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Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

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231–240 of 557 posts

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#231
post #186

Earlier quoted context omitted.

An exception is Waterloo.

But Waterloo isn't a great city to live in. Especially for young professionals, Waterloo is not nearly as exciting as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver.

I think Kitchener-Waterloo (~300k people) punches above its weight. It definitely feels like a small city, but there are still things to do. Plus Toronto is 1.5 hours away on a Greyhound bus for about $15. ;)

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#232
post #110

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Just forget Europe. It's ridden with socialists and laws slowing business to a halt. Add a failing currency to that cocktail and you have a failing economy. Of the whole of Europe, only Switzerland is somewhat attractive.

More social democrats than socialists, and right wing and conservative opinion is on the rise, have been for a while now.

Honestly it's the latter that scares me, given Europe's history, and the likelihood of massive migration from the Middle East and Africa in the coming decades.

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#233
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As it stands now, I doubt that many American programmers would be willing to take the pay cut they'd have to accept if they came to work here. I like it here, and I'm happy with what I make, but when you factor in the exchange rate, a typical US developer would take a huge salary haircut working here; probably 40-50%.

That is true. But there are also a number of perks such as universal health care. So maybe just a certain type of developer would move - one motivated by values rather than money. Perhaps similar to the draft dodgers who came up in the late 60s.

Not just health care, university tuition is way cheaper too. (And child care, in Québec.)

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#234
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Canada would be an odd choice for many reasons, but is probably attractive for the combination of proximity, and cultural/linguistic similarities. For me, I've been looking at Ireland, Denmark, or the Netherlands for a while, and I'd say they're looking far more attractive today than yesterday. Besides, money isn't everything. There is something to be said for not having to deal with the insane evangelicals, bitter u…

If you didn't read the newspaper, how many of the negative things you mentioned would actually impact your life? Would you even know who was president for the last 4 (or the next 4) based on the impacts to your life? I'd guess not. Just live your life and be happy, vote when you can but don't let what you don't control make you sad.

I grew up and lived most of my life in America, then emigrated to a country with universal healthcare (the UK). When I developed a life-threatening condition which my US insurance would never have covered, the National Health Service saved my life.

These things don't matter until they really, really, really do. Having seen the grass on both sides of the fence, I can attest that it really can be meaningfully greener.

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#235
post #71
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Canada would be an odd choice for many reasons, but is probably attractive for the combination of proximity, and cultural/linguistic similarities. For me, I've been looking at Ireland, Denmark, or the Netherlands for a while, and I'd say they're looking far more attractive today than yesterday. Besides, money isn't everything. There is something to be said for not having to deal with the insane evangelicals, bitter u…

Looking at Reykjavik, Taipei, Lisbon, Santiago de Chile and Valencia (Spain). In addition to well-known places like Sydney, Copenhagen, Amsterdam.

From a happy brit expat escaping brexit: give Lisbon a whirl! Moved here earlier in the year and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#236
post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How long does it take for paper work to be completed? 1-2 years? And than what? Trump will almost certainly mess up enough (which Dem have warned about) to be out of office after just 1 term. And will they go through the paper work to return to US?

I think highly skilled and paid jobs are expedited. Above CAD $85k I believe.

I was making $70k as a newgrad in Waterloo back in 2012.

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#237
post #13

I wonder how this might affect startups in Canada? Will it be easier to hire American programmers? Will more investors come up north?

How long does it take for paper work to be completed? 1-2 years? And than what? Trump will almost certainly mess up enough (which Dem have warned about) to be out of office after just 1 term. And will they go through the paper work to return to US?

I got my postdoc work permit in about...ten minutes?

You show up at the border with your passport, the fee, and few documents from your employer. They do some stuff on the computer and then awkwardly disappear for a few minutes. You pay the cashier and the guard reappears with your completed work permit. Done.

As far as I know, there's also not much paperwork for returning to the US, though you're supposed to inventory all of the stuff you bring back with you.

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#238
post #100

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Stay away from Vancouver. Between the cost of living, low wages, and (What passes in Canada as an) extreme right-wing provincial government, it's a horror show.

Agreed. You have to deal with unbelievable weather much of the year. Then there's those oppressive mountains just to the north and the incredible skiing within an hours drive. Next you have to deal with the all the beautiful scenery, awesome hiking and biking. It's just horrible. Don't move to Vancouver. Not sure about wages. I feel I'm paid a fair salary.

incredible skiing within an hours drive

Hey, be fair. You have to drive 1.5 hours to get to the best ski resort in the world.

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#239
post #176
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Canada would be an odd choice for many reasons, but is probably attractive for the combination of proximity, and cultural/linguistic similarities. For me, I've been looking at Ireland, Denmark, or the Netherlands for a while, and I'd say they're looking far more attractive today than yesterday. Besides, money isn't everything. There is something to be said for not having to deal with the insane evangelicals, bitter u…

My wife is an American and we live together here in Denmark. If you move, please reach out. We'll be glad to welcome you!

Generally speaking how is Denmark for Americans in terms of culture, job opportunities, cost of living, etc.?

Re: Canada's immigration website crashes on election night

#240
post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are you glad to have moved? Any recommendations on cities to look at?

I live in Vancouver. Cost of living looks bad. Quality of life is good. I look out of the window of the window of my smallish condo at the beautiful mountains and all seems well. It's tough to live in this town on the median local income. Get a very good job before you move here. There are much more affordable Canadian cities with the same social deal and without the Vancouver housing crisis. But if you can make it w…

I'd add "don't plan on living in Vancouver itself". Vancouver is like San Francisco: A relatively small and frequently dysfunctional city surrounded by a much superior metropolitan area. I'd suggest Burnaby or Coquitlam as places with a better lifestyle at a lower cost.
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