I am considering relocating to Toronto from the U.S. Any advice on info regarding taxes, citizenship, etc.?
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Regarding citizenship, I doubt you would be able to apply until you had lived there for a few years. They use a points system, whereby you are allocated a certain number of points for what you are bringing to the country, such as education, skills which are in short supply (our sleazy previous gov't fast-tracked applications from lap dancers!), money to invest, language ability, etc. I seem to think that people who want to go to less popular cities might get extra points, to discourage all our immigrants from congregating in the same place. You'll also have to pass a test on Canadian history and society once you get to the citizenship stage.
You'll probably find taxes are higher, but eventually you will qualify for coverage in the government health care program. I live in England now and there are groups here which help people who want to move to Canada; maybe there are similar groups in America. Good luck; Toronto is a nice city and you can even see the US from the CN Tower.
The best places are Rosedale (super expensive). Yonge and Eglington (younger and busy but safe). Davisville (quiet and nice). High Park (huge park small version of Central Park). Those are a few. There are lots of nice areas and there is lots to do. Try to stay away from North Toronto.
First of all, welcome to Canada!!! I have to skip over the best places to live close to downtown as I haven't lived in that area for a few years.
First though, you would have to apply for a passport and a green card. As to the health care system, you pay a premium of around $50.00 per month, and it covers everything. With your kind of job, you probably would receive extended benefits which would cover 80% of costs for prescriptions, chiro, etc. which are nominal charges anyhow. I would check into jobs before you consider more education, as even thought we are different, you may be more qualified.
Having said all that, you may be able to acquire a temporary work permit, which could translate into a permanent resident's card [once you are established] and that would be much easier for you.
That's about the best I can do. Good luck.
Well, I can't help with the professional stuff but as for the places to live I can add somethings to Cory_K's list of good places to live.
Queens Quay, nice condos along the lakefront, should be able to find rentals as well as units for sale.
The Beach (sometimes called the beaches). Not too far from downtown and there is a street car.
Here's a link to real estate listings: (mainly sales some rentals)
http://www.mls.ca/map.aspx?areaid=6367...
For rentals:
http://www.torontorentals.com/
Also city of Toronto's Living in Toronto website:
http://www.toronto.ca/residents/index.ht...
Good luck and welcome.
Dunrobin:
There are many organizations that help individuals relocate to the United States. Canada is great yeah, but it's not everyone's ideal place.
Don't move to Canada hon.
hey dont move u gonna regret i move from nj to tornto i still feel bad i cant move back here canada is expensive just good part is health worst one of the worst parth 14 % tax lol belive that i wouldnt suggesd u i live on rosdale good area but expensive very very anyway good luck ur decsion ur life
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