older US citizens moving to canada

[endosmom]

My husband and I are in our 50's and wanting to move to Alberta to be near my aging parents (landed immigrants for 30 years).  We are too old to be sponsored and aren't educated enough for most of the other programs.  We almost qualify for a couple of different options.  Anyone know if either Alberta (provincial nomination) or Canadian immigration would consider us?  any ideas how to go about it?  We have plenty of money to retire and would rather not be tied to a job other than hobby farming.  Any input would be appreciated.

[links18]

If you don't need to work and you don't need health insurance, you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months at a time. You could, theoretically, just drive over the border every 6 months and then come back.

[PMM]

Hi

If you don't need to work and you don't need health insurance, you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months at a time. You could, theoretically, just drive over the border every 6 months and then come back.

Until CBSA decides that you are no longer visiting, and refuses you admission.

PMM

[endosmom]

thanks for that input.  Would really like to do it legally, so if anyone else has input, I would appreciate it.

[links18]

Hi

If you don't need to work and you don't need health insurance, you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months at a time. You could, theoretically, just drive over the border every 6 months and then come back.

Until CBSA decides that you are no longer visiting, and refuses you admission.

PMM

That's true. But how likely is CBSA to deny entry to an older couple with adequate funds? If they maintain a permanent residence in the US, how likely are they to be denied entry? Many retired US citizens have seasonal homes in Canada. Of course, there are no guarantees trying to do it this way.

[PMM]

Hi

Hi

If you don't need to work and you don't need health insurance, you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months at a time. You could, theoretically, just drive over the border every 6 months and then come back.

Until CBSA decides that you are no longer visiting, and refuses you admission.

PMM

That's true. But how likely is CBSA to deny entry to an older couple with adequate funds? If they maintain a permanent residence in the US, how likely are they to be denied entry? Many retired US citizens have seasonal homes in Canada. Of course, there are no guarantees trying to do it this way.

But they wouldn't be seasonal residents, they would be in Canada permanently without a PR visa.

PMM

[endosmom]

The plan is to move to Canada permanently.

[BCguy]

 I have 3 cases where Elder Americans enrolled in colleges here and are living here while they VERY LEISURELY finish their education.

[endosmom]

interesting idea,  I hadn't thought of going back to school, but that is an option.  Would that be a student visa or something like that?  would we qualify for healthcare if on a temp visa.  I am not fond of the idea of having to return to the US for doctor apointments and our US insurance would not be valid up there.

[Leon]

If you are on a student visa, you would get health care in certain provinces.  I know in BC and AB you would.  In Ontario I think not.  Not sure about the others, you'd have to check.

[endosmom]

anyone know about any programs similar to the Strategic recruitment stream in Alberta for H-1B visa holders, except for US citizens? 

[links18]

Spending part of the year in Canada and part in the US may be the best way to go if the financial conditions exist to allow you to do that. In some border counties of the US, you can buy a hobby farm or something pretty cheap. You may be able to buy a private health insurance policy to cover you while in Canada. In any event, there is nothing "illegal" about doing that until you figure out a more permanent option. There is a ruling somewhere that says a person entering Canada may at any one time have "dual intent" i.e. they may intend to take up permanent residence at some point in the future, but are only intending to enter as a visitor at that given moment.

[endosmom]

Ha!  have you priced out private health insurance policies in the US????  If we purchased one that would actually cover us if we needed any medical care, we would not be able to afford the hobby farm. *sigh*

[links18]

Ha!  have you priced out private health insurance policies in the US????  If we purchased one that would actually cover us if we needed any medical care, we would not be able to afford the hobby farm. *sigh*

Good point. The health insurance can get pretty tricky. I wonder if there are any private Canadian plans to cover you while visiting in Canada that may be cheaper than US plans? If nothing else you could take advantage of the exchange rate until the US dollar crashes. I am just thinking out loud about that though.

[endosmom]

I have been talking to Alberta regarding their nominations, and it looks like our best bet is to come in on a work visa.  It would mean I would need to work for a few more years, but the extra money sure would not hurt.  Especially with the economy as goofy as it is right now.  Then the employer can recommend  me for PR provincial nomination with a permanent job offer.  It will be odd working for someone else after being self employed for most of my life. 

Point of interest.  Alberta health care becomes effective upon entry into the country if you are on a 12 mo or longer visa (there is a waiting period if the visa is shorter).