How to move from the US to Canada?

[expat_us]

I recently wrote a post that was perhaps a bit too wordy and unclear so I'm using this new one to rewrite what my questions are in the hopes to clarify.

I want to start of with saying that I have exhausted all the immigration, visa, working, websites and have emailed countless numbers of people trying to find out exactly what needs to be done in order for me, a 22 year old American and a recent graduate with a BA in Anthropology and International Studies, to stay and work temporarily in Canada. I am looking into the BC area and want to study there eventually but am having trouble connecting all the information I have looked at together.

As far as I am aware, American citizens are legally allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months without a temporary resident visa. This of course is dependent on the customs officer whom you talk to on the day of arrival. One thing that I don't understand is how the officer decides whether you can stay up to 6 months or not. I assume you must prove to them that you have ties back in the US. Mainly what I want to know is how can I stay in Canada for 6 months and if it is possible for me to look for jobs and apply to schools during that period and apply for a working permit/other visas once I have been either accepted into university or have found employment.

My boyfriend is a UK citizen who is interested in moving there as well. He has the option for a "working holiday visa". This I believe you can receive once you are in Canada. However, he may be traveling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. Will it be a problem for him to enter Canada from the United States?

I thank anyone reading this for your time. I really do appreciate it. The most I am hoping for is a response from someone who has some personal experience and can give me some advice.

 

[newtone]

You need to apply as a skilled worker under the points system

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp

Finding work with only a BA in anthropology is going to be really tough if not impossible even profs in university tell you that, but you can try. You need a minimum of Masters to get anywhere in Anthropology

 

[scylla]

One thing that I don't understand is how the officer decides whether you can stay up to 6 months or not. I assume you must prove to them that you have ties back in the US.

Unfortunately there's no real answer to this question because the officers have a great deal of leeway when it comes to making this decision. One might ask for zero evidence and just let you in for six months without thinking twice. The next might ask for paperwork proving you have strong ties to the US (e.g. job, property, bank accounts) and question you to death. Then there's everything in between. They have the power to let you in for the full six months, let you in but only allow a shorter visit, deny you entry - or even ban you for a year (and yes - this applies to both Americans and Brits). I know this isn't a great answer. But it's reality.

As a rule of thumb, don't show up at the border looking or acting like you're moving (e.g. bringing a uhaul or a car packed with stuff is a very bad idea). Pack like you're visiting - since that's all you're really allowed to do. Bring strong evidence that ties you to the US. Have enough money in your bank account to support yourself during your visit.

You also mentioned attending school. If you're interested in doing this and want to take a course/degree/diploma that is six months or longer, you will have to apply for a study permit (once you're accepted by the school). You will also have to pay out of country tuition rates which are significantly higher than those paid by Canadian residents (i.e. Canadian citizens and PRs). If you haven't done so already, you might want to look into the fees. When applying for the study permit, you need to show a bank account balance that covers first year tuition fees, plus an extra $10K for first year living expenses.

Hope this info is somewhat helpful...

 

[AllisonVSC]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/arriving.asp

"Most visitors to Canada are not allowed to work or study in Canada without a permit.

If you require a study permit or a work permit, you must apply for it before coming to Canada. If you are visiting Canada and you want to apply to work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. However, in some cases, working without a permit or studying without a permit is allowed." See the webpage above for more info on the exemptions.

You might want to explore the possibility of coming as a dependent on your boyfriend's working holiday visa. I have no knowledge or experience with the program, but take a look and see if it is even an option.