IMHO the whole situation with immigration is utterly stupid and counterproductive. Canada, the USA, Europe, Australia, Japan and other developed countries could and should not put any limits to visas and residency permits to each other’s citizens. The idea that if the US opens its borders to European citizens it is going to be flooded with jobless Europeans is just silly. It is usually the better educated who are more willing to travel and settle in a different culture. Such an opening of borders would be mutually beneficial and would relieve governments of a lot of bureaucratic work. The present situation is quite stupid and quite a bit unethical IMHO
Canada also accepts domestic partnerships, either gay or straight, for immigration purposes, and generally has much more liberal policies than the U.S They measure on a point system and decide who they think is worthy, according to age, educaiton, language ability, and other factors. They recently revamped the point system, so it’s more difficult than it was a year ago, but still possibly worth looking into. If you’re interested, post again, and I’ve got some Web links buried somewhere with further details.
Also, FWIW, “Citizen” is not hte same as “resident.” You can live in the U.S. quite legally on a work visa or student visa, for theoretically indefinite periods if you’re creative enough. Some of these paths lead to permanent residency, some don’t, and you need to be a permanent resident for 5 years in most cases before you’re eligible to file for natuuralization (citizenship).
But there is no requirement EVER to file for citizenship; millions of people can, and do, remain here for the rest of their lives as permanent residents. Citizenship has its advantages and disadvantages, but that’s another discussion.
chula the UK system seems promising. They would need to find a way to co-habit for two years, and the process is arduous, but it seems like it could work.
Eva Luna My friend is studying a degree in English at Trinity College Dublin, she has finished top of the year for the last 3 years, so maybe she could get a job requiring a degree (teacher?). Also, I’m not sure how the Canadian thing helps as neither of them are canadian. If you can point me in the direction of any potential information I would appreciate it. I guess the main objective is to find a place they can both live together, as free as possible from persecution, without the worry of visas etc running out.
One more thing. I’m actually a guy. This really is about my friend, not me jaybee. I guess I must have an effeminate writing style.
The Canada idea was meant as a place they might both be able to go if the U.S. and U.K. don’t work for them…here’s some further info from Citizenship and Immigration Canada:
