CANADA?

[LIPhotoMan]

I've recently spent some time in Toronto, and before that in Nova Scotia. I really really like both those places, and certainly can see myself living there (at least April - November). I'm having trouble finding good info about retiring to Canada, and whether as a retired person I'd be eligible for permanent residency, and therefore eligible for participation in their health care system. And would I be alowed to own property?(I already found a COndo I like) Anyone know what would be involved?

 

[Cool Dood]

Just move to Michigan. It'll be the same thing, but with lower taxes.

 

[Maximillion]

You can own Property, but you would have to apply to Immigrate, then after 6 months, you are able to participate in the Health Programme.

Marriage to a Canadian Citizen, of either sex, would allow you to be sponsored under family reunification class.

 

[youbet]

LIPhotoMan:

Your post had great timing.  With all the controversy regarding immigration policy to the USA, I was curious as to what was required to enter Canada.  I was (with no real research) under the impression than Canada required immigrants to have a skill, money to invest or be sponsored by family.  It didn't sound like a very up to date or progressive policy for today's modern world.  Then I googled "immigrate to Canada" and was pleasantly surprised.  There seem to be an unlimited number of attorneys and organizations available to help you qualify and move.  And most seemed very progressive in their outlook.

Most impressive was this organization: 
http://www.marryanamerican.ca/
or
http://www.actforlove.org/ohcanada/

We need a group with this sort of dedication here in the States!

 

[lazygood4nothinbum]

looks much easier than immigrating to new zealand.

according to http://tinyurl.com/csnyo the investor category requires only

business experience and a legally obtained minimum net worth of CAN $800,000, and must make an investment of CAN $400,000.

 

[youbet]

Interesting.  You buy your way in for about $160k opportunity cost (assume 8% lost investment return) by loaning them $400k interest free for five years. 

From the web site:  "CIC will return your $400,000 investment, without interest, approximately five years and two months after payment."

Doesn't sound too bad.  Where's my suitcase?

 

[Maximillion]

NZ get's kinda boring after awhile, unless you like sheep.

 

[maddythebeagle]

http://early-retirement.org/forums/index.php?topic=4013.0

here is a really long thread from awhile back...

 

[youbet]

Thanks Maddy. I reviewed the thread. Pretty funny. Everyone is talking about obeying stringent rules and regs, getting their "points," etc. Quite a different tone than the discussion of immigration into the USA going on today.

 

[LIPhotoMan]

Hmmm -
It doesn't look easy to get into Canada - or at least to become a citizen.
Anyone know if a non-citizen (A less than 6 mo resident) is eligible for the healthcare?  If not, I wonder how prices there compare to the US, and whether my US Empire Blue policy would cover me in Canada.
Seems the only way I can do it woud be to marry a Canadian.  I don't think my S.O. would like that very much 
BUT - SHE is an artist, so if she'd work in canada, she'd be participating in Cultural activities, so she'd qualify as a self-employed person.  Then I marry her. 

Well - maybe I have to look somewhere else.
PHILADELPHIA HERE I COME!!!!

 

[vic]

Hmmm -
It doesn't look easy to get into Canada - or at least to become a citizen.
Anyone know if a non-citizen (A less than 6 mo resident) is eligible for the healthcare?

Once you become a Permanent Resident, becoming a citizen is very easy - just don't do something criminal and wait long enough.

No, 6 month resident is generally not eligible for health care. Btw, the health care is usually only for the province/territory you live in.

Vicky

 

[Calgary_Girl]

No, 6 month resident is generally not eligible for health care.

Vicky

I don't think this is correct since my husband is a Permanent Resident in Canada and he's had healthcare in Alberta since day one (i.e. no waiting period at all).

 

[bosco]

No, 6 month resident is generally not eligible for health care. Btw, the health care is usually only for the province/territory you live in.

Vicky

not true in BC. In BC, 3-month wait, and then not only MAY you get healthcare, you are required to by law. While you are waiting the 3 months, there are fairly reasonable policies available.

in genereal, procedures and care are cheaper. But for some procedures, there can be fairly long waits (example--orthopedic surgery).

The 3 month wait is a fairly recent thing in some places. I don't think any province requires more than 3 months but I could be wrong on this.

 

[Maximillion]

My Son, a Canadian Citizen, but Non resident due to his living in China, is not eligible for Ontario's coverage for 6 months.

 

[bosco]

My Son, a Canadian Citizen, but Non resident due to his living in China, is not eligible for Ontario's coverage for 6 months.

I think it's a different matter when you don't reside in the province. I wasn't aware that healthcare was even available if you weren't a resident somewhere in Canada (other than traveler's insurance). I know there was a lawsuit where some snowbird wanted to require coverage while in Florida. Hope that doesn't (or didn't) go through. Nothing would cause more trouble to the Canadian system than to have to pay American prices.

 

[bosco]

I wasn't aware that healthcare was even available if you weren't a resident somewhere in Canada (other than traveler's insurance). I know there was a lawsuit where some snowbird wanted to require coverage while in Florida. Hope that doesn't (or didn't) go through. Nothing would cause more trouble to the Canadian system than to have to pay American prices.

I take it back. I think that the issue is that Canadian healthcare will only pay what it would have cost in Canada, and you are advised to purchase travel insurance for the difference. The lawsuit was to force them to pay what it cost in Florida.

I imagine Canadian prices would do ok in China.

 

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

LIPhotoMan,

My way is to find work up here and sign on through NAFTA as a skilled worker, but that may not be something you want to do. If that does still interest you, Alberta is the place to go. Lots of work up here. I do not know about other ways in. Oh, I forgot: Canada has a special immigration category for sex-trade workers. Picture must be provided. (I am not making this up!) The government has determined (how?) that Rumanians who enter the country this way make the best Canadians later.

As I understand it, to apply for landed immigrancy, I have to produce a list of the addresses where I have lived, every month, since I was 18. That's 480 months for me! And I have also lived a lot of places! If you handle your case yourself, it looks like it will cost about $2k for each party. Still working on this.

Health care in Alberta has no waiting period in my case, but I believe that anyone here legally can join. There was a three-month waiting period to join OHIP when I was working in Ontario.

The hitch: you must be a legal resident of the province.

You might consider buying the property you like, understanding that you could only live up here a limited time during the year (approximately 6 months in one year, if memory serves). No health care, sorry. Your present insurer should tell you if they will cover you in Canada. Canada will be happy to take your money.

The black humor mill says that there is an easier way to become a resident, but I won't dignify it by repeating it. I have heard the same thing all over the country and back home, too.

I understand your interest. Canada is a beautiful country. The east has a particular charm.

Ed

 

[youbet]

These organizations are still active and extemely helpful. A clear indication of just how open minded and progressive our Canadian neighbors are.

http://www.marryanamerican.ca/
or
http://www.actforlove.org/ohcanada/

 

[Maximillion]

So that's why Torry Spelling married a Canadian, it is for his Health care, smart lady.

i just thought she was a social climber.?

 

[youbet]

I'm sure Torry's first goal was Canadian health care. How could it be anything else? But an important secondary objective was new hubby's significant asset shown clearly during his work on several Canadian porn sites.

 

[HFWR]

Torry Spelling...

How ironic...

 

[youbet]

Good catch HFWR! Slipped right by me. Tough gettin' old.....

 

[Maximillion]

So that's why Drew Barrymore dumped Tom Greene?

I don't watch much TV, if I spell names wrong, so be it.

All those blondes look alike to me, except Pamela Anderson, but she's Canadian.

 

[LIPhotoMan]

LIPhotoMan,

My way is to find work up here and sign on through NAFTA as a skilled worker, but that may not be something you want to do. 


Ed

SKILLED WORKER?
Don't think I'd qualify - a retired lawyer. Who'd ever want another lawyer moving there!!!!

 

[HFWR]

Sorry Max, that one was too good to pass up...    

Pamela Anderson is blonde?  

Reminds me of the Dolly Parton quip, when someone asked her if blondes were dumb: "Well, I know I'm not dumb, and I also know I'm not blonde..."

BTW, I can't imagine anyone putting up with Tom Greene. What an a-hole...