The term “immigration,” devised in the seventeenth century, refers to the act of people moving from one place to another, typically from their homeland to a distant and foreign place, with the intention of permanently settling there. When people cross from their nation to other countries, they are classified as migrants or immigrants. The word “migrate” comes from the Latin word “migrare,” which means wanderer. The country from which they leave classifies them as emigrants or migrants moving out, while the country where they settle classifies them as immigrants.
Historically, early human migration involved people moving to places uninhabited by humans, expanding due to the conquest of lands by growing populations. In recent history, human migration also involved the colonization of lands by nations with military might and technology, with populations migrating to these colonies. Ever since the human race came into existence, the predominant factor driving immigration has been the need for a better life offering a superior quality of living. Factors determining quality of life include the cost of living, housing costs, interest rates, economy, job market, inflation, environment, and weather. A deficit in any of these factors can trigger emigration from one geographical location to another that offers an enhanced quality of life.
The prevailing situation in Canada regarding the cost of living, housing costs, interest rates, economy, job market, and inflation has led to the country being classified as faltering in its responsibility to provide a decent quality of life to its citizens. For instance, the average cost of living for a family of four in major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver totals a minimum of $6,700 CAD per month for basic expenses, not including social or entertainment expenses. To cover these expenses, both spouses must work full-time, often 44 hours a week including Saturdays, just to meet their basic needs, leaving no room for leisure or savings. The already high cost of living continues to rise.
This situation is prompting many Canadians to consider relocating to other countries that offer a better standard of living and higher quality of life. Job seekers are looking for opportunities in countries that recognize their skills, experience, and capabilities while offering better remuneration and a lower cost of living. For more and more Canadians, the United States is becoming the primary country of choice, followed by countries in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).
The EU, an economic and political union of 27 countries, allows the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people between member states. The EEA includes EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, allowing them to be part of the EU’s single market. Switzerland is not an EU or EEA member but is part of the single market, granting Swiss nationals the same rights to live and work in the UK as other EEA nationals.
Canadian citizens with funds starting from $100,000 CAD have numerous options for living an exceptional life in countries like the USA and those in the EU or EEA. Such investment can be accessible by leveraging equity from residential property, taking a loan, or receiving a gift from relatives or friends. An investment in a business in the United States makes these citizens eligible for the E2 Treaty Investor Visa, an excellent choice for upgrading their quality of life. European nations also offer residency permits leading to permanent residency after three years, and citizenship within five to eight years.
Canadian permanent residents can also immigrate to other countries via European investment programs or the L1 Intra-Company Transfer program in the United States. It is time for Canadians to seek greener pastures elsewhere to enhance their quality of life.
IMMIGRATION/VISA INSIGHTS Provided by Parvinder Singh Sandhu, Sr.Director WWICS Group