Americans often become disenchanted during periods of political conflict, and publicly vow to relocate to Canada permanently. The country to the north has an excellent reputation for economic, political, and social stability, and seems like the perfect refuge from the messy political and cultural divides common in the United States. While immigration to Canada may be an exhilarating concept, the reality is more complex.

Canada encounters different immigration issues than the United States. There are few seasonal migrations, and no uncontrollable flow of Central or South Americans seeking a safer place to live. It openly encourages American citizens to apply for permanent residency as long as they can meet the standards for acceptance. Those benchmarks include the level of education completed, work experience, and bilingual capabilities.

It is not possible to simply apply for citizenship as a non-resident and then be granted all the privileges that status confers. Potential applicants must have lived in the country for a period of 1095 days, or at least three years of the previous four, before being considered. Most people who qualify have done so under the economic stream of immigration that includes the skilled worker and business categories.

Officials use a system of scoring awarded points for accomplishments. The number needed to qualify has been reduced to allow more workers in, but most of the spots are still granted to those holding degrees in higher education, and most refusals involve people with no university education. There are separate evaluations for those without advanced degrees who nonetheless have valuable work experiences.

Actual experience is also important when considering applicants, and experience in management and professional roles is preferred. Skilled workers include dentists and social workers, as well as industrial technicians and architects. He list of qualifying jobs is quite long, and is most remarkable because it does not include many occupations requiring little or no formal education.

In the United States, being bilingual is controversial and resisted by a population that mistrusts other cultures. A permanent move to Canada requires a high level of proficiency in both French and English as a prerequisite. Applicants receive a certain number of points for their ability to easily communicate in their primary language, and must also attain high levels of reading, writing, speaking and comprehension when using the second.

People seeking to apply for citizenship status must already be permanent residents. There can be no pending negative reviews related to fraud or criminal offense. People on probation or parole are automatically rejected, as well as those under official removal orders. Applicants must become familiar with Canadian history, national institutions and customs, and the responsibilities that citizenship bestows.

Beginning the process involves completing an application to become a permanent resident. This can be accomplished online or using traditional forms, which must be completed fully or they will be rejected. Citizenship application becomes possible after three years, but is not required. Some immigrants prefer to establish dual citizenship. In the past, most Americans who qualify have been admitted.

Read more about The Qualifications Necessary For Immigration To Canada.