Open Borders

Visit www.theimmbook.org for more info
--------------------------------------------------- CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------

Introduction --- Page vii
Acknowledgements --- Page ix
Part I - Planning for a New Life --- Page 3
Chapter I. Inquiries, Conclusions, Decisions --- Page 5
I. 1 Dream Destination --- Page 5
I. 2 Gathering Information --- Page 6
I. 3 The Decision of a Lifetime --- Page 9
Chapter II. Getting Ready --- Page 11
II. 1 The Immigration Process --- Page 11
II. 2 The Application Process --- Page 13
II. 3 Making Plans --- Page 15
II. 4 Planning the Move --- Page 20
Chapter III. Before Departure --- Page 25
III. 1 Saying Goodbye --- Page 25
III. 2 Last-Minute Details --- Page 26
III. 3 Travel by Air, Step by Step --- Page 27
III. 4 Travel by Air, Connecting Flights --- Page 29
III. 5 Travel by Air, Reaching the Destination --- Page 31
Part II - New Country, New Life --- Page 33
Chapter IV. First Contact --- Page 35
IV. 1 A Dream Comes True --- Page 35
IV. 2 A New Home --- Page 35
IV. 3 Getting Connected --- Page 36
Chapter V. Health Services --- Page 40
Chapter VI. Employment --- Page 44
VI. 1 The Hiring Process --- Page 46
VI. 2 Compensation Packages --- Page 48
VI. 3 Social Insurance Number --- Page 51
VI. 4 Taxation --- Page 51
Chapter VII. Schooling for your Children --- Page 53
Chapter VIII. Monthly Expenses --- Page 56
Chapter IX. Integration --- Page 59
IX. 1 Maintaining Permanent Residence Status --- Page 59
IX. 2 Fitting in --- Page 60
Chapter X. Transportation --- Page 68
X. 1 Personal Vehicle: Luxury or Necessity? --- Page 68
X. 2 Purchasing a Car --- Page 72
X. 3 Public Transportation --- Page 81
X. 4 Biking: the Environmental Choice --- Page 82
Chapter XI. Lifestyles --- Page 84
XI. 1 Urban vs. Suburban Living --- Page 84
XI. 2 Renting vs. Buying a Home --- Page 86
Selling your Home --- Page 93
Part III - Advancing Through the Mist --- Page 95
Chapter XII. Learning and Living in Your New --- Page
Community --- Page 97
XII. 1 Health Concerns --- Page 98
XII. 2 Environmental Issues --- Page 99
XII. 3 Food --- Page 105
XII. 4 Safety --- Page 108
Chapter XIII. Investing Your Money --- Page 109
XIII. 1 Savings Accounts, GICs and Bonds --- Page 110
XIII. 2 Mutual Funds --- Page 111
XIII. 3 The Stock Market --- Page 113
XIII. 4 Currency Volatility --- Page 113
XIII. 5 Sending Money and Goods to Family and Friends --- Page 115
Chapter XIV. Enjoying Life --- Page 118
XIV. 1 Staying Fit --- Page 118
XIV. 2 Keeping Entertained --- Page 120
Chapter XV. Final Steps --- Page 122
XV. 1 Becoming a Citizen --- Page 123
XV. 2 Applying for a Passport --- Page 125
Closing Note --- Page 127
List of Internet Links --- Page 129
About The Author --- Page 133

------------------------------------------------ INTRODUCTION ---------------------------------------------

MY LOVE FOR storytelling has been a lifelong passion, but it wasn’t until I reached my dream destination that I decided to pursue writing. A strong background in process development and constant exposure to international travel facilitated the collection of information and creation of the guidelines in this book. My experience in leading major projects gave me the confidence to undertake a publishing venture such as this.

Not long after my relocation, it became clear to me that others could benefit from everything I was learning. As time passed and I continued to gather information, a story began to unfold, the lessons learned and words of caution being at the forefront. Seven years later, with this impressive amount of information still vivid in my memory, my fingers started typing and wouldn’t stop until everything had been shared. Sharing what I had learned about the immigration process fueled my motivation while developing this guide. The immigration process can be overwhelming and confusing, so my goal was to provide immigrants with a clear understanding of what to expect and then guide them along the way. I know that if I had had the benefit of this resource when I was going through the process, my life would have been much easier! While this guide is focused on helping you, the potential immigrant, navigate through the immigration process, it also offers information and advice to help you adapt to your new home.

Depending on where you are in the immigration process, you may want to flip through some sections at first and then read the rest of it over time. While this guide is not even close to being complete, considering the possibilities and situations you may encounter, it will identify many of the steps you will go through to integrate and become an active member of your new society.

Andy Storm
Spring 2009

--------------------- CHAPTER I. INQUIRIES, CONCLUSIONS, DECISIONS -----------------------

I. 1 Dream Destination

GLOBALIZATION HAS PROMPTED people to imagine living outside their country’s borders. The widespread use of English as the de facto language for business communication between nations has facilitated cross-border dialogue and ultimately tapping into human resource pools from abroad. The global economical situation has created new opportunities for citizens of countries where freedom of movement was previously restricted. In an effort to increase productivity while reducing production costs, many developed countries have opened their doors to immigration and embraced enthusiastic workers who aspire to wealth and a better life.

It all starts with a dream. You’ve heard that people can make a better living in another country and want the same for your family. The idea of moving abroad is appealing and intriguing. You start asking questions. Although you soon realize it’s not easy, you still want to do it. Determination drives you to the next level and makes a goal out of what was initially a dream.

I. 3 The Decision of a Lifetime

After working so diligently to put all the bits and pieces together, you start analyzing the pros and cons. You are a little confused and even scared. The magnitude of this project frightens you. This is not like any other project you’ve been involved with. This is “The Project.” Will you be able to pull it off?

If this is the first time you have engaged in such a complex endeavor, it is understandable that you feel overwhelmed. A decision to start a new life in another country, where the grass is greener, the sun is brighter and rivers of milk and honey are flowing, should never be taken lightly!

If you have a family, the decision to immigrate will affect not only your future but that of your spouse and your children. If moving to another country was your idea, the people who depend on you may not like it. Like you, it may be difficult for them to leave behind friends, family or job. Generally speaking, people resist change (even if it’s positive) so it’s important to explain everything in detail and encourage dialogue. Your family members may not view things from the same perspective as you do. For them, the idea may not be appealing. Don’t expect any sort of agreement before the message is well understood, questions are asked, answers provided and plans are adjusted and fine-tuned. Hopefully, they will support you in this initiative, as their support will be crucial once you get to your new destination.

Be open to change yourself. Even if you planned it all and the picture is clear in your mind, remember that what you view as logical may not be the same for the others.