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I'm another American that has sought a better life in British Columbia. My home-town (Mobile, AL) has been in recession since Hurricane Katrina, as everyone flocked there and employment opportunities seemingly vanished overnight. I suppose it was not a good time to end my military career, but after a tour in Baghdad, ending my career was literally a "life and death" decision.
Yes, I was screwed with at the border, which at the time I found very perturbing (but later found it humorous, as not being screwed with at the border would mean that I get to miss out on the true experience of visiting Canada). I was turned away at the border for not having sufficient documentation/ funds, but made a 2nd attempt 2 days later, and was granted entry. My "recon" was for 7 days. I fell in love with the area and the people, and decided that I would move there.
I went home for a few months to sort it all out. As my situation was growing desperate, I concluded that the illegal approach was the only viable means of survival. I found someone in BC that would pay me under the table. Instead of driving, I took a Greyhound bus and brought only a suitcase. At the border, I was granted entry, but issued a document requiring me to leave by a certain date, and should I fail to report to immigration before departure, a warrant would be issued for my arrest.
I made it to where I was going, and began to live (and work illegally) here. The first step that I took was filing an application to extend my stay here. According to Immigration Canada's site, and other documentation, this application submission would override the requirement for me to leave Canada by the date that was given to me at the border. My application was denied, and I was instructed to "Leave Canada immediately".
Now, the recession seemed to follow me here (sorry guys). I am an illegal immigrant seeking employment during a recession. Not a great situation to be in, at all. I do wish to pay taxes here, cheerfully, but they won't let me... for some reason. So, if you, the more knowledgeable audience, were in my situation, what would you do?
Yes, I was screwed with at the border, which at the time I found very perturbing (but later found it humorous, as not being screwed with at the border would mean that I get to miss out on the true experience of visiting Canada). I was turned away at the border for not having sufficient documentation/ funds, but made a 2nd attempt 2 days later, and was granted entry. My "recon" was for 7 days. I fell in love with the area and the people, and decided that I would move there.
I went home for a few months to sort it all out. As my situation was growing desperate, I concluded that the illegal approach was the only viable means of survival. I found someone in BC that would pay me under the table. Instead of driving, I took a Greyhound bus and brought only a suitcase. At the border, I was granted entry, but issued a document requiring me to leave by a certain date, and should I fail to report to immigration before departure, a warrant would be issued for my arrest.
I made it to where I was going, and began to live (and work illegally) here. The first step that I took was filing an application to extend my stay here. According to Immigration Canada's site, and other documentation, this application submission would override the requirement for me to leave Canada by the date that was given to me at the border. My application was denied, and I was instructed to "Leave Canada immediately".
Now, the recession seemed to follow me here (sorry guys). I am an illegal immigrant seeking employment during a recession. Not a great situation to be in, at all. I do wish to pay taxes here, cheerfully, but they won't let me... for some reason. So, if you, the more knowledgeable audience, were in my situation, what would you do?
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Re: Screwed
Tue, February 24, 2009 - 3:13 AMDo you have a choice?
Sounds like you put yr chips in w/ B.C. and that's where you should stay.
Question:
If they catch...or...when they catch you...will you just be deported over the border or
put in a nice, 'comfy' Canadian jail for awhile... or what?
What are the risks? -
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Re: Screwed
Sun, November 1, 2009 - 12:10 PMI know British Columbia is beautiful, but it's also the most expensive place in Canada to stay. Well, Vancouver is anyways.
I'd see if you could get a job where they are desperately needed. They are desperate for people in Alberta, which is having an economic boom right now. They are willing to pay people $15 an hour just to work in a fast-food restaurant, and of course working in the (dangerous, unpleasant, but high paying) oil industry will ensure you get a job and a visa.
If you don't mind the cold, they are also desperate for people to work as 'Ice Truckers'. No experience needed, they pay for you to learn to drive a truck. This is another job where you have to be a cowboy though, since there is a small danger your truck will plunge through the ice and bring you along with it. It's a lot safer than being a soldier in Iraq though, and you don't have to kill anyone. On the contrary, an Ice Trucker is a lifesaver, and a hero in each of the small communities that they visit. You get paid as much in three months as most truckers make in a year.
If you don't want to do trucking, they are also hiring people in the diamond mines in the Yukon. The pay is excellent. However, because of the unexpected economic boom, it's hard to find a place to live up there.
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