Ray of hope - FSW - 1

[Windsor37]

I wonder if Canada is so bad, why would our friend coolgal still bother pursuing his life there?

For some people, Canada is not their first choice. Actually immigration was not even our first choice when we were born. So if one chooses US, and later consider Canada, it is totally fine. As we live on, as the world keeps changing, we have the right to adjust our plan, too. This does not prove that Canada is a worse choice. But as time goes by, Canada becomes the best choice that one can afford.

True, though me personally, Canada's job market suits my skillset which is why it's on my list. The other 2 countries which has a better job market would be the US, and UK. China, maybe, but I don't think I'd be able to manage there.

I chose Canada because is much easier to enter, and I feel it to be just more peaceful compared to US, or UK. I might try to go to the US if Canada won't work out, given that Biden is on the wheel now.

 

[ZAtoCD]

Honestly, it's unfortunate that the conversation here has gone in the direction that is has. And not only that, but that Canada is somehow being slandered as a low-ranked option for immigration. I mean no one's forcing anyone to go there, and yet demand is still through the roof.

I think it's narrow-minded not to acknowledge that many people move to Canada because they actually want to be there, and nowhere else.

The country has/is:

• One of the largest economies in the world, despite its small population,
• A very high GDP per capita (higher than the UK and NZ),
• One of the highest Human Development Index ratings globally (and many above it aren't English-speaking countries),
• A ranking of 12th globally for education, which is part of HDI (out of 188 countries),
• A ranking of 15th (out of 183) for life expectancy, with Australia being the only English country above it,
• Unbelievable nature, natural resources, and the world's largest supply of fresh water (we may be warring over water in the future). It is a net exporter of food, minerals, and energy, and has the world's 3rd largest proven oil reserves,
• World-renowned multi-culturalism that allows you to keep your cultural identity and thrive, rather than be absorbed like in the US' melting pot, or marginalized like in many other countries,
• A ranking of 5th in the World Liberty Index (the degree of economic and personal freedoms that their citizens enjoy),
• Very high rank for environmental performance,
• A ranking of 1st in the BAV/VMLY&R/Wharton School Best Countries survey for 5 consecutive years up to and including 2020, for amazing self-reported quality of life,
• A ranking of 11th for Global Finance's safety index, which takes war and peace, personal security, and natural disasters into account. New Zealand is the only English country ranked higher,
• Extremely high rank for anti-corruption and transparency,
• A ranking of 3rd in the world for the Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index, which takes other countries perceptions of a country into account,
• Extremely high rank for freedom of speech and freedom of the press,
• A ranking of 6th on the Global Peace Index. For comparison, Australia ranks 13th, the UK ranks 45th, and the United States ranks 128th. That's 1 rank behind my home country of South Africa. But sure... move there for the money, if you've been blind to what's been happening these past few years.
• One of the highest ranks on the Global Competitiveness Index,
• A ranking of 3rd in the world for the World Economic Forum's safest banks in the world. Exceptionally stable financial system that had zero failures during the Great Depression,
• One of the highest rankings in the World Happiness Index, which annually ranks national happiness based on respondent ratings of their own lives,
• And perhaps the most important one, a ranking of 5th in the Democracy Index, behind only Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and New Zealand. The US ranks 25th and has the title of "flawed democracy", not "full democracy". This rank takes civil liberties, fundamental political freedoms, the thriving of democratic principles, governmental checks and balances, an independent judiciary whose decisions are enforced, governments that function adequately, and diverse and independent media into account.

And yet despite all of these facts, you have seemingly loads of people wanting to talk trash about Canada? If you don't want to move there, don't go. If it's your only option to improve your life, then go there, and be grateful you could move up from where you came from instead of being stuck in your country of birth.

My friend asked above why people would still be going there, and it's not because it's the only option, it's because CA is so damn appealing for so many reasons. And anyone who wants to doubt that can come to this post and read the bullets if they like.

You've got other English-speaking countries where racism runs rampant, you no longer get to hold onto your culture, crime is higher, sunshine is worse, geographic isolation is bad and economic opportunities are lower. And then you have our beloved United States, which very nearly fell to full blown fascism in the past weeks, in case anyone missed the news. But you wanna talk trash about Canada?

I just had to set the record straight here. Those of us who get in need to be grateful for the amazing opportunity we've been given, and also turn around and welcome others. Those of us who don't shouldn't turn around and slander the country. Canada is my first choice, for all of the reasons above and so many more.

 

[joconstantine]

True, though me personally, Canada's job market suits my skillset which is why it's on my list. The other 2 countries which has a better job market would be the US, and UK. China, maybe, but I don't think I'd be able to manage there.

I chose Canada because is much easier to enter, and I feel it to be just more peaceful compared to US, or UK. I might try to go to the US if Canada won't work out, given that Biden is on the wheel now.

Same here, I am in Tech, so going to Canada does not sound so bad, given the frequent OINP tech draws. Of course, the money won't be as abundant as in US. But I don't think I can make it to US. I can totally afford another Master course in US but what would the point be?
My partner is currently in US and he has been in a nice job for a year, not highly-paid but stable. His company does appreciate his talent and dedication, and might offer him PR sponsorship in the future. But we still look at Canada as a place to settle down in the long term.
So again, Canada might not be the best choice, but it is our main focus for now, so we only concentrate on working towards it.

Honestly, it's unfortunate that the conversation here has gone in the direction that is has. And not only that, but that Canada is somehow being slandered as a low-ranked option for immigration. I mean no one's forcing anyone to go there, and yet demand is still through the roof.

I think it's narrow-minded not to acknowledge that many people move to Canada because they actually want to be there, and nowhere else.

The country has/is:

• One of the largest economies in the world, despite its small population,
• A very high GDP per capita (higher than the UK and NZ),
• One of the highest Human Development Index ratings globally (and many above it aren't English-speaking countries),
• A ranking of 12th globally for education, which is part of HDI (out of 188 countries),
• A ranking of 15th (out of 183) for life expectancy, with Australia being the only English country above it,
• Unbelievable nature, natural resources, and the world's largest supply of fresh water (we may be warring over water in the future). It is a net exporter of food, minerals, and energy, and has the world's 3rd largest proven oil reserves,
• World-renowned multi-culturalism that allows you to keep your cultural identity and thrive, rather than be absorbed like in the US' melting pot, or marginalized like in many other countries,
• A ranking of 5th in the World Liberty Index (the degree of economic and personal freedoms that their citizens enjoy),
• Very high rank for environmental performance,
• A ranking of 1st in the BAV/VMLY&R/Wharton School Best Countries survey for 5 consecutive years up to and including 2020, for amazing self-reported quality of life,
• A ranking of 11th for Global Finance's safety index, which takes war and peace, personal security, and natural disasters into account. New Zealand is the only English country ranked higher,
• Extremely high rank for anti-corruption and transparency,
• A ranking of 3rd in the world for the Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index, which takes other countries perceptions of a country into account,
• Extremely high rank for freedom of speech and freedom of the press,
• A ranking of 6th on the Global Peace Index. For comparison, Australia ranks 13th, the UK ranks 45th, and the United States ranks 128th. That's 1 rank behind my home country of South Africa. But sure... move there for the money, if you've been blind to what's been happening these past few years.
• One of the highest ranks on the Global Competitiveness Index,
• A ranking of 3rd in the world for the World Economic Forum's safest banks in the world. Exceptionally stable financial system that had zero failures during the Great Depression,
• One of the highest rankings in the World Happiness Index, which annually ranks national happiness based on respondent ratings of their own lives,
• And perhaps the most important one, a ranking of 5th in the Democracy Index, behind only Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and New Zealand. The US ranks 25th and has the title of "flawed democracy", not "full democracy". This rank takes civil liberties, fundamental political freedoms, the thriving of democratic principles, governmental checks and balances, an independent judiciary whose decisions are enforced, governments that function adequately, and diverse and independent media into account.

And yet despite all of these facts, you have seemingly loads of people wanting to talk trash about Canada? If you don't want to move there, don't go. If it's your only option to improve your life, then go there, and be grateful you could move up from where you came from instead of being stuck in your country of birth.

My friend asked above why people would still be going there, and it's not because it's the only option, it's because CA is so damn appealing for so many reasons. And anyone who wants to doubt that can come to this post and read the bullets if they like.

You've got other English-speaking countries where racism runs rampant, you no longer get to hold onto your culture, crime is higher, sunshine is worse, geographic isolation is bad and economic opportunities are lower. And then you have our beloved United States, which very nearly fell to full blown fascism in the past weeks, in case anyone missed the news. But you wanna talk trash about Canada?

I just had to set the record straight here. Those of us who get in need to be grateful for the amazing opportunity we've been given, and also turn around and welcome others. Those of us who don't shouldn't turn around and slander the country. Canada is my first choice, for all of the reasons above and so many more.

*Slamming my desk and screaming out that you're just on point*

 

[Windsor37]

Honestly, it's unfortunate that the conversation here has gone in the direction that is has. And not only that, but that Canada is somehow being slandered as a low-ranked option for immigration. I mean no one's forcing anyone to go there, and yet demand is still through the roof.

I think it's narrow-minded not to acknowledge that many people move to Canada because they actually want to be there, and nowhere else.

The country has/is:

• One of the largest economies in the world, despite its small population,
• A very high GDP per capita (higher than the UK and NZ),
• One of the highest Human Development Index ratings globally (and many above it aren't English-speaking countries),
• A ranking of 12th globally for education, which is part of HDI (out of 188 countries),
• A ranking of 15th (out of 183) for life expectancy, with Australia being the only English country above it,
• Unbelievable nature, natural resources, and the world's largest supply of fresh water (we may be warring over water in the future). It is a net exporter of food, minerals, and energy, and has the world's 3rd largest proven oil reserves,
• World-renowned multi-culturalism that allows you to keep your cultural identity and thrive, rather than be absorbed like in the US' melting pot, or marginalized like in many other countries,
• A ranking of 5th in the World Liberty Index (the degree of economic and personal freedoms that their citizens enjoy),
• Very high rank for environmental performance,
• A ranking of 1st in the BAV/VMLY&R/Wharton School Best Countries survey for 5 consecutive years up to and including 2020, for amazing self-reported quality of life,
• A ranking of 11th for Global Finance's safety index, which takes war and peace, personal security, and natural disasters into account. New Zealand is the only English country ranked higher,
• Extremely high rank for anti-corruption and transparency,
• A ranking of 3rd in the world for the Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index, which takes other countries perceptions of a country into account,
• Extremely high rank for freedom of speech and freedom of the press,
• A ranking of 6th on the Global Peace Index. For comparison, Australia ranks 13th, the UK ranks 45th, and the United States ranks 128th. That's 1 rank behind my home country of South Africa. But sure... move there for the money, if you've been blind to what's been happening these past few years.
• One of the highest ranks on the Global Competitiveness Index,
• A ranking of 3rd in the world for the World Economic Forum's safest banks in the world. Exceptionally stable financial system that had zero failures during the Great Depression,
• One of the highest rankings in the World Happiness Index, which annually ranks national happiness based on respondent ratings of their own lives,
• And perhaps the most important one, a ranking of 5th in the Democracy Index, behind only Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and New Zealand. The US ranks 25th and has the title of "flawed democracy", not "full democracy". This rank takes civil liberties, fundamental political freedoms, the thriving of democratic principles, governmental checks and balances, an independent judiciary whose decisions are enforced, governments that function adequately, and diverse and independent media into account.

And yet despite all of these facts, you have seemingly loads of people wanting to talk trash about Canada? If you don't want to move there, don't go. If it's your only option to improve your life, then go there, and be grateful you could move up from where you came from instead of being stuck in your country of birth.

My friend asked above why people would still be going there, and it's not because it's the only option, it's because CA is so damn appealing for so many reasons. And anyone who wants to doubt that can come to this post and read the bullets if they like.

You've got other English-speaking countries where racism runs rampant, you no longer get to hold onto your culture, crime is higher, sunshine is worse, geographic isolation is bad and economic opportunities are lower. And then you have our beloved United States, which very nearly fell to full blown fascism in the past weeks, in case anyone missed the news. But you wanna talk trash about Canada?

I just had to set the record straight here. Those of us who get in need to be grateful for the amazing opportunity we've been given, and also turn around and welcome others. Those of us who don't shouldn't turn around and slander the country. Canada is my first choice, for all of the reasons above and so many more.

The Global Peace Index, I admit is one of the greatest allures of Canada.

Also you forgot to mention: TFSA and RRSP. I know not everyone plays in the stock market or investments for that matter. But when I first read about these, those two plus access to the US stock market makes investing inside Canada so worthwhile.

 

[Rish92]

For me the biggest positive is that anyone with nothing in his pocket can aspire and build a life of his own in these countries from scratch, as long as that individual is willing to work hard. Doesn’t mean easy an road but it’s an opportunity nonetheless to have a better life for yourself and your family. And that opportunity is priceless.

 

[ZAtoCD]

The Global Peace Index, I admit is one of the greatest allures of Canada.

Also you forgot to mention: TFSA and RRSP. I know not everyone plays in the stock market or investments for that matter. But when I first read about these, those two plus access to the US stock market makes investing inside Canada so worthwhile.

Agreed. Just knowing that Canada is stable and peaceful (both inside its borders and in terms of how it engages overseas generally, or at least comparatively) is really big. And that's no guarantee with a developed country. It's not like instability, as we've seen, is limited to poor countries, or countries only in certain regions. I live in one of the most dangerous countries in the world right now, and I can't wait to have more peace (and a better functioning democracy/political system) in Canada.

True! So many protections that are tax-derived. Yes, taxes aren't rock-bottom low, but you get so much in return, from child-care support to old age support to national healthcare to good quality infrastructure. I'd much rather have it that way for myself, and for those less well off. You are correct. It's very appealing putting funds in something like a Vanguard ETF or even a mutual fund with a Canadian bank that tracks a US index, and put that inside an RRSP or TFSA, and maximize your investment and security over your working years. They've really set things up well.

For me the biggest positive is that anyone with nothing in his pocket can aspire and build a life of his own in these countries from scratch, as long as that individual is willing to work hard. Doesn’t mean easy an road but it’s an opportunity nonetheless to have a better life for yourself and your family. And that opportunity is priceless.

Good point. Compared to other countries without the support systems for small businesses, poor people, etc. it's way harder. Not to mention with some other first world countries like the US and UK, you can work your ass off and still have to wait ages to get PR and citizenship. Canada makes it so much easier to integrate and settle. Their passport is strong, and getting it isn't that hard if you have the right skills.

Edit: and just to keep the positivity going, here's an article I just found. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pandemic-covid-canada-u-s-germany-france-u-k-italy-1.5928099.

 

[Igethope]

Hi guys, I would like more clarity on this ; I have 4 month old company I just registered, is it really necessary i state it in my application? This company is not in operation at all. As matter fact the certificate of registration came out a month before I submitted my application in December. Read some where that some one was denied because he didn’t mention that he has a registered business. Perhaps, his was in full operation.

 

[Windsor37]

Agreed. Just knowing that Canada is stable and peaceful (both inside its borders and in terms of how it engages overseas generally, or at least comparatively) is really big. And that's no guarantee with a developed country. It's not like instability, as we've seen, is limited to poor countries, or countries only in certain regions. I live in one of the most dangerous countries in the world right now, and I can't wait to have more peace (and a better functioning democracy/political system) in Canada.

True! So many protections that are tax-derived. Yes, taxes aren't rock-bottom low, but you get so much in return, from child-care support to old age support to national healthcare to good quality infrastructure. I'd much rather have it that way for myself, and for those less well off. You are correct. It's very appealing putting funds in something like a Vanguard ETF or even a mutual fund with a Canadian bank that tracks a US index, and put that inside an RRSP or TFSA, and maximize your investment and security over your working years. They've really set things up well.

It's not the mutual funds that's appealing to me, it's the fact that you can actually actively trade US stocks while in Canada with the only penalty being the exchange fees (sure you pay all the commission fees, but that already goes without saying) all under a TFSA account. They have this agreement with the US that the US can't tax your capital gains (dividends get taxed though) from the US stock market if it's from Canada, and Canada won't tax them if it's under TFSA, it's essentially a tax-free investment plan. I think there's something similar in the UK, and Australia, but only Canada has this much freedom to access US stocks which let's be honest, one of the most exciting stock markets to invest in.

 

[ZAtoCD]

Hi guys, I would like more clarity on this ; I have 4 month old company I just registered, is it really necessary i state it in my application? This company is not in operation at all. As matter fact the certificate of registration came out a month before I submitted my application in December. Read some where that some one was denied because he didn’t mention that he has a registered business. Perhaps, his was in full operation.

Why not just mention it if you're concerned? Then you won't have to worry.

It's not the mutual funds that's appealing to me, it's the fact that you can actually actively trade US stocks while in Canada with the only penalty being the exchange fees (sure you pay all the commission fees, but that already goes without saying) all under a TFSA account. They have this agreement with the US that the US can't tax your capital gains (dividends get taxed though) from the US stock market if it's from Canada, and Canada won't tax them if it's under TFSA, it's essentially a tax-free investment plan. I think there's something similar in the UK, and Australia, but only Canada has this much freedom to access US stocks which let's be honest, one of the most exciting stock markets to invest in.

Awesome! Yeah, their market has done so well over the past few decades, so that kind of arrangement is very beneficial.

 

[Igethope]

Why not just mention it if you're concerned? Then you won't have to worry.

Awesome! Yeah, their market has done so well over the past few decades, so that kind of arrangement is very beneficial.

I think that’s what I would have to do. I was trying to avoid complicating my application initially, but will have to raise a web form now.

 

[alexross]

It's not the mutual funds that's appealing to me, it's the fact that you can actually actively trade US stocks while in Canada with the only penalty being the exchange fees (sure you pay all the commission fees, but that already goes without saying) all under a TFSA account. They have this agreement with the US that the US can't tax your capital gains (dividends get taxed though) from the US stock market if it's from Canada, and Canada won't tax them if it's under TFSA, it's essentially a tax-free investment plan. I think there's something similar in the UK, and Australia, but only Canada has this much freedom to access US stocks which let's be honest, one of the most exciting stock markets to invest in.

Yep, and additionally if you trade in your RRSP account, even the dividends from US stocks will not be taxed!

 

[ZAtoCD]

I think that’s what I would have to do. I was trying to avoid complicating my application initially, but will have to raise a web form now.

Better safe than sorry.

 

[cansha]

Read some where that some one was denied because he didn’t mention that he has a registered business. Perhaps, his was in full operation.

I don't think a person would have been denied just for that. I don't know the full story but I think it is possible he was denied because he submitted an experience letter issued by his own company where he was the owner. The documentation for self employed individuals is different. I don't see how this information is relevant in your case.

 

[BlindGoku]

Hey everyone
Little off topic but, does anyone know how much time getting the FBI background check takes these days?
Sent the fingerprints last week via UPS (saw via the UPS tracking that it did reach the destination), and haven't received anything from them so far.
Wondering this, as I did this same process back in July of last year and got the report in just 3 days.
Feel free to point me to another thread where they talk about USA PCC.
Thanks!

 

[guelphite]

Hey everyone
Little off topic but, does anyone know how much time getting the FBI background check takes these days?
Sent the fingerprints last week via UPS (saw via the UPS tracking that it did reach the destination), and haven't received anything from them so far.
Wondering this, as I did this same process back in July of last year and got the report in just 3 days.
Feel free to point me to another thread where they talk about USA PCC.
Thanks!

Is there a reason you aren't doing the online version? You can give your prints at a post office electronically and you get results in a few days.