The curse of being a foreigner in Canada
Posted 08-19-2008 at 03:25 PM by Nordic
Today my employer dropped the bomb - the foreign employees' work permits might not get renewed, as the immigration authorities have undertaken a more strict route. They think that Canadians should be able to do our jobs, and we work with foreign languages. My current wp is valid for 6 more months. Then what? What happens to Ratbert and me? Also, I can't even apply for a permanent residency in family class yet, as we haven't lived together long enough. And if I apply for a permanent residency, it will take YEARS, a gigantic paper war and loads of money to go that.
I guess this is it then. I have to go back to Europe and get to a distance relationship with Ratbert or end our relationship. I do admit that I miss my friends and my parents so much, and I am not entirely happy with my life in the New World... Life here in Canada is not as good as I expected.
I guess this is it then. I have to go back to Europe and get to a distance relationship with Ratbert or end our relationship. I do admit that I miss my friends and my parents so much, and I am not entirely happy with my life in the New World... Life here in Canada is not as good as I expected.

Total Comments 21
Comments
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Get married!Posted 08-19-2008 at 03:32 PM by sushirama
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Wait it.
There will be a solution coming to you, you need not give up yet.
You have 6 more months so far.
Whatever happens, good luck!
Posted 08-19-2008 at 03:38 PM by Lady_Fate
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I know it must be hard for you right now... but try not to freak out so early in the game. You have six months. Things could take an unexpected turn, you could find another job and maybe a better one! Knock on every door! Finnish ambassy, canadian services for immigrants, support groups... Don't give up!Posted 08-19-2008 at 03:41 PM by Bergamot
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Nordic, I feel ya. I fought my way through the nightmarish US immigration system myself. At one point I had to restart the whole process because of a minor lawyer screwup.
Is marriage something you guys would consider? it makes things so much easier.Posted 08-19-2008 at 04:57 PM by HuiNeng
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I agree w/ sushi. Get hitched. ;pPosted 08-19-2008 at 05:16 PM by Diesel11
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I dunno if I wanna get married especially now, lol! Other things suck in my life right now as well, and getting married just so that I could stay in the country is sooo "romantic". Fate will throw me wherever it wants. And that place is called misery.
*depressed*
Thanks anyway, everyone.Posted 08-19-2008 at 05:45 PM by Nordic
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If you love each other and know that you want to spend your life together than marry, if not than I am not sure what you should do? Can Ratbert move with you?Posted 08-19-2008 at 06:10 PM by loraleena
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Keep hope alive....the day is always the darkest before the dawn<3Posted 08-19-2008 at 06:13 PM by HunnieBee
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Nike - Just Do It.Posted 08-19-2008 at 06:19 PM by Beerbuttchicken
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I wanna move to Europe. I am not at home here in Canada. I miss my friends and my parents SO MUCH!!! But Ratbert is tied to Toronto due to his job. I suppose this will soon be over. Ratbert can't move and looks like I must leave Canada. Maybe fate is telling me that this was not meant to be
Posted 08-19-2008 at 07:33 PM by Nordic
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Don't give up. I think fate is challenging you but ultimately the decision is yours not fates!!Posted 08-19-2008 at 08:40 PM by Leannada
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Fate, schmate!
Decide what you want, ponder on what matters most to you, choose the life you want to have (and with whom) and then fight for it!Posted 08-19-2008 at 08:53 PM by Bergamot
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Man that is not a fun predicament to be in. All the best to you and Ratbert for a speedy and sound resolution.Posted 08-19-2008 at 08:57 PM by Fortissimo
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nordic, i am sure you will find the most suitable answer for you. it is never really marriage when it comes to immigration. i know you two have a good relationship with the full benefits of negatives and positives, but, you should never rush into a marriage if you feel that is not the path you want to take. i hope that you will find a quick solution. remember that those six months can produce many opportunities. good luck.Posted 08-19-2008 at 08:59 PM by xqzmi
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Aww Nordic, im sorry to hear its not what you had hoped for. Life always has a way of kicking us all in the bollox at times. You can grin and bare it, or you can decide to stick to what your heart tells you is best for you. I dont want to see you sad, or upset, because no one should be. Im sorry im not much use at making light of this for you. All i can say is, stay strong and make the right choice. ((((Hugs))))Posted 08-19-2008 at 11:07 PM by Dardillion
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don't give up yet! there is a saying that when one door closes, another one opens. keep your mind open to new options!Posted 08-20-2008 at 12:25 AM by Shaharrah
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Sorry to hear of your predicament -- been there and it is no fun when your heart is being torn in two different directions but you do have 6 months and maybe something comparable will come up by then.
You also indicate that you miss home very much; would a short trip home to rejuvenate help you sort out some of those feelings?
Sometimes it is best to step away from the decision point and do something else and then only come back to it with a fresh and clear mind.
Only you'll know what best for you. Good luck.Posted 08-20-2008 at 12:38 AM by wasabijack
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wasabijack, I just got here from a visit to home, and I am feeling worse than ever. I abandoned my friends and my parents by coming to Canada
Posted 08-20-2008 at 06:39 AM by Nordic
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I'm sorry to hear that Nordic, I wish you all the best. I've found myself in this situation before and I know how hard it can be. I feel very sympathetic but I'm afraid I just don't know what to tell you.
I really hope it all works out in a more positive way than my dilemma did.Posted 08-20-2008 at 08:17 AM by Brisby
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Hey Nodic, I know you miss your friends and Ratbert is temporarily tied down to Canada, but I think you should give yourself and ratbert some extra time - if possible. Have you spoken to an immigration attorney about your predicament? The US immigration law is ridiculously strict and complex, but I know there are plenty of ways to get around it. At one point I was considering suing the immigration authority (believe me, I have good reasons to), the suit/appeal process alone will lend you plenty of extra time to stay. I'm sure there are other ways too, but talk to a good attorney, ideally someone who has fresh memory is his or her own pain in the immigration process, instead of a large, established law firm.
I have a lot of experience in this area, although most of it doesn't apply to Canadian immigration, some of it may be helpful to you. Let me know if you decide to give it a try.Posted 08-20-2008 at 01:18 PM by HuiNeng














