3 yrs as PR Coming to an end and still no USGC

T

texancanadian

Registered Users (C)
I wanted to survey the people in this forum and see what the general consensus is on this issue

- Say its been 2.5 yrs since you landed as a Canadian PR and lets say your case hasnt moved beyond labor stage.... What would most of you do ? would you move to Canada or still keep on tring for a GC assuming that you can keep on applying for H1 extensions.

What is the limit for most of you to give up trying for a US Green card ?
 
I would move to Canada. I do understand the difficulties involved in moving to another country, but I atleast hope its worth a try. Atleast give the cliched window of opportunity a chance.

Like the saying - A bird in hand is worth two on the tree. A GC in hand is worth two stuck in the dusty pile at DOL. :)
 
What do you think about this logic- Adding another twist

My current understanding of US Immigration law is that to get a GC you have to go through a 3 step process.

1) Labor Certification
2)I-140
3) I-485 or Consular Processing.

Now lets say someone lands in Canada as a PR before US Labor is approved. They have a max of 3 yrs before which to go back to Canada. Now lets say that it takes " x " years for I-140 and I-485 so in reality the person only has 3-x yrs before which they have to get labor approved and keep chances of maintaining either US GC or keep Canadian PR.
So if I-140 and I-145 optimistically take 1.5 yrs combined then that person must have labor done in 1.5 yrs or risk loosing the Canadian PR before they may get US GC.

So what in your opinion is X currently. Is 1.5 yrs very optimistic for I-140 and I-485 if priority date is current ?
Thanks
 
I am also in a somewhat similar stage, have filed for USGC labor (about an year now - anticipate this will take atleast 2.5-3 yrs as of now) and completed the Canadian PR process a month back. I did go over the scenarios in my mind a number of times and here is what I have to say:

- First and foremost, I was impressed with how fast and hassle-free the Canada PR was compared to USGC, atleast in my case. I realize this will probably not be a factor in deciding next steps for most people, but there is definetly something to be said about this...

- For me personally, the USGC is not worth all the efforts it needs to get it. Instead of the additional 3+ years, the uncertainity of the outcome, not being able to switch companies for this period (possibly limiting your career options and growth) I am thinking that I might as well move to Canada get citizenship in these 3 years and then later on (if at all) move to the US on a Canadian work visa.

- I for one, do not believe that the real long term prospects (15-20 years) for the US are that great, given the current economic-political situation, offshoring, etc. At the very least the difference in the standards of living in the US and the rest of the world will not be as great as they have historically been over the last 1/2 a century. This is a strictly personal opinion and pls do not start a flame-war over this.

- Wifey cannot work for the next couple of years here until the EAD. In Canada, with the PR she can start the next day :) (I am reasonably confident that she will get a job, with a few courses that she is doing here, prior work exp. in India, etc ) . This should make up for any differences in savings that I might expect due to salary differences, Canadian $ rates, etc.

All in all, it seems (to me atleast) a better option to give up USGC, move to Canada and take it from there. The only thing that would I hate about this arrangement that I would have to move from sunny California to Toronto :)

Hope this long post helps atleast some people decide either way!
-Sal
 
So srp10 have you made a decision to move ?

Have you decided to take the plunge and move ? If not how long do you plan to wait ? Are you looking at any particular milestones ?
 
Yes, I (almost) have. I have some prior commitments here in the US, including my project, a certain course I have currently undertaken, etc. All in all, I might be moving by say, aug-sept '05.
 
I became a landed immigranmt this January and eversince searching for a job in Canada. I am all set to move - but I do not have a job. I am receiving offers for $50,000 in Toronto. $50,000 is inadequate to live in Toront. My wife and I make close to $120K. I do not convert currency for comparisions. I dont care what the exchange rate is. Other factors are - I have a house in US and I am having a tough time selling it. To cap it all my wife is pregnant. If I sell my house, I have decided to move to Canda with one job so that my child can be Canadian by birth. Ofcourse I will shellout another $10,000 for pregnancy related expenses as there is a 90 day waiting period for Ontario state insurance and most insurance does not cover pre existing health conditions. Now I am thinking is it worth all the trouble?
Its easy to get Canadian immigrationm for a reason. Dont get me wrong, I love Canada. I would have moved to Canada in a heartbeat if my wife was unemployed or I made less money in USA or I had not bought a house. Infact I am still trying to move. But USA is so much more cozy and comfortable at the moment, nice jobs, insurance coverage, security when the child is born and super low interest rate on my mortgage. But long-term does not look so nice in US. I have decided to stay in US for another 2 years. If at the end of 2 years I do not have a labor certification , I will move to Canada (alone) , live there 1 year, sponsor my child and bring my wife and child to Canada. I like Canada, but I guess I like money and short-term comfort more :) . Well let me live my present, if future is not bright in US will go to Canada.
 
Hey Guys

How long we (as a landed immigrants) can stay out of Canada after landing without losing Canadian PR. I think, it is 3 years as you guys mentioned in last messages. Do I (as a landed immigrant) have to go to Canada every 6 months or 1 year to keep my PR valid? Like in US, GC holder can't stay out of country for more than 6 months.

What kind of proof we need when we go for PR card renewal.

Thanks
 
Okay,Lets just sum it all up.

To each his own.

But to maintain PR in canada, you need to be physically present 2 out of 5 years in canada.How each of us works it out is our own problem ...

Hope this helps
 
Birth of a child

Guys me and my wife are both landed canadian immigrants currently in the US on H1B with labor approved and I140/I485 filed in sept 2004 from NE. If my wife gives birth to a baby here in the US and for some reason we have to move to Canada then is it a problem to take the baby to Canada, how will it all work Pls guide me on this. Any help would be highly appreciated
 
Jaggy

I think there were couple of members that I think had similar situation as yours, if I am not mistaken his name was mayankdave who had similar situation.

And there was other member who had posted similar problem on other thread.

If by any chance you are leaving US/Canada border please go talk to the Canadian official at the border.

-Pearl
 
Jaggy

I think there were couple of members that had similar situation as yours, if I am not mistaken his name was mayankdave who had similar situation.

And there was another member who had posted similar problem on other thread and he had mentioned what he had done.

If by any chance you are leaving near US/Canada border, please go talk to the Canadian official at the border.

-Pearl
 
free bird is better than legally bonded labor

Both countries have it's own advantage and disadvantage depends upon your choice. I feel that having green card (free bird) in Canada is better than working on H1 (feeding body shopper and paying taxes which donot give back anything). Working in s/w or latest tech. is not the only thing in life for me alteast.
 
Hey Metaman

Immigrating to a country is more than finding only an IT job to survive. You could always start something on your own , shop , business real estate etc. ..
So I believe Canada PR provides a great oppurtunity to people who wish for freedom to do more than just an IT job..
 
bhand11683,
You are right. If people on this forum were like that they can do it in USA. Anyone can open a company in USA and invest in USA. However one cannot work for it. Opening a business needs capitol and there is a break even period and a possibility that it could fail. If freedom is enough , there will not be so many people in USA with Canadian PR.
May I ask your status ? Are you a PR of Canada currently in USA?
I was so frustrated with finding an IT job, I was looking into buying a small business. It needs atleast $40,000 - $70,000 in capitol. If you have any ideas please share it with me , I will be willing to try it if its low risk and reasonable income potential. I am tired of looking for an IT job in Canada and I am tired of flocking to Toronto/Vancouver/Montreal.
If only I knew how to farm , I will be in Manitoba.
 
Try http://www.businesssellcanada.com/. Like I saif the investment is substantial. when you have a gas station you probaly have to staff it 24x7. Unless one is extremely drivenb and expands business, its better to work in a corporate job and take vacations with family.
 
Liquor business is completely Govt controlled

Not sure bout other provinces, but at least in Ontario the Liquor business is completely Govt controlled.
All Liquor stores are owned by the Govt and they are all named LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). The prices are slightly higher than US.
No alcoholic drinks are available in grocery stores or gas stations. For beer there are seperate "Beer stores" where only thing you get is beer. I am not 100% sure if the beer stores are govt owned but I think so.
Tobacco is very expensive in Canada. I think a pack of ciggies costs $5-$7. Govt wants to discourage ppl from smoking and also because of the public health system they feel smokers will disproportionately use the system.
 
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