Getting in to Canada...How?

Depends on where you want to go or what qualifications you have. If you are a nurse you would have to go through the regulating body of the province you wish to go through (to prove all your credentials), as well as through Immigration Canada. From what I have heard from other nurses, the process can take well over a year (much shorter for American nurses though).

It took me 4 months to get my visa because I had a contrat in Montreal (from France)

I've often thought of practicing in Canada as well (I've always wanted to live in a civilized country -- I currently live in TX! LOL!)

Seriously, is there anyone out there that has immigrated from the USA? What were your experiences; your biggest problems, adjustments, etc.? I expect the pay will be lower, but Canada just seems like a nicer, friendly place to exist, and I would much rather pay my tax dollar for social programs than for policing the world.

'Nuff said.

From here we just drive north

I too would like info on this subject. I would like to work in Vancouver, BC specifically. It's time to get outta here for a few years. Thanks for any tips anybody can provide.

I would reconsider BC right now if I were you. We just went through a crazy round of government cuts and the job situation there is a little nuts. PM me if you like more info, I have worked in Vancouver but have since left the province.

I am American and came to Canada 15 years ago on a work visa.

It took almost 3 years for me to gain permanent resident status. The delay was due to multiple blunders by Immigration; including one officer putting my file in her desk and changing jobs. (Discovered 8 months later!) And this included coming up here to marry a Canadian. I think Immigration might even be worse now, with 9/11, etc.

I have my MSN from U. of Penna. All I can say is that I think the pay here is low compared to the US...and a nurse is a nurse is a nurse. There are no distinctions made (at least in my experience) based on what degree you have. "Are you a body that can work a shift and not kill someone? Good, you have the job. We know you are so grateful for working that you'll accept whatever insulting salary and working conditions we throw at you."

Don't get me wrong...I love Canada, and will probably never return to the States. But I am very disappointed in nursing here. I see what my advanced practice friends down there are doing and their salaries and have pangs of regret-but I have no choice.

Then again, the grass is always greener on the other side, EH?

Hey I was just thinking about going to Canada too...I'm an LPN right now, do they have those there? I'm working on my RN though, and probably wouldn't go until after that...but I wish the US had a health program like they do. So a nurse is a nurse is a nurse, huh? That would be weird--but could you (having a Master's) be doing education or admin or something for more $$?

They have LPNs, but the scope of practice is different than in the US as are job opportunities. I never found a nurse was a nurse. Nurses with Masters can work in administration or teach, but advanced practice nursing (as in NPs) is limited. If anything I thought we had less of "a nurse is a nurse" mentality than in the US as we are not expected to float to other areas here.