Your Comprehensive Guide to Moving and Meeting People in the US/Canada

Moving to the United States or Canada is a dream for many individuals seeking new opportunities, whether for work, education, or a better quality of life. Both countries offer diverse cultures, thriving economies, and world-class educational institutions, making them prime destinations for international migrants. In addition to exploring visa options, this guide will also cover where you can meet and date people in the US and Canada, helping you build relationships as you settle into your new home.

Moving to the United States: Living, Working, Studying, and Meeting People

The United States, often referred to as the “land of opportunity,” attracts millions of people worldwide who aspire to live, work, or study there. The US offers a variety of visa categories tailored to different purposes, each with specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

Living in the US: Permanent Residency (Green Card)

Obtaining permanent residency in the US, commonly known as a Green Card, is the ultimate goal for many immigrants. A Green Card allows you to live and work in the US indefinitely and provides a pathway to US citizenship.

Family-Sponsored Green Cards

• Immediate Relatives: US citizens can sponsor their spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents for a Green Card. These visas are not subject to annual quotas, making the process faster.
• Family Preference Categories: US citizens and permanent residents can also sponsor siblings, married children, and unmarried adult children. However, these visas are subject to annual limits, leading to longer wait times.

More information can be found on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Employment-Based Green Cards

Employment-based Green Cards are divided into five preference categories (EB-1 to EB-5):

• EB-1: For individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives.
• EB-2: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field.
• EB-3: For skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers (other workers).
• EB-4: For special immigrants, including religious workers, certain broadcasters, and international organization employees.
• EB-5: For investors who invest at least $1.8 million (or $900,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.

Details about employment-based Green Cards can be found on the USCIS website.

Diversity Visa Lottery

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program offers up to 55,000 diversity visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the US. Winners are selected randomly and can apply for permanent residency.

More information is available on the Diversity Visa Lottery page.

Working in the US: Temporary Work Visas

If you’re not ready for permanent residency, the US offers several temporary work visas, allowing you to work in the country for a specified period.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after work visas for professionals in specialty occupations, such as IT, engineering, and healthcare. To qualify, you need a job offer from a US employer willing to sponsor your visa.

• Duration: Initially granted for three years, with the possibility of extension for up to six years.
• Annual Cap: The H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas available for individuals with a master’s degree or higher from a US institution.

Further details can be found on the H-1B Visa page.

L-1 Visa

The L-1 visa is for employees of international companies who are being transferred to a US branch. It is available for executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge.

• L-1A: For executives and managers, valid for up to seven years.
• L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge, valid for up to five years.

More information can be found on the L-1 Visa page.

E-2 Visa

The E-2 visa is for investors from countries that have a treaty of commerce with the US. It allows investors to enter the US to develop and direct their investment in a US business.

• Investment Requirement: There is no set minimum investment amount, but it must be substantial relative to the total cost of the business.
• Duration: Typically granted for two years, with unlimited renewals as long as the business remains operational.

Details are available on the E-2 Visa page.

Studying in the US: Student Visas

The US is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and colleges, making it a top destination for international students. To study in the US, you’ll need to obtain a student visa.

F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is the most common student visa for individuals enrolling in academic programs at US institutions, including universities, colleges, high schools, and language schools.

• Work Rights: F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available for up to 12 months after graduation (up to 36 months for STEM graduates).
• Duration: Valid for the duration of your study program, with a 60-day grace period after completion.

More information can be found on the F-1 Visa page.

J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa is for individuals participating in exchange programs, including university studies, internships, and research. It’s ideal for those seeking cultural exchange and temporary academic experiences in the US.

• Work Rights: J-1 students may work part-time on-campus or off-campus with permission. Specific work opportunities are also available through the J-1 program, such as internships or practical training.
• Duration: Varies depending on the program, with a typical range from a few months to several years.

More details are available on the J-1 Visa page.

Meeting and Dating People in the US

If you’re looking to meet and date people in the US, there are several avenues you can explore, whether you’re interested in casual dating or long-term relationships.

Online Dating Platforms

Online dating is widely popular in the US, with a variety of platforms catering to different preferences:

• Match.com: One of the oldest and most popular dating sites in the US, Match.com offers a large user base and comprehensive matching algorithms.
• OkCupid: Known for its in-depth profiles and extensive questionnaire, OkCupid is ideal for those looking for meaningful connections.
• Bumble: This app allows women to make the first move, creating a unique dynamic in the dating process. Bumble is widely used across the US for both casual dating and serious relationships.

Social Events and Interest Groups

Participating in social events and joining interest groups is another great way to meet people in the US:

• Meetup.com: Meetup is a platform that brings people together for local events based on shared interests. Whether you’re into hiking, technology, or arts, you’ll find a group that matches your interests.
• Eventbrite: Eventbrite is a popular platform for finding local events, from concerts and festivals to workshops and networking events.

University and College Campuses

If you’re studying in the US, universities and colleges offer numerous opportunities to meet people:

• Student Organizations: Join clubs and organizations related to your interests, whether it’s sports, arts, or academics.
• Campus Events: Attend social events, lectures, and workshops hosted by your university to meet fellow students and expand your social circle.

Moving to Canada: Living, Working, Studying, and Meeting People

Canada is renowned for its high quality of life, inclusive society, and robust economy. It’s a popular destination for those seeking to live, work, or study abroad. The Canadian government offers various immigration pathways tailored to different needs, from skilled workers to international students.

Living in Canada: Permanent Residency

Canada’s immigration system is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and family members, offering various pathways to permanent residency.

Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is a points-based system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

• Eligibility: Applicants are assessed based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
• Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Applicants receive a CRS score, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency.

More details can be found on the Express Entry page.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their skills and work experience.

• Provincial Streams: Each province has its own immigration streams targeting specific needs, such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, or students.
• Express Entry Alignment: Many PNP streams are aligned with the Express Entry system, offering a fast track to permanent residency.

Information on the PNP can be found on the Provincial Nominee Program page.

Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents to immigrate to Canada.

• Spousal Sponsorship: Spouses and common-law partners can be sponsored from within or outside Canada.
• Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: There’s a cap on the number of applications accepted each year, making this a highly competitive program.

More information is available on the Family Sponsorship page.

Working in Canada: Temporary Work Permits

If you’re not ready to apply for permanent residency, Canada offers several temporary work permits that allow you to work in the country for a specified period.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is usually required to demonstrate that no Canadian workers are available to do the job.

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: Tied to a specific employer and job.
• Duration: Varies depending on the job and employer.

More information can be found on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program page.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The IMP allows foreign nationals to work in Canada without an LMIA. This program is often used for intra-company transfers, international agreements, and public policy considerations.

• Open Work Permit: Allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
• Duration: Typically valid for the duration of your job offer or contract.

More details are available on the International Mobility Program page.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The PGWP is available to international students who have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can lead to permanent residency.

• Eligibility: Must have completed a program of at least eight months at a DLI.
• Duration: Valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.

More information can be found on the Post-Graduation Work Permit page.

Studying in Canada: Study Permits

Canada is home to some of the world’s best universities and colleges, offering a diverse range of programs for international students.

Study Permit

A study permit allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It is typically required for any program lasting longer than six months.

• Work Rights: Study permit holders can work on-campus or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
• Duration: Valid for the duration of your study program, plus an additional 90 days to prepare for departure or apply for a work permit.

More information is available on the Study Permit page.

Meeting and Dating People in Canada

Canada is a welcoming and diverse country, making it easy to meet and date people. Whether you’re looking for casual relationships or something more serious, there are plenty of ways to connect with others.

Online Dating Platforms

Online dating is popular in Canada, with a variety of platforms catering to different preferences:

• Plenty of Fish (POF): One of the largest dating sites in Canada, POF offers a wide range of features and a large user base.
• Bumble: Similar to its use in the US, Bumble is widely used in Canada for both casual dating and serious relationships.
• Tinder: A popular app for meeting people quickly, Tinder is widely used across Canada.

Social Events and Community Groups

Engaging in social events and joining community groups is a great way to meet people in Canada:

• Meetup.com: Like in the US, Meetup is popular in Canada for finding local events and interest-based groups.
• Community Centers: Many cities in Canada have community centers that offer events, workshops, and classes, providing opportunities to meet people in a casual setting.

University and College Campuses

If you’re studying in Canada, universities and colleges provide numerous opportunities to meet people:

• Student Organizations: Joining clubs and organizations related to your interests is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals.
• Campus Events: Participate in events, lectures, and social activities hosted by your institution to expand your social network.

Conclusion

Living, working, or studying in the US and Canada offers incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth. By understanding the visa options available and exploring the various ways to meet and connect with people in these countries, you can successfully navigate the process of moving abroad and building a fulfilling life in your new home. Whether you’re seeking career advancement, educational achievements, or meaningful relationships, the US and Canada provide a welcoming environment for individuals from all walks of life.