Advice on Making the Move To Canada...

Hey guys,

Been thinking of making the move for a while now with my friend from US to canada so we can play on pokerstars. Can't really get enough volume on these nj sites. Really need some help doing so however...


Has anyone reading this made the move? Need some guidance on everything I would have to do to become "legally" allowed to play once moving there if we choose to do it. Would like to get some insight because I'm having trouble finding it elsewhere

Thanks

so you want to move to Canada in order to play poker on pokerstars? Are you sure you can beat the game before making a life changing move like that?

I've heard that getting through the border into Canada as an American can be tough. I've heard of people being turned away at the border, or asked for a ton of documents like bank statements, and things that prove ties to the US (like house deeds) in order to show that you aren't planning to move full time.

Those that have had success tend to show up with only enough stuff that you'd have if you were going on vacation.

One great thing about having relocated to mexico is that I have only been stopped at the border coming into Mexico once, and despite that they claim that they can fine you a percentage of goods I was charged nothing even with a new 30" monitor in the back seat!

besides what hotjenny (I'm a fan btw) says, I might believe Mexico could be less expensive than Canada for the regular stuff like food, rent etc...
I might be totally wrong tho....

Ps the idea diving into the sea in Mexico attracts me a bit more than diving into a Canadian lake...

As was already mentioned, cross the border 'as if' you're going for a 1 or 2week vacation (& pack accordingly).
There's actually a TV show called Border Security: Canada's Front Line
26 episodes airing on the National Geographic channel (Vancouver border, airport & land crossing). It'd give you an idea of some of the questions, etc.

The concern they'd have with you would likely be that they'd think you are coming to work here (oh yah, & don't pack any drugs, lol). As jenny stated, you'll need to show proof of residence in the states.

Many of the poker players from the states who've made the move to Canada seem to be living in the big cities, Vancouver, Toronto & Montreal. There are many far cheaper alternatives. (ie. rent where I live is ~1/3 of what it is in the city).

What part of the great white north are you looking too move too that's a pretty big decision pretty sure poker stars is #1 among Canadian People

You can move in with me and sleep on the couch as long as you pay half the rent.
799 Sq. Feet, $1500 a month split in two, it'll be cozy but we can make it work.

I kid... there isn't enough room for my ego let alone another person.

On a serious note- you could always apply for a permanent residency but I would assume this would be quite difficult considering they would most likely want proof you have somewhere to live temporarily in the process of finding permanent residency. That could be with family or proving you have enough money to rent for a few months, on top of money for your basic necessities, food, etc.

On top of that if you're coming here to solely play poker and live off of those earnings it will cause a large red flag. It would be similar to if I tried to apply for permanent residency in the US, with no plans of employment, and said I was going to live on gambling winnings in Vegas. I don't think immigration would let that one fly.

Another option would be to apply for an extended visitor's visa which is good for a few months but, once again, you would have to provide proof you have enough money to sustain yourself (and family) for that time period.

Furthermore, depending on where you choose to live cost of living can get very high here.

There are a lot of things to consider, most of them financial. Make sure you have a well thought plan before making a big move like this especially just to have access to one poker website.

10058765 said:

besides what hotjenny (I'm a fan btw) says, I might believe Mexico could be less expensive than Canada for the regular stuff like food, rent etc...

Click to expand...

Thanks! The cost of living here is inexpensive, especially when you consider that we have Southern California's weather and amazing beaches! English is widely spoken, and the people are generally very nice.

puff... that radical change to move to another country for jgar poker, the question is whether you are going to really devote to poker professionally or will be n pastime and you worked in canada .. so and everything is a big change leaving all affections .. luck in your new life if you make the change
:ridinghor

I have considered this option as well. I live in Northern VT. The train stops to pick up passengers bound for Montreal just down the road from my apartment. Would it be possible to have a "weekend" residence in Montreal area to play on PS while still keeping my M-F job just south of the border?