Where to start..

[smootyrachel]

This post is going to sound very ignorant and I apologize for that, thank you for your time in advanced.
So, I'm married, 22, no kids, and in college full time, and I work full time. I was born and raised in Florida, but my dream has always been to move to Canada. My spouse and I have decided to make it our primary goal in life.
I thought nursing would be the easiest way to permanent residency, but I've since discovered that isn't necessarily the case. I don't have the ability to study in Canada as we both come from severely modest backgrounds and would not have the means to support ourselves seeing as we cannot work (I believe that's true?)
Anyways, I'm wondering what the best course of action to take is. Something I could study here in the US, gain experience, and then have a good chance of getting Skilled Worker. What ever major I choose is solely dependent on whether it will get me to Canada.
I'm prepared to work at this and am aware that I might be well into my thirties before it's possible, but I can't give up.
We don't know anyone in Canada either so this has to be done through our own merit :/
I hope this made sense, thank you for any help.

 

[scylla]

It's really impossible for any of us to tell you what to study to help you immigrate. Immigration requirements change regularly. So if you pick a major now based on current immigration requirements - this major (occupation) may not be relevant for immigration purposes a year or two down the line. I would recommend you study what you enjoy and do well at - and then see what Canadian immigration requirements are once you have completed your studies and have a few years of related work experience. In most cases it's much easier to immigrate to Canada if you have a permanent offer of full time employment here in a skilled or semi-skilled profession. So focusing on finding an employer in Canada would be another productive use of your time. Based on your age, you could also look into the SWAP visa which allows you to work in Canada for a year through a working holiday visa program. This might open doors for immigration as well.

You can work part time while studying in Canada. However tuition for international students is incredibly expensive and you would need to show a bank balance of $30K+ just to be approved for a study visa.

 

[future_canadian]

In general what Scylla said is true. It's not possible to know what avenues to immigration will be possible in the future. For example the Federal Skilled Worker Program is going away after this year and will be replaced by Express Entry which we don't know much about but which seems to be more focused on applicants to have a valid job offer in Canada. But I believe (not sure) the Federal Skilled TRADES program is staying, so look into what will qualify you for that. Though we don't know what programs will be available in the future, I think it's a safe bet to assume that the surest way to immigration will involve having a job.

Also, since you are an American citizen, look into work permits under NAFTA. Under NAFTA, there are certain professions where as an American you can obtain a job in Canada without obtaining a labour market opinion. However that only gets you a work visa. In the past, the Canadian Experience Class application for permanent residency would allow you to apply for PR after a year of work experience in Canada, so getting a LMO-exempt job under NAFTA then using CEC to get PR would be an option. But again, nobody knows whether CEC will be available by that time.

Typically, when one spouse is issued a work or study permit, the other will get an open work permit that will allow him/her to work without need for further visas. And you should look into whether a spouse would be considered in-Canada and not an international student so the spouse could study cheaper while one is on a work permit.

Good luck!

 

[smootyrachel]

Thank you guys so much for the information, it's given me a lot to start with and to think about. I really appreciate it!