Thank you so much for replying. You actually replied to me before and I envy and appreciate your knowledge of this whole process.
I just want to make sure I understand. We can apply for PR and get it (hopefully) within 3 years. My husband is not in a high demand job (Claims Representative for Progressive Auto Insurance) although I am a legal secretary.
Legal Secretary is considered a skilled job level B in the NOC. see: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC-CNP/docs/Matrix_Poster_English.pdf
to get the full points you must have worked at this trade for 4 years in the past 10. You really should take the assessment.
Someone told me that they are in high demand in Toronto. Do you know if that is true? In any case, lets say 3 years start to finish.
Okay, so in the meantime, I can also apply for a visa and live in Canada (or is PR and Visa the same thing)?
Permanent Residence (PR) and Immigrant visa are the same thing, you cannot live/work in Canada until you get the Permanent Residence Visa.
I know I am totally ignorant. I am trying desperately to educate myself. Finally, as far as my mom, she can get in (again hopefully) within 2 years of us receiving PR.
Not quite, you and your spouse have to earn at least $46779 in Canada before you can submit the application for your mother. Then it will take about 2.5 years to process her application.
Now, the whole time that we are waiting for our PR and her PR - can we all be in Canada living?
No
Finally, what is Low Income Cut Off and what is the meaning behind it? My mom can support herself with her social security. We can buy a house together and she can have a section of it. If so, can we pay for her dr. visits if she needs them? I am sorry to bombard you. You really just seem to know your stuff.
When you sponsor her, you have to sign an undertaking to basically ensure that she doesn't end up on the public purse for 10 years. Medical Insurance, depending on the province is about $45 per month, which covers Drs/Hospitals care, but doesn't cover perscriptions or dental. The Low Income Cut Off figure is the amount that the Government says is required to live in Canada for a year, in your case it is the $46779 for a family of 6. There isn't a hope in h**l that you could live on that in Toronto. Job prospects might be hard as it is a different criminal code and laws.
Thanks for the patience.
You should post in the above skilled worker section, will get more answers
Sandy