Move to Whistler?

[L7]

visas:

www.swap.ca

www.bunac.com

I got mine from swap.ca. They'll give you a 6 month visa, but it's only for students I believe. Maybe you can find a loophole, or maybe you are a student.

If you don't have a car, don't live in Spring Creek. Trust me.

I figured he needed to talk to you since you'd done it somewhat recently. I think my buddy is up in Spring Creek, nice spot looking down the valley but not convenient to anything, even with a car. Didn't stop them from putting in some sort of staff or subsized housing there though. I guess they figured the people who need that sort of housing always have tons of transport options.

[white]

I thought I'd re-open this thread as opposed to starting a new one...

I'm not looking to ski bum it. I don't want a temporary visa. I don't want to work illegally. I want Immigrant status in Canada.

I've picked over the Immigration Canada site with a fine-toothed comb, and have come to realize that my best chance for immigrant status is through the Skilled Worker Program.

They have an eligibility test in which a passing mark is 67. I scored a 71. Although this does not guarantee approval, it's a start. I'm hoping that someone will share their experience about what appears to be a hellatious process in hopes that your war stories will aid me in my endeavor to move north.

Has anybody gone through this process in any of the immigration programs?
Is it worthwhile to recruit the services of an immigration representative?

Forgive me if I repeat this in a new thread due to lack of response...

[powder11]

I thought I'd re-open this thread as opposed to starting a new one...

I'm not looking to ski bum it. I don't want a temporary visa. I don't want to work illegally. I want Immigrant status in Canada.

I've picked over the Immigration Canada site with a fine-toothed comb, and have come to realize that my best chance for immigrant status is through the Skilled Worker Program.

They have an eligibility test in which a passing mark is 67. I scored a 71. Although this does not guarantee approval, it's a start. I'm hoping that someone will share their experience about what appears to be a hellatious process in hopes that your war stories will aid me in my endeavor to move north.

Has anybody gone through this process in any of the immigration programs?
Is it worthwhile to recruit the services of an immigration representative?

Forgive me if I repeat this in a new thread due to lack of response...

Im in process getting my "landed immigrant" status; similar to our green card.

the whole "marry a Canadian" bit is a myth. my wife is Canadian and Im doing almost two years without a visa. being an American puts you on the bottom of the pile and they enjoy not helping you.

if you claim "skilled labor" your best chance is to claim some sort of trade as thats where Canada needs the most help. the immigration process is mind numbing and set up to discourage anyone coming to Canada. the immigration authorities assume your here for the lousy healthcare, welfare and death by taxation.

unless you've got a good reason to move to Canada, I'd find a nice mtn town down south and save yourself lots of grief

[Larryl]

Im in process getting my "landed immigrant" status; similar to our green card.

the whole "marry a Canadian" bit is a myth. my wife is Canadian and Im doing almost two years without a visa. being an American puts you on the bottom of the pile and they enjoy not helping you.

Marrying a Canadian to get into Canadian is not a myth, so long as Immigration Canada does not believe that your marriage is not a fake. The normal process would take about 6 to 9 months, and the important part to know is that the application has to be made outside Canada. In other word, apply to the Canadian Embassy in Buffalo. This is because the laws say that no one can apply for immigrant status from within Canada unless you are within a certain exceptions.

Oh yeah, if you have a trade ticket or a truck driver, apply away. You'll be in like a rocket. And no, you can't have a criminal record including DUI, otherwise you are toasted. Hope this helps.

P.S. In Feb., 2005, they created a new program to let a Canadian spouse sponsor a foreigner from inside Canada. Don't know if you applied under that program or not.

[white]

Just wondering about a few more things...

The Kootenay region is a strategic growth area for BC. They've got development and marketing plans up the wazooo for that place and I'm guessing that they value outside investors. So, I wonder if the fact that I plan to buy a house in Rossland would be a positive influence on my application. Any thoughts?

There's also a loophole where you can be accepted if you prove ability to start your own business within 6 months. However, having no experience owning my own business and without any plan, that is sort of out of the question. Anyone heard about this method of immigration?

[Shaggy]

Im in process getting my "landed immigrant" status; similar to our green card.

.. the immigration process is mind numbing and set up to discourage anyone coming to Canada.

Going state side is no better. I have an uncle in Michigan who is in tool and die. He has a work permit through his employer, but has been waiting for almost 5 years for his green card. His kids (now about to graduate college/univ) and wife can't work, so the whole family is about to toss in the towel and come back. Have another aunt in Florida, in the same boat.

... ohh, and as an added twist to immigration by mariage: Gay mariage is legal in Canada..

[LeeLau]

Rossland! I know quite a few people there. One is a recreational trail coordinator; another an environmental engineer; another works in reforestation and seasonally with a bike shop. Bottom line is that you don't need a lot of money to live and work in Rossland.

That program is called the Immigrant Investor program but I don't know more details other then that it must be a real business and you will get checked on that.

Just wondering about a few more things...

The Kootenay region is a strategic growth area for BC. They've got development and marketing plans up the wazooo for that place and I'm guessing that they value outside investors. So, I wonder if the fact that I plan to buy a house in Rossland would be a positive influence on my application. Any thoughts?

There's also a loophole where you can be accepted if you prove ability to start your own business within 6 months. However, having no experience owning my own business and without any plan, that is sort of out of the question. Anyone heard about this method of immigration?

[white]

I'm so stoked on that place...Ever skiied there?

LOOKS sweet, and they get as much snow as Aspen or CButte, two of my favorite places in the states...Also can't beat the property prices, nor the potential that place has...

[BLOODSWEATSTEEL]

Good info in this thread.

Just in case I ever feel the need to make a move to canuckistan, that is....

[LeeLau]

I'm so stoked on that place...Ever skiied there?

LOOKS sweet, and they get as much snow as Aspen or CButte, two of my favorite places in the states...Also can't beat the property prices, nor the potential that place has...

I've never actually skied at Red. I've skied in two local backcountry places and been biking there.

http://www.leelau.net/2005/rossland/plewman/plewman.htm

http://www.leelau.net/2002/rossland/rossland.htm

The locals are very friendly. It is small so can get gossipy. Local touring is very conveniant. XC trails for bike and hike on the rails-to-trails from Rossland down to the border. DH trails and alpine trails also close by. Within 1 to 2 hours drive is Nelson and touring off Ymir; Salmo-Creston; the Valhallas. The Kootenay Mountaineering Club (KMC) is a great club with which to get involved - I know the exec and they get out a lot.

[white]

I've never actually skied at Red. I've skied in two local backcountry places and been biking there.

http://www.leelau.net/2005/rossland/plewman/plewman.htm...

Holy crap, I just creamed myself...Those pics gave me the jones, bad.

Old Glory looks sweeeeeeeet

[powder11]

Marrying a Canadian to get into Canadian is not a myth, so long as Immigration Canada does not believe that your marriage is not a fake. The normal process would take about 6 to 9 months, and the important part to know is that the application has to be made outside Canada. In other word, apply to the Canadian Embassy in Buffalo. This is because the laws say that no one can apply for immigrant status from within Canada unless you are within a certain exceptions.

Oh yeah, if you have a trade ticket or a truck driver, apply away. You'll be in like a rocket. And no, you can't have a criminal record including DUI, otherwise you are toasted. Hope this helps.

P.S. In Feb., 2005, they created a new program to let a Canadian spouse sponsor a foreigner from inside Canada. Don't know if you applied under that program or not.

your totally misinformed. the immigration Canada website in no way reflects reality. being married a Canadian offers you no benefit as far as a speedy process goes. no matter which way you go, it takes 2 years from start to finish without work or benefits. I appreciate your optimism, but its a long hard process no matter.

the new PM has talked a good game about breathing new life into the immigration process, but I'll believe it when I see it.

[DerJaeger]

Immigration to Canada is very, very easy - it's probably one of the easiest western countries in the world to immigrate to. If you have enough points under the skilled worker program (basically: if you have a university degree or a trade) and do not have a criminal record, you're in.

If you are immigrating from the US, the process only takes around 8 - 12 months, start to finish.

There are exceptions, of course: for example, if you are a doctor who recieved training from somewhere other than Canada or the US, you are banned from Canada.

Americans in certain professions such as engineering can also work in Canada under the NAFTA visa programs. I think level III ski instructors may fall under this category, but I'm not sure.

[shirk]

your totally misinformed. the immigration Canada website in no way reflects reality. being married a Canadian offers you no benefit as far as a speedy process goes. no matter which way you go, it takes 2 years from start to finish without work or benefits. I appreciate your optimism, but its a long hard process no matter.

the new PM has talked a good game about breathing new life into the immigration process, but I'll believe it when I see it.

On the plus side you got to ski 100+ days this kick ass winter while "wiating" for approval. No so bad eh.

To the rest that want to move here, the health care sucks, we are taxed up the ass and out the nose, it sucks here, and powder11 has skied all the good lines by 10am so no bother moving here. Go to Denver or SLC.

[powder11]

Immigration to Canada is very, very easy - it's probably one of the easiest western countries in the world to immigrate to. If you have enough points under the skilled worker program (basically: if you have a university degree or a trade) and do not have a criminal record, you're in.

If you are immigrating from the US, the process only takes around 8 - 12 months, start to finish.

There are exceptions, of course: for example, if you are a doctor who recieved training from somewhere other than Canada or the US, you are banned from Canada.

Americans in certain professions such as engineering can also work in Canada under the NAFTA visa programs. I think level III ski instructors may fall under this category, but I'm not sure.

you obviously have never been through the process. My wife used to have the same illusions of granduer about Canada too. I have a university degree and am married to a Canadian; both of which have done nothing to speed up my application which has been well over a year. It amazes me how Canadians will defend an idea/ideals about their country that simply arent true.

[powder11]

On the plus side you got to ski 100+ days this kick ass winter while "wiating" for approval. No so bad eh.

To the rest that want to move here, the health care sucks, we are taxed up the ass and out the nose, it sucks here, and powder11 has skied all the good lines by 10am so no bother moving here. Go to Denver or SLC.

not so bad until the bills start stacking up. oh yeah, there is no healthcare for spouses while their application is in process and no hospital accepts private health insurance, so your totally screwed if something happens.

dont get me started

[DerJaeger]

you obviously have never been through the process. My wife used to have the same illusions of granduer about Canada too. I have a university degree and am married to a Canadian; both of which have done nothing to speed up my application which has been well over a year. It amazes me how Canadians will defend an idea/ideals about their country that simply arent true.

Actually, I have. I immigrated from Australia not long ago and have several friends who have immigrated recently so I'm acutely aware that the process is extrordinarily slow, bureaucratic and frustrating at times. You do have my sympathy - I've been there.

Believe it or not though, we have it easy. You should see the hoops one has to jump though to immigrate to the US -- although I don't think its news to anyone that the US immigration system is utterly and fundamentaly broken beyond any hope of repair. The Canadian immigration system, on the other hand, is broken but probably ultimately repairable (whether or not that actually happens, is a different story of course...).

[soul_skier]

Bumping this instead of starting a new one, is it legal to move to whistler for a ski season and not work, just bank like 10 grand beforehand and ski all day, if so, how much money would someone need to live there for a full season?

[grapedrink]

Bumping this instead of starting a new one, is it legal to move to whistler for a ski season and not work, just bank like 10 grand beforehand and ski all day, if so, how much money would someone need to live there for a full season?

of course its legal, ten grand is more than enough, i did it on around $7,000 including my $1,500 season pass. come in september or early october at the lastest if you don't want to pay $750 to share a one bedroom apartment with six dirty aussies.

[huck4bucks]

Yes*


*It depends on how high your standard of living is. Sharing a room with 7 Australians and two dogs can get pretty rough, but at least you'll have a bed for $250/month.

Also, don't forget that when you enter Canada, you're on an implied 'tourist visa' and you're required to leave after 6 months. Take a trip to Seattle for a day and come back later.

edit: GD beat me to it.

[powder11]

Yes*


*It depends on how high your standard of living is. Sharing a room with 7 Australians and two dogs can get pretty rough, but at least you'll have a bed for $250/month.

Also, don't forget that when you enter Canada, you're on an implied 'tourist visa' and you're required to leave after 6 months. Take a trip to Seattle for a day and come back later.

edit: GD beat me to it.

you'll be living large here on 10k. if your here to ski, really cheap quality housing can be found 20 mins up the road in pemberton. if partying in the village every night is more your style, pay the extra $ to live in the village. when you return from your seattle day trip be careful not to say "Im living in whistler" because "Im going to visist friends" is a better answer. also have them stamp your passport as proof of your comings and goings.

[LeeLau]

Bumping this instead of starting a new one, is it legal to move to whistler for a ski season and not work, just bank like 10 grand beforehand and ski all day, if so, how much money would someone need to live there for a full season?

That's a lot of cash for a season. If you're serious I would suggest getting here in early October and then getting a place before everyone else gets here. That alone will save you a lot of $ over the season/

[soul_skier]

That's a lot of cash for a season. If you're serious I would suggest getting here in early October and then getting a place before everyone else gets here. That alone will save you a lot of $ over the season/

I was just throwing out a ballpark figure, and if I did do this I would for sure get there early, but I'm asking from a legal standpoint, what type of visa would I need, would I even need a visa, and if I do need one is it obtainable, (seeing as a work visa appears to be hard for an american). Also, I would want to have enough money to be free to chase storms, have really good health insurance and whatnot, hence the larger $ guess.

[LeeLau]

I was just throwing out a ballpark figure, and if I did do this I would for sure get there early, but I'm asking from a legal standpoint, what type of visa would I need, would I even need a visa, and if I do need one is it obtainable, (seeing as a work visa appears to be hard for an american). Also, I would want to have enough money to be free to chase storms, have really good health insurance and whatnot, hence the larger $ guess.

Sorry - i don't know if you need anything else to stay for longer. I would ask the good people at Immigration Canada that question.

[huck4bucks]

$10k would be a good place to be. Also, ask your landlord if you can negotiate the rent by paying for the whole season in cash in advance. That'll save you some money.

Things to think about:
- Get travel insurance...that will cover an emergency that you have. Regular health insurance isn't cost-effective up there. Everytime you walk into the health clinic in Whis, you just lost $500.
- Gas costs about US$4.15/gallon up there as of the end of March. If you're storm-chasing, tuck away money for that.
- You don't need a visa, but you'll have to return to the states once every six months.
- If you run out of cash and need to work, don't get caught working under the table. They'll deport you and you can never come back. Probably not worth it.
- Whistler has visitors from all over the globe and is known for STDs...wrap it up.
- Have fun. Best time of your life.