complicated question perhaps

[IJB21]

Hi all- I‘m 19 and an American citizen. It might sound odd but i really want to move up to your awesome country and serve in your Army. I have been to Canada a number of times and have just fallen in love with it everytime--so much cleaner and nicer people than down here, plus i have a lot of respect for the Canadian military, getting by with the whole funding situations i keep hearing about from the government. I have done alot of research on immigration to Canada and right now i dont believe i would fit the requirements for permanent residence...like i said im only 19 and have not had as much worldy experience as the Canadian immigration officials would like. I was exploring trying to get into a Canadian university, but does anyone know if as an international student i could somehow gain residency or something to be eligible for at least an enlistment into a Reserve unit? Well thanks for any insight, like i said might sound a little odd but your country is great and i hope one day i can make it mine as well!

PS. Excellent job in Afghanistan a few years back!

 

[koach]

I will try to answer your questions as best I can. In order to join the reserves, as a minimum, you must be a landed immigrant and you must currently have qualifications that the CF needs.

I think that your best bet is to get into a Canadian university, obtain your landed immigrant status, and then go from there. By the time you have completed the first two points, the regulations will probably have changed.

I recommend that you call 1-800-856-8488. I am not sure if that works from the US but it should put you through to the closest recruiting office. Get their opinion and advice; take it along with the advice you receive in this forum.

your application would take along time and I will tell you that right now, 1 year at least!

 

[Andyd513]

At my units information session they said the reserves no longer accepts landed immigrants, only Canadian citizens.

Could be misinformation but just passing it along.

 

[cathtaylor]

Getting into a Canadian University would be your first step. However, if you have a degree you may be able to work here under the NAFTA agreement. Or if you have family to sponsor you? The key is to get your foot in the door (country) and then work on immigration from there. If you search online you‘ll find all kinds of information on immigration Canada(CIC); moreso than we can find pertaining to US immigration :blotto: You need to be Canadian first before you can serve. It‘s a very long process. Good Luck to you.