We're thinking of relocating to Vancouver so our kids can attend a
private school there. Can we do this for a few years without becoming
Canadian citizens? (As a writer, I would not need to get employment
in in Canada, since my clients are all in the U.S.) What would we
need to do?
Hi copyguy,
You do not have to become a Canadian citizen to live in Canada
(actually you have to maintain residence there *before* becoming a
citizen, just as it is in the US). Briefly, you have two choices. One
is to maintain your presence in the US and just be a visitor in Canada
for 180 days per year. Second is to apply to immigrate and become a
"permanent resident" of Canada. I've copied and pasted a few relevant
sections below, but please click on the links for full details.
1) Visitor Status
Offically, you may enter Canada for up to 180 days (6 months) per
year, it can be consecutive or broken up into smaller visits over the
course of the year. In order to do this, you must maintain a presence
in the US (residence, driver's license, mailing address, etc).
However, in reality, many Americans move to Canada and return to the
US every six months for short periods, and go right back to Canada to
begin another six months. This generally works for awhile but it all
depends on the Canadian border official at the time of re-entry.
Everything at the border is about "intent" and if they think your
intent is to establish a permanent residence in Canada, they could
refuse your re-entry. Therefore, there will never be any guarantee
that you will be allowed to return to your Canadian residence as a
visitor once your six months has expired in any given year.
Information on BC: Border and Customs in British Columbia
Visas & Immigration
"Entry is usually granted for six months unless otherwise indicated in
writing. Citizens or permanent residents of the US do not need
passports or visas to enter Canada, but proof of citizenship such as a
birth certificate, voter's registration, or baptismal certificate must
be carried. Proof of residence, such as a driver's licence, should
also be carried. At least one ID card with a photo must be carried. US
permanent residents should carry their Resident Alien Cards (Green
Card). Temporary residents of the U.S need a passport for travel to
Canada and may also require a visitor's visa."
Visitors to Canada must:
not have a criminal record - this includes convictions for driving
while intoxicated (DUI);
have enough money to support themselves and their defendants during their stay;
not pose a health risk; and
be willing and have the means to leave Canada and go to another country.
http://www.britishcolumbia.com/information/details.asp?id=4
TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO CANADA
Current Requirements for Entry Into Canada
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Canada from the U.S.
You will, however, need:
1. Proof of your U.S. citizenship...
2. Photo identification, such as a current, valid driver?s license.
Insurance
Make certain that your insurance policy covers you during your time in Canada...
Pets
Dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination
certificate issued...
Cats may enter Canada if accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination
certificate issued...
U.S. citizens do not need to obtain an international driver?s license
to drive in Canada. Your valid U.S. license is good for trips in
Canada as long as you are a visitor and are actually resident in the
U.S.
VANCOUVER
U.S. Consulate General
1075 West Pender Street,
Vancouver, BC, V6E 4E9
Telephone: (604) 685-4311
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1170.html
2) Immigration
First, you must determine if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada.
The four categories are:
1. Skilled Worker Class Immigration:
Skilled Worker Self-Assessment:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/assess/index.html
2. Business Class Immigration:
There are three classes of business immigrants:
* Investors
* Entrepreneurs
* Self-employed persons
Self-employed persons must have the intention and ability to create
their own employment. They are expected to contribute to the cultural
or athletic life of Canada. They may create their own employment by
purchasing and managing a farm in Canada.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/business/index.html
3. Family Class Immigration:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/sponsor/index.html
4. Provincial Nomination:
The Provincial Nominee Program of British Columbia
http://www.ecdev.gov.bc.ca/ProgramsAndServices/PNP/index.htm
As a self-employer writer, you could apply as a business immigrant,
however, you must determine if your books contribute to the cultural
life of Canada. For further thoughts on this subject, please see one
of my previous GA questions.
Qualifying for Permanent Residence in Canada
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=392148
Additional links of Interest:
Why Would Americans Move to Canada?
http://immigration.about.com/od/livingincanada/a/USLibstoCanada_2.htm
Buying Property In Canada - The Rules And Regulations!
http://lifestylerealty.com/foreign.html
"There are no restrictions on non-residents purchasing property in
British Columbia..."
http://www.gulfislandsrealestate.com/nonResident/
I hope this helps to get you off to a good start. If you have any
questions, please post a clarification request and wait for me to
respond before closing/rating my answer.
Thank you,
hummer
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