If leaving USA, then where ?

postaldoug · Jul 12, 2004

Canada seems an option, may be most similar country. Are we welcome there ?

Costa Rica ? The climate would suit me, I like warm places, never get hot. Maybe a little wild going to a 3rd world country.

Australia, England ? I can't think of too many options ! I'd prefer a place, that's gambling friendly, and where English is commonly spoken, as my foreign language skills consist of bad French and Spanish, rather bad on both counts !

Where are we welcome, why, and what are the policies of emigration for such countries ? I know many countries will allow in people, with skills needed by said country, such as RN's, MD's, etc. I don't have any special skills. Is a certain net worth, a ticket in ?

Railbird · Jul 12, 2004

Forget USA, if had to reside on the otherside of the 405 I would be suicidal.

BAUS · Jul 13, 2004

You can apply to be a refugee in Canada...you just need to say that you are being persecuted in your home country (religion, belief, etc).

Your hearing won't be held for 1.5-2 years. If you 'forget' to show up for your hearing, nothing will happen and you can continue living here.

BAUS

Slash · Jul 13, 2004

Go to Scandinavia and you will live the best place you can ever dream of.

Phaedrus · Jul 13, 2004

Top ten locations in the world for part-time living based on comparing a number of factors:

Cayman Islands
Anguilla
Andorra
Turks & Caicos
Bermuda
Bahamas
New Zealand
Australia
Ireland
Sark

Factors involved include published comparison data by VoteWithYourFeet.com, information from a long-time contact of mine who has not lived more than 90 days consecutively in any country in over thirty years, the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom report, the languages (based soley on my own needs; which are English, Spanish, French and German in descending order of proficiency), quality of medical care (not to be confused with free Ponzi-scheme government medical care, but just generally what a stack of $100's can get you if you break a leg in an accident or whatever) the country's general reputation as an expat haven, and population density:crime rate ratio.

For reference, some common other countries on the list are:

Canada #12
USA #13
UK #19
Costa Rica #26

Bear in mind that the rankings are based around temporary living and not long-term, say from 90 days minimum up to 3-5 years on the absolute outside (and really geared more towards three months to a year type arrangements.) So if you're looking for somewhere to retire or raise kids or whatever the information may not be useful.

Phaedrus

DarrylParsons · Jul 13, 2004

Doug,

Canadians like American visitors who are not arrogant. Unfortunately these are in a minority from most Canadians' experience. Just treat them with respect and you'll be fine. Be prepared, though, for a lot of complaining about other Americans and how great it is that you're not like that etc. You'll have this conversation about 5x per day.

If you have a decent paying job you will get taxed to death so you will lose financially. If not, government services are very good and so you will probably be better off. Overall prices are similar except with stuff like gas, electronics and booze being more expensive.
Gambling issues are similar to the US.

This info. is as of about 1991 -- the year I left Canada for Hungary, but I doubt much has changed on these fundamental issues since then.

Australia has a very pro-gambling environment from what I understand.

postaldoug · Jul 13, 2004

Wow Baus : Your answer seems honest ! I must assume your are Canadian !

Ok : I own two condos , outright in USA, combined about 350K USD, plus other stuff, say 500k USD, total.

How could I transfer that to Canada, do I give up citizenship in USA ? Refugee status/ pesecusation.... is tough to claim... I may not agree with Politics, but persucation claim is rough to justify !

It sounds as if, Canada may rubber-stamp it thru ! Perhaps similar to Vietnam war era Americans ( of draft-age), seeking refuge in Canada.

I'm 40, clearly, not prosecuted here ! I've also lived half of my life, realistically ! I might be willing to make such a drastic change !

If not now, then when ? Another 40 years, is about all I can hope for ! My wife would need to agree, she might be talked into it !

Thanks,

Doug

BAUS · Jul 13, 2004

Yes I am.

I was half-kidding about the refugee thing. But it's not unprecedented. There are currently two former American soldiers who have applied to Canada for refugee status. They deserted the army recently in Iraq because they disagreed with it and came to Canada to avoid persecution (ie. jail).

There was also a case a few years ago where some men from Africa came to Canada and applied for refugee status. They claimed they were being persecuted in their home country (forget which one) because they had AIDS. They were granted refugee status.

I'm getting off topic and probably not helping you much...

If you want to emigrate here I think you need to pass some sort of point-scale test.

I would guess that Canada is probably one of the easiest countries to emigrate to.

I would check with a lawyer first, but I'm 99% certain you can have dual citizenship. I have friends who are dual and they have no problems. You most likely wouldn't have to give up your US passport. Come to think of it, it would be smart for you to be dual...if you need a major surgery you can get it done here for free...you just might have to wait on a list for 6 months...

BAUS

BAUS · Jul 13, 2004

I found a link about the point-scale thing...you can even find out how to become a refugee!

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/qual-5.html

BAUS

MariaSharapova · Jul 13, 2004

this site has heaps of info
expat info

Phaedrus · Jul 13, 2004

See also:

EscapeArtist.com

Phaedrus

Fishhead · Jul 13, 2004

Interesting thread

WildBill · Jul 13, 2004

Are you bringing money to invest in a business? Then many countries will welcome you. If you are bringing money to hoard and hoping for a job permit, almost all countries won't comply. Canadian point scale is easy for a professional person like myself to qualify for, but for someone that doesn't have years of experience in a job they consider in demand then forget it. I know that some poorer countries will let you have a full work permit and residency for just putting some money into the country. Panama has a program where if you invest I think it is 30k or more in rain forest land and protect it from development, you get a permit automatically and could some day sell the property. Otherwise living in a foreign land is mostly for retirees or investors. Best of luck...

Woody0 · Jul 13, 2004

Doug, as a US citizen there's no reason, so far as I know, why you cannot visit Canada for 6-12 months and see how you like it before considering applying to emmigrate.

hanktee · Jul 13, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Railbird:
Forget USA, if had to reside on the otherside of the 405 I would be suicidal.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I live in Brea, right by the mall and I know what you mean.

aawied · Jul 13, 2004

Railbird I said for years no one should live east of 405 . I lived in NewportBeach , Dana Point, Marina Del Ray when I use to race Horses.Dont know why I ever left.

TheGeneral+ · Jul 13, 2004

What I seen of Alaska was not bad. It's somewhat far enough isn't it? LOL

Also, the hills of Ky and the backwoods of Tenn offer some nice "away from chaos" options. Some there will even tell you they do not reide in USA.

HacheMan · Jul 13, 2004

By Daryl Parons<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Doug,Canadians like American visitors who are not arrogant. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jeeezz, I've always kept out of this Canadian/American thing, but I've always seen it just the opposite when you are talking about who the arrogant ones are! Or could it be.........Jealousy!

OMNIVOROUS FROG · Jul 13, 2004

Canada would be my number one choice. I would want to live next door to Pancho Sanza. He could come and visit his jar.
Australia/New Zealand next. I speak one language, badly. Need English. Been to both places, always play the gracious guest, actually I am, so that is real. Aussie men are pretty skewed as far as values. They like rugby, drinking, especially beer, and fighting. The women just do not want to be 4th. Canadians treated me fantastic, both East and West. And I did hear why are not more Americans like you. I get that wherever I go. By and large, if you go somewhere, an ill mannered rude and obnoxious American has been there before you. And guess which ones leave the lasting impression. O Canada...Best Wishes...OF

hanover00 · Jul 13, 2004

You can buy your way into Canada. You have to give the gov $400,000CAD. They hold it for six years and then return it. This will get you resident status which will allow you to work and use services. The only thing you can't do is vote which doesn't matter anyway since the same party has been in power for 20 years.

After the six years, you can apply for full citizenship. Be prepared to have your pants taxed off of you. It also helps to be very politically correct about most issues if you want to get along with people. An "obnoxious American" is one that doesn't agree with the domestic world view.