Just when you think

Just when you think everything is ready to go, there's always one more form to sign, one more person for your lawyer to consult with. We thought we'd have the paperwork in a month ago, but it's not the case. A few more things to do, it seems. Of course, we want it to be done right - we want the application to be successful, so the message is, "take your time and get it right." The extra weeks wont matter if there is a "yes" at the end of this road.

Forums connect real people involved with immigration issues

Even though there are literally a few hundred thousand of us all over the world working on our Canadian immigration, sometimes you just feel so alone. I know I do. This blog helps me connect to be sure, but sometimes I need a little but more.

In those times when I want to hear from real people in their real-life situations, I check out some web forums. These are very much like bulliten board services with threaded discussions, where all kinds of topics and situations are explored.

People also often ask for advice on these web forums, which I wouldn't reccomend. Remember that everyone's situation os unique and that fact makes ALL the difference. If you have an immigration issue you are unsure about, contact the CIC or get a qualified lawyer.

Here are a couple forums that are fun and active:

- Immigration Issues
- Canada Visa Immigration Forum
- Canada Immigrant Job Issues (this one is a downer - lots of horror stories, but interesting)

Another online publication for immigrants

Reading the Star this morning and what should pop up but an ad for a cool online publication I was unaware of. It's called Canadian Immigrant (the online version of a Vancouver based publication available by subscription, or picked up free at many locations, including 7-11's) and while it's a bit light on the journalism side, I can't say I've seen another collection of information and resources like it.

The site aspires to "inform, educate and motivate", and contains articles and links covering areas of interest to immigrants like careers (tips for resumes, finding work, overcoming obstacles), money, business, culture, education, getting settled, and more.

The publication claims research showing that it takes 10 years on average for a new immigrant to assimilate into Canada, and the goal in publishing this journal was to attempt to cut that time down by addressing issues of interest to most new residents of Canada.

Most of the content on the site is made up of brief, short articles - nothing too deep or heavy; but it makes the site sort of like a primer on Canada and immigration. There is nothing wrong with broad brush-strokes once in awhile and this site is a place to get a big picture of the immigrant landscape.

Check it out, as you're sure to find a few things of interest.

Put your body where your mouth is

In an article in today's Star , the issue of permanent residence is explored. The issue is that many PR cards are due to expire and those that hold them haven't spent the prerequisite amount of time in Canada since they were issued. The permanent residents in question aren't family class, but instead, skilled workers who, though issued their Canadian credentials, never took up permanent residency. Instead, the status served as a way to obtain subsidized educations for their children, or a safe landing for those who didn't wish to return to third-world countries after finishing stints with firms in countries where obtaining residency is much harder.

I am one who believes that those who are granted permanent residency in Canada should live in Canada and attempt to work in Canada. If they can't find work and want to work in another country, then give it up. I know it is hard for skilled workers to find work in their professsions in many cases - I have noted that fact many times in this blog. However, I believe coming to Canada should be about living in and contributing to the country, not about taking advantage of it. Hard to make a living in your profession - then use your voice in the country to work for change. Really want to work for change? Then live in Canada for three years and become a citizen - and vote!

It irks me to no end to know that there are those taking up valuable CIC resources who have no real intention of making Canada their home.

I understand it used to be the case that you had to be able to prove that you had spent half of each year in country in order to maintain your status. I actually don' t think that's too bad. My intention is to become a citizen. These matters of statehood should come with obligation.

Learning more each day

I'm reading a book right now called "The Unfinished Canadian" by Andrew Cohen. It's an interesting read on cultural identity and what it means to be a Canadian today. Cohen so far notes that while Canadians are less distinct than they would like to believe, that distinction is still possible if the national will seeks it. I am learning about how Canada ignores the history of it's origns or plays them down for the sake of maintaining a clear multi-cultural appeal. I'm learning how America is a place to love to hate, ignoring that many opportunities the country has are actually afforded by the different responsibilites the big brother to the south takes on. I'm coming to understand more about the complex country I hope to call home soon. It's a place of contridictions, but it is never argued that it a place without a heart and a soul.

On a more positive note - Happy Thanksgiving!

Looks like we'll be back in line within the next couple of weeks. Our submission is being finalized and it's all very exciting for me...Funny to think about once again revisiting those feelings of expectation once the application is out of our hands and off into the void...I'm not looking forward to it, to be honest. I am also going to try to make the active choice of not worrying - leaving the result in God's hands, and trusting that in hearing this open prayer - that I may be allowed, in this specific time and with this application, to be granted Permanent Residence in Canada, to make a life with the woman I love, whom He brought into my life - that He will be honored. For all of you who may wonder if God does answer prayers, that I can report one day soon to you, and to His glory, that YES - He does!

God bless you all this Thanksgiving eve.