LGBTQ2Canada

Why, when I click on some of the links on this site, do I keep getting a "redirect notice"?
This is apparently anti-phishing/anti-scam mechanism that Google uses. Just click on the link it offers and you'll get to the right page.

Do I need to hire an immigration lawyer or immigration consultant?
In a word? No. Whether or not your specific situation would benefit from doing so is an individual decision based on a range of factors such as one's skill with writing/reading of English or French or concerns about one's qualifications, as well as one's ability to afford such help. Although I had a Ph.D. and J.D., I hired an immigration attorney just to make sure that I had completed all of the forms correctly as one error can cause a significant delay in the processing of one's application. In retrospect I would probably have been fine hiring a consultant, but I'm not even sure I knew that was an option at that time. If you feel your situation warrants it, I recommend starting with a consultant as they tend to be significantly less expensive than lawyers. For more info see what the government has to say here.

I see references to costs (e.g., fees) in Canadian dollars (CAD)? How do I know what my US dollars (USD) equals in CAD?
While there are many different ways of seeing the moment's exchange rate, I generally use xe.com or wise.com. While on this issue of currency exchange, I've also used both for buying CAD with USD and have no complaints.

One of my parents was born in Canada. Might I already be eligible for citizenship?
This is a confusing area. I recommend starting with the information provided here. For starters, "If you were born outside of Canada on or after December 15, 2025, to a Canadian parent also born outside of Canada, you’re likely a Canadian citizen if your parent was also a Canadian citizen when you were born, and your Canadian parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before you were born."

I've heard that having a Canadian grandparent might make me eligible for citizenship. What's the latest on that?
It's complicated, but take a look here for some information. For starters, "Second generation or later: Also born outside Canada to a first-generation person. This person is now Canadian in some situations." Note that "first generation," in this case, means the first generation born outside Canada.

I've also heard that citizenship applications - not permanent residency, but citizenship - can be fast tracked. What's the deal with that?
As above, citizenship by descent is complicated, but possible. While I'm seeing various online discussions referring to this as fast-tracking, the Canadian government uses the term "urgent processing." See here for info.

Where do things stand for LGBTQ+ US citizens who wish to seek refuge/asylum in Canada?
At this point, what I have heard discourages US citizens from doing so. That said, it is people are trying. Here is another fairly recent article on the issue. You may have heard that the Safe Third Country Agreement prevents US citizens from seeking refuge/asylum in Canada. That is not true. It is true that it prevents a non-US citizen from doing so if they have already entered the US because, historically, the US was considered a "safe third country" (the first two being one's home country and Canada). If you are thinking of taking this approach, I strongly encourage you to spend some time consulting with multiple resources and, perhaps, a Canadian immigration lawyer. Finally, while I personally believe that transgender people have a very strong argument (i.e., demonstrating the likelihood of persecution and even risk to life) for being granted refuge/asylum, at this point, I don't know that as strong an argument can yet be made for LGB citizens of the US. Time will tell.

I've received permanent residency, citizenship through my parent, etc. and I'm ready to go. Where do I begin?
Honestly, the answer is so specific to one's situation that all I'm going to say here is that, having moved from the US to Canada twice, if you email me I'd be happy to discuss logistics, etc., with you one-on-one.

Will I be able to receive the Social Security retirement benefits to which I'm entitled if I'm living outside the US?
Yes, you can receive your benefits when living in most other countries. To learn more, start with this pamphlet from the Social Security Administration.

Do I need to take an English language test to apply to come to Canada?
Yes, with limited exceptions. Because the requirement is so widely applicable I'm not going to try to list the exceptions. Assume you need it until you confirm your pathway and discover otherwise.

Will I have to pay taxes in both the US and Canada?
Whether one will pay taxes in both countries is dependent upon one's specific situation. Generally, a US citizen living and working in Canada for a Canadian employer will pay no taxes in the US. However, a US citizen is required to file taxes in the US forever or, until such time as they renounce or relinquish US citizenship. It will be of no surprise for you to hear that taxation is a really complex issue. At this point, just know that the US-Canadian tax treaty prevents one from being taxed twice on the same dollar.

I really can't stand cold weather. Should I even begin to think about living in Canada?
As they frequently said in law school, "It depends." I grew up between New York and Florida and I've since lived in Arizona and Minnesota, among other places. On 26 June 1990, the day I unloaded the U-Haul, Tucson set a heat record of 117° F that still stands. My first February in Minneapolis had a day where the temperature reached -32°, F and that's not even a record. So, I've seen some weather. There are certainly places in Canada where you'll find really cold temperatures and there are rare places that see extreme heat. But, the average February temperature in Victoria, BC is 48° F and the average February temperature in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, where I live, is 34° F, which feels quite mild after years in Minnesota! It's your call!