Parksville or Quallicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Victoria beats Toronto any day. Warm & Sunny.

Post a Reply

10abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

What info do you have for retired persons looking to move to Canada? We are self-sufficient and have no need to work, just spend money in Canada....

Post a Reply

00abuse

DGL start your own thread if you want info on retiring in Canada. Don't tack it on to this spam thread.

When you start your thread, include enough relevant information for people to be able to give you relevant responses.

Like:
What's your nationality, age, income in retirement, do you have relatives in Canada or do you plan to invest?

I assume of course that you have already done your OWN homework to determine if you could qualify to retire to Canada.

http://www.expatinfodesk.com/expat-guide/retiring-abroad/best-places/canada-as-a-retirement-destination/

Post a Reply

01abuse

Hold onto your panties, OldPro. You are one of the reasons I would be leaving the USA, given your snippy response. Are you typical of Canada?

Post a Reply

00abuse

@DGL - you question lacks sufficient detail for anybody to give you an informed answer.

Have you ever look at a map of Canada? We're huge!!

Methinks you need to narrow it down and, at least, give us a few clues about what you might be looking for ....... BUT ..... as per OldPro unless you've already done all your research and know you can actually come to Canada to live why waste our time and yours?

My answer as to where would be a good spot - if you speak French, enjoy French cuisine and cold winters then Quebec would definitely suit you.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Thank you Wafa. I am inquiring about "retiring" to Canada. Ergo, I am not interested in working. I have visited Canada many, many times, though not all of Canada (I just returned two days ago from my latest trip), so I am familiar with the costs of living there. I can afford it and I can establish that I can afford it. My issue is how to emigrate legally to Canada from USA since I do not wish to work. I have, indeed, reviewed Canada's own immigration website as well as the information offered on various other online forums, including this one. What I am seeing is that I must either intend to work OR intend to invest in business. I am trying to determine whether these are the only options available for non-refugee immigrants or whether other options exist, namely whether demonstrable financial resources are sufficient for relocation to Canada. Thank you for any information or resources you might be able to send my way.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Guess you're asking what it takes to get PERMANENT RESIDENCE and for that you need to become a Permanent Resident.

I'd search that aspect of our laws on the website - how to become a Permanent Resident and all the forms are downloadable.

I can tell you that the process takes a couple of years from start to finish and there will be long long LONG periods of time where you will hear nothing (and there is no phone number to call to check either) The paperwork is extensive but do-able by yourself. Doubt paying an attorney would make the process go any quicker or cheaper and IMO the Feds prefer individuals do their own applications themselves. Just make sure you have an original copy of almost anything and everything related to yourself, your spouse and your kids.

Don't sell the farm though until you're actually given the "OK" to come here.

The only exceptions I'm aware of were granted to the Syrian refugees whereby on arrival they were given a Permanent Resident card.

Being called for a medical to be done by a specified US doctor will be the first clue you'll get that you're within 6 months of them making a decision on your case. That cost is about $500 - don't do it too soon cause if it is older than 6 months you'll have to do it again.

AND when all is said and done and you finally get to have your photo taken for the Perm Residence card make sure you tell the photographer it is for a Permanent Residence card as a passport photo will NOT suffice.

Best of luck to you!

Post a Reply

10abuse

Thank you, Wafa. The most comprehensive answer I've found yet. Much appreciated.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Actually, Wafa's response refers to people coming to live AND WORK in Canada. It has nothing to do with someone coming to retire.

It sounds like you have read the relevant government Immigration website DGL, discovered Canada does NOT have any kind of 'Retirement Visa' as some countries do and are asking if they will make an exception for you.

Well the answer is maybe. The maybe is that IF you bring a large enough amount of money, they'll let you in. In other words an INVESTMENT even if it is only invested in bonds through a bank, will get you in.

So back to what the government site already told you. Work or invest, that's it. The Canadian government is not interested in people with a pension who don't really bring enough money to the table to offset the cost they represent in terms of healthcare and all the other advantages a resident of Canada receives.

That may sound blunt and it may not be what you want to hear but it is what it is. Think about it, Canada has a similar culture; shares a language; has a lower cost of living than the USA and superior healthcare which is a big deal for retirees. If it were easy for American's to retire in Canada, the country would be full of them.

You have the information DGL. That you don't like it isn't going to change it no matter how many times you ask or how you try to change the question. Work or invest, end of story.

Post a Reply

00abuse

check this page out to see what Vancouver Island is like. The most beautiful place in Canada:

www.facebook.com/ilovevancouverisland/

Post a Reply

00abuse

check this out:
/www.facebook.com/CanadaTrueNorthStrongAndFree/photos/a.137580169772966.1073741828.137252229805760/138049453059371/?type=3&theater

Post a Reply

00abuse

Why so snippy, "OldPro"? You can be informative without being snippy (or, as you prefer to call it, "blunt"). And why do you assume we would be a drag on the Canadian system? Yes, I have a pension. But we also have significant investments, which allow us to move anywhere in the world but I would prefer to do it without liquidating those investments. Rather, we would prefer to live off the income, wait and see what happens in the USA, and hopefully feel like we could return some day. In the meantime, a lucky country (say, Canada) could reap the benefit of the funds we will spend (including taxes) without being a drag on the system. A lot of countries (say, New Zealand) accept retirees with a demonstrable net worth without further requirement.

But I thank you for adding that one can invest in bonds. That IS worth looking into and you are the first to suggest it.

Post a Reply

00abuse

DGL - think on this aspect of Canadian life.......IF I, as a Canadian, was to opt to leave Canada the Gov't here could/can, probably would, automatically holds back one third of all that I own calling it "valuation day." Real estate, stock, investments etc etc etc

Once legally and fully here and if you bring all your investments with you don't assume our Gov't would allow ALL those same investments to leave just cause you decided to go somewhere else.

No idea if this could/would apply to you but best you thoroughly research ALL the implications of life in Canada. We might speak the same language but we are different.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Thank you, Wafa.

Post a Reply

00abuse

DLG - I would check out estate laws too. In Canada, there is no inheritance tax. In the Philippines, where I mostly live, the day I die they freeze all my bank accounts and assets. Weird, so I buying a good safe. As to the character of some posters. their are people who see themselves as superior expert teachers. There is an axis of narcissism to some narratives though some of their teachings are worthy. Being unaware of your psychological impact on others is also an aspect of the anti-social personality disorder. I'm not pinning that on anyone, just digressing on the tone some comments may have.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Wafa, I don't know where you get the idea they would hold back 1/3 of everything. That's simply incorrect.

I left, sold/removed all assets/ funds and no one said Boo about it. Nor could they. No one can stop you from selling assets, moving funds offshore, etc. Not unless you OWE back taxes or they have some other reason to 'freeze' accounts etc.

People leave Canada every year for various reasons obviously and they don't lose 1/3 of their net worth to do so.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Standupguy, I sometimes wonder if you have ever been to Toronto.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=toronto+beaches+area+photos&rlz=1C1CHZL_enCA704CA704&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=662&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiW5uGm7MHQAhVl5YMKHXkZCrUQsAQIGg

Post a Reply

00abuse

I owe nothing to anybody (never have) but when I went to work in the USA as a Professional class worker I was advised by both the Accountant and Financial Advisor that IF Canada gets the sense you're a Professional and leaving the country they can declare "valuation day" and claim a third of all your assets. Initially I didn't believe them but had it confirmed via the Bank I use that it can happen. I'd never heard about it before either but it came to me unsolicited from 2 reputable sources.

Post a Reply

00abuse

@ OldPro - just looked up this URL: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts/ndvdls/lvng-eng.html#plc

This part indicates that IF you leave and even if you KEEP (like a house here) they're going to financially ding you on it......

Copied and Pasted this part: Property or goods you owned when you left Canada
When you leave Canada, you are considered to have sold certain types of property (even if you have not sold them) at their fair market value and to have immediately reacquired them for the same amount. This is called a deemed disposition and you may have to report a capital gain (also known as departure tax).
Your property could include the following: shares, jewelry, paintings or a collection.
For more information, go to Dispositions of property.
Note
If the fair market value of all the property you owned when you left Canada was more than $25,000, complete Form T1161, List of Properties by an Emigrant of Canada.
After you leave Canada
Electing under section 217 of the Income Tax Act
If you receive certain types of income from Canada after you leave, the Canadian payer has to withhold non?resident tax on the income and send it to the Canada Revenue Agency. This tax withheld is usually your final tax obligation to Canada on the income. However, you could benefit from choosing to elect under section 217 on your return.
For more information, go to Electing under section 217.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Old Pro - I have been to Toronto three times, even stayed in a cabin on Wards Island. What I noticed was the cool superiority in the diction when speaking to someone from there. I thought, gee!! they think they are better than New York'ers. This may in fact be true. It is a big concrete city best suited to professional or investment class people concerned with the their materialistic petty bourgeois life-styling, though to be fair there are talented souls there too. I spent 16 years in Chicago, 6 years in Miami (and there about's), 24 years in Vancouver. Also shorter stays in San Francisco and Oslo. Oslo is an amazing city, the best I have ever witnessed. Oslo transcends all big cities, just way too expensive. Chicago has amazing gems like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum (awesome), the Museum of Science and Industry, and the best restaurants and nightlife anywhere in the world. Toronto has nothing to compare. At least Ottawa has the National Gallery which is world class. I dislike the concrete garrison-style gridlock life style that you get in big cities. 85,000 to 125,000 people is my limit. Actually, I am living in a medium size city suburb of Davao City called Toril. Davao is in the Philippines and, geographically, is the largest city in the world. I live here because Filipinos are the most friendly and respectful people I have found anywhere in spite of their dire poverty. They are a happy lot. My beach is just a short ways from my house. I don't knock Canada and the governments claw-back style. Canuck's are awesome people. Though born in the USA, I am a countrified Canadian, Give me mother nature, not concrete and glass.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Ah, I see the problem wafa, you listened to an Accountant and Financial advisor. The same as listening to a lawyer.

Everything any of them says has to first be screened on the basis of understanding that they are in the business of MAKING money for themselves, not SAVING money for you.

If you were say Bill Gates and appeared to have left the country, it would make the news. But if you are an average Joe, does it make the news? Of course not. So, how will they know you have left?

If you were BG, you can bet they would be after you but they aren't interested in the average Joe. It's a question of using common sense.

Technically, what they were telling you was what Revenue Canada CAN do, NOT what they WILL do. Just the same as a lawyer telling you what the legal consequences CAN be, not what they WILL be.

I've sent you a Private Message.

Post a Reply

00abuse

If money is no object, British Columbia is the best place in my opinion, however, I myself would choose Nova Scotia. The employment opportunities are lousy but if you have no need for work, the cost of housing and living is much less. A beautiful house with land outside the big city, on or near water could be purchased for as low as 200-400k. That same property with no land in BC would be well over 1 million, I lived in both places and find the weather to be similar, though BC is warmer on average, it rains more often.

Post a Reply

00abuse

bridre - You are speaking of Vancouver, BC and the lower mainland. Beautiful and affordable housing can be found on Vancouver Island North of Victoria to Nanaimo. Quallicum Beach, Comox and Courtnay are also nice as is Port Alberni. Yet these city areas are further from the ferry to the mainland which is in Nanaimo and the weather is wetter and colder in the winter. I am from Nanaimo. My home is a completely restored 1o5 year old Nanaimo Heritage home with a South facing back porch off 20 acres. It is up higher so the water flows off the lot instead of inside the house. I am 5 minutes from the downtown, yet all you can hear is the frogs if you like quiet. Everything is new inside. It is 3400 sq ft on a 100 X 100 lot with fruit trees, garden and drive way gate. One half block from a brand new large grocery & liquor store. The primary school is 1/2 block away and the secondary school is 2 blocks away and Vancouver Island University is 1.7 km (or about a mile) away. I am selling for 349,999 since I own 2 homes in the Philippines where I have been living. Got tired of the snow. Mt. Washington, near Courtany is a great ski area, better snow than Whistler. There are lakes with nice beaches, great hiking, new Aquatic Centre, and about 85,000 people. There are 4 large shopping malls. Nanaimo has everything. Victoria, the Capital is a great city, but pricey and 1 hr. & 15 min. drive from Nanaimo. Nova Scotia is still very nice, but Vancouver Island competes with that.

Post a Reply

00abuse

@Standupguy - if you're selling for $349,900 you've got the cheapest house listed for sale in Nanaimo.

For most houses here you can add another $100,000.

Post a Reply

00abuse

wafa - I shouldn't listen to Realtors, Thanks for your heads up. SUG

Post a Reply

00abuse

A house is worth what the market will pay, no more and no less.

Without seeing the house, I would not be able to make any guess as to what a house is worth based solely on location and square footage, other than as a 'tear down'.

If you get 5 valuations from agents, throw out the top and bottom numbers, the 3 left should probably be pretty close to one another and are probably realistic as to what a house is worth in TODAY'S market.

I'm not saying anything about your house in particular Standupguy, but some people's idea of what 'a great renovation' looks like can be someone else's idea of what a 'tear down' looks like. Or vice versa, it may be a great renovation and able to sell for more than the average of the same size in the same area.

A lovely looking house just up the road from us, has been for sale for over 2 years. It has great 'curb appeal' but inside it is 1980s all the way and very dark. From outside, you say, 'yes, I like it' and from inside you say, 'I'd have to rip out nearly everything and start over.'

So it's market value is not nearly what the owners probably think it is. It's worth what someone will pay and the people who best know what that price is, are professional realtors. Where the problem comes in is when the owners think they know better than the realtors. 'Well all the houses on my street sold for X, so mine must be worth at least X as well'.

I am by the way, not a realtor and never have been. But I have been several times, an owner who sold without much difficulty because I spend my time and effort in making sure I got an experienced realtor who didn't BS me about what my house was worth and what price to list it at to get a sale in the amount of time I wanted to get it in.

I once was introduced to a guy at a party who was trying to sell his house and who was told that I had just sold mine in under 2 weeks. He said he had been trying to sell for 2 years in a very desirable area with no luck. He asked me, 'how did you manage to sell so quickly, we've had no luck at all.' My response was that I didn't need luck, I priced it at what the market would pay. He didn't like that answer.

Post a Reply

00abuse

There are sellers markets & buyers markets. In Nanaimo, since there are very few homes for sale, and it is much more affordable than the mainland or anywhere near Victoria, We now have the first sellers market in 24 years. Beyond price, what sells a house is location-location-location. The previous home I sold was a tear down, but I got a good price at the time because of location. You can't tear down a City of Nanaimo heritage home because there is a covenant on the title that you can't change the exterior. What's nice about Heritage homes is that they were built on the best lot locations. For me, it was a money pit as everything interior had to be modernized. The exterior was upgraded as well as the lot. After retirement, it gave me something to do.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Quallicum Beach has a temperature range from +34.5 to -18...don't see as how that is that far from Scarborough

Post a Reply

00abuse

Pals - Quallicun Beach is awesome beauty as well as its surroundings. I've been to Scarborough and it sure beats it. You have to consider more than temperature. Environment is everything. You wouldn't be saying this if you had ever been to Quallicum Beach.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Regarding OldPro's comment, which mentions that Canada has a "lower cost of living than the US," I must respectfully ask, "Huh?"

Granted, the cost of living varies from state-to-state, and from province-to-province, but aside from the cost of housing in places like NYC and Boston (which actually isn't so very much higher than Vancouver or even Toronto), the overall cost of living in Canada is *markedly* higher. We're taxed up to our necks, and that's true whether you're talking about income tax, property tax, or tax on a bag of groceries.

I laughed, following the recent election, as Americans were vowing to pull-up their tent pegs and move north; I told my friends, "they'll stay for 5 minutes once they arrive and discover the cost of living!"

And yes, we have "free" health care, and if you're not too sick and can wait a year or two to see a specialist, it's not bad. i guess my point is this - there's plenty of good reasons to relocate to Canada from the US - but the cost of living sure isn't one of them! Maybe I've misunderstood what you were saying? I mention it only because it's a very important point!

Post a Reply

00abuse

Wishing you luck in this new stage. For your move I recommend using Furnishr.com. They will help you start fresh by offering an array of design options and single day installation and set up!

Post a Reply

00abuse