in ease in your life, by taking up courses, such as ‘Move to Canada from US’. Follow through on the guiding parameters to figure out whether your current scenario fulfills the requirements of any of the three immigration programs.

Economic Immigration Process

·         Federal Skilled Trades Program

According to this program, if you have two years of experience in any skilled trade, if you meet the minimum language the criterion in either English or French, and if you have a job offer in your skilled trade by a Canadian employer or a Canadian certificate of qualification, to practice your trade, then you’re eligible for this program.

·         Federal Skilled Worker Program

This program requires you to have a minimum of one-year skilled work experience, score at least 67 out of 100 on the FSW selection grid and meet the minimum language requirements, to be eligible for the program.

·         Canadian Experience Class

The guiding conditions of this program require you to meet the minimum language requirements in either English or French and require you to have worked in a skilled position (NOC A, 0 or B) within Canada for at least a year on a valid work permit.

While this process may seem rather easy, in actuality, it isn’t. These programs are based on competitiveness and are score-based; hence, meeting the criteria isn’t good enough. Each applicant is assigned a score and is ranked against each other, and only the applicant with the highest score is allowed to apply for immigrating to Canada. Post gaining an overview of the Move to Canada Requirements, take the step of understanding life in Canada, with both macro and micro perspectives.

A New Life

Canada, being hospitable and welcoming the country allows Newcomers to Canada to feel warm, welcomed and at-home. This is because, not just the personal sphere, but also the professional sphere, is accommodative and considerate in its approach. You’ll be delighted to see the vast differences in practices in both countries, despite the shared values, language and borders.

·         In Canada, in case of a termination, you’re given a two week notice period or are given two weeks’ severance pay, rather than simply being terminated with no warning or reason.

·         You’re given standard paid leave of 35 weeks if you apply for maternity or paternity leave.

·         In Canada, your necessary hospital and physician services are covered, due to universal health care provision.