I started filling out the application forms. It is a little annoying that the application fees for self-employed/investor/entrepreneur immigrants is double to quadruple what other classes of immigrants pay...but I guess we are the only class that has net worth requirements too. The application fee for the Quebec part of the application is $1,000 and the federal fee is $1,500 (but you don't submit that until you get approved by Quebec).

-Carlos

Do you have to live in Quebec if you apply in Quebec or can you live anywhere in Canada? Also, how many days out of the year do you actually have to reside there if they grant residency?

I am looking for a place/room in Canada, PM me.

I have a large 5' high crawlspace.
How tall are you?

lol, 5'9 but I am not gonna lie all I need is a roof and a stable internet connection

Is anyone else having difficulty getting reactivated on pokerstars besides me? I've been in Mexico for nearly a week with all the proper stuff and their support is (for what may be one of the first times ever for me) ungodly slow / unhelpful.

And then I just end up sitting here, wasting time and money while I wait...

from what I read and ppl I have talked to, it takes like 10days-week usually; they work in a cycle so it can vary

oh ok, thanks, good to know. I knew some friends that got it done in 2 days so I actually thought I was just wasting away over here.

So I have almost completed my application and have a clearer picture of the process. You can actually live anywhere once the federal government grants your visa. The reason to go through Quebec's immigration program is because they have more lenient requirements for self employed persons than any other province or by applying directly with the federal government at a business person.

There is no minimum number of days that you have to be in the country. You only have to cross into the border (preferably a border in Quebec) once to "activate" your permanent residency, and then you can go in and out as much or as little as you want, and live anywhere you want. If you intend to apply for citizenship, you have to have been a permanent resident living in Canada for 3 out of the past 5 years (they actually count each individual day so you have to have 1095 days in the country). As a permanent resident you get all the benefits of citizenship (health care, etc.) except you can't vote and it is easier to deport you from the country if you do something illegal. You also get you pay Canada's higher taxes, which were for me I estimate result in me paying 25% in taxes every year.

Here is more info (http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.q...-worker.html):

Self-Employed Worker Program

To be eligible for this program, you must:

come to Québec to create your own job by practicing a profession or trade on your own account.
have net assets of at least C$100,000 that have been legally obtained with, where applicable, your married or common-law spouse provided he or she is accompanying you
have at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the profession or trade you plan to practise in Québec.


Assessment of your application will also take into account other factors, such as:

your age and the age of your spouse, where applicable
the nature and duration of your respective professional training
your language skills
your personal qualities and your knowledge of Québec.


-Carlos

Great info. again, thanks. Please keep us posted.

Might be some good info on www.pokerexpats.com also, see they have articles on various countries and a "Top 10" list.

Good list, I kinda lol'd seeing Czech Republic. How many Americans prior to Black Friday ever considered moving there?

u gonna meet some hot girls there guaranteed!

You live in Squish?? Very nice. I used to live in Whiss, got lots of friends in both , hope you are enjoying the sea to sky! Peace out!

Just spent a few days in Jamaica and setup a bank account there. It's cheap to get to, as I live mostly in Ft. Lauderdale, FL area. I plan to relocate end of December to pursue SNE in 2012. The bank account was very easy to get. They only required reference letter from your bank, and 1 reference from either a doctor, lawyer, or accountant in the states who knows u personally; or it can be a current employer.
I plan to go down again end of December and sign a lease; most likely in Montego Bay. If anyone's interested in sharing a place there, feel free to PM me.

Moving to New Zealand in 10 days!

If you need any NZ advice, just post here. I'm living in Queenstown.

Tried emailing stars to see if it's possible to get a bank account in Canada without an address there and then go to a different country, provide utility bill and get back on stars.

The rep told me they couldn't respond to the question because I'm in the US? Lol?

Anyone know if this is possible to do? I'm pretty sure the rule was that u had to have a bank account in your new country of residence. But that seems a little weird because Americans have a much harder time these days getting bank accounts abroad.

gemoney, that sounds awesome. Any beautiful country like Jamaica that is easy to set up a bank account at def goes on my list.

I might have to go get an apt down there in October

they told me the same moronic ****, but the answer is that you need a bank account from the country of residence.

I wonder if there is any money or interest in renting a bedroom and pokerstars account and funding account here in Canada Edmonton?

Bump to mention I still need a roommate in the Vancouver/Burnaby area. PM me for info

Because there's nothing like winter in Edmonton.

Yeah it only lasted till the End of July We still have that one big snow pile

So I am married but vaguely contemplating going to Canada for a 3 month stint to play poker with the possibility of wife moving up if she can get a job in marketing analytics. Would I have alot less trouble crossing the border than some others have? My wife is employed and we have a mortgage so I obv have ties to bring me back. Also if i did something where i went to Canada 3 months a twice a year could i keep the same Canadian bank account through all that or would i have to close it every time I left. Thanks for any help anyone can give.