Canada Launches New Visa for Start-ups and Entrepreneurs

[JMcEntegart]

Canada is opening its doors to ambitious entrepreneurs with a new breed of visa designed for start-ups.

Canada Launches New Visa for Start-ups and Entrepreneurs : Read more

 

[jhansonxi]

This is an interesting idea. I've learned much about border regulations recently. I obtained an Enhanced Drivers Licence, which is available from some states can be used as a passport, and applied for a Nexus card.
http/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enhanced_Drivers_License
http/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEXUS_%28frequent_traveler_program%29

The EDL is very easy to get while the Nexus requires a background check and interviews at the border. The Nexus also has many restrictions and you can lose it for even minor offences (like traffic citations not related to border crossings). Unless you are crossing the border weekly during rush hour the Nexus is probably not worth the trouble.

USA border regulations are very complicated with many different prohibitions and exceptions. For starters, no citrus fruit is allowed from Canada, even dried or just peelings. Even if you bought it in the USA, once it's been in Canada it's prohibited. Many restrictions on meat, vegetables (some vary by season), plants, tobacco, and alcohol. I also found the USA border officers (CPB) to be quite formal and interrogative as compared to the Canadian officers (CBSA).

Canadian regulations are a mix of surprisingly lenient and shockingly strict. No pepper spray or other defence sprays are allowed but you can take guns if you have the necessary paperwork. If you don't have the paperwork they'll hold them for you at the border until you return (I'm not sure about duration or fees for that). But if you were convicted in the USA of a DUI or similar alcohol offence, Canada will deny entry for 10 years and it doesn't matter if you are driving or not. Sounds harsh but the USA has similar restrictions:
http/sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/canadian-man-wins-contest-attend-super-bowl-not-210921980--nfl.html

It will be interesting to see if the new visa has any lesser restrictions. Other than the permanent residency changes I don't see much difference.
http/www.theverge.com/2013/4/1/4170022/canada-startup-visa-program-challenges-silicon-valley-immigration
http/www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2013/2013-03-28.asp

 

[gm0n3y]

@jhansonxi,

I always find it humorous, if a little tiring, that US border guards are much more aggressive / threatening compared to the friendly Canadian ones.

 

[RobAC]

Hmm- very good concept.

 

[vertigo_2000]

[citation][nom]gm0n3y[/nom]@jhansonxi,I always find it humorous, if a little tiring, that US border guards are much more aggressive / threatening compared to the friendly Canadian ones.[/citation]
There are some "aggressive/threatening" Canadian ones as well. But for the most part, I agree with your assessment. It's as if the US gov't is using human-like animatronics as border guards. No emotion whatsoever. Not even friendly.

 

[danwat1234]

I prefer American Express.