WHERE AND HOW DO I START

[tech7276]

I am 46yrs old, been in the US for 15 and haven't had luck with legalizing myself. I have 3 kids, 16, 14, 12. I have masters in information technology, also have some 12 years experience in AUDIO/VIDEO and Network Engineering. I am eager to move first and later send for my family but am open to any other idea that can help me. My biggest concern is, I am currently an EAD holder in the US, no criminal background or whatsoever. Can someone please give me a pointer to where or how to start.
Thank you

 

[21Goose]

You're going to find it hard because of your age. Your status in the US doesn't matter, but you are unlikely to get enough points to qualify for any Canadian immigration stream.

Do you have any connection to Canada? Did you ever work/study here? What about your spouse? How old are they? Perhaps they can be the primary applicant?

Provide some more details.

 

[mbaleine]

Start by reading this

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...ces/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html

IRCC may have many flaws (slow, for example) but they did a good job outlining the steps.

And then, register and take the IELTS General Training exam, get your non-Canadian master’s degree evaluated (by, amongst other designated organizations, WES), create an Express Entry profile, and hope for being invited.

 

[tech7276]

I have friends but no blood relative. Also my wife is in her 50s. We are going through divorce right now. So even if I have everything else that can give me points, my age is a problem per what you are saying?
What other legal means can I go through?
Thanks

 

[21Goose]

Your age isn't a problem - your age just doesn't give you points. If you could get enough points without the points for age, you could have come. However, based on your profile, you won't be able to get more than 400 points, which is a lot lower than the 450+ needed to get an ITA.

You can still enter the pool. Your experience may lead to a province inviting you under one of the tech pilot programs; just know that they usually tend to invite younger people and so your chances are slim. But worth entering the pool. You can read up on the various Provincial Nominee Programs and see if you fit their criteria.

Other than that, if you can get an employer to hire you, you would get 50 points for a valid job offer + positive LMIA.

It's not easy to get hired but perhaps you know people, and you have US work experience.

I can't think of any other practical options. Other ways would include investing at least 500,000 CAD, or marrying a Canadian citizen, etc. Not impossible, but probably not very realistic. Canada's immigration system is designed to get younger skilled workers, and the older you are, the harder it is to come under the Economic Immigration classes.

 

[scylla]

I am 46yrs old, been in the US for 15 and haven't had luck with legalizing myself. I have 3 kids, 16, 14, 12. I have masters in information technology, also have some 12 years experience in AUDIO/VIDEO and Network Engineering. I am eager to move first and later send for my family but am open to any other idea that can help me. My biggest concern is, I am currently an EAD holder in the US, no criminal background or whatsoever. Can someone please give me a pointer to where or how to start.
Thank you

As others have said, your age puts you at a big disadvantage unfortunately. So hard to say if immigrating will be possible.

Any temporary visa (work permit, study permit, visitor visa) is out of the question given your status in the US. Focusing on applying to immigrate is the right choice.

As others have said, enter the Express Entry pool. Who knows, maybe you'll get very lucky and be picked by a province.

 

[21Goose]

Oh right, I forgot OP doesn't have legal status in the US.