I've spent the last week somewhat obsessed with immigration, trying to understand what would be the best option for us as a couple. There are so, so many factors to weigh in-- timing, duration, benefits, costs, requirements... It's not something to take lightly, and yet so often I find myself doing research, compulsively trying to compile information to create the best, most educated picture for both of us.

When it comes down to it, Bden doesn't really want to move here. He discusses it reluctantly, and I understand his concerns, both from a political and job perspective. I have been somewhat keen on moving to Canada, and my skillset is much more transferable to Canada than his is to the US, considering that many of his credentials and certifications (think natural resources-- local birds, fish, trees, etc.) are specific to his region. So I think, when it comes down to it... I will have to move. That's kind of scary to say out loud.

Is that crazy? Is it irrational? He still has another year of schooling, and he doesn't have a job lined up yet, although I am confident in his prospects upon graduation. There are so many factors that go into this decision.

I think what I'm more scared of, though, is telling my family. I'm afraid they'll think poorly of me for leaving a stable job for what essentially boils down to love. Would it be a mistake? Is this the path for me?

I've talked to my SO about it a lot this week. He certainly hasn't thought about it as much as I have, given he still has another year of school, but I am a planner and I realize that these things can take months, even years, and I think it's really important to prepare so that things go smoothly later on. We are also coming up on our 1-year anniversary, and I think it's time to talk seriously about closing the distance.

At first we were thinking that perhaps we'd try a spousal sponsorship. This would require us to get married, at least legally, before we could start the visa process. It would also require, however, that he be able to financially support me, which means having a stable job. Bden seemed to be on board with this and even suggested getting married legally while he was still in school in order to start the process.

For some reason, in all this time, I never managed to put two and two together-- we can't do that, because he won't have a job, and he can't sponsor me until he has a job! He won't be graduating until April of 2019, and that would mean that the earliest we could start applying would be May of 2019, and it (currently) takes about a year to process everything. The thought of having to spend another year at my job, another year in my apartment, and another year away from him is so stressful. We needed another option. So turns out I was wrong and for every other type of family sponsorship, you need to show evidence that you can care for them, but for a spouse, there is no requirement. You just have to promise to take care of them. So different from the US. We both think EE is still the better option because it doesn't force us into marriage, though, so Bden wants to try EE first and go to spousal if things change.

On a whim, I used the CIC's points calculator to see where I'd fall if I were to apply to Express Entry under the Skilled Workers Program. Express Entry relies solely on your credentials and awards you points based on things like your age, work experience, and education. It also assigns great weight to things like having a job offer or a provincial nomination, which are both things I would have great difficulty acquiring, so I was pretty sure I wouldn't have enough points to qualify. Then I saw it, though-- my potential score. 481. By some miracle, I managed to qualify enough points to put me just above the cutoff in most months. Like, I just barely earn enough points, but it's enough that I stand a good chance of being extended an invitation given enough time. It's also much faster than a spousal sponsorship, and I can start it before SO graduates, and I would qualify on my own merit rather than depending on someone else.

I talked to Bden about it, and he thought it was a good idea, and probably more logical for both of us because it resolves a few concerns each of us had (marriage, financial obligations, timing). Actually applying and moving to Canada in order to close the distance is a huge commitment, though, and I feel that we absolutely should not take this decision lightly, as it essentially weighs just under getting engaged. Bden agreed and asked to have some time to think about it.

Then yesterday he gave me the go ahead. He wants me to apply.

So here we are-- I think we're doing this? I'm getting my transcripts and preparing to have my credentials evaluated. I'm checking out dates for English exams. I'm trying to encourage Brendan to be as involved in the process as possible.

Is it crazy?

P.S. - Post about our Christmas/New Years visit to come, don't worry.