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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 fig
by win_ini 16y ago
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.
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 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.
- gamble 16y ago> 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.
- dkberktas 16y agofunny, 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"
- btilly 16y agoThey 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.
- Kliment 16y agoIf you don't fill them in, they calculate your points anyway.
- aliston 16y agoI 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.
- limist 16y agoThe STAPLE Act was/is meant to address Ph.D. graduates of US science/engineering schools, giving such a fast-track to permanent residence: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-1791 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-1791 Not clear when/if it will become law though.
- deleted 16y ago[deleted]
- trustfundbaby 16y agoKeep 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.
- kjhghjk 16y agoThat's only for the provincial fast track essential jobs stream - the points based permanent residency doesn't care what job you do.
- trustfundbaby 16y agoIt seems that we're both right and wrong :D If you have an arranged job offer, then it seems that they don't care what category you're in. However, if you don't have an offer, then you have to have a skill/occupation that falls in this list http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp#list http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-ins...
- jasonlotito 16y agoHaving 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.
- mcdowall 16y agoAustralian Immigration works on the same set-up. They also go down to state/territory level to request specific industries and job skills.