Web Developer and Registered Nurse seeking new country

[AmpersandSam]

Hi, there. I'm a web developer with about 10 years experience. I am the co-owner of a marketing and web company here in Illinois. I actually have a BS in Secondary Education Social Studies (grades 6-12), but never did find a teaching job here. My wife is a registered nurse, also with 10 years experience at a Level 1 trauma center, and she teaches nursing at the local college here. We have two kids, but they're only 1 and 3, so they don't have any usable skills at all.

My wife has family in BC, and we've been talking about moving there for a few years now. Her parents are here (and never applied for Canadian citizenship), but her grandparents and her uncle all live in Penticton, BC (and are Canadian citizens). The older we get, the more serious we are about moving. I've recently started my research, but it's so overwhelming, and I'm not sure which application process would be right for us (family, professional worker, etc.). I found out they have this forum, and I thought sparking a conversation would be the best place to start.

Who has done this, and what advice do you have? How was the transition? I've never lived anywhere else besides my hometown, and I'm 37-years-old. I don't know the first thing about migrating across the country, let alone to a new one. But the draw of being close to the other side of our family is getting stronger, and I'm looking for advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[scylla]

Unfortunately there's really no short cut to research (apart from hiring an immigration lawyer). Canada has a number of immigration programs. I would recommend you start by reading up on the Express Entry / Federal Skilled Worker program here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio.../services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html

It's a points-based system - so those with the most points are selected. As of now, you would want to score 430 points or more to be selected.

You (and ideally your wife) will need to take an English language test before applying. You'll want to achieve a high score since this will increase your points. This will require that you study to ensure you understand how the test is scored and how you can achieve the highest score possible. You'll also need to get your education officially assessed (before you apply) and look into other requirements (such as the minimum funds you must have available to help you settle here - you'll need enough money to cover a family of 4).

Your wife should look into what it takes to be certified to work as a nurse in BC.