The most frustrating thing about the imigration process to the US - is that the US hasn't actually established WHO they ARE looking for.
A country needs to figure out what elements it wants to excel in (services, manufacturing, high-tech, etc.) and then make policies that will drive people towards those industries, regardless of where they are from.
The US system is rather agnostic (it seems equally hard for a day-labourer as a top-notch scientist to get in) as a result - the people needed are difficult to identify and woo into the country.
If you're a PHD, add 25 points - a high school grad? add 10 points...and so on. In the end, the process is relatively transparent and helps potential immigrants realize they are needed.
In the US, as part of the immigration process - they will go through intense questioning on very relevant matters such as "Were you ever a member of the communist party?" "Are you a terrorist?" - both questions were asked of me dring the immigration process. But no one even asked if I had a high school diploma....hmm.
> it seems equally hard for a day-labourer as a top-notch scientist to get in
A day laborer would probably have the easier time, if he has family in the US. The US system is a relic of a past era when the goal was quickly integrating hordes of unskilled laborers fresh off the boat. Speaking as a highly educated Canadian, I would sooner go anywhere else in the developed world before subjecting myself to US Immigration.
I couldn't agree more... It's absolute lunacy that a student who has gone through an engineering PhD program, subsidized by US taxpayers and corporations via research grants, may not be able to stay in the US post-graduation. There should be a direct means of converting a student visa into a "path to citizenship." Instead, it appears our immigration system promotes the exact opposite, giving preference to unskilled workers through an amnesty every 10 years or so.
They ask for a name and an email for permanent records. Not worthwhile for curiousity.
But reading the points offered, I realize that if I were not a Canadian citizen already, I wouldn't be allowed to immigrate into Canada. That's a little humbling.
funny, when I came to San Francisco for Google I/O, the inspector didn't even care about the conferences, meetups that I will attend or my background (ongoing MSc), all he is interested in was whether am I planning to reunion with my girlfriend in States, why I buy a one way ticket, how much cash I have on me. One hint by the way, the inspector seems to be impressed by the book I was reading that time "Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy"
Keep in mind that Canada has closed out the IT/Developer category for immigration, so even if if you qualify on points and you're in IT/Software Development, you cannot get in.
Having recently gone through the Developer category and being fast tracked, I'd like to comment on this. Basically, it really does speed things up. It takes a couple months being fast tracked. This was amazingly helpful. Removing the expediency only means that to get a visa, you need to get approval from an additional agency. Basically, it makes sure that the company offering you the job can't realistically fill your position with a local person. The idea is to ask "Why can't you fill this position with a Canadian?" This makes sense.
We went through that this last time, mostly through miscommunication, and the process was still very painless. It helps if you are specialized in a certain industry. You also need some form of degree in the field you are being hired for. Part of the reason I encourage people to continue their education and to make it clear self-taught doesn't open as many doors as education.
In the end, obtaining a Canadian visa is a straight forward process. The only assistance available covers everything you need, and walks you through. My wife did it for me, and we didn't even need a lawyer.
Sure. I had both a job offer from an employer who scouted me, and I got in while the developer category was still open (I think it's still open, technically). However, during the process, my wife spoke to the border agents (these are the people who actually do the final approval), and they informed her I would also need what essentially amounted to a job offer check. Basically, something the company did to demonstrate that the existing local job marketing couldn't support the position, and why my specific skills and experience couldn't be replicated locally. There was a bit more to this, but the result was the same, everything was good.
After going through this, and paying the fee, we found out that the border agents had informed us wrong. Really, it was just a case of confusion. They didn't realize I was applying under a special category. However, even if that hadn't been the case, we would have done just fine.
The entire process, and all the government officials we spoke with were incredibly helpful. This isn't the first time I've gotten a visa, either. It's just the first time we decided to go through the process without a lawyer. The Canadian government, as well as the Quebec government, were very reasonable and quick about the whole thing.
A country needs to figure out what elements it wants to excel in (services, manufacturing, high-tech, etc.) and then make policies that will drive people towards those industries, regardless of where they are from.
The US system is rather agnostic (it seems equally hard for a day-labourer as a top-notch scientist to get in) as a result - the people needed are difficult to identify and woo into the country.
Canada has an interesting method to this - and is relatively open to immigration: use a point system. (want to figure out YOUR score?: http://www.workpermit.com/canada/points_calculator.htm
If you're a PHD, add 25 points - a high school grad? add 10 points...and so on. In the end, the process is relatively transparent and helps potential immigrants realize they are needed.
In the US, as part of the immigration process - they will go through intense questioning on very relevant matters such as "Were you ever a member of the communist party?" "Are you a terrorist?" - both questions were asked of me dring the immigration process. But no one even asked if I had a high school diploma....hmm.