Leon,
Thanks for your response. A bit more info and some thoughts ... My wife and I are U.S. citizens and currently reside in Bellingham, WA. Our twin daughters are almost 20 and in college (If they decide to follow us they'll do so later on their own.) Since we live so close to the U.S. - Canadian border, we have travelled in southern BC frequently. We have developed a strong desire to live in/near Vancouver. Last year I retired from the U.S. Army, and although we are only in our late 40's, we are fortunate enough (financially speaking) not to need to work any longer. We are by no means wealthy, but have been able to live confortably enough in Northern Washington, and from my fairly extensive research I am certain we would be able to maintain the same relative lifestyle 20 or 30 miles to the north in the greater Vancouver area. Our current monthly income is approximately U.S. $7800 (military & VA retirement) and all of these funds would continue to be received regardless of whether we live in the U.S. or in Canada. In 15
years or so, our income will increase substantially when we begin to receive our social security (old-age pension) and begin to draw down our 401K retirement account (approx. another U.S. $4500 or so monthly). Additionally (again as a result of my military service retirement) we have comprehensive lifetime medical and dental coverage. I've already checked into this and the coverages are portable. In other words, we'd be able to receive medical/dental care within Canada and our insurance will cover the costs. As an added bonus we can also choose to receive care in the U.S. if we so desire (again owing to Vancouver's proximity to the U.S. Border.), but for routine every-day care we'd most likely opt to use a local practitioner rather than deal with the hassle of 2 border crossings.
1. As you mentioned, there is (at least as far as I am aware) unfortunately no provision in the Canadian Immigration system for retirees who desire to settle in Canada. If I'm mistaken here, someone PLEASE speak up! We have to intention nor desire to work in Canada, receive government provided/subsidized medical care from Canada, nor any form of social assistance/old-age pension from Canada. Nor do we have any problem paying taxes in Canada (I've learned that there are reciprocal U.S./Canada agreements pertaining to taxation, social security/old age pensions, etc. so this should be an issue in any case.)
2. I'm aware of the 6-month stay limitation, technically a visitors visa, although I'm not sure exactly how this is tracked or enforced for visitors from visa-exempt countries. During our many visits over the past 3 or so years, ranging from short one-day excursions to several-week long visits, we've never so much as had to show a passport at the border (We both possess valid U.S. passports but up until now have always used only our Washington state driver licenses when crossing the border.) I realize that technically we're always at the mercy of the agent at the border as to whether or not we will be admitted, but in the past we've never had even the slightest problem (over 40 crossings into Canada in the past 3 years). From what I've been able to gather, no one seems to be sure of exactly how the 6-month limitation is to be interpreted ... is it 6 months within a 1-year time frame/how long of an absence from Canada before one gets a new clock/etc. Naturally, we'll be making frequent trips back to the U.S., some short term day trips and some longer week-long or multi-week trips. Is it even possible to track exactly how long we're in or out of the country? If we were to simply "move" to Canada (unoffically) and rent or buy an apartment/house but never try to obtain work, would we be "hunted down" and given the heave-ho or would anyone even notice we were there?
3. I don't know where in Canada you're locaterd, but some food for thought ... anyone reading that is familiar with northern Washington/southern BC is probably familiar with the geographical oddity of Point Roberts. We have friends there and have visted them on occasion, sometimes just for an afternoon BBQ, at other times for a week or more. Can a U.S. citizen be prevented from (wink, wink) "transitting" Canada in order to reach this part of the U.S.?
4. I'm aware that it is perfectly legal for a foreign national (non-Canadian resident) to purchase property, such as a vacation home, in Canada. Does the same apply to renting a house or apartment? Can a non resident open a Canadfian bank account? Drivers License?
Ultimately, our goal is to settle down LEGALLY in Vancouver. If it means having to return to work (at least temporarily) in order to do so, we are certainly willing to do that. Would it be best to pursue PR via FSW program (my military background is as a German/Russian/English translator/interpreter and in counterintelligence (specialising in computer/information security). Or would I be better off finding a job, applying for a Temp Work Permit and then PR (this should be do-able due to our close proximity), or are there other/better options we can/should pursue in order to achieve our goal/dream?
Sorry about the long read! Any and all thoughts/ideas/comments would be greatly appreciated!
Or maybe I could be a "travel writer" and occasionally blog on travel websites about BC tourism hotspots! 